Camino Real Mexican Restaurant in South Carolina — What to Expect

What Camino Real Offers

Camino Real is a sit-down Mexican restaurant where you order at the table and the kitchen prepares food to order rather than serving from a steam line. The menu centers on traditional Mexican dishes — enchiladas, chiles rellenos, carne asada, and seafood preparations — alongside Tex-Mex standards like fajitas and combination plates. Most locations also serve breakfast, typically featuring chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and breakfast burritos.

The restaurant operates multiple locations across South Carolina, each with its own hours and menu variations. Camino Real is a family-owned chain that has operated in the state for decades, and the dining experience tends to be casual and straightforward — a neighborhood spot rather than fine dining. Prices fall in the moderate range, with most entrees between $12 and $18.

Key Takeaways

• Camino Real serves traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex food cooked to order, not from a warming station, which means dishes take longer but arrive fresher.
• Most locations open for breakfast and serve throughout the day, so you can order chilaquiles at 9 a.m. or enchiladas at 6 p.m.
• The restaurant has multiple South Carolina locations, each with slightly different hours and menu options, so check the specific location before you go.
• Margaritas and Mexican beer are standard offerings, and many locations have a full bar.

Where to Find Camino Real Locations

Camino Real operates in several South Carolina cities, with the largest concentration in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. The chain has locations in Columbia, Charleston, and surrounding areas, though the exact number of restaurants changes over time as locations open and close. Each restaurant operates independently in some respects, meaning menu items and pricing can vary slightly between locations.

Before heading out, search for "Camino Real Mexican Restaurant" plus your city name to confirm the location is still open and to find the current address and phone number. Google Maps and the restaurant's social media pages often have the most up-to-date hours, which can shift seasonally or due to staffing changes. Calling ahead is the safest way to confirm they are open, especially on holidays or during off-peak hours.

What the Menu Typically Includes

The core menu at most Camino Real locations features enchiladas — usually offered in red, green, or mole sauce with your choice of chicken, beef, or cheese filling. Chiles rellenos, a poblano pepper stuffed with cheese and topped with egg and sauce, is another signature dish. Seafood options often include shrimp ceviche, fish tacos, and shrimp enchiladas, reflecting the restaurant's Lowcountry locations.

Fajitas come sizzling to the table with grilled peppers and onions, and you build your own tacos or burritos from the hot plate. Combination plates bundle several items — typically an enchilada, a chile relleno, a taco, and rice and beans — at a fixed price, making them a good value if you want variety. Breakfast menus include chilaquiles (fried tortilla chips with sauce, cheese, and eggs), huevos rancheros, and breakfast burritos filled with chorizo, potatoes, and eggs.

Dining Experience and Atmosphere

Camino Real is designed for casual dining with family or friends. Tables are set with cloth napkins and water glasses, and servers take your order at the table rather than at a counter. The pace is relaxed — expect 15 to 20 minutes for most entrees to arrive, longer during peak dinner hours. The atmosphere is typically warm and family-oriented, with families with children, groups of coworkers, and couples all common sights.

Noise levels are moderate, making conversation easy. Decor tends toward traditional Mexican touches — painted tiles, folk art, and warm colors — without being overly themed or kitschy. Most locations have a bar area where you can sit and order drinks and appetizers if you prefer not to take a full table.

Beverages and Bar Service

Margaritas are the signature drink at most Camino Real locations, typically made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, served on the rocks or frozen. Mexican beer — Corona, Modelo, Pacifico — is widely available, and many locations stock a selection of tequilas for sipping or mixing. Soft drinks, agua fresca (a traditional Mexican drink made with fruit or rice), and Mexican hot chocolate are also common.

Full bar service varies by location. Some Camino Real restaurants have a dedicated bar with a full liquor license, while others may have limited beer and wine service. Call ahead if you are planning to order a specific drink or want to know whether the location has a full bar.

Pricing and Payment

Most entrees at Camino Real fall between $12 and $18, with combination plates on the lower end and seafood dishes on the higher end. Appetizers like guacamole, queso fundido (melted cheese dip), and ceviche typically run $6 to $10. Breakfast is usually the least expensive meal, with most items under $12.

All locations accept cash and major credit cards. Some accept digital payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay, though this varies by location. Tipping is customary — 15 to 20 percent is standard for table service. Many locations offer takeout and delivery through third-party apps, though ordering directly by phone or in person often avoids delivery fees.

Planning Your Visit

Lunch service typically runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., though hours vary by location and day of the week. Breakfast service, where offered, usually starts at 7 or 8 a.m. Weekday lunch is generally quieter than dinner, and weekends are busiest from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you want to avoid a wait, arriving before 5:30 p.m. on a weekday is your best bet.

Reservations are not typically required or taken at Camino Real — it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of six or more should call ahead to give the kitchen a heads-up, though you may still wait for a table. The restaurant is generally accessible to people with mobility concerns, though you should call the specific location to confirm parking and entrance accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Camino Real operates on a walk-in basis, and you are seated as tables become available. During peak dinner hours on weekends, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes. Calling ahead with a large group (six or more) gives the kitchen notice but does not may provide a table.

Can I order takeout or delivery?

Yes. Most locations accept phone orders for takeout, and many are available through delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Ordering directly by phone often costs less because you avoid app fees. Ask about any minimum order requirements for delivery.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Cheese enchiladas, chiles rellenos with cheese filling, bean burritos, and vegetable fajitas are standard. Tell your server you are vegetarian, and they can confirm which dishes are made without meat or meat-based broth.

What if I have a food allergy?

Inform your server immediately about any allergies. Most dishes contain common allergens like dairy, nuts, or seafood. The kitchen can modify some dishes, but cross-contamination is possible in any restaurant kitchen. If you have a severe allergy, call ahead to discuss options with a manager.

Is there a kids menu?

Most Camino Real locations offer a children's menu with smaller portions of popular dishes like cheese quesadillas, chicken enchiladas, and tacos, typically priced $6 to $9. Ask your server for the kids menu when you sit down.