When it comes to finding traditional Mexican cuisine Downriver, Camino Real Mexican Grill, located at 3851 Fort Street, is as authentic as it gets.

Owner Alfonso Lopez has been an entrepreneur at heart all his life. At 14 years old he started working in Mexico with little businesses here and there. Over the years, from Mexico to Michigan, there have been good times and bad times and ups and downs, but southeast Michigan is where his restaurant business really took off.

“If I were to tell the whole story, it might be a little complicated,” Lopez laughed.

Lopez opened the doors of Camino Real’s first location in Detroit in the spring of 2008. The first restaurant was a two-story house and garage that was later converted into a beloved restaurant with a seating capacity of 180, in addition to a small banquet area.

Camino Real expanded in 2014, when Lopez purchased the current Wyandotte location, revamping the outdated restaurant he bought into a family-friendly, traditional Mexican restaurant in the heart of Downriver.

While the two restaurants were running simultaneously for several years, when COVID hit Lopez decided it was time to close his first location in Detroit and focus on the Wyandotte restaurant, which has been more successful than ever.

Aside from his mission to bring great tasting and high-quality Mexican cuisine and great service to the community, Lopez is determined to keep true Mexican culture alive in his restaurant.

Each year, Lopez returns to his hometown in Mexico for inspiration and ideas to keep Camino Real as current and authentic as possible.

“At different times of the year they have these parties in our hometown, and he looks around at the drinks, the plates and the food for inspiration and ideas to add to our menu,” Lopez’s daughter said. “Most of our drinks are inspired by drinks in Mexico.”

The whole Lopez family has a part to play in the family-oriented business. Lopez’s wife and children work in the restaurant and help make sure everything runs smoothly.

Lopez said he is trying his best to provide a great experience for all, and both customer and employee satisfaction are some of his top priorities.

“He tries to keep the workers happy so they can keep customers happy,” his daughter said. “We really try our best to give out great service and great quality food and keep the culture alive.”

Camino Real opens daily at 11 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Their large menu has something for everyone. Mexican breakfast favorites like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles are served until 2 p.m. The main menu consists of specialties like fajitas, burritos, quesabirria, street tacos with nine types of meat to choose from and so much more. Desserts include homemade classics like pastel tres leches and flan. A full drink menu and catering are also available.

To view the full menu or for more information, visit www.restaurantcaminoreal.com or call (734) 258-8790.