In October 2015, a bar and restaurant called Camino opened at 434 S. 2nd St. in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood. Since then, Camino added a West Allis location, its menu experienced its fair share of changes, specials came and went, and—as is the natural course for pretty much every restaurant these last 10 years—prices gradually increased as a result of inflation and rising food costs. However, one weekly special has stayed miraculously consistent for the entirety of Camino’s existence.
Camino’s $5 Monday Burger Special could arguably be considered Milwaukee’s version of Costco’s $1.50 hot dog and soda meal deal or the unflappable 99-cent price that’s still emblazoned on cans of Arizona Iced Tea. Despite being introduced during the Obama administration, despite rising costs of…everything involved with restaurant ownership, and despite many fast food burgers currently being sold for a higher price, this Milwaukee bar with a comfort food focus has held pat on its patty price each and every Monday.
If you’re unfamiliar with this special, here’s the long and short of it. Every Monday from Camino’s 11 a.m. open until 11 p.m. (or 10 p.m. in West Allis), both locations offer cheeseburgers for just $5. The burgers consist of an 8-ounce Wisconsin beef patty cooked however you’d like it, two slices of melted American cheese, grilled onions, and a pickle slice on a brioche bun. Additional toppings can be added for an extra charge. Same goes for sides, such as fries, wings, and pierogi. Diners can add their own ketchup and mustard. The special is dine-in only.
Camino’s Monday burger special was a great deal when it was introduced. Now almost a decade later, it’s borderline unthinkable that the price hasn’t changed. Hell, its price every other day increased to $11 a few years back. This Lincoln-priced burg is the definition of a “loss leader.” Customers come in to take advantage of an inexpensive burger and, while they’re doing so, most people add sides and a drink or two to their order.
It worth noting that Camino’s burger deal isn’t just compelling because it’s $5. It’s a $5 burger that also happens to be among the best burgers served in the city. We’ve taken advantage of this Monday offering a number of times through the years, but for the sake of journalism, we went to Camino’s Walker’s Point location to try it again yesterday. As usual, the flame-broiled burger was grilled to perfection, the flat-top-cooked onions were caramelized and abundant, the cheese was gooey, and the bun was pillow-y soft. After we added a generous squirt of yellow mustard, we were sitting pretty. And don’t let the massive pickle medallion you see in the photos throw you: the burger is substantial is size.
The world is changing and nothing costs what it used to. Well, one thing does. And as long as burgers remain just $5 at Camino on Mondays, everything is going to be okay. Camino’s inflation-proof $5 Monday burger special: 5 out of 5 dollars.