Campo Verde: The Best Crazy Mexican Food in Arlington
To say that Campo Verde has a festive atmosphere is putting it mildly. Near the intersection of Bowen and Pioneer Parkway (the address is 2918 W. Pioneer Parkway), the restaurant is tucked in the back corner of a little strip of shops. It's a little drab in that part of town, but Campo Verde tends to stand out.
The inside is decked out with Christmas lights (excessivesly, and yes, it's year-round) left over from a Christmas lights competition years ago. The lights illuminate a restaurant full of antiques, Texas-themed decorating, various odds and ends (how about giant electric palm trees?), and a decent-sized electric train that makes its way around the entire restaurant. What could almost be tacky kitsch is pulled off beautifully. Campo Verde has an amazing atmosphere and lends itself to parties, families, or even a romantic (fun) evening.
The food stands up the challenge of being as good as the setting. Standard fare brought to your table includes chips (seasoned!), salsa, *and* queso. And, as a little hint, if you ask for tortillas, they'll bring those, too (highly recommended for queso-dipping). This place has an incredible happy hour, but even when it's regular price, the tasty margaritas are highly affordable--as is the rest of the alcohol. The appetizers are worth it--watch out for the nachos: a half order is 3, the regular is 6, but there's a reason for that. They're huge. The entrees are plentiful and delicious (over ten combo platters and heaping helpings at that); there are even some obscure tastes (for a slightly heftier price tag) at your finger tips. (Would you like to try elk or rattlesnake? The time of year may be important, though--the last time I tried to order rattlesnake they were out. I guess it wasn't their season). But for the most part, depending on how much you order, you could get out for anywhere from $10--20 per person. Two people usually bring in a tab under $30.
Overall, the very unique atmosphere is worth the trip, but the bonus of the food being filling, satisfying and affordable is more than enough reason to go back again and again. Campo Verde has been in Arlington for over twenty years and is an essential staple of the city. If you bring a large group, call 817-275-7003 for reservations. Needless to say, it's a busy place.
