Sylvia Park isn't known for being a gastronomic mecca. There's a few bars and eateries here, a food hall and your usual smattering of fast food joints. Mama Loco kinda crosses the boundaries between all three, adding in a dash of tequila for good measure.
Funky Mexican-style decor
Funky Mexican-style decor
It's situated right on the corner next to Burger Fuel, and the decor is colourful, industrial Day-of-the-Dead style, complete with funky skulls and flowers. Seating is leaners & stools, so not a place you'll spend a long time in, but perfectly fine for a quick lunch or after-work drink.
The menu is extensively Mexican; you name it, they've got it - tacos, fajitas, guacamole, quesadillas, churros, nachos, tostaditas, chimichangas, tequila.....the list goes on. The best part about this place is "Tight Ass Hour": Two tacos for $10, Mon-Fri 12-3pm. The taco fillings include chicken, prawns, fish, pork belly, beef or vegetarian, and you can choose between soft or crispy tacos.
I've tried the beef, prawn, fish & pork belly tacos at different times, and they are all delicious. The accompaniments include fresh flavours such as coriander, mango, avocado, lime and grilled pineapple with selections of authentic Mexican salsa. Arrieba!
The table settings include a selection of hot sauces, and my new favourite, Alderson's Chipotle Sauce. This is a delicious smokey sauce made in West Auckland that I discovered at Mama Loco, which always adds another level of yum to my Mexican. The wait staff will bring you small plates, which makes this place ideal for sharing flavours. Just watch out for the drip of the tacos as you pass them between yourselves!
The "non-taco" part of the menu has all the dishes mentioned earlier, as well as other delights. The "albondigas" or Mexican meatballs sound delicious, and I have heard people raving about the MFC Fried Chicken.
The first time we visited this place, we could not find a non-alcoholic drink on their drinks menu! This is most definitely a BAR/restaurant, and they serve a wide range of tequila, Mexican beers and cocktails. There are hidden non-alcoholic delights though, such as mango nectar.
Mama Loco also run a Taco Loyalty card - after 5 tacos, your next one is on the house. At only $10 for fresh, delicious tacos, this is hard to beat. It certainly makes the food court look average! read more