Taqueria El Taco Loco (24th St)
San Francisco, CA
| Overall Score based on 4 reviews |
8.4 recommended |
Editorial Reviews (1)
Dan's Score: 7.5 / 10 full review...
El Taco Loco is an oasis of relative calm in the middle of the chaos that ripples around the intersection of 24th and Mission. A steady traffic of addicts and delusionary folk wander by the front door at night; I like to think that this adds a bit of charm.
User Reviews (3)
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Score: 7.5 / 10 Reviewed by: tulrich
I was in SF briefly on a business trip and gave this a try based on reviews here. I ordered super carnitas with guac and no sour cream. The burrito was gigantic, wrapped in foil, very cylindrical, and very hot. Temperature was good, the rice and beans were good, and the carnitas was quite good, in a soft chewy way, though lacking both juice and crispy bits. Integration was good with one notable problem -- the cheese was a bit bunched up on one side, and when I got a very cheesy bite I was disappointed with the flavor. The cheese tasted kind of cheap and clashed with the otherwise solid ensemble.
But the real achilles heal of my burrito was a decided lack of spiciness. There were two salsas in the salsa bar; a pureed verde and a fresh chopped tomato/onion/pepper mixture. Neither one was bringing the heat and I actually got kind of bored with my burrito towards the end. I realize this situation is often not the fault of the taqueria per se but instead my not knowing precisely what options to order in an unfamiliar place. Nevertheless, as a pilgrimage to the heart of burritodom this was a disappointment.
Score: 9.5 / 10 Reviewed by: Peterp (Mission Viejo, CA)
I've been here three times now. Everytime, I've ordered the Carnitas Burrito. This is a big meal. Perfect tasting pork, not greasy, grilled tortillas (not to cold or burnt), and tasty pinto beans, cheese, guacamole and sour cream. I don't like it with rice. The first time I did that, I made the burrito a mess, just me though. The place is nice and I like the salsa bar with hot peppers/carrots. Nice people too. I'll come back again and again.
Score: 9 / 10 Reviewed by: caffeine47
If you are, as the editorial review describes it, a "hyperkinetic carnivore," Taco Loco is a contender for King of the Cage. There is no "extra meat" option on the menu, although I might ask them about that on April Fool's Day. I've had at least 10 burritos here that range from 8 on an off-night to the rockstar 10 super al pastor most recently. My rating of "9" is a long-term average for this emphatically recommended taqueria.
Burritos here are consistently big, with well-grilled tortillas, a ton of meat, and a good amount of cheese. I have only tried their grade-A al pastor, but others have told me that the carnitas are a great choice, too. I almost burned my hand when unwrapping the foil this time. The cheese was thoroughly melted, and the healthy amount of guacamole and fresh pico did not seem to lower the temperature, most likely due to the excellent integration. On off nights, the temp will be hot, but not scorching, with occasional shards of unmelted cheese and minor ingredient mix inconsistencies. The rice and black beans consistently play a good supporting role.
The salsas and spicy carrots are quite good, too.
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