El Tecolote Restaurant

My mom and her art club in high school in the 1960s would by 5 cent tacos for 25 cents to raise money for school. I was recently in town and got to visit again. Still so so good! Best local Mexican In town!

I have been coming here since I was 5 years old. Food is always good. I haven't had anything on the menu I didn't like. I think they Excell at their Carnitas. It's excellent.

Been coming here since I moved to California in 2008. To summarize:
1. Great authentic food
2. Casual atmosphere, locals kind of place
3. Vintage vibe, the building looks like it was built in the 50’s.

The staff is always so friendly and nice. You feel like you are visiting a small family restaurant. It isn’t too loud at all. There are TV’s sprinkled around but not overkill like a sports bar.

The food is always fresh. The pork carnitas is one of my favorite dishes and is featured in my video/photos.

The building makes you feel like you walked back in time to the 1950’s. Block building always featuring fresh paint. Steel gridded windows. Warm amber lighting with old world Spanish style steel fixtures.

You won’t leave hungry or dissatisfied after visiting El Tecolote! 👍😊

A great, old school family Mexican restaurant. I love that it's been in the same place since the middle of the last century and they're serving up recipes that have been around since they opened. I went with a classic number 1 combo and enjoyed every bite. The chips are thick, crisp, and tasty too, so enjoy!

Food: done exactly as requested. Every bite was delicious. We have ordered before but dining in was a much better experience. 😌 you owe it to yourself to dine in!
Service: not too busy early afternoon there was sufficient staff to tend all the tables. The staff helped each other out, picking up tables of dirty dishes and pouring drink refills. Shows teamwork!
Atmosphere: clean, ambient lighting and sound of music were just right. The cutlery was spotless. And tables 😌 were very clean. (No one swept during our meals nor sprayed other tables while we were eating) keep up the great work! Oh! and the reason for the 5 stars. All wait staff had short natural nails and hair was nearly combed back!!

Excellent food! Complimentary, delicious freshly made chips and salsa brought to table. Margaritas were magnificent and in generous sized glasses! Great service.

I’ve been going to this place for years but it’s been a while. The food is as good as it was 20 years ago and tastes good. The prices have really gone up with the service is good and they have a very good salsa.

This truck Stop restaurant is one of the best Mexican places around. It's an old converted house that serves authentic homemade recipes. The place accommodates a lot of people, handicap accessible, restrooms, bar, indoor/outdoor seating and to go orders accepted. Birthdays are celebrated with a sombrero hat, desert, and singing from the crew. Wonderful experience, great service, and delicious food no matter what I choose to eat!

Classic Mexican dishes. Big portions. Never had a bad meal there. Usually about $20-25 a head before drinks

I really like their beef hard tacos. The restaurant is like taking a step back in time. Plenty of parking. Local legend.

Food was awesome 65 yrs ago.
Service was always terrific.
Atmosphere was Traditional
I can rember the original owner Mike very personal with the guests. He would come out a great me and my mother and father .
,

Although I don't get to this part of Camarillo often, it's definitely worth a visit. I've eaten here through the years and I've never been disappointed. The atmosphere is charming, it's dated but I feel that is what makes it feel cozy. The staff are attentive and never far off if you need a refill or any other request. The menu has many choices, but I chose a dish from my childhood; Chorizo con huevos (eggs). I like to top mine with spoonfuls of their spicy salsa. I chose flour tortillas over corn. What a nice lunch!

We have been enjoying food here for over 40 years. The food is excellent and the only thing that would make it better is if Mike Loza was still serving us. RIP Mike.

Good food. Great service but the restaurant itself is in need off a face lift.

One of the best Old School Mexican Restaurants that's made a comeback. One step inside and you can smell that Manteca that brings back memories of it's original founder Mike Loza. The decor may be old, but that's how it was when we were kids and if you're bored with chain restaurants, this old styled eatery is just the fix. Their tacos are some of the best and their flautas can't be beat! All in all, places like El Tecolote are both cultural and culinary gems that will take you back to the early days of Camarillo. Great place for lunch or nostalgic tastes of yesteryear. We'll be back, again and again!

Love this place. Been coming for years. Great Monterey chicken enchiladas and good service!

Grew up in Camarillo and El Tecolote was a favorite place to eat great food at reasonable prices. Met up with some HS friends I hadn't seen in awhile to enjoy great food, margaritas and catch up. Enjoyable get together.

The food is really delicious. I love the chorizo bean dip and the Chile Verde very yummy

Excellent Service, the food and booze we ordered was all yummy

My hubby and I had low expectations for this 70 year old restaurant, only to be pleasantly surprised. The food (red chili verde? Who knew?) was outstandingly delicious. Hubby had the chef’s special chicken tacos and had so much delectable food, he had it for dinner!