Taco Loco

Didn’t really get anything here, but interaction here is great. They really know how to make tourists feel welcome here by engaging in conversations with you.
Although, service was slow. I waited quite some time for water. OH WELL. What can you do.
Try their hot sauces. They’re SPICY! I dare you!

You know you’ve really made it as a TJ tourist when you get recognized walking past a taco shop! On my last visit through TJ, Mireya spotted me walking down the Tourist Corridor towards the border when she shouted, «AMBAARR!!» Naturally I was already planning to grab a parting taco, but it certainly made a difference to not only be recognized, but for Mireya to remember my name.
As a result, Taco Loco has quickly become my favorite spot for a beer on my way in and out of Mexico. It’s on Corredor Turistico — so don’t expect anything less than menus in USD and two for one deals to draw you in.
Service here is always enthusiastic. You can order in English, and menus are all in USD, but I prefer to try and practice my Espanol as often as possible. Beers average $ 2 depending on your flavor and you can order margaritas at a 2×1 deal all hours of the day. The fish tacos are 2 for $ 1 and the other options are all fairly priced for a tourist spot. Chips and salsas are complimentary and the red salsa is SPICY. I mainly stick to the fish tacos and beers, but the guacamole was just right — especially with some of the spicy red salsa mixed in. I can’t speak to the meat tacos as I haven’t had them, but for the price, even if you hated them you wouldn’t be too upset.
I highly recommend grabbing one of the tables outside where you can watch as «TJ life» passes. You’ll certainly see some interesting characters and it’s not as loud when as inside when the juke box is on. The crowd at the restaurant, both employees and patrons, never disappoints. It’s a great place to chat with locals and people passing through as it’s hard not be in a great mood at Taco Loco.
While in the US you may be use to eating in peace, you won’t find the same at Taco Loco. Frequently children pedaling bracelets, rosaries, gum and small trinkets will come up to you as you’re eating. A simple «no gracias» will suffice if you’re not feeling generous. Be warned, though — one purchase and it seems word spreads like wild fire amongst the children. I am now the proud owner of a billion knockoff Hello Kitty bracelets in every color due to one purchase (that led to several) influenced a little too heavily by my cervezas.
There are a few TVs inside often playing futball (soccer) and a juke box as well if you’re into picking your own jams. My preference are the Mariachi bands that stroll through offering to play songs in exchange for a few bucks. It’s best to negotiate the price of the song before they start playing, however. ($ 5 a song isn’t unheard of for a larger group) You can also just wave the group on by saying «no gracias» if Mariachi music isn’t your thing, but you’ll still be able to hear them when they begin singing two tables over, so might as well request your favorite songs.
The bathrooms are simple, but better than many in the area. In most of TJ you’ll see rubbish bins right near the toilets — yes that is for the TP after you’ve used it. Plumbing in this area isn’t the best. You won’t be kicked out of the country for flushing a bit of TP but you certainly don’t want to be the last one out of the bathroom as the toilet overflows so plan accordingly.
Mireya’s enthusiasm alone is reason to stop by every time I visit, but it’s the inexpensive beers, two for one fish tacos and spicy salsa that keeps me coming back. It’s one of my favorite places to bring friends, and make new ones!