El Taco Loco

Best Spanish food I’ve had moving to Virginia Beach. the staff is so sweet and it’s very reasonably priced. the best part is the menu has vegan options unlike most local restaurants.

Portion size has been cut in half on the Linch fajitas. When the subject of the meat being burned was brought up to the waitress, her answer was «why didn’t you tell me when I brought the food out?» Maybe if she came back to check on her table? There are other Mexican restaurants in VB, that’s my answer.

Food was great! Had a few beverages and some pork tacos. Delish!
I give this 3 star not because of the lack of delicious menu options (except maybe for vegetarians!), but because of our service.
Our waiter was very nice, for sure! But it was not crowded and it took a really long time for us to get our drinks, our food, and then our check. Not much is more frustrating than being done with a meal and having to wait to pay.
But overall it was a really good experience! Will definitely be back. :)

I had the carne asada tacos tonight. They were pretty good. I thought that putting cabbage on them was a nice touch. It was different. I liked the freshness that it brings to the table. The salsa for the tacos had a nice heat to them, I think it gave it that zest that it needed. We had great service. I wish I would have gotten our waiter’s name. He never let our drinks get empty, but he also didn’t buzz around the table which was appreciated.
The restaurant was clean. In fact I could smell the cleaner. It was definitely fabuloso because I use it at home and recognize it. Which is my one complaint. I love that it smelled good but it was overbearing when the woman was cleaning around us. Started burning my eyes after she started. Again, it’s awesome that they were cleaning, but WAY too strong.
All in all I may come back again. The food and service wasn’t bad enough for me to stay away.

If you are looking for fast food in flour tortillas, go for it. If you are looking for anything semi authentic, or with the traditional flavors, go someplace else that is not looking to take your cash.

All I want is amazing Carne asada!!! I got spoiled living in Arizona. Their Carne asada is not good, it’s actually awful. It looks and tastes like they just took two thin pieces of unseasoned/​unmarinated beef and overcook it. I’ve had their fish tacos before and they were okay. Our server was inattentive which is unusual for this place, they usually have really good service.
The rice and beans are on point. They have good chips and the queso has a nice kick to it. The fresh salsa is also nice. My husband likes the taco salad.

The service is great. The entire staff is friendly and accommodating. I never had issues with low water, complimentary chips, napkins, etc. The server’s knowledge really highlighted itself when it came to the menu. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. The atmosphere was great and the food was amazing.

I don’t know what happened to the quality of their food before it was always on point. The drinks are always on point though but the BBQ brisket was way too sweet to my taste last time I went. I crave for this place every now and then but not as much as before.

The service here is by far the best. They have a friendly atmosphere and welcoming feeling when you walk in the door. The food is fantastic and great portions, the best in Hampton Roads. Drinks are out of this world, and the food is fantastic.
The nicest part of this restaurant is the fact we have a vegetarian in the family, and they will accommodate you and make a special meal off anything from anything in the menu.

My buddy and I ate there for lunch two weeks ago. What a mistake. I had eaten there 6 months ago and it was decent… what happened since?
My friend got the vegetarian burrito. It was huge. Imagine his surprise when his first bite had water chestnuts. Say what? Disecting the burrito, it was full of frozen japenese vegetable mix… seriously, I kid you not. It tasted terrible and the veggies were mushy.
I didnt fare much better. I got the carne asada tacos. They were tough and nothing but meat and tortilla… nothing else (cabbage, onion, avacado?) I have had world class tacos out of trucks and this is the best they can do in a full resturant?
I am not sure why I gave them 2 stars… oh I remember, the bathrooms were clean and they DID NOT give us food poisoning.
Wont be back… ever.

The place looks clean. Queso was good. When my food came out, nothing was hot. The cheese in my cheese enchiladas was like it wasn’t even cooked, still formed and not melted at all. In my seafood enchiladas had bits of the shell in them. The person I was dining with liked his burrito.
Update: almost one hour later I was blessed with severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, thanks el taco loco! Never going back!

This place was horrible.
The service was horrible, the interior was atrocious. They had this crazy lighting that was similar to something you would see in a dentist’s office.
The host was not very happy that we showed up. He hesitated to seat us and when he did, he slammed the menus on the table. I wanted to leave, but we were hungry and I didn’t care at that point.
I ordered the vegetarian quesadilla with beans. It came out a few minutes later and it was so gross. That was the smallest quesadilla I’ve ever seen. There was more grease than actual food… The beans had a layer of grease on top and it was so disgusting.
The server never came to check on us.
The types of people who are eat are the ones who don’t really care what they eat because they’re still hungover from the night before.
I’ll never go back.

Welcome to Taco Loco aka Grease city (read review to see why). The restaurant was not a great start from the go. Walking in with nearly 4 staff to our right we oddly stood there waiting to be sat. A staff finally said hello and annoyingly sat us down. Sorry to have bothered you when we came in.
The décor was oddly red and orange, are we in a Cauldron? What’s up with the dark room in the back? Staff rolling up silverware. it looked a little creepy. As staff kept walking back there to hang out.
The menu was interestingly laid out. Fresh chicken with a description that reads are you on a diet? Um that’s interesting. Mexican burger.. Sloppy Joe.. the descriptions were too long. I found myself scanning to the essentials.
I ordered the chori*pollo, a classic I’m aware of eating along with an avacado salad. That sounded good. The chips were good and the salsa was good but needed to be a bit chunkier. The avacado salad came out, looked good but was oily tasting. The salad was oddly too cold. Yes, too cold to eat –was it sitting in the fridge? I had only 4 bites and couldn’t stomach it.
I put the salsa cup to the side, no refill given.
The food came out, the chicken was so drenched in grease. I almost gave out my heart looking at it. It was SO greasy I needed one of the tortillas to soak it up. The rice was ok, beans tasted dry. The widest part was that instead of salsa or seasoning at the table was hand sanitizer from the dollar tree. That was odd.

I’ve been to this location multiple times and have always had great food and decent service. This night I had the Carlos Burrito Extravaganza and it was close to spectacular, however I found it to be very pricy for a burrito @$ 12.99, and there was no salad, rice, beans or any extras, just a large burrito covered in queso. I wondered where the «extravaganza» part was… What happened… to Mexican food… it USED TO BE really cheap. I guess they found out we like it and will overpay for it, but enough is enough. No more.
However, this burrito was really delicious and fairly loaded. But Seriously, I expect excellent food when I eat out. Don’t we all expect good food when we pay out our money? As good as it was, it was only a $ 10 plate at best (only a burrito) but all their menu items are higher than they should be.
Now, I also ordered a margarita. The waiter only asked if I wanted a regular or jumbo. I said jumbo and he soon returned with the drink and disappeared. Eating the wonderful chips and salsa’s provided, I could hardly drink the margarita. This was THE WORST DRINK I’ve ever had. It tasted like it was made with a squirt of soured lime juice and the rest tequila. WAY too strong, but not like alcohol strong. IDK, just really not good. After attempting to sip it down thinking maybe my taste buds were off, I finally realized the chips and dip tasted great and my taste buds were fine, the drink was simply horrible. I hate sending things back, but at $ 10, I had no problem making that decision. It took me nearly 15 minutes of trying to wave someone over, and I never got their attention. I know several of them saw me but acted like they didn’t see me or didn’t speak english. When my entrée came, I took that time to tell that server (not my waiter) that I needed to see someone about the drink and that I couldn’t drink it. 5 minutes later, I managed to flag down another waiter and he promptly attended to me, asking how he could help. Could he make me another one or get me something else. I told him I would like another, but NOT if it was going to be made by the person that made that one. He assured me it would be a good one. I watched the bar area a while, and apparently they have no designated trained bar tender as it seemed everyone made drinks for their own tables. He soon brought me another margarita and booted away. It was orange in color like it was made with orange juice, and it tasted no better. I mean, HOW DO YOU MESS UP A MARGARITA. 1 ½ oz of tequila and 4 oz of mix, (double it for the «jumbo»), pour over rocks, shake or blend. TOO SIMPLE. This drink was not all tequila but was equally as horrible tasting, and tasted NOTHING like how a margarita should taste. IDK what they use in their margaritas, but I’ll NEVER order another one here. AS I was finishing up my meal, my waiter breezed by asking if everything was alright. I tried to let him know about the second drink, but he didn’t slow down and was gone again, not even waiting for my reply. I was finished for a bit and had no bill, so I walked to the bar and asked for my ticket. The guy now at the bar asked if I wanted to wait at my table and he would have my waiter bring it. I said no thank you, I haven’t seen him since I ordered except a flash by. I just wanted to pay my bill and go because I HAD NEVER BEEN IGNORED as bad in ANY restaurant as I was that night. tAlso that the second drink was not drinkable. He actually made a face at me like he was shocked that someone dare tell them this. I truly expected him to remove the drink from my bill but he didn’t and I really just wanted to leave. The ONLY reason I’m giving a 2 star is that the burrito was so good. Over priced, but really good.
HORRIBLE HORRIBLE Service. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE margaritas. The other Mexican restaurants in the area have great food, equal and better prices and staffs that don’t ignore you. Did I say IGNORE??? GOODBYE EL TACO LORO!

I read all the great reviews and decided to go back for a second try (been once before and food was average). After my tasteless meal I double-​checked the address to make sure I was at the same restaurant that got all the good reviews!
The quality of the food is good; all white meat chicken and quality shredded beef, however, the food had no taste! I got the enchiladas (one meat and one chicken). Even the chips and dip served before dinner had no taste. The food is not bad, but it’s not good either. It’s nothing!

This restaurant is on the corner/​slightly behind a strip mall in between the Sam’s Club and Harris Teeter. We were craving Mexican and did not want to go to the overpriced, poor service, bland food establishment that is now known as Plaza in the area. Surprisingly to us, this place was packed almost to capacity at 7:30 on a Wednesday night, and it’s a fairly big restaurant. Service was very friendly and the portions were decent. Prices were kind of high, but overall we would go back which is not something I’d say for the place previous mentioned in this post.

We’ve had one bad… really bad experience. Like awful enough to make us not want to go back… ever. Both the service and food were abysmal… which is weird since we never had any huge problems there in the past. I still default to Jessy’s for (real) Mexican food but when we can’t drive out all the way there, Taco Loco used to be our default.
We made one more visit after the awful visit (out of desperation) and they redeemed themselves. The food was back up to par as was the service (although our server disappeared for some lengthy periods).
The soft tacos are great (corn tortillas always, people) and the carnitas that we ordered last time were amazing. When we’re in the area and wanting some good food quick, we’ll drop in. The guacamole is good but nothing I can’t make at home. It’s made table side, so you know they aren’t putting any junk into it. They keep the chips and salsa flowing… that’s a nice plus. The prices are a little higher than a hole in the wall… so look for Groupons & Living Social vouchers when they offer them. I believe they had a kids’ night on Tuesdays.

Mexican food isn’t usually special and today’s lunch was good though not great. It’s lunch. Three enchiladas on a plate with rice *or* beans, topped with some shredded lettuce, an odd slice of tomato and a scoop of sour cream.
But it was hot and it was tasty and it certainly was inexpensive.
If I’m thinking I want to get my burrito on in Virginia Beach, I’ll go crazy at El Taco Loco.

My boyfriend and I wanted to check out some Mexican places for cinco de mayo,
and I saw the reviews so I thought if give them a try for lunch.
We came in around 2:30 and all the staff had green hair which I thought was cute. We were seated by the hostess at the booth near the bar. The dining area has booths all around the walls and plenty of tables in the middle, full bar and mini flat screens all around.
Our waiter quickly came to get our drinks. And immediately put the chips with the white sauce and salsa. He spoke very little English and was speaking Spanish to me the whole time (funny at the time). My Spanish only goes far as an elective in middle school and Dora. I was able to pick up the key words he said to me.
We browsed the lunch menu, I only wanted light meal under $ 20 for the both of us. Their lunch menu is easy to follow and gives you choices, like our waiter would say, of either «pollo» (chicken) or «carne» (beef). I ordered the chicken fajitas and my boyfriend ordered the Loco fajita burrito with beef.
Within less than 10 mins we quickly received our meals. My fajitas were steaming and sizzling on the hot plate along with two tortilla wraps, and a side of refried beans, sour cream, pico de gallo, rice, and guacamole, yum! My boyfriends loco burrito came along right after. Everything looked good and ready to eat.
Probably 3 – 5 mins within eating I realized I needed hot sauce, I’m one who cannot eat without some heat (rhyme not intended). Our server never came to the table and looked occupied getting ready for the cinco de mayo festivities (which I understand) but he never even checked once to get our refills/​see if the food was okay. Big no in my book.
Due to the lack of attention we got. I felt unwanted as a costumer and I’m sure this place has great food but it only takes 5 secs to check on costumers.
Food was good but was not good enough for me to remember, flavors were something I had before, kinda wanted to taste something more dynamic but I can’t complain since it was just lunch, maybe dinner will better.
Overall I might want to try this place out for dinner. Cinco de mayo on a Monday afternoon turned out to not the best idea, I’ll probably come a different time during happy hour.

El Taco Loco has been on my radar for the last few weeks after seeing stellar reviews come across from Unilocal friends. I have been looking for a really good Mexican place for a while. It seems that my old go to places are going down hill. So how excited was I today to be in the area and give it a test drive.
Once I finally located it way off VB Blvd beside Harris Teeter and off Little Neck Rd. I almost had an accident. My car had a mind of it’s own and insisted on redirecting my final destination to Braise, However, I overpowered the steering wheel and went a couple hundred feet around the corner and parked. I had no idea this taco joint was even here, let alone that such good buzz had been spreading around town.
I arrived around 12:30 PM and the lot was not too busy. The parking area had some debris, but it was a really gusty day and can excuse it. I noticed an out door seating area that was closed with the cool windy conditions. I was ready to enter and starved.
When entering the door I was immediately greeted by my waiter. A bar is right inside the door and I saw some real yummy looking margaritas ready to be served. Darn, this would not be the day to try one, maybe next time if the meal lived up to expectations. I saw seven TV’s in and around the bar/​dining area. The eating area was pretty much empty with only a few customers. Everything looked spotless… every table cleaned and cleared, as well the floor was completely free of trash.
The waiter seated me and provided a menu. Hot chips and salsa followed by a junior waiter who was over the top nice and welcoming. Two kinds of salsa white and red. I tried both and usually do prefer the white, but red good too. Oh, the chips were so good and there seemed like a million of them in this big basket.
It did not take me long when the waiter came back to order the $ 5.99 lunch special… #5 a Beef Burrito, Beef Taco and rice. I was not expecting a lot for this price so I ate away at the delicious chips. Within 10 minutes my very hot plate came out. Visually is looked scrumptious. Steam was roaring off the plate and before I knew it the dish was all mine to enjoy. Where to start, no detailed instructions, no road map with this bad boy. I tried a little of each at the beginning and found all just incredibly tasty. But I ended up eating the taco first. It had such an awesome crispy shell and was filled with beef, lettuce and tomato. It would end up being my favorite part of the meal. I am not a big fan of rice, but believe me when I say it was solid. The burrito was large, flavored nice, but not too spicy. The meal was quality in every way.
The waiter checked on me once and provided a drink refill. I was not high maintenance today and wanted left alone with this huge plate of Mexican goodness. It took a while and I struggled a bit, but prevailed after about twenty minutes. I never had a chance with the chips, as good as they were just too many for one man to devour. However, the plate was clean and I anticipate a few notches off the belt may need to be loosened tomorrow. This is not a meal I would endorse for lunch every day. But whoa, would I ever love to not have to worry about blowing up and trying all the specials in one week… WARNING!!! don’t do this or suffer the consequences.
I hit the restroom up prior to paying the bill and found it tidy. I took a little look around and saw a large second room for big parties, or over flow. The check was at the table as I requested and the amount was correct and under $ 7. Seriously, this much food, the service was awesome and atmosphere comfortable. What more I ask could any customer want. Well, I did try to find a secret passage over to Bobby’s Braise for desert, but to no avail.
I will come back and want to bring family and friends to check this place out. RECOMMEND HIGHLY if you are in the area swing by and you too will see what all the Unilocal is about.