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.
Andy F.
Place rating: 5 Waukesha, WI
Really one of the many best places i’ve eaten Mexican food in the Milwaukee area! It’s up there with El Cabrito but not as great. Anyways, the food here is absolutely delicious, the chips are always warm, the salsas are fantastic! The service is very friendly regardless of the time you visit. And the food service time is pretty fast, and even during rush hours. Although, I have noticed there is quite the wait time for to go orders, i’ve never actually ordered to go but have seen customers waiting for a while. The portion sizes are very very generous for the price! All in all, I have not had an instance where i’ve been disappointed with Tacos Locos.
David W.
Place rating: 2 Manhattan Valley, Manhattan, NY
The food can be better and cleaner. Made the mistake of sitting at the counter and watching the unsanitary food handling. Seeing plates with beans and lettuce still stuck on even though they are supposed to be clean, then watching the plates being used to serve customers. Lost my appetite after seeing that. The flavor is not bad and the salsa is good. It’s cheap dirty Mexican food and it may make it more authentic, but having second thoughts about ever eating here again.
Rachel W.
Place rating: 5 Milwaukee, WI
Someone asks me where to get the best Mexican in Milwaukee? This place. Always. Apparently it’s is the best kept secret on Unilocal with 8 reviews, but we’ve been going here for roughly 14 years. I don’t really have to say a lot. If you’re searching for good, authentic Mexican food, look no further than this little corner restaurant in El Rey on Burnham.
Clement H.
Place rating: 5 Madison, WI
Have realistically come here for 15 years or so and everything gets better! Incredibly phenomenal Al-Pastor meat which fits perfectly in a build your own taco from a platter, which comes with beans and rice. Your pico really makes me drool enviously, and the tomatillo salsa is refreshingly spicy. Love shopping here as well as I can always find great deals. The carnitas meat in the deli are literally to die for and the dulce dessert with fruit is amazing. To-go tamales and some of the pico has made many a satisfying meal. Thoroughly encourage your patronage to this establishment!
Diana J.
Place rating: 3 Jackson Park, Milwaukee, WI
Quick, authentic-enough, tasty Mexican food. Eat there or take it home– and be sure to check for deals! This last week tortas were only $ 2.49– super cheap! If you don’t like your tacos American style, though, and you’re clearly not Mexican, you will get tomatos and lettuce instead of cilantro and onion– so make sure to ask for your food the way you want it!
Aaron Y.
Place rating: 4 Milwaukee, WI
I love the tacos al pastor. It’s the only thing I ever order.
Tonia C.
Place rating: 3 Burnham Park, Milwaukee, WI
This place is located right in El Rey, I love that before I shop for groceries I can get a bite to eat. Taco loco has steak tacos with all the fixings! The chips and salsa are my second favorite in Milwaukee! The price is so reasonable for the portion size. Somewhat of a long wait for to go orders. The beans and rice are the worst things I have had there, I didn’t care for the peas in the rice and the beans were very bland an very liquid like! I really love horchata, that too was a major disappointment would not recommend those three things from the menu. Otherwise the food is decent. I don’t let a few things that are not to my liking spoil the whole place for me.
Steve S.
Place rating: 5 Milwaukee, WI
I like this little restaurant! Please see my menu photos and my tip. They have all the typical Mexican Restaurant menu items at reasonable prices, e.g., 7 kinds of Tortas for $ 4.89 ea., 6 kinds of Chimichangas for $ 5.99, 6 kinds of Burritos for $ 5.38. Also, they have breakfast specials from 7 to 11 a.m. They also have some weekend specials, e.g., Barbacoa(i.e., Mexican beef barbecue) for $ 1.89.