Mexican restaurant’s world-famous ‘Christmas wonderland’ is open near Fort Worth

Campo Verde is decorated for Christmas, and the time to go is now.

By Thanksgiving, the line will be out the door at the 44-year-old Tex-Mex landmark between Arlington and Fort Worth, a nostalgic throwback known for its electric train and hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights.

Campo Verde, 2918 W. Pioneer Parkway, has drawn national news coverage and a strong customer following to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for its stunning decor.

But Campo had a rough transition last holiday season. First, late founder James “Smiley” Williams sold it. Then, he passed away.

Patrons rebelled at a simplified menu. They wanted the Campo Verde of their childhood back.

Done.

Campo’s Christmas light season officially starts Nov. 1, but the decorations are up. New LED lights fill new rooms and displays, including a Halloween-ready “Grinchmas” room.

The rooms have been decorated with themes such as “Christmas Candyland,” “Ice Palace” or “Peppermint Village.”

On a visit this week, Campo once again offered a full five-page menu of choices, including standard combination dinners, burgers and new items such as loaded fries or naan flatbreads (?!).

A chicken fajitas dinner was totally routine. But it came with an authentic rendition of Campo Verde’s familiar traffic-cone-yellow cheese sauce and chile powder-dusted tortilla chips.

Mostly, Campo Verde is for show.

The restaurant is fun, particularly for families or groups. But Tex-Mex traditionalists in west Arlington will want to go to Mercado Juarez — which is from the same restaurant family tree — or the well-rated El Gabacho.

Campo Verde has been rebuilding its kitchen staff and menu since losing its 40-year chef to Chente Cafe west of Weatherford.

Enchilada or taco plates start at $9-$11 weekdays till 4 p.m., so that’s the best time to go.

That’s also the best time to go because fewer people are smoking in the bar. At least the restaurant smells fresh now and the air system seems to clear the smoke.

Campo Verde is open for lunch and dinner daily except Mondays; 682-259-7154 , campoverdedfw.com .