Compadres, a family-owned Mexican restaurant on El Camino Real in Palo Alto, is one of the more popular restaurants on the Peninsula for Stanford students. It’s so well liked that The Daily holds its twice-annual banquet there.

Showcasing Western cooking with a Mexican accent, the restaurant has a festive ambience and a comfortable feel. If you have the chance, sit outdoors. The well-lit outdoor patio (one visitor called it a cabana feel) has a TV to watch sports games. And last Saturday, before the football game against Navy, servers wore red shirts that said “Go Stanford.”

Big portions are brought by attentive servers. Management cites high quality ingredients as key to good taste. The guacamole is made entirely of fresh avocados, not from the concentrate or puree that other Mexican establishments sometimes use to keep costs low.

Compadres offers standard Mexican fare, but the Signature Items on the menu are worth a try. Baja-style fish tacos are tasty. The Carnitas plate (build-your-own shredded pork tacos) is a refreshing change from typical chicken or beef fajitas. And the Tortilla Encrusted Chicken Breast has a memorable, saucy taste. You might not expect it from a Mexican restaurant, but the spare ribs are one of the more popular items on the menu.

For the over-21 crowd, try Compadres for happy hour. The restaurant offers deals on good margaritas and tasty tequila from 4 to 7 PM every day. The place is known for a Friday rush.

The family-owned enterprise got its start in Honolulu, Hawaii, and now has three California locations — Palo Alto, Napa Valley and Oakland. Compadres also maintains a thriving concessions and catering business. They have a stand in AT&T Park, where the Giants play. The restaurant also does business with the University. In the new football stadium, look for their own branded stand to enjoy some of their classic dishes while cheering on the Card.

Compadres

3877 El Camino Real,

Palo Alto, CA 94301

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Lunch and Dinner daily from 11:30