We recently tried the El Camino, having driven past it for decades (our mistake!) This is an older establishment, but the ambiance is truly NM. We had a 2 egg breakfast with hash browns, sourdough toast and bacon and a flat stack pancake. This is hands down the best pancake I've had in Albuquerque. They use XL eggs that were perfectly prepared to order, fresh hash browns, never frozen so tasted homemade, and delicious thick sliced bacon. Absolutely everything was delicious. Including the coffee, which is becoming a rarity at most diner type breakfast restaurants these days. We tried to order a 2 pancake, 2 egg and bacon plate, but I wasn't mentally prepared when the server said she couldn't split it between my wife and I. We would have had to order a 1,1 and 1 each. So instead of $17, it would have been $13 each and another $4 for the coffee. That changed our order on her recommendation to what we ordered. Yes, it is more than we normally pay, but the quality makes it very much worth the extra expense. You should also note there is a surcharge for using a credit card, but not a debit card or of course cash. It is out of our way, but whenever I want pancakes, this will be where I head. read more

Gracious, good morning on this brisk Wednesday morning (we had freeze warnings last night). One way to get warm is to visit the El Camino Dining Room on 4th Street. They have some excellent food guaranteed to warm your insides and tickle your taste buds. Come join the boys, and one girl, from the VA Creative Writing Group as they venture out and try different restaurants (mostly) in central New Mexico. Just click on the following YouTube video link to see what we ordered and meet the owner. https://youtu.be/QNwjfqgMrKQ?si=Hky1QE-MMspsjn4a read more

See all

Older non-descript building on the east side of 4th street. We were looking for something close to where we were at the moment and this came up as a choice. I ordered the ground beef taco salad. It was good. It did not come with dressing but it was good with the sour cream. TONS of meat. Not the wow-est taco salad but I did enjoy it. I believe it is a family run place. Everyone was super helpful and service was quick. We got there just in time for them to start getting busy. read more

El Camino Dining Room - Beef taco fiesta salad - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Been meaning to try here for some time but it's a smidge out of the way from where I normally am when I go to Albuquerque. Fountain sodas are from a can, and the one I had tasted off. Almost ordered a burger taco, was asked if I wanted cheese as it's not extra so I ordered a cheeseburger. It was pretty good. Turns out, its $3 more than the hamburger was (so much for not charging for cheese). For a "fat cheeseburger" it was normal sized. Had mashed potatoes with gravy for the side, was OK. The homemade chips give out are fantastic. Service was ok, very friendly but it annoyed me that I had to go across the restaurant to snag a napkin. The atmosphere was nice but in need of a cleaning and maybe update. While the place was clean, there was a lot that was worn down over the years needing some TLC (or a deep scrubing and a little paint). The plates and cups also need replacing when they're chipped and cracked as badly as I was served today. read more

See all

If you want less-than-mediocre "cuisine" for high-dollar costs and rude and arrogant servers, then try this family-owned and family-run "gem". You will pay for bland flavors in the form of weak and unenthusiastic red chile on a low-variety of options, greasy burnt potatoes, and a long wait before you can even get a menu. The place is too cheap to hire help and couldn't care less that you're waiting. They rely on the old tried-and-true patrons who are like sheep who don't expect anymore than the slop they are accustomed to consuming. The "ambience" of El Camino Dining screams "we. don't. care: Just eat the tired old crap we have taught you to consume and pay us!" El Camino is not worth your time, your pallet, or your pocket. Do not recommend. read more

Decided to try this place after getting some recommendations. Walking thru a door that's seen better days we step into a place from eras long gone. We're ok with nostalgia for a simpler time. Grab a booth and menus arrive immediately. Drink orders given and get served with chips (some homemade) & salsa. Food selection was difficult. Carne Asada Burrito & Papas for me and a Ground Beef Taco Salad. The burrito was overloaded with meat and a nice amount of whole beans(v refried beans). Good flavor and plenty there. The taco salad was good - no dressing tho. Salsa or salad dressing would have made it better. In both cases there was enough for another meal. As for the sopapillas - they didn't come with a combination of honey & corn syrup. They come with the real thing. We opened a fresh bottle of 100% honey. Yes there is a difference in taste. read more

See all

El Camino Dining Room on Route 66 in Albuquerque, NM, was one of our favorite stops during our visit... a visit focused on fan-boying our way through various Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul filming locations. From the moment you step through the door, you are transported to the nostalgic era of the 1950s, with its historical aura and charming decor that perfectly captures the spirit of that time. The quaintness of El Camino Dining Room is truly enchanting. The attention to detail in preserving a vintage diner atmosphere is commendable, and every corner of the restaurant exudes a sense of authenticity. The small counter, the heavily lacquered wood tables, mismatched chairs, old-school coffee mugs... the whole place was a fun throwback to a different time of travel across our great country. What adds an extra layer of excitement for fans of the AMC series Better Call Saul is the knowledge that this charming establishment was featured in several episodes. The connection to the show adds a unique allure, and you can almost imagine the characters from the series enjoying a meal in this nostalgic setting... even though the show made the place seem a lot larger than it actually is! One of the standout features of El Camino Dining Room is the generous portion sizes. The dishes served here are not only delicious but also hearty, ensuring that you leave completely satisfied. The menu offers a variety of classic American comfort foods, each prepared with care and attention to quality. Reasonable prices, even with the worldwide markup of everything that has happened over the last couple of years. The outstanding service further elevates the dining experience. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about creating a memorable visit for patrons. Our interaction with the owner was a highlight, as she took the time to engage in casual conversation and share fascinating stories about Jonathan Banks and Rhea Seehorn, adding a personal touch to our experience. The owner's anecdotes about the actors from Better Call Saul added an extra layer of excitement to our visit. It was a pleasure to hear behind-the-scenes stories while enjoying a delicious meal. The casual and friendly atmosphere encouraged a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. El Camino Dining Room is a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Route 66 nostalgia, excellent food, and a touch of TV history. The staff even let me geek out and recreate a couple of photo-angles from behind the counter. If you're a fan of the show, or just a fan of unpretentiously good food and better service, you have to stop in here on your next visit to the ABQ. read more

El Camino Dining Room - El Camino Fritos Dogs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I haven't been here since the Nineties, but the place is just the same as it ever was. And the food seems to actually be better - so is the service. And so is the area. Came for lunch with a friend and we both enjoyed it. Friend had green huevos rancheros - he thought the green was good but noted that it's more the Río Abajo style. I had the ribeye and enchiladas, Christmas - perfectly medium-rare that I ordered and very tasty, and I'd note that the red is made from pods and not powder. (That's a good thing, if you're new to chile.) I was very happy with the red and preferred it to the (perfectly fine) green. The service was just flat outstanding: polite and helpful and on-the-spot with whatever was needed. I won't let almost thirty years go by again before going back to El Camino Dining Room - in fact, I suspect I'll be back before thirty DAYS pass. Very nice place. read more

See all

In full disclosure, the El Camino dining room is right over my back wall. My brother was visiting and we were looking for a fun place to grab a bite to eat before he returned to California. When I suggested we take a walk over to the El Camino, I could see a smile crept over his face. There's always plenty of parking as it is a large lot. Inside, we arrived close to their closing time, hours are always 8 AM until 2 PM. My brother ordered a taco salad which he seemed to enjoy quite a bit. I had the chicken enchilada lunch with an egg over easy. I couldn't finish it all and saved a portion of it for lunch the next day. Pro tip: it microwaves very well the next day. read more

See all

If you're looking for a small town feel comfort food diner, look no more. This is the best hidden gem I've found in the 15 years I've lived in Albuquerque. Great service and the food was out fast. I ordered the Native American Taco and my friend joked that it's large enough to feed a whole family. A third of it left me feeling full. It's a great place to get New Mexican comfort food. I hear their chicken fried steak is also phenomenal. read more

So this is a nothing fancy little bit rustic old Mexican restaurant. It is apparently infamous for having been featured on the better call Saul series which I personally have never seen. I went with two friends and they were very excited to be able to sit in the booth that Kim said in?. Okay now for the review Service was wonderful we came around 1:00 p.m. and they were closing at 2:30 we were told to take our time. I had had Mexican food the day before and wasn't into Mexican so it took me a while but I found a burger that was surprisingly and exceptionally delicious. My two friends ordered Mexican entrees one of burrito that was enormous he could meet the whole thing the other person ordered a taco plate and she had to take a lot of it home. I didn't finish my burger although it was delicious and so where the french fries. The food is very reasonable Lee priced service was very kind and generous. I would go back there for another Burger any day of the week it was so delicious. read more

El Camino Dining Room - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Great place for some good food, we ordered biscuit and gravy and chicken fried steak. Was good and kinda expected green chili gravy ha ha. New Mexican. Not a problem it wasn't. I got a side of a chili relleno and it was GOOD! Please be patient as it's a mom and pop type place. It's busy. Very busy. read more

Food was authentically New Mexican and the vibes inside are unmatched. The staff was super friendly and I got to meet the owners who were so nice and showed me alot about the history and publicity of the restaurant. read more

Ate breakfast for the first time at this legendary place- was not disappointed! My carne adovada with green was the best breakfast burrito I've ever had, and portions are huge. French toast was superb as well. Service was great and the atmosphere is very quaint/ local If you're a fan of Breaking Bad, this place was in Better Call Saul several times. Check out this local treasure ASAP! read more

El Camino Dining Room - Breakfast burritos and French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Blast from the Past!!! A throwback from Rt 66 days! Vintage interiors. Pueblo NM Architecture from 1950. Home cooking New Mexican foods w lots of local clientele. Sit at the counter and eat, booth, or table. Serves Breakfast and Lunch. No evening dinner. I ordered the Lydia's Special for brunch which was very good and not too much. A fried flour tortilla w 2 eggs, green chili stew and cheese on top. Very tasty and the green chili stew was not to hot. The fried flour was a nice change. Service and atmosphere was relaxed but good. Prices have gone up since I was last here a few years ago. Closes at 2:30pm. Take your out of town family or friends here for a view of yesterday!! read more

See all

I have visited at El Camino for breakfast for years now since they are in our neighborhood. There is nothing fancy about this place but service is always really fast and friendly, and the portions are huge. I also believe that it's family owned and operated. We like to come eat here when we want a simple, quick & good breakfast. read more

El Camino Dining Room - Breakfast burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Just ate here for the first time. Husband unit has been on the hunt for a place that is just real. Too many pretend to be down home goodness. Well, the El Camino isn't pretending. This place, around since 1950, is the real deal. My husband had the nacho salad. He said it was very tasty and huge. I ordered the posole with red chili. So good. Their red chili is a smoky goodness on the tongue. But I need to back up. The homemade HOT chips complimented the salsa like Richard Burton romancing Elizabeth Taylor. Then things got fun. We came in at 1:30 and were seated. It was obvious that they'd been busy. And were still busy. In fact, we were the last table seated because they close at two. I noticed a woman beginning to show all the signs of an entitled hissy fit. She commented that other people were getting their food. Then she asked if she could speak to management. So the owner spoke to them. They had already brought out some mashed potatoes for the child with them. There were three adults and the child. When the food arrived, it wasn't correct. They offered to remake it. Mrs. Entitlement wasn't having it. She said to leave it as they had waited too long. Then she said that they wouldn't be paying for it. The manager said no to that. So Mrs. Entitlement lost it. Yelled. Complained. Showed her butt. And the owner raised her voice back. Now. The owner admittedly lost her cool. But, as an eyewitness to the whole thing, the owner was not out of line. It ended with the woman's child sobbing, the husband apologizing, and one of the employees going outside to make sure they left. The woman screamed "I'll make sure no one ever eats here again!" Yes, I'm serious. Talk about entitlement. So our first, but not last, meal at the El Camino was, as they say, memorable. To Mrs. Entitlement...We will be eating there again. The food is worth the wait. read more

El Camino Dining Room - The El Camino is on historic Route 66. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Food was good. In my opinion the green Chile has a better flavor than the red. One of us had huevos rancheros and the other had a house omelet with sausage. The coffee and salsa were great. Food took a bit long before coming out. read more

El Camino Dining Room - House omelet with sausage - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

See all

Homemade Red and GreenChile with generous portions, highly recommended breakfast stop.

I am not a huge fan of their breakfast but decided to give them a chance at lunch it was a hot afternoon and my child and I had walked and were thirsty. When we walked in we were told to take a seat wherever we wanted. We did. We sat patiently awaiting menus and a drink order. We waited, and waited, and waited. No one made eye contact. No one said they'd be with us shortly. Nothin. Meanwhile, several customers who had already had their meals were checked on and beverages refilled, others paid their tickets and left. I realize Covid has been hard on staff, so we waited a bit more. The final straw was when the staff went back to the counter and whipped out their phones and continued to blatantly ignore us. At that point I'd had it and we got up and left. We live in the area and it's a huge disappointment not to be able to walk to our local businesses and support them, but this place is officially dead to me. read more

First visit to the famous El Camino, why we haven't been here sooner is a mystery Pulling in Sunday morning, oddly quiet, it's usually packed when we drove by Parking slots are Weird-double-space things but they have more area than most restaurants on 4th street Quaint old-school diner styling, don't expect a trendy cappuccino here. Carne Adovada here is solid and with good punch of heat,hash browns or home fries delicious Wife's usual green chile relleno was enjoyed, could have been hotter chile but she's a fire-eater A new breakfast place on our family map for sure, read more

Not sure what's keeping this place in business, I hadn't been to this restaurant in a while, I was very disappointed food was below average, the food comes with a couple of sopapillas which came to our table late when we were almost done eating and when we got them, oh my, they were horrible they weighed like a pound each thick thick dough, not good at all I sat there with my empty coffe mug waiting to see if could get more coffe but, the only waitress they have was sitting down at the breakfast bar eating and drinking coke, and just talking to a couple of other guests, very dissatisfied with the whole thing, Will not be going there again read more

The worst food I've ever been served. This carne asada plate was $17! Don't waste your money or time on this place. Owner served us and never once asked if our food was ok even when it was VERY obvious that the food was not being eaten. read more

El Camino Dining Room - Soggy carne asada tacos. Carne asada was drenched in some awful sauce. Couldn't even eat a bite, was so horrible. What a waste of money. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

OH MY GOD!!!!!! Amazing food I can't believe I've missed this spot for so many years... literally the best breakfast burrito I've EVER had!!!! Breakfast burrito Christmas with Carne Staff was fantastic! This is my new favorite place! Can't wait to try other items on the menu read more

El Camino Dining Room - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

See all

I have eaten at this restaurant several times in the past year. Food has always been good, service great. Friendly staff and owner Amanda. Recently I visited again by my self and being very slow I had to wait a long time with all excuses which customers shouldn't hear why my food wasn't coming out . I only ordered a salad. I got up and left with no word to anyone. I was so upset, no service except from a nice lady who gave me ice tea. Amanda came running after me and didn't want to hear my side , she was more concerned about loosing her $12 salad then hearing how the customer is suppose to be right and heard. She told me to never return, I was ok with that. I have never been treated so badly. I have worked in eateries before and you never treat a customer like that. read more

I've lived in this area for decades and never stopped here. It's pretty much diner food with a lot of New Mexican dishes. The service was ok but had to ask for water a few times. My husband loved his chicken fried steak and we also smothered it with green chili. Lots of locals which is a good sign. It's a step back in time with a lot of original decor. read more

El Camino Dining Room - Counter - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This place only gets better! The last time we ate at the El Camino was during the pandemic. We sat outside under canopies and had a grand 'ole time. My daughter was visiting and had read positive reviews and wanted to try it. She recently came back for a visit and eating here again was on her to-do list. The food remains delicious. The portions were beyond generous. The staff (owners?) are welcoming and a pleasure to deal with. My daughter was pleasantly surprised at the final tab. This restaurant is becoming a family tradition. read more

Great old school family run restaurant. Food and service was great. If your looking for fancy not at this stop. But a great traditional spot. I will be back. read more

Family owned, New Mexican food, amazing atmosphere. Old Tyme family diner. Enjoy great food, great service, nostalgic experience. Fair prices. Breakfast and Lunch. Take a step back in time and enjoy! Take your kids to they experience a diner from yesterdays. read more

The last two times I've gone they were out of something, Carne adovada and bacon the other time.

Great service, great food, great ambiance. A North Valley hidden gem. The chicharonnes were really good, home fries are a perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, best biscuits and gravy in town. Very friendly staff from start to finish.Been several times and will keep going back for more. read more

I drove my 1975 El Camino to the El Camino Dining Room, and was not disappointed. I love the original interior with the log beam ceiling. Very enjoyable place and friendly staff. The huevos rancheros were good. Go there because it's there! read more

See all

Huevos Rancheros with rice and beans were, quite possibly, the best I've ever had. I had the red chiles, my son had green. We both really liked them read more

The service took forever, when we finally got our food, it was cold and the nachos had no melted cheese or cheese sauce at all. Just shredded cheese. Terrible service!! read more

El Camino Dining Room - Crappy nachos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

First visit yesterday and I'm hooked. What a cool old-timey diner. My custom meal was made exactly like I wanted it, served hot and absolutely delicious. Red Chile to die for. Chicharrones cooked to perfection, as well as the scrambled eggs with cheese. The place is clean. The service was excellent; and the prices are reasonable. I'll be back for sure! read more

Excellent service, the restaurant is family owned and the staff were friendly. I am from Colorado so I love to try NM red chili and it did not disappoint! We all enjoyed our breakfast:) read more

I saw a previous review that describe this place as a hidden treasure and I definitely agree. It is a classic mom and pap's restaurant. The people are kind, it is like a community of family and friends who work and dine here. The food was super tasty and the coffee was hot and never empty. The owner herself was serving our table which I thought was very humbling to see. I enjoyed everyone coming by to offer more coffee, but I could see how it could get annoying getting a coffee refill before you could even take a sip from the last fill. Service is great. Portions are generous. A must stop when in the North Valley. read more

I just loved the employees here! It was my first time to El Camino and the staff was super friendly and attentive. Food was yummy! Tried the huevos, as always, and I loved it - great chile! They also accommodated our large party quickly. Thumbs up! read more

El Camino Dining Room - Huevos rancheros! Loved the crispy potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Just about every time we go to this restaurant they are out of something and that is not a way to run a business plus we get soggy tostadas that you can't even chew and if you order coffee you're lucky to get a 2nd cup read more

Sorry today was a bad day at el Camino. Waited 40 minutes for a chimichon. Had to ask for salsa and chips after sitting for 30 minutes with nothing. When the food arrived no beans, rice or even lettuce garnish. They subbed greasy fried potatoes for the beans and rice and put them in the chimychonga instead of telling me that they were out of rice and beans. Should have let me know, I would have changed my order. It was just awful. Way too many other restaurants in Albuquerque to choose from. read more