Great Mexican food spot and kind of a secret still! Easy parking, fresh and flavorful options, good service, and a menu that spans from traditional to authentic...this place is a must try. I had the combo fajitas. They weee sizzling and fresh with bright colors and taste. The chips and salsa are premium and fresh. I'm in love with this little spot! read more

Great authentic tacos and they have a salsa bar! I got the tacos mexicana with cilantro & onions. Pork, chicken & ground beef. All 3 did not disappoint read more

Let me start off by saying that this is the type of place you would pass by a thoousand times and if you even happened to notice it, nothing about it would scream stop. That would be your loss. I just opted for tacos, two asada, a chorizo and a barbacoa. They gave a good sized taco, especially considering that they were two dollars a piece. Well all we're good, I would have to give the nod to the asada tacos, followed by the barbacoa. It's not that the Teresa was not good, but if I had to pick oh, that would be the pecking order. I would recommend to visit here. Good food and friendly service. Not to mention the price. read more

El Taco Loco - the entrance to el taco loco mexican restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Best margerita! Best chili relano! I have have 5 of their menu entrees including their club sandwich, it is all good!

This place is super authentic. I got the feeling it's a hangout for regular locals, in particular men who want to watch sports in Spanish. I can't remember if the menu was in English or if we had to ask for an English menu. I love places like this because it's like traveling without really leaving. These tacos are similar to the ones a the deli in Mi Pueblo's. They do however have a creamy cilantro and red sauce that are amazing. They bring you the bottles upon request. I enjoyed it but it's far away and it can be intimidating to go alone so bring a friend! read more

El Taco Loco - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Came here for a late dinner on Friday night and it was pretty chill. There were only a handful of people at the restaurant and we were seated and served promptly. Complimentary chips and salsa was okay, nothing noteworthy but still good. I got 3 tacos: steak, tongue and chicken with fresh corn tortillas. They were all pretty tasty but I couldn't differentiate between the steak and the tongue (since I've never had tongue before). The corn tortillas were surprisingly filling, and the sauces/limes provided also added a nice kick! Overall, I'd come back here again for cheap, good tacos (can't bear $2/taco)! (The pictures don't lie! I was tempted into trying this place cause the Yelp photos of the tacos looked great, and tasted just as good as they looked.) The only issue I noticed was that the ceiling was leaking and dripping water, some of which splashed on my friend's head while we were leaving. Considering there was a heavy thunderstorm the day before, I hope this was just an isolated event. read more

El Taco Loco - Steak, Tongue and Chicken tacos - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Best shrimp taco I've ever had (and I've had plenty). Mama Coco is my new go-to place for shrimp tacos and other Mexican delights. The décor features huge displays of characters from the Disney/Pixar movie Coco (loved it), and the restaurant is well maintained and welcoming. The only problem with the menu involves decision-making...yours! Efficient servers deliver generous entrées on warm plates, and the colorful arrays of spiced and sauced foods will satisfy even the hungriest of diners. Exceptional! read more

Tried this out based on the large number of great reviews. This may have raised my expectations some. This is in an old strip mall type setting. The parking lot was fairly empty on a Saturday for a kind of late lunch. Walked in and wasn't greeted by anyone. There was one person sitting at the bar and getting served by the bartender. After standing there for a minute I went in and over to the window/doorway into the kitchen area. I asked if I was supposed to seat myself. One of the waitresses indicated I could sit anywhere. After sitting it took a few minutes but they finally brought out chips (they were ok) and salsa (actually pretty good...little heat). they took my drink order and got that back pretty quickly. Then the first wait started. After at least 5 minutes (menu laying down ready to order) the waitress came back and took my order....2 tacos (one steak and one pork). Now the real wait began. Again they really weren't that busy. But, the wait for two tacos was over 15 minutes. Meanwhile people that came in after me had already been served. Food finally came out and I wasn't blown away. Again, this could be a little bit related to so many good reviews and anticipating greatness combined with an exceptionally long wait for a couple tacos. Both were topped similar and had fresh ingredients, but neither blew me away. The steak was the better of the two. Once I was done, I waited and waited for them to bring me my check which never happened. After another 10 to 15 minutes I went to the counter and asked for the check. I kept getting the feeling that if you go here often and become a 'regular' the experience would be much better. 3 stars is based on food that wasn't too bad at a reasonable price. Would probably come again, but only if I was in the area and hungry. read more

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I tried the Chorizo and Asada Tacos with Frijoles and Arroz. Both tacos were good but not the best I have had in the area. Frijoles, Arroz, Salsa and Chips were pretty typical and mundane Mexican restaurant staples. Not bad but nothing special. The 2 unlabeled sauces brought to the table to go with the tacos was were this location departed from the norm. I am making some assumptions but the Green Sauce seemed to be a jalapeno based sauce (more heat than the typical salsa verde) while the orange seemed to be a habanero based sauce. Both were good complements to either taco as I tried both on each to see if I preferred one combination over another. I might come back but more likely to stick with Gordos for the authentic taco. read more

El Taco Loco - Tacos Asada & Chorizo with Arroz & Frijoles - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

From the traditional Latino Norteno music playing, the non-stop Hispanic soap operas on the television, to the hand carved booths along with the authentic Mexican coca-colas served in glass bottles this place is LEGIT! Love the authentic Mexican dishes like Huaraches and Pambazo!! Awesomeness!! You know it's going to be great when there are always folks here that are coming for traditional meals they grew up eating! Also, the tacos are superb! Quesadillas and Nachos never ever disappoint. You know what you are going to get every. Single. Time. (Hint: it's delicious food...) The ladies who work here are always on point. So quick and sweet with everything! I've never had an empty water or tea! And no matter how crowded it is they are super fast to make it around to everyone to take orders or check up on the table! A solid place for traditional Hispanic/Latino/Mexican meals and plates of food to eat while sitting down, by yourself or with other people. read more

I called & placed my order for pickup and the lady said it'd be ready in 15 minutes. I arrive 30 minutes later expecting to pickup my food but instead I was asked to order AGAIN! THEY DIDN'T MAKE MY FOOD so I had to wait another 15 minutes. I get home & check my bag to see they left out my rice & beans I paid for separately. I'm giving 2 stars because the tacos are repeatedly good, but the service was abysmal tonight. I'll try other options next time. read more

Never again. Tacos tasteless, no spoon for much needed sauce, gristle in steak dish, beer ordered not served, bill incorrect. , read more

If your looking for a good taco and you don't want to stand at a taco truck this is the place to go. I ordered the Steak Plate and it came with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de Gallo, avocado, grilled onions and I fried jalapeño pepper all this for only 9.99. I also ordered a margarita and from 5-8 Monday-Thursday their $2. My girlfriend ordered the El Pastor and chicken Taco and also an order of cheese dip which was surprisingly good but kinda thin but good. My only complaint with this place is that the corn tortillas are a little too thick for my taste but other than that go try this place out. Good food and the best deal. read more

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This place definitely isn't easy on the eyes.... But these amazing authentic tacos will have me in there... Hole in the wall or not! I frequent southern Cali quite often so I'd like to think I know a thing or two about authentic tacos. I must admit.... I was hesitant about finding some authentic tasty tacos in Alabama & El Taco Loco proved me ALL wrong! I'm so glad they did! The tacos are simple but packed with flavor. They aren't all fluffed up with mediocre toppings to disguise the lack of flavor. Perfect. Show me the REAL you taco! My personal favorites are the asada & pollo. Yeah, Plain Jane.... I know. Pair that with chips 'n salsa & a cold Jarritos. Ahhhh I'm done. The carnitas & barbocoa (tend to have excess fat) were decent but not a favorite. Anytime I'm craving tacos.... This is for sure my new spot. No questions asked. read more

El Taco Loco - Tacossss - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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I can't say enough good things about El Taco Loco. The person that recommended this place to me claimed that they have the best tacos and they weren't wrong. The meat was incredibly flavorful and the sauce was the perfect complement. I really haven't been able to stop thinking about these tacos; I would completely recommend without a doubt. read more

El Taco Loco - Campechano, barbacoa, and chorizo tacos - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

LOVE these tacos! These are the best tacos I've had in Birmingham! The service is always amazing and fast, and I love the ambiance of the restaurant! read more

Great authentic tacos and friendly service. The tortillas were perfect and the barbacoa was tender and delicious.

I was taking a big group to this side of town about lunch time, so I used my Yelp app to pick just the right spot. I know this area is full of authentic Latino restaurants so my radar was up for a new one I've yet gone to. I decided here based on other reviews and pictures. Upon walking in, I knew it was going to be a good spot. I quickly noticed the food on other patrons tables as well as the sauces available for the meals. As we sat down, my mind quickly went to what tacos I would get. I chose three variations: pollo, chorizo, and al pastor. My usual go to at an authentic Mexican food truck/restaurant is al pastor, but it was probably my third favorite here. Don't mistake this as it was bad, but the others were just a bit more amazing. My favorite was the chorizo, followed by the pollo. The tacos are $2 each, so well worth the value. My kids and wife got taco americano versions with flour tortillas. They were equally delicious according to my clan. Others in the group settled on burritos or quesadillas. All left satisfied. I would definitely recommend this place for some good tacos. There are several places near by, but this place can hold its own as compared to the other guys. read more

El Taco Loco - Front of menu with two of their delicious sauces. The salsa verde was my favorite. - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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This place? THIS PLACE! I have found a REAL Mexican restaurant in the Ham! This place is pretty amazing. If you have read any of my reviews you will know I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD! This place hit the spot. I had tacos. 2 al pastor and one asada. Both where so good! There was a lot of flavor in both. Don't forget to lime, salt, and sauce them. The sauces on the table are made in house and have a HUGE kick. Best part? These tacos are $1.90 each! This is what a taco should cost! My man had this yummy grilled chicken dish with veggies and rice. We also ordered queso and holy hell it was DELISH! And it was only 3.50. Best queso in town for the price! I will be back here again for sure. The service was nice. Our drinks and chips where never empty and our bill wasn't sky high! read more

El Taco Loco - Yummy grilled chicken with rice! - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

YES! This place has the best tacos in Birmingham. The traditional corn tortillas, great meat, and vegetables. The Al Pastor was the definite best out of the three I tried, which also included Carnitas, and Barbacoa. The Barbacoa taco was a little too fatty for my preferences, and the carnitas was a little plain. The Al Pastor, though? Just right. Flavorful, and did I mention only $2 for all of them?! The only thing I would change would be to add some pickled vegetables and avocado to them, just for some crunch and texture. I highly recommend El Taco Loco. The location isn't necessarily the best, but the food is! read more

El Taco Loco - Pollo, Azada, and Chorizo tacos - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Horrible. I will never be back. I waited at the front for around 20 minutes. Had to ask for a menu which they acted as though that was extremely burdensome. They never once acknowledged me without me initiating the conversation. Very rude. I eventually just left with no service despite giving them sufficient time to help me. read more

Well, I've found a new a restaurant to add to my list of regular stops. I found the place by accident the other day and have eaten there every day since. I've can't bring myself to order any gringo food while at a place like this. I've ordered so far the pambazo and huarache, which are dishes that I've seen on TV but have never seen anywhere locally. Both were fantastic. This place gives you the opportunity to try regional Mexican dishes that you've only read about or seen on some TV show locally in a sit-down restaurant atmosphere. The food is five star but have only rated the place with four since the service isn't as attentive as a gringo is accustomed to. The waitress and other people that work there speak perfectly fine English so no need to bring a dictionary with you. It is definitely divey which is understandable considering the location of the place. Bottom line: if you want to try authentic Mexican and even more obscure regional Mexican dishes in a sit-down restaurant that is welcoming of locals, then this is the place. Plus you may run into some off-duty workers from Sammy's there, which never hurts the ambiance. :) read more

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The best kept Mexican secret in Birmingham! Great authentic Mexican for a great price! All of their tacos are tasty! Chorizo, pollo, al pastor, carnitas, and my favorite campenchano (steak and chorizo)! All for $2 each! Incredibly fresh guacamole and love the sauces on the table to add to your tacos! I've also had the burrito loco covered in queso and it's a favorite too! read more

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What a horrible experience... I walk in and the waitress is talking to another waitress it turns out that was eating sat down and never paid me any attention. Find another way just came over asked me what I wanted to drink. I said water and that I wanted to try their choriqueso (which was not bad). When the second waitress came over to bring me my appetizer the other waitress decided she wanted to take motor so she comes over I told her I was good for now. I did not eat anything else because of that horrible experience where she just blew me off. She needs to be mindful that customers are there to spend and pay for her to work there. read more

El Taco Loco was some of the most authentic mexican food I have ever eaten. Starting with the chips and salsa, the chips were still warm and the salsa tasted fresh. The salsa they brought out was a mild salsa, but very tasty. The star of the salsa tho, was the green sauce that compliemnted the regular sauce with some heat. It tasted like a poblano sauce with some habenero kick (not quite sure on what was on it tho) I also ordered the queso sauce that didnt have any heat, but was at the perfect consistancy. For dinner, I had 2 Carne Asada tacos and a side of rice. The Tacos were unbel.ievealbe. The meat was plenty and topped with cilatro and onion. The corn tortillas were some the the best I ever had. I could have popped those things like tic tacs! If you are looking for an upscale and stuffy environment, this is not the place. I felt like I was eating at a friends house not a restaurant. This would be a great place to hang out with some buddies or a very casual date. Cant wait to go back read more

El Taco Loco - Killer taco and loco taco tonight! - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Authentic Mexican tacos. Very good and very cheap. Double wrapped in fresh corn tortillas. The local crowd is Mexican, another good sign for good Mexican fare. Chips, salsa, guacamole are very good. Don't recommend the shrimp cocktail - too sweet and drowning in ketchup/tomato sauce. read more

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The food was great our waitress just took forever to give us our ticket and just kept sitting down to talk finally went up to get our ticket

Delicious authentic Mexican food! Everything I've had here is fresh and flavorful. Their salsa is one of the best and their queso is always on point and reasonably priced! Definitely hole in the wall ambiance so not somewhere for a date night but definitely a place if you're looking for great food! I always get the burrito loco and am never disappointed! read more

Since my first visit to TL the customer service has been in sharp decline. Despite the amazing tacos, I won't be returning. read more

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If you're looking for "no frills" Mexican cuisine, then this is the spot for you. Since I moved to Birmingham, I've been searching and searching for a casual Mexican experience that still offered great food and El Taco Loco is definitely that. My partner and I have stopped by a few times and always had a great experience with fresh food, good service, and exceptionally reasonable pricing. I usually order a chori-queso with two or three tacos of my choice. Keep in mind that this place is fairly authentic so don't expect your usual "Fiesta Mexicana" fair. Take time to look at the menu and don't be afraid to ask questions. The staff is very helpful and gives great reccomendations! All in all, we've never spent more than $25-$30 on a dip, two entrees and drinks. read more

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We enjoyed an authentic Mexican dinner at El Taco Loco recently. The restaurant is not eye-catching but the interior was pleasant enough and quite clean. The food was good, and the staff warm and friendly. A shout out to Noelia which recommended the yummy dishes! Carne asada plate, huarache :) read more

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Was worried about this place at first considering the parking lot was empty, but this is by far one of the best Mexican Restaurants in town. Food was top tier and while the music was a little loud, the vibe was great! Highly recommend supporting this place! read more

I walked In to look at the menu and every stared at me and the person I was with like we had committed a crime. I was looking for a menu and no one helped me. I never felt so uncomfortable in my life. Literally the people sitting down even stopped eating just to stare . I will NEVER go back. I'm definitely not welcomed. read more

First time here, a friend recommended the place. I got the fish tacos, expected a tad bit more flavor but over all really good. I got the house margarita, really tasty. From past experiences house margaritas tend to be watered down but not these! I'll def come back again to try some other tacos read more

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Definitely hole-in-the-wall Mexican. Good, tasty, quick, and the server was very nice! The servings were very generous and I wished I had taken a to-go box afterward and not piggishly eaten it all in one setting. I took the server's rec and got one of the steak plates. Most of the folks in the restaurant both times I've been have been Spanish speakers which would seem to hint at the authenticity. I'll definitely go back. read more

El Taco Loco - One of their steak plates. Very good! - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

TL;DR: this is not a vegetarian-friendly spot. The long version: I came here because of the excellent reviews, and normally Mexican food is quite friendly to vegetarians because it's easily modified. When I ordered, I asked if I could have flautas with beans rather than any kind of meat. My waitress said yes. I was partway through my second flauta when I realized that not only did it taste weird, but the texture was weird too. Because it wasn't beans in my flautas. It was chicken. I'm not upset that the menu doesn't offer vegetarian listings. I'm upset that I was told that I could get beans rather than meat and was then given meat. This is not cool, and made my guts a little unhappy, the details of which I will spare you. Telling someone you can accommodate them when you can't or won't could make them sick or possibly kill them. It is not an okay thing to do. Don't come here if you are vegetarian or have a vegetarian in your party. read more

This past weekend I was really craving tacos and found this place on Yelp by searching Mexican restaurants in Birmingham. I'm glad I did because this place had some great tacos. Birmingham has a lot of great taco options, from the authentic tacos of Los Dos Hermanos ("Taco Truck" and Gordos to the tiny but delicious tacos of Babalu. I would put El Taco Loco more on the authentic end of the taco spectrum. From the outside of the restaurant, El Taco Loco appears to be just another generic Americanized Mexican restaurant. Once inside, you realize it is the real deal. First clue this is a great place: my friends and I were the only Caucasian Americans eating there. The menu was really diverse, and offered many traditional dishes often not seen at other more generic Mexican restaurants that cater to the American palette. I ordered the tacos, which were seemed very traditional with onions and cilantro and meat. The price at only $2 per taco with quality that matches the esteemed "Taco Truck" gets this place 5 stars. I ordered three tacos: campechano was my favorite, then al pastor, then carnitas. Would definitely trying out this often overlooked restaurant. read more

This was awful. Arrived in Birmingham and ordered from this place via Door Dash. My guest and I ordered 3 hard tacos each, one order ground beef and one order bean. What arrived for each of us was one soft shell with beans/beef respectively and an empty soft shell, and a slice of cucumber. This is absurd. 37 dollars prior to tip for this? read more

El Taco Loco - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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If you've been reading my reviews, you know that I went on a hunt for the best fish taco in Birmingham one Saturday. Well El Taco Loco was one of our stops. The salsa they brought out didn't taste great so I was a little worried about the tacos. We got 2 fish tacos and 1 chorizo tacos. WOW - the fish was cooked so perfectly. I'm not a huge fan of tortillas but I could eat the corn tortillas from this place all day long. It was a delicious fish taco and the chorizo taco that we got was even better. I think I dreamt about it that night. This may not be somewhere you would normally stop if you passed by, but I highly recommend you do so. The staff was great and as I said, the food was delicious! read more

El Taco Loco - 2 fish tacos, 1 chorizo taco - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

SUMMARY: CHEAP, FLAVORFUL TACOS!!! The Tripas and Barbacoa tacos are out of this world!!!...... No more taco trucks for me! Atmosphere: 3 Service: 3 Food: 5 Value: 5 Being around Southern California, taco trucks as well as mexican restaurants are plentiful. I was quite skeptical of Mexican food in Bham. My experiences at a few taco trucks confirmed this idea. However, after stumbling across this restaurant, I realize how naive I was! I should note, this is now my favorite taco place. The tacos are LARGE for ~$2.00 and come STUFFED with a LOAD OF MEAT!!! I'm a HUGE eater, yet I'm stuffed when I get two tacos and queso dip. Normally, I can eat 6-8 tacos from taco trucks... No exaggeration 0_o. The tripas tacos... oh god the tripas....are FANTASTIC! The fiance and I are addicted. The tripas crispy, flavorful, and the flavor perfectly settles in with the amount of tortilla they give you. The barbacoa tacos.... words cannot describe the delight I get from the succulent fat and extremely tender meat that MELTS in my mouth... If you do not like fat in your meat, don't bother getting this taco. But if you do.... you are in for a promising experience. I suggest balancing the gooey texture with the tripas taco or the chips that come to your table. Special tips: The quality of their meat here is out of this world! Anything with meat and your good. I have not tried the seafood. THEY GIVE YOU 2 BOTTLES of awesome SALSA / sauce. Squirt away as you please! Both are very tasty. On the other hand, I would not recommend the normal burrito. Although the meat is great, the other contents that are put in the burrito don't enhance the experience. I cannot speak for their more unique burritos like the loco burrito. Overall Thoughts: I order 2 tacos and queso, my fiance orders 3 tacos (yes she got one more than me, fatty right?). My total order comes out to ~$14.00 after a $2 tip. I come out absolutely stuffed and happy. $7 dollars per person for quality food and satisfying my gluttony??? Couldn't ask for more than that.... Give the tacos a shot, you'll be hooked. I should mention, service is shotty, sometimes you get an attentive waiter sometimes not. The food makes it worth it. read more