After being closed since the start of the pandemic in 2020, El Camino Inn downtown finally came back to life last fall! The little one-room taco-and-margarita joint was given a gentle revamp into more of a vintage thrift store, and has returned to form with laidback vibes and easy-to-love fare.
El Camino Inn, which is owned by the same folks behind Little Palace next door, Club 185 in German Village, and The Rossi in Short North, features the same feel of a relaxed, neighborhood bar. Even with its fresh coat of paint, it feels like a love-able dive that’s been around for years.
I appreciate the one-page menu with a focused collection of appetizers, tacos, tostadas, a burrito and a quesadilla, and a couple tortas. Each one comes with your choice of carnitas, chicken tenga, barbacoa, or chorizo.
They also offer fish tacos on Tuesdays, and a happy hour Tuesday-Friday from 4-6 p.m. with $7 margaritas, $4 Espalomas, and $10 dip trios.
I forgot to snag a photo of the drinks menu, but it covers eight cocktails, a dozen or so beers, and about a three dozen tequilas. It seemed like no question to order up a margarita.
I loved their Old Fashioned, too, especially in the glassware that reminded me of my grandparents’ house.
We ordered a trio of salsa, guacamole, and queso with chips. All nicely done, and a great start to the meal.
I ordered a pair of tacos with their chorizo and chicken tenga. Overall, I enjoyed everything, although the tenga was a little tomato-y for me.
Beth got a tostada with barbacoa.
And we tasted a torta with barbacoa, too. We loved everything we tried. The portions are nicely sized, the flavors are great.
It’s hard to beat the vibe, with its mix of mid-century furniture, cozy little corners, great music, and eclectic vintage decor. Some of the back corners are even dedicated to a small collection of thrift store items like clothing and home decor. I’d mark El Camino Inn as an easy-to-love hangout spot for dinner and drinks!
El Camino Inn
238 S. Fourth St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 745-0033
FB: El Camino Inn
IG: @elcaminoinn
