Casino El Camino

04/07/2008 Posted by nicola74

Definitely some of the best burgers in town, possibly _the_ best. If you're looking for a typical restaurant atmosphere with sports memorabilia and alligators with sunglasses hanging on the wall, then this is not the place for you. It's a bar - a real bar that leans toward the dive-y side of things, but that's why I love it. Yes, you will have to wait a while for your burger, but it's worth it. And the chefs aren't as surly as everyone one here makes them out to be. The wait staff is attentive and helpful ('Need some ketchup? Here you go!') - I've never encountered any snottiness, rudeness or disregard for clients from them. And yes, they do have the best juke box in town. They only get four stars as opposed to five because finding seating can be a real pain (especially if you're in a group), and I would rather eat and drink while seated. But overall, one of my favorite watering holes and hamburger joints in town.

03/29/2008 Posted by elloco76

I've been on a burger rampage in Austin trying to find the best patty in town. Naturally, I had to visit this dark, gothic, truly Austin institution. The experience was memorable and I tried to take in everything from the dank, gloomy interior, the chef with the 'tude, and the large patties. But the burger itself was lackluster, dry and not really worth the half-an-hour wait. It was worth trying once, but I dont think I'll be back.

Pros: Truly Austin

Cons: Burger was overhyped

06/18/2007 Posted by kayanaustin

Casino El Camino's burgers are among the tastiest in Austin. A thick, juicy patty big enough to soak up all the liquor you've been swilling and hand cut crispy fries on the side, what more can you ask for? Sure the bar is dark and the bartenders are sorta scary lookin' dudes, but the a/c works great, the beer's cold and dim lighting is more complimentary, right? The kitchen staff lost their sense of humor sometime back in the 90's but that's okay, as long as they keep cooking. Order fast and remember it's CASH only at the kitchen. Be prepared for a wait from 30 minutes to an hour on weekend evenings. It's worth it, though. Some of my favorites are the buffalo burger and the Amarillo burger but everything, including the vegetarian sandwich is great. Mmmmmm!

Pros: Cold beer, crankin' a/c & fantastic burgers!

Cons: Dim lighting, can be a long wait for food---but worth the time.

04/16/2007 Posted by macscruff

This place has a nice patio, but forget trying to eat here. The bar smells awful, urine and mold odors are abundant inside. I waited an hour and half for a burger, it started out large as I saw them cooking. It ended up tiny, hard and dry. I ate 2 bites and had to go to a fast food joint to actually eat. The hostess was an absolute moron, I had a tab going and at times she charged that other times asked me for cash. The problem here is you cannot order from the hostess, you have to stand in a window outside the restrrom and order. Then keep going back to see if your food is done. It seems the managers really dont care if you eat or not. The bar is busy enough I suppose they dont have to consider the food. I will not go back, I wasted my time and more than enough money here.

Pros: good location, cute patio

Cons: dry overcooked burgers, trying to order food, stressed and ignorant hostess

03/28/2007 Posted by cfromcanada

...The Buffalo Burger - I still fantasize about it. We're in Austin once a year and it's one stop we have to make!

08/15/2006 Posted by btm01

I love this place. It's been said a million times, but the jukebox really does have the highest-quality selection in town. The gothic ambiance of this place is great; it's often loud, but you also have the option of stepping out on the much quieter back porch if you choose. It's great back there when it's not too hot outside. Drink selection is good and the bartenders are fast and friendly. Now to the food: This place serves the best burgers I have ever had. Austin has more than its fair share of good burger joints, but this place beats them all, and puts most of them to shame. Sure, the service is surly, but that's part of the charm. Know what you want when you get up there and pay in cash or the cook might growl at you. And your burger WILL be medium rare unless you specify otherwise, so those of you who have a problem with that: just make sure you ask for it to be cooked longer up front. The fries are hand-cut right before your very eyes, thrown directly into the fryer, and usually cooked perfectly. You will not find fresher fries anywhere in Austin.

06/16/2006 Posted by austinlvr

Without a doubt, Casino has the best burger I've ever tasted. Be prepared to wait 20-25 minutes, even on a slow night. The bartenders are fast and friendly and drink prices are very reasonable. Unfortunately all of the positive things about this place are overshadowed by the cocky attitude of the door guy and the cooks soup nazi behavior. When you order your burger make as little eye contact as possible. And do NOT try to make small talk with the cooks...or you could hear "No burger for you! Next!".

Pros: Best burgers and french fries in town, prices

Cons: Bad attitudes from door people and cooks

05/23/2006 Posted by j_cherepon

I heard from several people in Austin that this is sort of a retired punk bar. Walking through the doors seemed anything but. The jukebox (which had a great selection) was blaring, people were singing along with the lyrics loud and happily, food was constantly being put down on the service area, bartenders and servers where running around, working hard, and even finding time to chat with a customer here and there, all with a smile on their face's. The atmosphere was loud and fun. The burgers were enormous, filling, fun, and most of all tasty. The rest of the menu was filled with great food to fill your stomach as well. The menu was very informative with descriptions of the food, but straight to the point as well. This is definately a bar where many people can hold their beer. So, grab a mug and join in the fun!

Pros: Well priced, Fun atmosphere, Social Crowd

Cons: Hardly any parking, The wait on the food, stuffy at times

12/24/2005 Posted by elliahc

If you're looking for an amazing burger, go here. I recommend the Amarillo burger. Hot and yummy.

09/20/2005 Posted by kcub

ordered a burger, was told to come back in 20-25 minutes came back in 20 minutes to check they said the order never got in and it would be 45 minutes to an hour more I said "You told me 20-25 minutes". They said "Do you want your money back?". I said sure. No apology, did absolutely nothing to make it right.

Cons: no service