Eagle Rock Staple Camilo’s Bistro Closes After 18 Years on Colorado Blvd

Big-time Eastside brunch favorite Camilo’s California Bistro has decided to close its doors for good, ending a run that lasted nearly two decades in Eagle Rock.

Camilo’s was never the flashiest place, operating instead on a consistent local customer base fond of swinging through often for throwback staples like ceviche in a martini glass, spring salads with pecans and gorgonzola, and lots of baked chicken. Brunch was overwhelmingly a favorite amongst Camilo’s fans, but now it seems the restaurant has served its final spinach and mushroom omelette.

After reaching out to ask about word on the closure, owners from the 18-year-old Camilo’s sent the following note back to Eater:

CAMILO’S Bistro has decided to close it’s doors. After 18 years in our community, we have come to the point of letting our beloved bistro go. We have nothing but wonderful memories in our second home...

Unfortunately, good things come to an end. In the past few years, with all the operating costs rising, personal illness and complications, and the decline of business income, we are forced to close. This decision is beyond emotionally hard, especially knowing we truly loved what we did and gave it our all, to keep our doors open. As many of our fellow business owners know, who love their business as much as we did, you hold on, until you are all out of options and you just can’t operate anymore and realize your business debt is just rising. Therefore, at this time, we will reorganize our lives and look forward to what the next chapter may bring.

Ownership certainly is right that things are changing in Eagle Rock and nearby neighborhoods like Highland Park. A slew of new arcade bars are moving in, the Auntie Em’s space is getting new life thanks to the folks from Nick’s Cafe, and in general the entire Colorado Boulevard stretch is undergoing a massive shift. The result is a bunch of new businesses for the area’s emerging locals to enjoy, though that does often come at the cost of places like the 18-year-old Camilo’s Bistro.

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