The news of a taco slinger opening in Bloomingdale was met with the kind of excitement of being a kid on Christmas morning who finds a present the exact size of a Power Wheels Pink Barbie Jammin’ Jeep under the tree. In other words, EPIC excitement. Believe it or not, this analogy is kind of appropriate because El Camino is indeed named after a car (Yea Chevy!). That’s why you’ll see things like tables bases made from rims.

Gently-priced tacos are the first thing you spot on the Mexico meets SoCal menu, which runs the gamut of tortas, ceviches, braised meat, and chips with dips. While everyone can get on board with $2.50 tacos, the Best Thing on the Menu comes in a crock pot: Chilaquiles made with corn tortilla cops, salsa verde and smoked gouda. 

Simply put, they’re wet nachos. But in the best possible way. In Mexico, they’re typically eaten for breakfast or lunch but at El Camino, dinner’s the only option so dig on in. Here’s the kicker. These bad boys are both vegetarian AND gluten free. You hardly miss meat when the gouda cheese imparts so much smokiness. Start with one order, then another if for no other reason than “chilaquiles” is hella fun to say.

Pair this tasty crockpot with something equally smoky – the Mezcal Old Fashioned. It’s the priciest cocktail on the list, but spring for it anyway because you can get a margarita almost anywhere. El Camino’s cup of love contains Mezcal, mole and orange bitters, and vanilla-sarsaparilla agave.

Chilaquiles not your BTM? Share your favorites in the comments section.

El Camino is located at 108 Rhode Island Avenue NW.