“It’s with heartfelt sadness that we share that Sunday 9/28 was Camino Riviera’s final day of service,” the post read. “We are deeply grateful to our incredible team, the artists and collaborators who brought so much life into our space, and to every guest who joined us over the past few years. While this chapter is coming to a close, the memories created here will always mean so much to us.”
The restaurant and bar opened in June 2021 after SDCM Restaurant Group founder Matt Spencer acquired the 13-year-old El Camino cantina from original owners Mauricio Couturier and Ricardo Muller. Spencer transformed the quirky cantina into Camino Riviera, a sleek, art-driven space inspired by Mexico’s Riviera Maya. With its immersive design, indoor-outdoor layout, and focus on DJs and nightlife programming, Camino quickly became a destination for both locals and visiting talent.
The closure follows a tumultuous few years for the business. In late 2024, Camino Riviera endured a temporary suspension of its liquor license stemming from patio entertainment restrictions, but the venue reopened that December and resumed normal operations. Despite the setback, Camino maintained a devoted crowd and was often cited as one of the city’s more unique nightlife experiences.
News of its permanent closure has left regulars shocked, with many taking to social media to reminisce about late nights at the venue. Some lamented the loss of what they viewed as one of San Diego’s most creative spaces, while others pointed to the regulatory hurdles that can challenge operators in entertainment-heavy districts.
Camino’s shuttering comes just months after the sudden closure of its neighboring sister concept, Wilma’s Carousel Bar, which operated for only seven months before SDCM quietly pulled the plug earlier this year. Together, the back-to-back exits create two prominent vacancies in a rapidly evolving part of Little Italy, raising questions about the neighborhood’s shifting hospitality landscape.
Located at 2400 India Street, Camino Riviera is now closed indefinitely. No plans for the property’s future have yet been announced.
Originally published on September 29, 2025.
