El Camino Cantina

Overview

Melbourne isn't short on Mexican joints — we've got a heap of good 'uns already on high rotation. But, still, it's just received another one in the form of unapologetically neon-lit Tex-Mex joint El Camino Cantina.

El Camino comes from Sydney where is has two outposts, along with another in Brisbane, and is part of Rockpool Dining Group, which also owns Sake, Rosetta, Munich Brauhaus, Burger Project and, of course, Rockpool Bar & Grill. This loud venue — which is in the old Fitzroy Social (and Little Creatures) space on Brunswick Street — is made for casual dining, but it's also and over-the-top with giant cocktails, rock 'n' roll jukeboxes, lively Tex-Mex fare and sprawling 400-seat dining room and bar.

Slushie machines signal big nights and brain freezes. El Camino's margaritas come in many renditions, including a tropical Red Bull flavour, which really says it all. Other options include a host of beers from near and far, and a collection of over 100 mezcals and tequilas.

The food lineup is as fun and casual as the drinks. Think fiery buffalo wings, sizzling fajitas, plump burritos, soft shell tacos loaded with punchy flavour combinations and unlimited complimentary corn chips and salsas. It'll all rounded out with a solid selection of daily specials, including 10-cent chicken wings on Wednesdays (when you buy a drink), $2 tacos on Tuesdays, brunch on weekends and a weekday happy hour from 4–6pm.