Every town has a place where sometime around 4:00 in the afternoon, the mood shifts.
The sun softens, people wander off Atlantic Avenue and suddenly everyone seems to agree that life’s obligations can wait until tomorrow.
In Delray Beach, Florida that place is El Camino.
And if you have not discovered their happy hour yet, allow me to perform a small public service.
El Camino’s happy hour runs daily from 4-7pm, with a late-night encore at midnight for the nocturnal crowd.
The formula is dangerously effective:
• $3 tacos
• $6 margaritas
• $4 drafts
• $5 spirits
• ½-price wine by the glass
There are also the supporting actors that make the whole thing work: chips, salsa, quesadillas, and tacos.
The room buzzes. The bar fills with many waiting to hop into an empty seat as soon as the hot commodity is vacated.
No one ever just stops in for one.
El Camino describes its menu as Mexican soul food with authentic ingredients and modern flair, drawing inspiration from street-side cooking traditions.
El Camino is loud, colorful, and slightly chaotic in the best possible way, the culinary equivalent of a mariachi band strolling through your evening.
El Camino didn’t appear by accident.
The restaurant was created by hospitality partners Brandon Belluscio, Anthony Pizzo, and Brian Albe, the same team behind Delray favorites Cut 432 and Park Tavern.
In other words, these are people who understand something essential about restaurants that food matters, drinks matter and the energy of the room is vital.
The concept worked so well that El Camino has since expanded across South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Boca Raton.
Not bad for what began as a lively Mexican tequila bar tucked just off Atlantic Avenue.
For the grand total of $43, the other night we indulged in 3 fabulous margaritas ($6), 2 fresh fish tacos ($3), 1 delicious brisket quesadilla ($5), street corn ($7), kale salad ($5) with delectable polenta croutons, along with outstanding chips and salsa ($2).
Delray has many happy hours. Some are civilized. Some are scenic and some are highly mediocre.
El Camino is a little bit of a party with satisfying fare and stellar cocktails which is frankly, sometimes exactly what you need.
El Camino 15 NE 2nd Avenue Delray Beach, Florida. Open Daily 11am-2am. No reservations. Street parking.
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