Camino Real Cafe

This is one of those restaurants you’d most likely pass by. It’s a little hole-​in-​the-​wall place at the corner of San Juan Road and Salinas Road, nondescript and with windows that are sort of barred. Don’t let the outside keep you from going in, though — this place has some seriously good food.
We stopped by this afternoon for lunch. There are a couple stools at the counter, some tables and of course the TV with the Univision telenovelas playing. My husband ordered chile verde; I saw sopes on the menu and decided I really had to try them.
And we were not disappointed. The chips were fresh and perhaps a little salty, but the salsa verde served with them was tasty and complemented the chips nicely. The chile verde, though the meat could have been a tad more tender, was delicious. And the tortillas on the side? Made to order right there. I stole one from his basket, and the flavor was perfect, with that texture you only find in a house-​made tortilla.
As for the sopes — wow. I mean, WOW! The sope bases, like the tortillas, had that fresh, made-​just-​now taste and texture; the chicken was tender and flavorful. The portions were more than substantial; I could not finish my plate. Oh, I might add (and this is something on which I judge every Mexican restaurant) the beans were some of the best. Rice was about average. Both plates came with a lettuce and tomato salad topped with 1,000 dressing.
For beverages they have Mexican Coca Cola, Jarritos, of course, bottled water, orange and carrot juices. They brew up a great Jamaica, though they didn’t have my husband’s favorite horchata today. And that was some of the best Jamaica I’ve ever had. Perfectly balanced not-​too-​sweet with tart, not too strong, not too weak.
Worth stopping by. Service was fast and friendly. Not a place you go for the ambiance, but definitely a place to go for the food.

I had the chile Colorado and my friend had the chile verde burrito. The meat in both was so tough and dry that it might as well have been jerky. They also served lousy salsa verde with the chips. I will never come here again.

This place is a fantastic hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. Amazing mole, enchiladas, quesadillas, and tacos.

Don’t be deterred by the looks. This place serves up som awesome Mexican food. Quality and taste are far above any taqueria in a 50 mile radius. Service is always good as well. The chile Colorado is spicy and delicious.

Authentic mexican food! The place is a little rough around the edges, but the surly guy behind the counter is friendly. Most importantly the food is delicious and the portion is big for the price. I’ll be back!