EL TACO LOCO

If you haven't tried El Taco Loco yet, don't wait any longer.  This is real Mexican food, not part of any chain.
Mostly everything is made in house, and Carmen (the owner), who hails from California, knows how to cook.  The food is ridiculously cheap and amazingly delicious.

Forget atmosphere.  This is basic dining like McDonald's, but with better food.  Place your order at the counter (or call in for takeout).

The menu is on the wall just like at other fast-food eateries.  But that's where comparisons end.

Lunchtime during the week might be busy because all the Mexican workers eat at El Taco Loco.  What does that tell you?  (The recession has shortened the lines though.)

Soft, thin, tender corn tortillas are used for tacos.  You can have them with steak, pork, chorizo, chicken or tongue.  The "Taco Loco" has beef, pork, bacon, Chorizo and Ham.  And there's also taco salad.

On Saturdays and Sundays, you can get chicken or pork tamales.  (Also available on Saturdays and Sundays:  Tripe Soup, Shrimp Soup and Shrimp Cocktail.)

If you've never eaten sopes, give them a try.  With a cornmeal base, I call them "Mexican pizzas."

If you order a sub or a burrito, better have someone to split it with because they're way huge for one person.  Consider El Taco Loco for your next party.  A friend recently celebrated his 80th birthday, and Carmen catered a fabulous feast for the small group of friends who gathered in his honor at his home.

El Taco Loco has my highest recommendation.  The restaurant is clean as a whistle, the food is wonderful, and the prices are extremely reasonable.

EL TACO LOCO, 2408 MLK Blvd, New Bern (252 633-3326
HOURS:  Sunday, 10AM - 5PM; Monday - Thursday, 10AM - 8PM; 
Friday & Saturday, 10AM-10PM