In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work--and their very selves--to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and even more fun to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism declaring it so. But there are rare occasions when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends. Last week, I experienced something new: an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source--El Sancho Loco Taqueria. From the roadside, it appears almost forgettable. A modest taco joint tucked along the asphalt of suburban California, the sort of place you might pass a hundred times without a second glance. No white tablecloths. No polished silver. No pretense. And yet, what emerges from this humble kitchen is something far greater than its surroundings suggest. The tacos arrive unceremoniously--warm tortillas cradling meats prepared with the patience of tradition and the quiet confidence of mastery. Each bite reveals flavors both bold and precise: slow-cooked carnitas with a perfect crisp, salsas that dance between fire and brightness, and the unmistakable depth that only comes from cooking with memory as much as with technique. It is Mexican cooking not dressed for spectacle, but presented in its most honest and soulful form. To say the meal challenged my preconceptions about where great food can come from would be a gross understatement. It did more than that. It reminded me that culinary brilliance does not require chandeliers or reservation lists. I once dismissed the romantic notion that greatness could arise from anywhere. But standing at a weathered wooden shack outside El Sancho Loco, I found myself reconsidering. Not everyone can become a great artist. But a great artist can come from anywhere. In this critic's opinion, they are creating something extraordinary--food that delivers not only craft, but something rarer: a genuine piece of heartland. P.S. Original inspiration from Anton Ego's review in Ratatouille. read more

I love this place and not to be judging in any way but I would not expect such a good Mexican place and its location but everything is super flavorful super authentic good vibes quick service small place but good enough room to eat there I got the enchilada plate, which was a little sweeter than I like the sauce, but overall really good and we tried a chicken tostada. We tried the taquitos which were amazing. Some people got burritos overall great experience very polite. Staff salsa was spicy which I love spicy food so that's great for me. Everything had a lot of good flavor. Michelada was yummy!!!!! read more

See all

Three of us buddies visited today for lunch. I don't usually Yelp, but the service and food were too good not to mention. Adrian, our behind the counter order guy as well as waiting our table, took on the order with his many questions with each order on food prep, etc. Very cool hard working dude with plenty of patience! l their food is excellent. Be sure to try their soft or hard shell taco's. Delicious. read more

The burrito is huge! It's packed full of flavor! If your in the neighborhood and looking for an awesome burrito with good wait staff, this is your place! I had them put the hor sauce in my burrito it's just the perfect sense of back heat to warm you up without being overwhelming.. read more

El Sancho Loco Taqueria - Ca Burrito, hot n mild sauce with chips & a Corona - Mexican Near Me - Newbury Park, California

This is a very surprisingly fantastic Mexican restaurant. While in town on business, I was searching for a decent place to eat and came across this restaurant today. The ambiance and atmosphere is truly authentic. They provided me 3 menus to glance over and every item looked better than the other. I could tell, right away, that I landed in a good spot for some great Mexican food and the dish was fantastic! I ordered the steak enchilada plate with the sides and truly took my time(a little longer than I usually do) and savored everything on my plate! No leftovers! lol Joe was excellent in providing me the quality service and hospitality. I can't wait to go back the next time I'm in Newbury Park. What a superb and authentic place to eat. The service was excellent and so was the food. I highly recommend this restaurant. Thank you Joe!! read more

I have been here a few times now, and it is fabulous every single time. All of the food is fresh and flavorful. The breakfast burrito is incredible--it's easily enough for two people, especially if you order it bacon-wrapped. Thanks to our beautiful Southern California weather, you can often enjoy your meal and one of their tasty micheladas out on the patio. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and you may even get a chance to chat with the owner, Joe. Visit once and you will find yourself coming back again and again. It might take you a while to decide on a favorite, as everything on the menu is delicious! read more

See all

Fun place to eat lunch with their Tall Boy Thursday combo. Recommend the Shrimp Burrito as well. Good selection of hot sauces. Appreciate their outdoor seating; the building is an original Taco Bell. read more

El Sancho Taqueria exceeded my expectations the food was truly delicious, and the customer service was excellent from start to finish. I will definitely be returning. read more

I would give a 3 because the place is a good environment but genuinely the food wasn't the best. Service was simple to the point can't go wrong. Though I got the chilaquiles and the potatoes still needed some cooking, and the seasoning wasn't it. Very bland food, horchata was also mid. Maybe I got the wrong cook today? Chose the wrong plate? H that being said I don't think id come back. Oh and the tortillas were super nice. read more

I'll start by saying that the service was fast and friendly. They also offered me a cup of water while I was sitting waiting for the food I had ordered. The food did not take very long which made me wonder if it was fast food or not. I ordered two Carne Asada hardshell tacos, along with one order of guacamole and chips, to go. The food came out quickly... Too quickly. Once I got home I discovered I could not see my hardshell tacos. They were set in the center of a container that was surrounded by chips and the entire thing was topped with pico de gallo, onions and cilantro. Once I spooned off the toppings and found my tacos, I discovered the Carne Asada was completely dried out and inedible. I mean it was really bad! As for the guacamole and chips, I was given a tiny bag of chips that had been pre-bagged. While waiting in the restaurant I saw other people eating the guacamole and chips and they had a huge bowl of chips next to them that came with their order of guacamole. Hmmm. OK, so I guess I don't need that many chips. Once I tasted the guacamole I realized I definitely did not need the chips as the guacamole was premade and tasted more like limes than avocados. It had that funny green color to it that indicates it had too much preservative in it. I quickly closed it up and shoved it into the fridge. Two days later when we took it out to give it another try, it still looked exactly the same - preserved. It also tasted the same so we tossed it. After wanting to try this place for so many years, I don't understand why everybody thinks it's so good. read more

El Sancho Loco Taqueria - Two Carne Asada hardshell tacos hidden - Mexican Near Me - Newbury Park, California

See all

This place is great the prices are amazing and the food is delicious highly recommended read more

El Sancho Loco Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - Newbury Park, California

It's been several months since we ordered from Sancho. Last night we decided to give them one last shot. We ordered a carnitas burrito, a tostada salad and a puro queso taco. I was super excited for that taco because it's been so long since I've enjoyed one from Sancho. Is that what we received? Nope, of course not. They gave me a regular taco on a soft corn tortilla. I'm so over it. It want my $6 back. I guess they still haven't gotten it together. read more

See all

We stopped in for breakfast burritos which were delicious!The burrito was so flavorful and tasty filled with Bacon, eggs, beans, potatoes, salsa, and bell pepper. The beans reminded me of how my grandma made them. I have to say we truly enjoyed each bite. The music and decor adds to the charm and experience. We received great service from Stephany who waited on us, and Benito and Alfaro who cooked our meal. We didn't have to wait long and even ordered Menudo to go! We definitely plan on returning! read more

Would not order this ever again. Didn't receive a single cup of salsa for a burrito, taquitos, quesadilla, and two tacos. Also the "quesadilla tacos" look nothing like the picture. Not impressed would look elsewhere unfortunately. read more

El Sancho Loco Taqueria - I put the cup of guac here for reference of the size of the "Quesadilla Tacos" for the $$$ of these I would say you might be disappointed. - Mexican Near Me - Newbury Park, California

Family owned and operated el Sancho loco has great atmosphere and best of all the best food! Love this place! read more

El Sancho Loco Taqueria - Shredded chicken tostadas salad!! - Mexican Near Me - Newbury Park, California

Yeah I'm pretty sure this spot is a no go for me for a while. Like some other reviews have said this spot isn't "bad" but I'm continuously struggling to find a dish here that I like and would come back for. Both times I tried el sancho were for delivery. That understandingly leaves out the ambiance and general service but good food should be able to stand on its own and would invite you to order again if it was good. As far as their delivery system goes I am happy to report that my order has always been made correctly and packaged with care. The food and price point just isn't doing it for me so I don't think I'll be back for a while. The two dishes I didn't care for were the asada tacos and bean/cheese burrito. The asada was dry and lacking good flavor. The bean and cheese burrito was actually one of the worst ones I've ever had...they didn't melt the cheese....in a bean and cheese burrito. The beans were closer to cold then lukewarm and as a result the cheese literally had no melt to it. When you'd bite into the burrito it was just globs of cold cheese and beans. The onion I added was almost non existent. Pretty rough. The saving grace item that had some potential was the carnitas tacos. I opted for a homemade tortilla which was good, the meat wasn't fatty but had a nice crisp. With cheese and add ons it was a good bite. Knowing that they did execute one good dish I'm giving a middle of the road three stars, but honestly had I only had the burrito it would have been two stars because it was really inedible. The prices as others noted are a bit steep for what you get. It felt like everything was an up charge and when the food is so so, not a selling point. Strange that it's an up charge for handmade tortilla vs a regular one, I've never seen a place that would not just serve handmade tortillas with all of the entrees if that's what they make already. If you want some additional toppings on a taco then more up charges. I wasn't impressed and I'm sorry that this spot just isn't doing it for me, at least I can say I tried it more than once. read more

This was by far the worst food I have ever eaten. The meat was tough and had very little flavor. The sope was tough and dry. It was so bad!!! What is going on with this place? I actually threw it away. It was that bad read more

El Sancho Loco Taqueria - This is fresh from their kitchen and it was transported carefully. It's disgusting - Mexican Near Me - Newbury Park, California

See all

The gentleman at the counter provided exceptional service! The food was so good too. The shredded chicken taco was my favorite thing I ate. The restaurant was also very clean; something I always pay attention to when I eat anywhere. Would definitely recommended and come again! read more

Great food, love their soups, Calle de pollo and the albondigas are delicious.. authentic. Add a side of rice to your order to add to your soup great meal during the winter months. Yum read more

The staff is always friendly and helpful, really welcoming! The place is always clean and buzzing with happy local customers - a real locals hang out. It's family and fun date friendly. The selection of delectable food is amazing. And you get choices like; black out pinto beans, whole or refried beans, crispy or tender carnitas, hand made or pressed tortillas. It's really a treat to order your food the way you're used to it being prepared. The drinks are great, especially their wine based mixed drinks, and their ice cold beers served in many styles. The owner is really fun to talk to! Enjoy! read more

So awesome as usual. We love the staff and the food. You can get THE best micheladas and Tortas here, among most everything else being authentic and fresh. read more

Best authentic Mexican food nearby. Definitely the best in Newbury Park! Breakfast is fire!! The tacos are amazing and they are not stingy with the protein. read more

So I decided to try this place out. I was shocked a bit about paying over $17.00 for a burrito. Not really a big deal if worth it. The amount of salt in my burrito was so much that it made it spicy without adding hot sauce. I was so hungry that I still ate it. Sure enough, then came the stomach ache. read more

I ordered the Asada plate on Wednesday of this week of 22nd of October and my god it was so gross. I'm not the type to complain because of all the other people that try to get shit for free. But the steak was sour and the cook poured the entire seasoning on it. I ate some knowing it wasnt gonna be good. I was right. Been sick since and now it's Saturday. The cashier was awesome the beer was cold. The damn steak was fucking gross. I hope they see this. I will never step foot in this place. read more

I'm always ordering from here definitely a good Mexican restaurant. Overall decent food. Went a little crazy , and ordered the gigantic ,El Sancho grande burrito bacon wrapped. This monster had pineapple, Al pastor, refried beans, habanero sauce, avocado, cheese, etc. we also ordered the quesadilla. Man it was amazing. read more

El Sancho Loco Taqueria - El Sancho Grande Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Newbury Park, California

Since moving from Simi a number of years ago, it has been a hit-n-miss effort to find a casual Mexican restaurant in the Conejo Valley. Sure there are plenty of other Mexican places to go (3 Amigos, Habenero, Patron, etc) but none of them were similar to the places in Simi. I've had El Sancho Loco bookmarked for quite a while so now was the time to give it a try! To my surprise the menu was vast and very descriptive. It took me more time than I anticipated to make my decision. Finally I settled on a chimichanga with ground beef (pleasantly surprised to see ground beef as an option too). The burrito was massive with fillings. I was taken aback by the lettuce in the burrito however, the lettuce was a nice way to cut through the savory flavors of the beans and meat. Ultimately, the chimi was a good decision and I'd order it again. El Sancho gives off a Chuy's vibe with a Mexican food theme. Looking forward to coming by in the future. The breakfast options are in my sights next! read more

Food here was not good. It looked better than it tasted. A lot of good looking and sounding menu items but not tasty at all. They need to cycle the cooks out and save this place. Restaurant is in a good location too but avoid and save your stomach space for something better. read more

I'm dropping my review down from 5 stars to 4 stars because there is no public restroom.

So absolutely overpriced!! I've never been to a self service Mexican place with $20 combos! $7.50 for churros....never again!

This place is great! Much better than ANY place in my heavily Latino neighborhood! The burritos are loaded with filling and must be at least 2 pounds! I always get the Sancho #2 burrito al pastor (sin piña) because I like that sour cream and guacamole. With the meat it will be a little over $18 (not including tip) (you best tip people!). I have half for lunch, the rest for dinner at home. Or... well, sometimes I'm hongrey at lunch and I down it all at lunch! There are TV screens inside usually showing news or sports or both (several screens) but the sound is low on the screens. I have no doubt if you had a request about the TVs they'd be fine with it. But hey, you'll be reasonable, right? RIGHT? There are tables inside, and outside on a patio. No TVs on the outdoor patio. There is beer. I don't know what kind because I'm in the area for work and I don't like beer anyway. So I never order beer. Seriously, the food is good, the staff are all great, and they deserve our business. read more

In the past, this place never disappointed. This was my last attempt at eating here and $45 later for 9 tacos and 2 cokes, was not great. The y do pack the meat but there was no flavor. The first tray of chips they gave were crushed up tiny pieces, but the next batch were large enough to dip into the Pico de Gallo. The only reason I am giving three stars is because the bussers are really friendly and are always checking on you even though it's not a sit down restaurant. read more

El Sancho Loco Taqueria - Tacos de tripa - Mexican Near Me - Newbury Park, California

Food was great. Service was also very good. As for ambiance, the music was way too loud for the time of the day (lunch). It was also very cold. Please turn the music down. There were just two tables with customers and one table left so we were the only people there. No need for loud music during lunchtime. Thank you. read more

Worst tacos I've ever had. Carne Asada was gray and looking like someone had thrown up on it. Food was so quick that it tasted like microwaved dogfood would never recommend this eating experience to my worst enemy. read more

Totally overrated and overpriced. I guess they feel there's not to many fast food Mexican restaurants in the area they can charge what they feel is fair, which is higher priced than other restaurants in the area. I have had much better food and quality than what this place charges for basic Mexican dishes. read more

I love El Sancho loco. Their burritos are amazing , the michelada is to DIE for. Thank you Sancho loco! read more

Centrally located within a shopping center near the Newbury connector haha. From the outside the place gives off old school taco bell vibes in the best possible way! They have a nice seating area inside as well as an outdoor patio. When you walk in you are blasted with the pictures of all the food and drinks they have to offer. There is no mistaking what you are going to get when you order. The interior is nothing special but they do have big TVs and the dodgers were on so I dont have much to complain about. They offer a lot of drinks like a Michelada or Camaronzito or even a Cuerito not your run of the mill choice for a walk up mexican place. Once you order they bring the food and drinks to your table which is a nice touch. Food we ordered: Free Chips and Salsa Chips were crispy and delicious they have a really good flavor green salsa pico di gallo spicy salsa Hard Taco Combo 3 Tacos: Shells - Deliciously crispy and home-made Refried beans - run of the mill nothing special Mexican rice - Better then most a lot of flavor Shredded Chicken - delicious sauce was very good Carnitas - my least favorite of the three but overall a decent carnitas taco Shredded Beef - THIS IS IT, almost like eating a short-rib delicious and savory I highly recommend the SPICY salsa really enhances the flavor Shredded Chicken Burrito Again the chicken is really flavorful and packed with the rice and beans this is a good choice Drinks: Horchata - decent not overly sweet Michelada - Very good and very refreshing Prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you get. Definitely a great local choice run by a great staff. read more

See all

Great service. The employee recommended the signature Sanchorita. Clean little taqueria with good food.

I am really impressed with the burritos here. This is the only item on the menu I've tried so far but it is delicious also. The staff is very friendly and they have a lot of different specials based on the day of the week. They also have an interesting array of alcoholic beverages which look fun to try but I havent yet. The best meat in my opinion is the al pastor with pineapple. It is also a good place to come hang out with friends and watch a sports game. So far for me this is the best take out mexican food in the thousand oaks area read more

Great service, I ordered shredded chicken hard shell tacos. The food was very tasty and I will recommend to my coworkers and anyone else.

We've eaten here a few times since we moved to town & the food has generally tasted good. However, we both ordered tostadas this evening & have both been quite sick since eating them. A little sketched out by either cleanliness or food storage/safety stuff -- for both of to be as sick as we are, something's off -- we'll try somewhere new next time. read more