Taco Loco is the name for the little café inside the El Rey store. They've recently updated their menu so it's a good time to update the review.
The interior hasn't changed too much - cafeteria style tables and chairs packed into a small area, as well as a few counter seats. Most of the patrons and staff are Spanish-speaking, but the servers and menus are bilingual if you aren't. Speaking of service, it's lightning fast and I've seen the same ladies here for years. They know what's up.
If you're dining in, you'll get a small basket of chips and two salsas. The pico is fine but I really like the green tomatillo version which is usually scorching hot. On my last visit, it was both literally and figuratively hot - never had a "temperature hot" salsa before but I liked it. Drinks are limited to sodas and horchata - no alcohol.
On to the menu - the staples are all present. Think tacos, burritos, tostadas and tamales. Prices have gone up a bit - tacos are now in the $2.50 range (used to be under $2/ea). Besides the usual meats (chicken, carne asada, pork, etc) they have tongue and birra. My most recent visit had me ordering a "combi plate" which is essentially a plate lunch. For $8, I received a plate full of shredded chicken (seriously, it looked like a whole chicken's worth), rice, beans, salad, avocados and a half dozen tortillas. It was enough to feed 2 or 3 people, easy and more importantly, that shiz was delicious! I ate until my fat ass was sated, and it looked like the plate was untouched.
Bottom line - not as cheap as it once was, but still a tremendous value for authentic, delicious Mexican eats served up in a casual & friendly atmosphere. read more