Gotta drop a star. Camino Real had been a suitable Mexican food option for us for a few years. Granted, it's been a while - but we decided we had a craving for it. I tried calling for about 40 minutes (starting at home, then for my drive there). Nothing but a busy signal. Odd. I got there, and there was a new sign up for "La Casa Del Marisco". Okay, still Mexican food - so we'll try it. I go in and ask if it's the same place (just a new name) or completely different. He says it's all different. I grab a menu and it's the CAMINO REAL menu. Huh?Well, at least I know what I'm getting! The downside - all the prices were adjusted (like, our two entres were $5 and $6 more each - a considerable hike, imho). So, about that dropped star... the food was okay. Perhaps I was expecting more from the "new" place. But it just didn't hit me right. Plus, paying more for it all didn't help. We spent $57 for two entrees, a (smallish) side of cheese dip, and tip. For that money, it should be exceptional. It was not exceptional. At this point, we'll probably drop this place off of our "go-to list". read more

I was very pleasantly surprised by the great food at Camino Real!!! I've driven by here a ton of times but admittedly never bothered to stop in... they sent me a coupon in the mail and I'm so glad they did as it finally encouraged me to check it out. The coupon wasn't really feasible for one person, so we made a ladies' night of it and came as a group. It wasn't a super busy night and our service was very attentive! We started with a round of lime house margaritas. They came in a nice sized glass but I was not the only one who mentioned that they seemed a bit easy on the alcohol and watered down. Still not bad, though. Everybody raved about their food. Collectively we had the fish tacos, farmhouse quesadilla, shrimp/chicken/steak fajitas, and maybe a burrito? All around delicious food with generous portion sizes for the price. I got the chicken fajitas, used up all of my tortillas, and still had a good-sized amount for leftovers. I threw my leftovers over rice for lunch the next day and it was divine. Next time I'll struggle between choosing the steak fajitas or trying out some of the tacos. It is a bit annoying in this day and age that they won't split checks, but they do at least state if up front on the menu so there's no surprise. And after all that, I forgot to bring my coupon!!! We had such a pleasant experience that we all decided it was an excuse to come back in early December so we can all try something new on the menu :) Next time I'll remember to take photos of our fantastic food! read more

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This will be a memorable experience, not in a good way but not in an entirely bad way either? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 1. We were taken care of by several individuals, all with a beginner level of proficiency in English, if that, which made it difficult to communicate. 2. Our orders came out at different times (of which some were incorrect, perhaps due to the language barrier). 3. Certain menu items' prices did not match what we were actually charged (receipt was higher and there was an unexplained service charge). 4. The menus did not all match (some had crossed-out menu items or different, taped on, messages in Spanish with no translation). And (personal opinion), what restaurant can serve tacos, sushi, AND pasta... 5. The bathrooms were dirty, trash cans were full, and one of two stalls were out of service. For all those reasons and more, I will not be returning, and I'm certain you will find better service, food, and experience elsewhere. read more

Service was fine. Food was awful!!! My fajita taco salad had chicken with no seasoning and in a taco shell bowl that smelled and tasted like rancid old oil. My mom's fish taco had deformed looking fish sticks that when pulled apart had dry gray fish inside. I will never recommend this place unless a new chef is on board! read more

We have eaten there for years....I took home two burritos and a seafood chimichanga....everything tastes old, the seafood is all chewing and does not taste right, the burritos taste old. The three of us only took a few bites before tossing them out of fear of getting sick. I also got their cheese dip with chips, the chips taste very old, and I am not exaggerating, we had 10 grandchildren who came over for a birthday party, taste them...they all said the same thing, old and yucky. What a waste, used to be a good place to eat. read more

I've had my eyes on Camino Real since it's new ownership for the past few months. These guys are successfully serving a specific niche of Mexican Mariscos that adds to the overall diversity of Madison food. Given the limitations related to COVID, I've only had take out from here. Both times it's been great, leaving me excited to come back and try more. My experience with Mariscos is limited and comes specifically comes from restaurants in Chicago near Wicker Park/Ukranian Village. At Camino Real I tried the Patas de Jaiba and the Camarones al mojo de ajo. Both the crab and shrimp were expertly cooked. Flavors were spot on. Notably the Nayarit sauce on the crab, while delicious, was overall meager in portion and was not as rich as my previous experiences. The spice blend in the butter base was overpowered by bitter notes reflective of too much old bay or celery salt. The shrimp came with a traditional Mexican rice mixed with peas, corn, and carrots. Traditional with classic flavor. Service was fine though the gentleman who helped me was relatively novice on appropriate social distancing and mask etiquette. This served as a source of unnecessary anxiety. Given how well executed the take out orders are, it is easy to give these guys four stars. I look forward to dining in. I think some basic changes to the recipes with examples listed above could really swing the reputation from real good to excellent. read more

Unpleasant experience! Avoid this place! The table was sticky, the food was subpar, and the waitstaff was terrible!!!

Pésimo servicio, comida horrible y no bien cocinada. Las meseras no sonríen y ni siquiera se saben el menu. Precios sumamente elevados. Un lugar que no vale la pena. read more

Camino Real is a great option for authentic Mexican American food! We have been to this restaurant before and during the pandemic. The food is incredibly tasty and as expected. Plus, they really nicely package the food to go, so I highly recommend going here for takeout. The amount of food for the price is absolutely wild! You must try this place for your next Mexican American food fix! read more

Camino Real Mexican Seafood - a plate of enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

This place is a-okay. I was pretty thrilled when they hardly batted an eye at my request for peppers in my lime margarita (it came riddled with fresh-sliced jalapenos: mmmmm!!). We stopped in for lunch while I was doing time at the laundromat next door. I had a taco salad, which was not the best I've ever had (by far), but the service was EXTREMELY fast, and the staff were attentive, too. I noticed that they offer a $20 margarita pitcher special, so I'm looking forward to coming back with friends for nachos and drinks. The food I tried wasn't that amazing, but the atmosphere and service warrant another look. I'll report back. ;) read more

Camino Real Mexican Seafood - My lime Margarita with jalapeño: Very tasty. - Mexican Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

Servers never smile or say thanks, food so-so, better places in town. Had to ask 3 times to get a soda and no one checked on us after meal was served. Best part, the bill was more than the menu prices, won't be back with these practices... read more

I treated myself to a lunch of Rodeo Tacos. First time here and see they are associated with Laredo's. Overall nice service, perfect timing by the waitress. Chips n salsa come fast to munch on while waiting for the order. I appreciated their mild salsa. The steak is incredibly seasoned, the beans are supposedly vegetarian and tastes so much better with the side of tomatillo sauce and pico de gallo that comes with the order. But not enuf pico de gallo for my likes!! The tortillas are incredibly greasy but held up. Just don't forget some tums afterwards!! Generous side of sour cream for a dollar extra. I'm glad I stopped by, first time here, and I'd gladly swing by to order off their lunch menu or bring visiting guests. Hmmmm what to try next!?!? read more

Camino Real Mexican Seafood - Mexican Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

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If I could give 0 starts I would, I mean what has happened to this place? I mean where I do I even start....This used to be or go to and would make the drive from sun prairie to Middleton in a heartbeat. After today we will never be back again. As many other reviews have mentioned, first your greeted with all the servers staring you up and down making you feel very uncomfortable. We were 1 of 2 tables in there (we should've known to have just left then) service was terribly slow. Our server just assumed we spoke Spanish by the way we looked and was just angry the entire time. We asked for cheese dip, never got it. The carne asada was OLD and had a weird smell and taste, we normally don't say anything but my husband was starving. When we told our server she just looked at us and took away the plate, did not say one single word. We were left so confused she came back about 30 minutes later with a "new plate" after I was more then done with our food and our 15 month old was ready to go at this point. The steak, again, was disgusting. we spent $100 with a 18% tip for 2 people dining and had to stop by mc Donald's afterwards. Sad to say but the mc Donald's we had was a lot better then our $100 dinner. Stay far away from this place they love to scam people with fees and the entire restaurant itself has gone way down hill. I do not expect them to be open for much longer. read more

OMG do not go here! Felt like we were in the the twilight zone with our party of 10. Dishes came out one at a time, with the last people in our party getting food when the first people were finished eating. The last person to be served ordered a salad that came with chicken that was not fully cooked. Drink orders were not filled unless asked three times. Some customers treated differently and served and left before any of us got our food, even though they were seated after us. Food was beyond mediocre. Will never go back here and suggest you don't go either!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

There are things to improve. The type of food is not well prepared and very expensive prices charge tips. I was willing to leave more tips but they charged it before and don't leave more tips because it's a lot of money read more

The service was excellent! The food was delicious. We were a large group and ordered mariscos, enchiladas, oysters, caldo de mariscos. It was ALL delicioso! Would definitely recommend and would recommend the restaurant keep this group of cooking staff because they did an AWESOME job cooking that day! First time eating there and would go again based on this experience:) read more

For a long time this place was like a ghost town (mostly empty and you'd never see staff once you got your food), but in the last couple months some new management has turned things around. I'll definitely come more often if it stays like this. Cocina Real is more authentic than Taco Bell, but less authentic than an actual taqueria. If you've been to a Laredo's, you'll be comfortable with their menu. read more

I don't give many 5 star reviews and I just ate here yesterday and again today. First, don't expect fine cuisine. I'm not sure when Eric S. ate here, but the vegetables in my fajitas were DEFINITELY NOT frozen. Granted, I got the Fajitas Guadalajara, and it had peppers and onions. Neither were frozen. They still had that crunch and taste from having been fresh before grilling. This place is an upscale, greasy spoon Mexican place, and it does it extremely well! My fajitas were $14 and I ate 3 huge fajitas in the restaurant and still had enough for 3 more at lunch the next day! Finally - the guacamole and the flan -- fresh guacamole - has chunks of avocado in it and is made to order. They also use enough lime that it only browns around the edges by the next day. The flan - oh my god... The first time I had it - perfect. So smooth and creamy... Was a spiritual experience. On top of this all... Freshly fried and still warm corn tortilla chips, and fresh salsa... What more can you ask for? read more

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This used to be Cocina Real. But it's under new ownership and the food is AMAZING! I had Choripollo - chicken, chorizo and cheese. It was excellent. Drinks are great - and I highly recommend the cheese dip with the chips. read more

Cocina Real was accurately described as sorta upscale Mexican. Maybe Mexican diner for Americans... which isn't a bad thing. It's consistently pretty good. We've been coming here for years. Margaritas are decent, the main dishes are suitable for sharing. In general, they are busy the service can be a bit slow... if they aren't busy, the service is fantastic. Tonight we split fajitas Guadalajara - pork, chicken, beef. It's decent and plenty big enough for two. read more

Camino Real Mexican Seafood - Fajitas Guadalajara - Mexican Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

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I use to go here all the time and I always got the speedy Gonzalez for lunch. I still go here regularly but switch up what I get now. I love the chips and salsa. Home made salsa is some of my favorite in town. The staff is always really friendly and the service is pretty good everything comes out quick and hot. I like the 2-1 margaritas Monday thru Wednesday. On my last visit I got one beef and one cheese enchilada with rich and beans. It's everything I could ask for because I like their red sauce. A lot of places in town just have Verde or mole. Worth checking out! I also like the tacos al pastor and Chile relano. Check this place out for yourself I know I like it! read more

Camino Real Mexican Seafood - Mexican Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

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Dirty dishes. Dirty silverware. My wife got what she didn't ask for. I could tell the chef was in a rush because the quesadilla was cold inside and cheese wasn't melted. We were the only table in the restaurant and we still didn't get proper service from the chef. The wait staff was great though! read more

Camino Real Mexican Seafood - Mexican Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

We arrived and the place is beautiful, everybody is so polite and welcoming it felt so cozy and relaxing to be served by all the amazing staff. We got started with chips and salsa, we ordered cheese dip and hot salsas. The drinks are delicious I ordered the wine Sangria and it was great until the very last drop. I immediately got my eyes on the quesabirrias and I would totally recommend it. I tried some fish and ceviche de camarón and it's spectacular, the bañados, oyster shot with tomato juice lime chill powder hot sauce. No food went to waste it was all too perfect. I must come back when I'm in town again. Everything was just fantastic. read more

Camino Real Mexican Seafood - We were here to celebrate my moms birthday. The place is gorgeous. - Mexican Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

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The food doesn't look like they cook it all the way throughly also the servers don't look happy at all they just look like they hate being there and look miserable also when I order tortillas they look like they threw them in the microwave nothing is good here don't come here your money will go in the trash warning service is horrible. read more

If you are on a bland food diet, or dislike traditional Mexican spices, well then I have the restaurant for you! Nowhere on Cocina Real's menu does it say hot. All the sauces are either tomato, mild, or "creamy". I even asked, and my request for spicy resulted in a small container of hot sauce. Don't get me wrong, the food isn't bad, but it's not good Mexican food. We started with the chips and salsa, a delicious cold tomato sauce. I ordered a carnitas chimichanga, which ended up being half bland pork and green peppers wrapped in a tortilla. The sides were good, but again, there wasn't any flavor. For $13, it was a huge disappointment. Service was good, and the space is nice. I would go back for more chips, salsa, and hot sauce. Plus, their dessert and drink menu looked great. But I would never drop change to eat that food. read more

I'm always up for finding a new Mexican restaurant to enjoy! Sadly, this one just didn't cut it. I ordered the combo platter (14 I think) and was excited to try their tamale! The waiter informed me that they hadn't made any yet. Okay, it was right around 1pm, they may have run out already with the lunch rush? I look around and the place is relatively slow with plenty of tables open (maybe people don't go there for late lunch). So, I was able to replace the tamale with a beef chimichanga! When my meal came, I really couldn't pick out which was which (burrito vs. enchilada vs. chimichanga). After a little while, I realized the chimichanga was slightly crispy than the other two. Still, no idea which one was a burrito. My friend ordered some rice milk (there's a name for it and I'm not about to get that wrong), unfortunately she had to remove an ice cube that had an unidentified black speck on it (gross) - but kudos to her for finishing the drink (I would not have been able to). Service was pretty quick and we were in and out in 30 minutes for lunch (again, they weren't that busy - but I still like it when I can have a quick meal). I have certainly had better, but unfortunately I have had worse (mostly why I couldn't justify a 1 star rating). read more

When me and my family went here, I ordered a non-alcoholic strawberry margarita and I had gotten it before and it seemed a little watered down so I added lime wedges to it and it made it taste much better. read more

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A hidden gem, set back in a strip mall this place has great service and tasty food. Prices are reasonable, portions are large. Chips were really yummy. The food was above average, selection like any small Mexican restaurant. We loved the atmosphere, open space, clean with pleasant Spanish tunes playing in the background. Kid friendly- kid says the fries and chicken strips were tasty. Service was above average, prompt and friendly. I was surprised that this place wasn't busier. I think this may be our new Mexican go to restaurant. - gave only four stars cause I felt my chimichangas could of been fried a bit longer. Other wise this would of been a 5 read more

This is my favorite spot, the staff is wonderful and the food is amazing. I have never been disappointed. The Quesabirrias is one of my favorite choices. read more

They had a rough go for a while. We went back last week and they have new management and they were a lot busier than we've seen them.

Great food and even greater service. Highly recommend going there! The servers there are really nice and it's the best Mexican food in madison read more

Middleton needs this Mexican joint with enough Mexican beer options to be satiated and other drinks for occasional sampling. The margaritas are okay. I appreciate the bar with television(s?), I've swung by to watch some sporting events. Paint and decor is bright and cheerful, more so than you would think being situated in a strip mall alongside Dollar Tree, a laundromat, and an express gym. Fajitas Jalisco are genuinely great with chorizo oiling up the other proteins and veggies in the best way possible. Worth the few dollars more than some other entrees. There are always leftovers, and I'm a substantial eater. Bottomless chips and salsa are, at times, served warm. If I'm remembering correctly, there are spicier options for salsa if you ask. Staff do a sufficient job, no complaints in this department. When I think of Cocina Real, I think of a mid-day beer to a game or a Friday night date night, though the crowd is pretty diversified. read more

I ate a late lunch here on a weekday, and the place was pretty dead. That being said, the service was not very quick and there really shouldn't have been a reason for that, so I would be wary to go there for dinner on a weekend. The chips and salsa were yummy and free- one of my favorite parts of any Mexican restaurant! I ordered a salad that was quite large and good, but the dressing that comes on the side came out 5 minutes after the salad. I wish they had something smaller on the menu, like a side salad. read more

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Will start off by saying you get moneys worth. Pretty big quantities and friendly prices. Tacos were pretty solid- especially the skirt steak one- one of the best tacos I've ever had. Salsa (great indicator of what's to come) was just average. I feel like this place can do better. Enchilada sauce was good but was lacking depth. Great rice, bad beans. There's a couple good hits and a few big misses. Overall 3.7/5 read more

Pretty good authentic Mexican food. The regular menu of so many things to choose from and you end up just choosing fajitas-which quite tasty. The burritos need a bit more of a kick to them, however still wasn't bad. Chips were not hot fresh but were not straight out of bag. Monday- Wednesday's they have 2-1 house margaritas....um yum!! Not bad at all for fajitas with room for leftovers, chips and salsa, and 2 margaritas for $25. Speaking of 2 for 1 margaritas, I may have decided to leave my debit card there, oops! I called right away at 10am when the staff starts arriving, they had already set it in a safe place and had the description of what I look like. So thank you very much! Will return. read more

This place have the best Mexican seafood in Wisconsin we recently took my mom for her birthday and we where 25 people in our table and the service was so fast and excellent and wow the food was by far the best in town will recommend this place 100% read more

Horrible service. Slower than a dying snail in the Tijuana heat. Went there for lunch, ordered and had to leave 40 minutes later because my food never showed up. At least I got a few chips to eat. Gotta love not being able to have lunch on your lunch break. I will never go there again. Gracias for nothing. read more

I've read a number of reviews detailing bad service. Tonight, ours was spot on: very attentive, our waitress checked in often and was very friendly (Mayra) Food was tasty. Margaritas are 2-fer-1 Mon-Wed. They don't compare to el dorado grill margaritas, but they are delicious and I will order them again. read more

Disappointing... We typically enjoy Mexican food and I was excited for the opportunity to try a new place. The menu is very similar to most other Mexican restaurants in Madison, the prices were higher. No big deal, if the food is great, that's not a game changer. The food had cold spots in it, the orders came incorrectly, nobody came to check on us and make sure things were okay. I could understand if the restaurant was busy, but it wasn't. That's just not right. There are enough alternatives in the area, we'll go there instead. read more

Had some tasty lunch food here - fast too. I gave the shrimp chimichanga a try. It had hearty amounts of shrimp and the red sauce was tasty. I really liked the guacamole. First time visit so I'll be back. read more

Camino Real Mexican Seafood - Shrimp Chimichanga. Yummm - Mexican Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin