30 Years of Mexican Food in Fremont, Seattle

El Camino is a neighborhood Mexican restaurant in the heart of Fremont, Seattle. Since opening in fall 1996, El Camino has brought people together over homemade Mexican food, top notch margaritas, and a colorful atmosphere that creates a welcoming feeling!

Located at the corner of North 35th Street and Evanston Avenue, El Camino has grown alongside the Fremont community for three decades. Our menu celebrates the vibrant flavors of Oaxaca and southern Mexico, with dishes inspired by family recipes and a passion for sharing great food with the people around our table.

Meet the People Behind El Camino

What makes El Camino special goes beyond the food! It’s the people who have helped shape this restaurant, the regulars who keep coming back, and the team that continues to bring its spirit to life.

From El Camino Employees to Co-Owners

For co-owners Rob and Paige, El Camino is more than a restaurant. It’s where their story together began.

Rob and Paige first met while working at El Camino, before becoming a couple. In December 2015, they purchased the restaurant from their former boss, taking on the opportunity to care for a place that had already played such a meaningful role in both of their lives.

Having experienced El Camino from the inside, Rob and Paige understood just how much this restaurant meant to its staff, regulars, and the Fremont community. When they took over ownership, their mission was simple: honor the restaurant’s history and keep the magic of El Camino alive.

They knew they couldn’t do it alone! Chef Arturo Perez and Alfredo Medina are at the heart of what makes El Camino special, bringing the food, creativity, and soul that has shaped the restaurant for decades.

Chef Arturo

Chef Arturo is behind creating the flavors of El Camino’s Mexican cuisine. He joined the restaurant as a line cook in 2002 and became head chef in 2013, bringing with him an incredible palate and a deep appreciation for the flavors he grew up enjoying with his family in Michoacán, Mexico.

Those family cooking traditions continue to influence the menu at El Camino, where regional Mexican flavors meet a welcoming Seattle dining experience. From rich, homemade moles and vibrant salsas to thoughtfully prepared entrees, the food reflects the importance of cooking with care, honoring tradition, and sharing recipes that bring people together.

Arturo’s journey from line cook to chef is part of El Camino’s story. His experience, creativity, and connection to his family’s cooking have helped shape the restaurant’s food over the years.

Alfredo Medina

If you’ve spent time at El Camino, there’s a good chance you know Alfredo Medina. Alfredo joined the management team in 1999 and has become one of the restaurant’s most beloved faces. He’s known and loved by staff and regulars alike, helping create the kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel at home.

Alfredo’s impact extends well beyond hospitality. He’s also the creative mind behind El Camino’s distinctive decor, bringing personality, color, and a little bit of magic to the restaurant’s atmosphere. From the details that catch your eye to the ambience that makes El Camino feel magical, Alfredo helps create an experience that’s about more than just a meal.

His creativity and care are woven into the restaurant’s identity, making him an essential part of the El Camino family.