El Caporal Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Camdenton

First time here at El Caporal. Fantastic find! We will be back!!!

I ordered the Caporal Fajitas, awesome dish (shrimp, chicken, chorizo, asada). The chorizo was very tasty, and not at all greasy. The veggies were well seasoned, the shrimp were plump and juicy. Our server Antonio, was very attentive without hovering. We arrived before 3, but my fiancé had an important phone call and wasn’t off the phone until after 3. They still allowed us to order off the lunch menu. The prices are very reasonable and the portions don’t leave you hungry!

It’s a very pleasant environment, the employees seem to like working here, everyone has a smile! 😁 The background music is pleasant but not too loud. The special margaritas are awesome ($5.99 for a double!), everything was clean (floor and table, silverware and no dust on the decorations), it’s obvious that the employees care about their work environment. If there was one minor negative it’s that the refried beans need a pinch more salt. In case anyone has read my other reviews of eateries here at The Lake, I’m not all harsh criticism, effort and attitude go a long way in making a dining experience...

Never again. My family and I have been going there since the week they opened. Some weeks, more than once. We always had great service and great food. The food has been hit and miss the last few years but last night was the last straw. We went in with a party of 11 (not uncommon for us) and one member of our party was taking a little bit to figure out what she wanted to eat. Instead of walking away, our server stood over her and practically yelled at her to hurry up and order something. She asked if somethign was spicy and he said "No, nothing spicy, you need to hurry up and order." Secondly, Taco Salad was the special for $7.99, I ordered one but with steak. I knew there would be an upcharge but when we got our bill the upcharge ended up being $5.00 for 3 little pieces of steak and a basically a bowl of bell peppers. The food was terrible, the server was rude, and our family will stop going to what was once a great restaurant...

Completely disappointed! 7 years ago when I found this gem I was blown away... but after years of good food it has all changed. I brought 6 family members here, 2 years since the last time and I was embarrassed the food was absolutely terrible. The only thing halfway good were the tamales. Instead of shredded beef they use ground beef. Not sure if they have new cooks or the old chef gave up on life but the cook should be fired or the restruant should close it's doors to spare the public from the horror of eating this food. Some highlights: Chile Verde sauce is runny water and cilantro with no tapatillo, Chile Reno undercooked with a moldy pepper and the wrong type of cheese, other food was overcooked and devoid of flavor. It is sad to see a business failing after so many good years...