I brought a friend here from out of town and had the most bizarre experience. Maybe it was a bad day for the staff, but the experience got worse and worse throughout the 2 hour experience. We started by asking if the NFL game could be turned on to one of the tvs. The greeter told us no and that we should leave and go to a sports bar if that is what we want. We explained that it was okay that we were just here to get some food. I ordered food and the person taking my order was not polite or helpful or friendly. He wouldn't even look at me. I asked how I would know when my food is up and he said they would call my name. I wasn't sure how he knew what that would be since he never asked. We grabbed some drinks and went outside on the patio. The bar staff was nice. After waiting for about 1 hour, I decided to go check on the food. I checked with the guy I ordered from to make sure I didn't miss my name being called. Without looking up or anything he said no you didn't. I told him that I never gave my name so I wanted to make sure they had it and I said it's under Crystal and he said they had it. I went back outside with my friends. After another 30-45 mins we saw people come out to the patio with food. We asked them how long it took and they said 15 mins. We were so confused. My friend went back up to the counter and they never made our food or had our ticket. We said we still wanted the food and they started making it. When I went up to get the food, I asked if I could see the ticket and a girl in the kitchen asked why and I told her because I wanted to see who all cooked or was responsible for the mishap. She said that if I wanted fast food that I should go to burger king. I wasn't being rude to her and she then proceeded to say that maybe if I tipped that I would have gotten my food in the first place. I told her that I did tip $5 and I was the only one that had put money in the jar at this time. She started cussing me out and telling me to just leave and f' me. I was shocked at how she was speaking to me and was very confused on why I was being treated this way. I walked back outside with our food still in shock and sat down and felt very comfortable eating the food after that encounter. I took the food back to the counter and tried to explain that I wasn't comfortable eating this food after that interaction. She continued to swear at me and call me names and such. My friend went to talk to the manager and the manager didn't even want to hear the story of what happened and said that he will just comp it because that's the only thing he can do that will make us happy. That couldn't have been farther from the truth. We just wanted someone to acknowledge that whatever was going on was not okay. I walked back to the patio to get my card for him to refund me for the food and the same girl from the kitchen came up behind me in the hallway and yelled bye to me. I felt attacked. I didn't feel safe. I felt unheard and unwelcome. My friends and I have all worked in the service industry and are very patient and understanding. We tip well and treat the staff with respect. Almost every staff person we encountered was short tempered, uninviting, unfriendly, and unhelpful. I am absolutely mind blown on this experience and absolutely amazed that this place has over 4 stars. Maybe it was a perfect storm that day with the staff but I never plan on taking any future out of town visitors there. You are embarrassing Austin and the...
Read moreCasino El Camino is one of those Austin staples that has survived the gentrification of 6th Street with a cigarette in one hand and a burger in the other. Celebrating 30 years of serving up pure unfiltered grunge, this place is a shrine to everything you loved about your angsty youth—if you can still remember it.
First off, the courtyard. Don’t skip it. Picture a Mayan death cult's temple, but with that unmistakable Scooby Doo 90s vibe—like you're about to be sacrificed, but also offered a last meal so good, you’d accept the deal. The black textured walls and weird alt-Goth decor inside make you feel like you're at a Bauhaus reunion show in 1997, except the sound system is exclusively dedicated to the best jukebox in town. Yeah, it’s that good—if your music taste spans American rock, punk, and anything that would’ve soundtracked a rebellious mix tape from your moody adolescence.
Now, let’s talk burgers. These things are massive. I'm talking medium-rare by default because they know what they're doing. And if you request well-done, just know that somewhere, the ghost of Anthony Bourdain is shaking its head in disappointment. The buns are fresh with a slight sweetness that balances the burger perfectly. Feeling fancy? Upgrade to the jalapeño cheddar bun—it’s like adding a guitar solo to your meal. And don’t even get me started on the wings. They're the closest thing you’ll find to real Buffalo Wings in this city, without this Casino you'd have to take a flight back to Western New York to find a proper pairing for your Labatt Blue.
The staff? Aggressively blasé. Look, they don’t care about you. But that’s the charm. They serve you with the kind of “I’ve seen some sh*t” attitude that’s all too familiar if you used to be an edgelord in your 20s. It’s a kind of aloofness that might’ve gotten you laid back then but now just makes you seem tired. Still, they know you're there for the food, and no one’s pretending to be your best friend while they’re still working off last night’s hangover. Frankly, I respect it.
Rumor has it Casino El Camino is owned by the same person who ran Buffalo’s notorious dive, The Old Pink (RIP), which just burned down. Whether that's true or just the stuff of urban legend, the vibe here is authentic, in the way that makes you appreciate the grit and grime of the real deal. You can't fake this level of not-giving-a-damn, and frankly, why would you want to?
If you're a Gen Xer or a cusp millennial who spent your youth skulking around dark bars and listening to B-sides so you could prove your hipster chops, you’ll find a weird kind of nostalgia here. It’s a place where time doesn’t really exist, except for the burgers that arrive perfectly on schedule, every time. Honestly, I can’t recommend this place enough.
You’re not going for the service; you’re going for a meal that could make you believe in something again, even if that something is just the pure, unadulterated joy of eating a burger bigger...
Read moreI recently had the absolute pleasure of visiting Casino El Camino, an iconic punk rock bar located on Austin's vibrant Sixth Street. Let me tell you, this place blew my mind and left me craving for more! From the moment I stepped inside, I was immersed in the energetic atmosphere, accompanied by some seriously cool tunes that transported me back to the golden era of punk rock.
The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the Spicy Bloody Mary. As a connoisseur of this classic cocktail, I can confidently say that the Bloody Mary at Casino El Camino is a force to be reckoned with. The perfect balance of tanginess, spice, and just the right amount of kick made it an unforgettable drink. It was as if my taste buds were dancing to the beat of the music, and I found myself savoring every sip.
Now, let's talk about the food. The Blue Cheese Burger at Casino El Camino is hands down one of the best burgers I have ever sunk my teeth into. The juicy, flavorful patty combined with the creamy blue cheese and a medley of toppings created a symphony of flavors that left me speechless. Each bite was a delightful explosion of taste, and the burger was perfectly cooked to my liking. It was an absolute masterpiece.
To accompany my burger, I opted for the Chili Fries, and boy, was I in for a treat! The fries were perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the rich and hearty chili generously smothered on top took them to a whole new level. The combination of textures and flavors was simply divine, making these chili fries an addictive indulgence that I couldn't get enough of.
Aside from the outstanding food and drink, the staff at Casino El Camino were friendly, attentive, and exuded a genuine passion for what they do. Their enthusiasm added an extra layer of enjoyment to my experience, and they were more than happy to recommend their personal favorites from the menu.
As a punk rock enthusiast, Casino El Camino felt like a second home to me. The eclectic decor, punk memorabilia, and live music created an authentic ambiance that celebrated the rebellious spirit of the genre. The dimly lit atmosphere further enhanced the overall experience, making it a true haven for music lovers and those seeking a unique, edgy vibe.
In conclusion, my visit to Casino El Camino was an unforgettable journey into the heart of punk rock culture, fueled by the most incredible Spicy Bloody Mary, the tantalizing Blue Cheese Burger, and the mouthwatering Chili Fries. From the moment I stepped through the doors until the moment I left, I was captivated by the exceptional food, the electric atmosphere, and the passionate staff. If you're in Austin and crave a one-of-a-kind punk rock experience with fantastic food and drinks, Casino El Camino is an absolute must-visit. Prepare to have your taste buds and...
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