I tried the new El Camino restaurant in the Highlands last night, and while I enjoyed the atmosphere and outside patio decor, the drinks were a bit too pricey (for me) and the menu left a lot to be desired. I liked the cup my drink came in — some kind of bourbon concoction with fruit juice — but it was very heavy on ice and wasn’t worth the $8 price tag. My friend wanted a Michelob Ultra to help wash the meal down, but the only domestic they offer in bottle is Coors Light, and it was a steep $4 (steep compared to the bars and restaurants around them). The cheapest beer on the menu? A can of Old Milwaukee for $3. Ack! And they have big punch-bowl drinks (like the one in the photo), but those start at $25.

I assume they’re going after the same feel and niche as Manny & Merle, and I love Silver Dollar, their sister restaurant, but I just didn’t get it. But it was crowded, lots of people were happily eating and sipping on drinks, and the interior and patio are worth checking out.