Wondering what makes El Camino Las Olas a must-visit on Fort Lauderdale’s dining map? With our insider look on location, ambiance, and mouthwatering dishes, we uncover a Mexican cuisine haven that transforms your dining into a cultural journey. Open late and known for its tequila bar, El Camino promises more than food — it’s a festive dive into Mexican tradition that was an easy add to my list of Mexican restaurants you must visit in Fort Lauderdale.
What to Expect at El Camino
- El Camino Las Olas is a Fort Lauderdale hotspot delivering an immersive Mexican dining experience, complete with authentic dishes, a tequila bar, and a 1950s restored warehouse ambiance.
- The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by an extensive music playlist and unique decor, such as bright lime green leather booths and a mural by Ruben Ubiera, ensuring a multisensory experience.
- With a scratch kitchen philosophy, El Camino Las Olas uses fresh, local ingredients for their house-made tortillas and sauces, and offers exceptional service, including a happy hour and special events.
El Camino Las Olas: A Fort Lauderdale Gem
Tucked away in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, FL, El Camino Las Olas is much more than a restaurant; it’s a cultural immersion. This Mexican restaurant and tequila bar, prized for its vibrant food and drink offerings, has crafted its own niche in the city’s bustling culinary landscape.
The venue’s character is steeped in history, featuring a 1950s restored warehouse style. Authentic elements like:
- skylights
- custom lighting
- Chicago brick
- original terrazzo flooring
Our restaurant’s ambiance is designed to make a striking impression, providing a captivating backdrop for your dining experience with great food, while meeting and exceeding our guest’s expectations and appealing to our guest’s senses. As a not so typical step, we focus on creating an unforgettable atmosphere, whether you’re enjoying a warm drink or a delicious meal.
Location and Hours
Located on the bustling Las Olas Boulevard, El Camino Las Olas has carved out a space for itself in the el camino fort lauderdale culinary scene. Open from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM from Monday to Thursday, it caters to a variety of patrons, from those grabbing a late lunch to night owls seeking delicious flavors into the wee hours.
The experience extends into the weekend, with the venue keeping its doors open until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, accommodating late-night revelers. Whether you’re winding down after a long day at work or fueling up for a night on the town, El Camino Las Olas is your go-to destination.
Outdoor Seating
El Camino Las Olas’s outdoor seating area is an inviting space that can accommodate up to 50 guests. The features of the seating area include:
- Located on the alley side of the restaurant
- 12-foot glass garage doors that open up the front and west sides of the restaurant
- Effortlessly blends the indoor and outdoor atmospheres
Regardless of whether it’s a sunny day or a balmy evening, the lively outdoor seating area ensures a dining experience you won’t soon forget.
The Inviting Ambiance
As soon as you step into El Camino Las Olas, you’re enveloped in a warm, vibrant, and welcoming ambiance. The combination of a lively atmosphere and authentic Mexican gastronomy promises an experience that caters to all your senses.
Music forms an integral part of the very lively atmosphere, with energetic tunes playing in the background throughout your visit. The beat of the music, combined with the sizzle of your meal and the buzz of lively conversations, elevates your dining experience, creating a melodious symphony that stays with you long after your meal is over.
Vibrant Decor
The first thing that strikes you at El Camino Las Olas is the vibrant decor. Some highlights include:
- Bright lime green leather tufted booths
- Restored warehouse style
- 12-foot glass garage doors that seamlessly connect the indoor space with the vibrant outdoor setting
These elements enhance the overall décor and provide a perfect setting for photo ops.
An intriguing mural by artist Ruben Ubiera adds a unique artistic touch to the ambiance. Known for his neo-figurative urban-pop style, Ubiera’s work adds a layer of intrigue and creativity to the decor, further enhancing the authentic Mexican experience.
Music and Entertainment
Music brings El Camino Las Olas to life, filling the atmosphere with energy and enhancing the dining experience. The lively tunes in the background not only complement the vibrant decor but also breathe life into every corner of the restaurant, making your meal more than just a gastronomic delight.
This immersive sensory experience takes you right to the heart of Mexico.
A Taste of Mexico: Food & Beverage Offerings
At El Camino Las Olas, the menu is HUGE and offers an array of authentic Mexican dishes. From hearty mains to authentic and inventive starters and delightful desserts, the offerings cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
The gastronomic journey extends beyond that. The restaurant also features an extensive drink menu, including a range of tequilas, mezcales, craft cocktails, and Mexican beers. Each dish and drink is crafted with a nod to Mexican culture and culinary tradition, offering diners an authentic taste experience that serves not only to satisfy hunger but also to provide a cultural journey through the flavors of Mexico.
You will find so many options here, including the michelada drink pictured above, which is one of my go-to’s for a kicked up, yet refreshing beverage.
Fresh and Local Ingredients
El Camino Las Olas prides itself on its scratch kitchen concept. Items like tortillas and sauces are made fresh daily in-house, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity. The restaurant is committed to sourcing ingredients that are local and sustainable, partnering with high-quality artisans to enrich their culinary delights.
The essence of the menu is captured using the freshest organic and local ingredients. From the crisp vegetables to the tender meats, each dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality. Dining at El Camino Las Olas isn’t just about enjoying a meal; it’s about immersing yourself in the essence of Mexico with every bite.
Signature Dishes
The menu at El Camino Las Olas is a cornucopia of tantalizing flavors, featuring signature dishes that are a testament to the restaurant’s culinary expertise. The house-made tortillas, made fresh daily, serve as a cornerstone for many dishes on the menu, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and quality.
The pinto beans are simmered to perfection daily, incorporating flavors that reflect traditional methods and showcase their commitment to quality. The Short Rib Flautas bring a tender, meaty filling wrapped in their house-made tortillas.
Another staple is the Charred Brisket Taco, which highlights slow-cooked brisket that pairs harmoniously with the freshly made tortillas and savory pinto beans, showcasing the depth of flavors El Camino Las Olas has to offer.
Tequila Bar & Craft Cocktails
El Camino Las Olas isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a sanctuary for lovers of tequila and mezcal. The venue features a curated selection of agave spirits, delivering a sophisticated tequila and mezcal experience to patrons. Guests can savor a truly Mexican list of craft cocktails alongside a diverse selection of Mexican beers, showcasing the bar’s commitment to offering authentic flavors.
The bar includes house-made sangritas that serve as a perfect complement to the extensive tequila offerings. When combined with the lively atmosphere and the authentic Mexican cuisine, the drinking experience at El Camino Las Olas is nothing short of extraordinary.
Exceeding Expectations: Service & Specials
El Camino Las Olas is unwavering in its dedication to surpassing guest expectations in every aspect, including:
- Food and beverages
- Ambiance
- Vibrant decor
- Lively music
- Authentic Mexican dishes
Every detail is meticulously curated to ensure an arousing and exciting experience.
The restaurant, unlike many chain restaurants, boasts a transparent supply chain, enriching customers’ dining experience by sharing the origins of the best farmers, fishermen, and ranchers that supply their ingredients. Diverging from the reliance on prepared foods typical of many busy restaurants, El Camino Las Olas prioritizes freshness with a menu featuring only made-from-scratch dishes, shunning the use of microwaves.
Friendly and Attentive Staff
What truly distinguishes El Camino Las Olas is its exceptional service. With management being particularly attentive to guest needs, the restaurant ensures a 100% care guarantee. The management team is proactive in addressing customer needs and contributing to a memorable dining experience.
Guests have appreciated the attentiveness of the manager, especially for those not seated in the happy hour area. This level of care and attention to detail ensures that all patrons, regardless of where they are seated, enjoy a stellar experience at El Camino Las Olas.
Happy Hour & Special Events
El Camino Las Olas excels at adding a festive flair to after-work drinks. The restaurant’s popular happy hour starts daily from 4 PM to 7 PM, featuring favorable deals on a selection of food and beverages.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. The restaurant celebrates Margarita Mondays by offering their delicious margaritas for only $3.00 during happy hour. And even on high-demand days such as Christmas, El Camino Las Olas maintains its reputation among locals for quality service and food during its happy hour.
If you are into bar hopping, here’s a guide to Lauderdale Happy hours. Many are close together so you can walk around and hit multiple!
Summary
In essence, El Camino Las Olas is more than just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and cuisine. From the inviting decor and lively music to the authentic dishes and extensive beverage offerings, every facet of the restaurant is carefully curated to transport you straight to the heart of Mexico.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a festive happy hour, El Camino Las Olas offers an experience that caters to all. So why wait? Embark on this extraordinary culinary journey and savor the vibrant flavors of Mexico right here in Fort Lauderdale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns El Camino Fort Lauderdale?
El Camino Fort Lauderdale is owned and operated by partners Brandon Belluscio, Anthony Pizzo, and Brian Albe. They are doing an amazing job with it!
What time is happy hour at El Camino Fort Lauderdale?
Happy hour at El Camino Fort Lauderdale is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and midnight to close. Get ready to enjoy some great deals on drinks and tacos!
What are the operating hours of El Camino Las Olas?
El Camino Las Olas is open from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM from Monday to Thursday, and stays open till 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks during these exciting hours!
Does El Camino Las Olas offer outdoor seating?
Yes, El Camino Las Olas offers outdoor seating for up to 50 guests, so you can enjoy your meal in the fresh air!
What type of music does El Camino Las Olas play?
El Camino Las Olas plays energetic music to create a lively atmosphere for its guests. Get ready to groove to some exciting tunes!
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
