I'm only half-way through my meal yet I was compelled to write a review asap. This is my first yelp review at that!! The quesadilla with the carnitas is to die for! Same as with the glazed pork chop thing and the shrimp fajitas. It's a delightful experience so far and the servers are so pleasant and accommodating. (Shout out to Sabrina!) So glad my family and I chanced upon this restaurant. Will definitely go back for the awesome food and cozy ambience. read more

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Bartenders girls do not engage and make you feel welcome. Talk to each other about other employees and just stand there. Like they have someplace better to be. Checking their phones....chats it up with her three friends at the end of the bar...thats about it. read more

It appears that this restaurant is mostly for locals who want to drink. Thats fine, but the food leaves a lot to be desired. We had to pay for chips and salsa. The chips were hard and appeared to be cooked in a vat of dirty oil as they tasted "nasty". I ordered the enchiladas and when I got them, they were small, the tortillas were dry and contained only a little meat/cheese. In addition, the red salsa that was supposed to be on top, was dried and had no cheese. I don't know if this what their regular food tastes like, but they need to improve if they are selling more than drinks. Enchiladas read more

Really liked this place a lot pre-covid, then towards the end of the pandemic they put a sign up outside with a heavily political message. Why do that? Why choose sides and alienate a good percentage of your customers?? It worked if that was the intent. My friends and I won't be back with so many other great bars in Camarillo. read more

One of few places in Camarillo to watch Sunday football. Despite place being decorated with Chargers & (mostly) Rams stuff, refused to put 1st Ram game of year up on one of the two main tv's behind bar, but only in far corner, because one person came in earlier than others & requested two games being put up behind bar for him, & despite a dozen plus people who wanted to watch/hear Rams game!!! Bills/Jets & Eagles/Redskins aren't the local teams covering the roof & walls!!! Will find a different place! read more

El Rey Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

We've been coming to El Rey for over 5 years , we've seen people come and go , but we keep coming back. The current staff is the best , from angelek and Steven at the bar Fernando on the floor , and cheo/axel in the kitchen, service is great , we feel like family here. Great drinks and tasty food ! Taco tuesday and fight nights are a must. read more

Terrible staffing by management lately. This was one of my favorite places for several years. HOWEVER.... within about the last year, the management has been scheduling a skeleton crew to run the place - most of the time with only ONE server to take care of the entire restaurant! It happened again tonight. A Friday night, in the holiday season. Of course it's going to be busy, but there is only 1 waitress running around trying to cover what should be covered by 3 servers. The food still remains good, but until they get enough staff on board to provide decent service, I have to give a big thumbs down. Hope the management reads this and gets their act together. So disappointed... read more

I really liked this place until recently, our server dismissed us and neglected our table along with getting wrong drinks and expecting us just accept it and when we denied it he gave the next table our drinks even though we drank out of it and tasted it to find out it was wrong that's disgusting. When we asked for the manager to explain the situation nobody ever came. Felt as if we were being profiled for having color in our white surroundings! read more

If you're looking for a fun and vibrant place to grab great tacos and margaritas then El Rey Cantina should be your next go-to! It may be a little loud and the table service can be a tad slow but it is worth the wait! My absolute favorite taco is the barbaquoa which is barbecued beef with onion, cilantro, and salsa verde on top. These are street tacos so think the size of your palm! I usually start with about three and if I want to order more I always can. They pair nicely with the house made margarita which in my opinion always has the PERFECT amount of rim salt! Let's talk pro tips! 1) For fast service, eat at the bar. 2) For a break from work come in during lunch hours Monday-Thursday for all you can eat tacos. 3) Taco Tuesday is alive and well at this joint so stop on by! I absolutely recommend El Rey hands down! Whenever I'm on the freeway stuck in traffic and passing by this place, I'm always known to ditch the drag and hop on in for a taco! read more

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We loved this place. I think it's closed. We couldn't find it last time we were in town? ‍‍. It was so original. If it moved, would love to know where it is! read more

Went tonight. Got there at 6:30. Order taken at 6:55. They were busy and very understaffed. Hubby and friend had wet burittos. We also ordered fries, (they were undercooked) and calamari. Calamari tasted like bad fish smells. The street tacos we're good but tortillas were dripping in oil. So much, they fell apart. Staff was friendly. Left shortly after 8. read more

We celebrated my mom's 80th birthday at El Rey and enjoyed the food and attentive service. Most of our 21 person party arrived early and was seated right away. The only mishap was they gave away one of our reserved tables, but the situation was remedied in a timely manner. Rave reviews for the shrimp cocktail, fajitas, El Rey burger, farmers market burrito and fried rice cream were expressed. Thanks to Jada and her colleagues for taking such good care of us. read more

The staff/food/environment is fabulous. Warming and very welcoming. The staff Rebecca and Nicole are amazing ladies. I believe Laina is the owner, she was on deck and all hands. To see an owner say hi and welcoming guest was refreshing and impressive. The food is the best and something our family will drive from Simi for. This is a must!! read more

I've been here quite a few times over the years and the food is okay. I was very disappointed to be over charged by a young bartender, 21-26, asian-American gal, on more than one occasion. The first time I was too nice to say anything but the second time I asked she said that was the price of the drinks, which was an absolute lie. I have also witnessed other customers complain about their bill being overcharged. I wouldn't recommend this place for food, for service or for a casual drink. You may be overcharged and it's not worth it. read more

We've enjoyed this place before but today we came in when there was only one other family in the restaurant and didn't receive service for about 6 minutes before we had the waitress come by. After she took our order it took another 15-20 minutes and hadn't even gotten our drinks yet. We decided to leave and the waitress really couldn't have cared less. Go to El Tecelote instead! read more

So I've been here 3 times and the first time was great food, service ! But the second time they didn't even acknowledge us and we waited like 10minutes and still no one helped us so we left. Come back a 3rd time and they help us , but take like 15 min to get our drinks and then another 10 min to bring out chips and salsa , which by the way they served two families before us who got there after us, But when we asked for that check they were on it ! Sucks that they don't have the best service, seems like they need more waitresses! read more

Love this spot for Taco Tuesday , been coming here for years now. I drive from Santa Barbara, always a great time , food and staff..... love them!!! read more

U seriously need to have Sabrina make your bloody Mary's!!! It's LIT!! And her customer service is fire!!!! Next time you're here ask for the bartender Sabrina. read more

El Rey Cantina - Bloody Mary - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

Terrible. I made a call in pick up order tonight. On my drive in my wife called in an added Portabello tacos - which the manger told her was not a problem. I ordered 2 elray burritos, and enchiladas and a taco. I asked that the burritos be wrapped separate (they weren't). They assured me the order was complete. It wasn't No enchiladas/taco. They didn't process the follow taco order so I waited 20 min. I understand COVID and challenges with a running a resturaunt but the whole time the manager was yacking with friends at the bar instead of making sure my order was a priority and correct. Spent $75 including a $10 tip. What a waste. Food was terrible and cold too. Don't waste your time. Next time Yolanda's. read more

We lovingly nicknamed this place Velvet Elvis. Looking at the cocktail napkins and decor, you'll understand why. I noticed a lot of haters in the reviews. I will say, this place is packed and you won't get a hug when you walk in. But, we got a corner booth and great service. They have a long menu, like a sushi menu, that lists their tacos. It was hard to choose! They have a lot of great options. I went with the tofu taco and the garlic mushroom taco. Both were fantastic! They let us open some of the wine we had bought down at The Wine Closet. But a few girls opted for the Mexican Mood Changer - Tecate and a shot of Patron. Yep, it was true to it's name! Fun place if you go with a good attitude. It's closer to the beach than LA so the vibe is much more casual. I'll check it out again just to try more of those tacos... read more

Took a Lyft here to watch Monday night football after checking on yelp that they were open. They were completely closed.

The tacos & margaritas are bomb. The deals at happy hour are pretty sweet too. But our waitress tonight, Blonde girl with long legs & red shorts, sucks. Worst service in a long time. When I talked to the manager, guy who looks like a total douche bag, he said its their "busiest night of the week." Like that's an excuse? Schedule more servers if you're going to be busy. She's lucky she got a tip & I didn't cause a scene, because as a restaurant manger I expect MUCH better service. read more

Went on a Wednesday night and it was a good experience not too crowded around 7:30! The waitress was semi-knowledgeable and provided excellent and fast service. The food was to die for - I got the Grilled Mexican Shrimp with rice and black beans. The pineapple salsa that came with it was prepared perfectly and I enjoyed my passion fruit margarita. Definitely coming back! read more

The food wasn't not great and drinks were gross not coming back here. The food was cold.

I haven't been here in months because they had a terrible beer selection. Coors, Coors Light, Bud, Bud Light, Pacifico, Dos Equis.....that's it? If they have expanded their beer menu I might consider going back but I doubt it. Edit: Someone, maybe the owner, from the bar said I "should turn in my yelp card" because I gave them a one star review and didn't comment on anything else so here are my edits. He probably should have just left it at bad beer.... The food smelled unappetizing, so I never tried it. I have heard others who had eaten lunch there and said it was overwhelming. Lunch should be light and fast, they said they waited 45 minutes and felt like taking a nap afterwards. It's hearsay but take what you can get, Jack. I thought the decor was boring. Dull, dark, drab, obviously the focus was on the bar. I suppose if I drank liquors and fruity drinks I might have a good time but I am a beer drinker. I went there for a good beer and I got sad options. Even with the owners plee for me to return, offering Shocktop, IPA, Corona and Corona light and some other beers still doesn't make for a very good selection. As a beer drinker, this is not the spot I would go for a beer. And just to be fair, since I didn't try the food and don't go very often, I will bump your review up to a two but i suggest you take the criticisms of yelp reviewers to heart and show some restraint on trying to defend yourself in the comments. It makes you look insecure. Just take the criticism and move on. I will NOT be trying your restaurant again simply because you made such a rude comment, Jack. I didn't discuss the decor or food because there was nothing to discuss. I came for beer, you gave me crap, end of story. Deal with it, Jack. read more

Me and my friend met up here after work on a Friday and had a few beers with chips, salsa & guacamole. Service was good as we we're checked on more than just a few times. The quacamole was fresh and I was impressed by how many salsa choices they had. It is a self serve salsa bar yet our waitress was very kind to refill our salsa for us. I'd like to go back again to have dinner or for more drinks & chit chat :) read more

El Rey Cantina - Having a cold one right after work - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

El Rey Cantina is the best new addition to Camarillo!!! The food is delicious and it's very reasonable. All the bartenders, managers, servers and owners are so friendly and the reason we keep coming back and love this place. This place has only been open for a couple of months and we go here at least twice (sometimes 3 or 4) times a week. Yes, it's that good. I keep changing my favorite items as everything is so good - at the moment my favorite thing to get is tacos - the halibut taco is so good - ask for the new Cabo taco that is shrimp with bacon - a-maz-ing!!! Get a side of refried beans too - so delish!! Nothing on this menu disappoints. My husband is addicted to the Al Pastor taco and regardless of whatever else he orders or how full he is he MUST have one each time he visits!! The tostada salad, the nachos, the whole chicken, the list goes on about what is good - which is everything. We have lived in Camarillo for 13 years and it is the first place we have thought of as our own 'Cheers' where everybody knows your name. Highly recommended and delicious!! read more

I would've given this place a 4 stars instead of the service wasn't so slow and somewhat rude. Me and my two coworkers came here during lunch. And yes I understand it was busy. And it was clear they were understaffed. There was one waitress for about 8 tables, but she was rude and almost seemed like she was avoiding us and wouldn't make eye contact so she wouldn't help us! She could've been taken this a lot better and just apologized and let us know "I'm sorry, we'll bring it over it over to you when it's ready." We had asked for chips, which she forgot, so we asked I think the cook? Who came out to help and he gave it to us right away, along with the habenero dip. He got us our food. And then I was running it if water and the lady had taken my cup and never returned with the refill! My coworker just went to the bartender and asked for water there. Overall, service was terrible, except for the gentleman who helped, he was on it. But the girl waitress was rude and forgetful. Good was great tho. Just don't go during lunch. They are too busy and will waste your time just waiting. read more

$3 for chips and no refills?! Was disappointed to see happy hour replaced by a Taco Tuesday full of rules. Bring back the old happy hour! Service was not great- kept having to flag down our waitress. The tacos were excellent. read more

Omg DO NOT EAT here! I can't tell you much about the drinks but don't eat the food. We all got food poisoning from tacos, quesadilla and enchiladas. Yuck! We were sick for days if not a week. We usually read yelp reviews before we go to a new restaurant but since el Rey looked so nice we just walked in on a random day. Not to mention that we practically didn't get much service from the waitress either. read more

Nice place for happy hour and tacos! They have also redone their salsa bar and have a variety of great choices from mild to spicy. Also have a great selection of tequilas to try read more

I want to preface I'm biased because I was racially discriminated and I've learned people have very different taste for mexican food compared to more southern Californians. Both times I came here I was forced by friends. First time it was very busy, and watched the bartender assist people down the line, look at me, roll his eyes, and assist the person next to me after waiting 10-15 minutes. I looked around and realized I was the only non-white person in this establishment, I walked away pissed. Then, 15 seconds later my friend got 6 drinks almost immediately. 2nd time I came I was literally dragged here even though I told my friends of the above situation guaranteeing me the food and drinks are worth it. After the 2nd visit I absolutely refuse to go near this place. I arrive on a much slower night and had a waitress assist us at a table. Service was ok, food was seriously 1/2 notch better than taco bell. Why anybody likes this mexican food is beyond me, especially since it's 10x more expensive than taco bell. I had the sangria, it was okay (I've made better sangria last minute throwing random fruits and juice in a large pitcher together) I had tacos, and the ground beef at taco bell is better because it actually has flavor. I wish I got drunk that night so I had a good reason to throw up. Last thing, I noticed on my first visit no one checked ID and I overheard some younger patrons on the phone saying to their friends "you don't need a fake id cause no one checks here, you won't have a problem I will just go buy us the drinks if your worried" Sounds like this place needs to have the cops shut this place down. I think I'll pass on drinking with illegal underage kids, racist bartenders and crappy overpriced food. read more

They have a very nice selection of top shelf tequilas but the bartender was drinking with his friends and they were so obnoxious we had to move. I've been here before when Dirty Rice was playing and this place was hip and packed. To bad we had a bad experience this Sat. read more

We just walked out after 15+ minutes of one acknowledgement (menu dropped off) and no drink order. We sat in the middle front facing high tables and the waitress and bartender had to look & walk by multiple times and we couldn't get any help. The cook came out and ordered stuff for a kid on their tablet, and I believe it maybe the manager or owner but she just stood around until waitress asked for help once and she dropped off one table of food and then stood in front of us talking to a customer that she knew and just walked in. We finally said enough is enough and walked out. Over the last two years this place has gone down hill, service gets worse (unless your a regular) and portions have gotten smaller. So sad because this used to be a great place. Now off to Spencer Mackenzie. read more

After checking into our hotel, we went to grab a bite at El Rey Cantina and boy does this place remind me of a college hangout. The food was decent and we had amazing wait service so we never had an empty glass. The atmosphere is noisy simply because it's a bar that serves plenty of alcohol. They did play a lot of 80's hair metal, which I thought was odd, but, when I saw the clientele at the table across from me, I was pretty sure one of them would have probably taken off her clothes in about an hour. They did have a DJ who started as we were leaving so there is plenty of fun, and shenanigans to be had. read more

My experience at this place can only be summed up in narrative form. I ordered a double vodka soda and the waitress asked me, "What kind of soda?" Now, I've never been asked this when ordering a vodka soda, so I was kind of shocked, so I responded, "Soda, like soda water, club soda.' While waiting for my drink the waitress brought salsa and chips. The salsa was, what I can only guess, ketchup-based. It was excessively sweet without the normal tang or spiciness that you would normally expect from a place named 'El Rey Cantina." Then a drink arrived. I say 'a drink' due to the fact that while I ordered a double vodka soda, I received a gin and tonic. I sent the drink back and reiterated that I had ordered a double vodka soda. About 5-10 minutes passed and the waitress came back with what I thought was my drink. I took one sip and it was evidently clear that I was drinking a single vodka TONIC (only to be verified by the check, which we quickly paid after one drink and left)! Seriously, how many times can you mess up the same drink order?! Also, with vodka ranging from $6.00 (well) - $11.00 (top shelf) per single shot, you would expect better. Also, this place tries so hard to be trendy and hip that it completely disregards the basics such as competent employees and a manager that cares. The ambiance is a douchey mid-life crisis dude/desperate cougar magnet. I don't know if the double snafu was the result of the wait staff or the bartender, but for the prices, I definitely expected better....MUCH BETTER. read more

Best food in Camarillo. If you want good tacos and great customer service this is the place to go. Try their nachos you get a ton of food for for a great price. CLEAN and affordable great family restaurant. read more

Great food and good crowd! The funky, ecclectic decor keeps your eyes on the alert! The food is great - I had a hamburger (add jalapenos) and fries and my husband ordered the carne asada burrito, wet with "white cream sauce??!" It was actually pretty tasty although I was in the burger kind of mood. The servers there were young blondes and obviously hired based on those qualities alone, but did the job. We went here for the first time to watch the UFC fights and the place filled up quick, so if you're planning on coming for the fights, I'd suggest you get there early! read more

This place is awesome! Please disregard the poor ratings from all these stuck up yelp snobs! Stopped by here on a Saturday night. Wasn't too crowded which was nice. Had an awesome cover band playing classics which I loved. I ordered a few beers and chips and salsa and just kicked back and enjoyed the vibe of this place. Real mellow laid back Mexican/Elvis theme (el Rey- king). Didn't order any real food but everything I saw looked really good. I'm a simple guy, I like a cold beer, some good chips and salsa and the live music made it that much better! Definitley coming back! read more

Went with friends to El Rey to try a new restaurant in Camarillo. The atmosphere is modern Elvis, the food is nothing to brag about, and appears to be a business focused on the alcoholic beverages. The evening was going fine until we received the bill. Everything was 1/2 off to our surprise. We paid the bill and continued to sit at the table to finish our drinks. When the waitress returned, we asked her for the price of a beer. She wasn't sure and thought it was between $3.50-$5.00. She said the prices changed due to Happy Hour. We asked her when Happy Hour was and she said she didn't know and guessed at times. The waitress left after concluding our converation and returned about 5 minutes later saying she messed up on our check and have given us everything at 1/2 off. She said she had gotten in trouble for it and we needed to pay the difference. She said she marked it 1/2 off because she thought our bill was too high and was incorrect. The manager or owner came to our table and asked us if it was "OK?". We told him it wasn't and he walked away leaving the waitress fumbling over words. We told the waitress how to correct the error since the check had already been closed out and payment was accepted. The manager/owner did not handle the situation properly and should have taken the loss or at least offered a discount for the inconvenience. I have no intentions or desire to go back to a business when the management won't take responsiblity for their employees errors. read more