Since 1983, Burrito Loco has sustained an intimate, yet fun atmosphere for casual occasions through a pleasant mix of dim lights and colorful elements, including stained glass windows. The food itself is as authentic as one can get in Manhattan, but it also manages to balance its culinary tradition with a series of “inventive fusion concepts and techniques” that make for great dishes. Sitting down at the ceramic tiled tables with rural designs allowed us a brief detachment from the bustling West Village outside. Before we even looked at the menu, I placed an order for their guacamole, prepared table-side and served with crunchy chips and salsa.
While I always order Chiles Rellenos as my main course when I am in a Mexican restaurant, another member of the Manhattan Sideways team chose the burrito poblano with an exquisite mole sauce, while a third selected a simple taco. Needless to say, none of us were disappointed and agreed that the food had been perfectly prepared.
The bar offers a variety of cocktails for customers looking for a distinctive Mexican taste. We sampled the frozen strawberry and spicy margaritas, but it was the flaming chocolate-flavored shot that manager, Norberto, brought to our table that we appreciated the most. Aptly named cucaracha borracha, or “drunken cockroach,” it was a great surprise at the end of the meal.
For those looking to try an even wider selection of tacos in a lively atmosphere, The Taco Shop - part of the Pepe’s Restaurant Group that owns Burrito Loco - is just downstairs.
