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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Restaurants in Walnut Creek
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Walnut Creek
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Walnut Creek
Best Late Night Tacos in Walnut Creek
Master Critic Review
Bar Camino
8.0
Modern Latin restaurant puts fresh twists on Mexican-Latin favorites with California influences, from skirt steak ranchero to refined king salmon with plantains. The reverse happy hour Thursday through Saturday from 8pm until close extends the evening with discounted drinks and snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Queso Fundido, Quesabirria Tacos, Enchiladas Suiza
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Reverse happy hour extends late-night dining with deals
Who should go: Groups, families, Mexican food lovers seeking elevated fare
When to visit: Thursday-Saturday 8pm-close for reverse happy hour
What to order: Queso fundido, quesabirria tacos, frozen margarita
Insider tip: Patio seating with blue umbrellas is the most vibrant spot
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Library garage next door on N Broadway offers convenient free parking, street metered parking also available on Broadway
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - the colorful patio vibe welcomes relaxed attire, jeans and sundresses fit perfectly
Noise level: Moderate - lively atmosphere especially on the patio, conversation flows easily, not overly loud
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation during prime hours, OpenTable reservations recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Los Hongos mushroom tacos, cheese enchiladas, vegetable fajitas, and multiple appetizers work well
Vegan options: Limited - guacamole, some salads can be modified, but cheese features heavily in most dishes
Gluten-free options: Moderate - corn tortilla dishes work, rice and beans safe, staff can guide through options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid casual date spot - the vibrant patio with blue umbrellas creates fun energy without being too loud, sharing queso and tacos breaks the ice naturally, and margaritas help conversation flow. Not romantic-fancy, but perfect for relaxed getting-to-know-you dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner usually accommodate walk-ins easily. Weekend evenings see 20-30 minute waits during peak hours. Patio fills first on nice days. OpenTable reservations are easy to snag and recommended for groups or specific times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual atmosphere welcomes families, tacos and quesadillas appeal to kids, and the spacious patio lets children have some room. The approachable Mexican-inspired menu has options for picky eaters. High chairs available.
What's the reverse happy hour? Thursday through Saturday from 8pm until close - discounted drinks and snack specials mirror the regular happy hour pricing. Perfect for post-dinner drinks or late-night bites without paying full price. One of the few late-night deals in downtown.
How does this compare to traditional Mexican spots? Elevated and California-influenced rather than traditional - expect refined presentations, quality ingredients, and creative twists like the pambazo or king salmon with plantains. Not a cheap taqueria, but not trying to be. Think modern Latin bistro with Mexican roots.
Best For
Better for: Best outdoor patio scene for Mexican-Latin food in downtown - the blue umbrella setup and vibrant energy beat competitors. Reverse happy hour is unique for late-night value. Better for groups than intimate dates.
Skip if: You want traditional, no-frills Mexican at taqueria prices - this is elevated and priced accordingly. For authentic Cuban go to Havana, for Caribbean vibes try LITA, for cheaper late-night eats grab Slice House pizza instead.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 8:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 8:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 8:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 8:30pm
Friday11:30am - 9:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 9:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 8:30pm