Loco Locos
Location: SW 5th and Harrison inside the parking garage.
Hours: Weekdays, lunchtime
The Story:
According to my numbers, Portland has about 20 different Mexican taquerias downtown serving up some of the best tacos and burritos one can find in carts. Loco Locos is one of those carts that has been around for years and has created a loyal customer base while serving up some great tacos.
I was asked the other day when touring the carts – “How do you know the established carts from the new ones?” Well, take Loco Locos as an example and you can see they have been in the same location at 9th and Alder for more than a few years because the cart has flat tires. Last year, they needed to move due to city sidewalk regulations and instead of changing the cart’s location, they modified their counter and awning to accommodate the established tree in front of their cart. How green is that?
I’ve eaten at Loco Locos more than a few times over the years and since they are always good and consistent, I sometimes forget about them. I usually get my crutch food – carnitas or asada tacos – as they are only $1.75 each and two will get me through the day. Also, they are quick. Unlike some carts, you can order and get your food within 5 minutes. Fast!
Loco Locos is open daily for breakfast and lunch and is a Portland institution. They are one of those carts that has a huge menu of items, so when you visit, take it all in, you may see something you hadn’t thought of. Check them out the next time you are waiting in line for another cart in the pod, you may find a new favorite. When you visit, let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.
[Update Feb 2012, Loco Locos re-opened down by PSU.]
Sample Menu:
Choice of filling/meat: chicken, asada, carnitas, pastor, shredded beef, ground beef, vegetarian, fajita chicken, fajita beef
- Tacos: flour tortilla or corn tortillas with guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese and choice of meat – $1.75 or 3 for $5
- Taco Salad: crispy corn tortilla or flour tortilla bowl filled with rice, black or pinto beans, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, pico, cheese and your choice of filling – $5.50
- Nacho Chips – $6
- Breakfast burritos – a vast array of options including chorizo, potatoes, egg – ranging from $4.99-5.25
- Breakfast Torta – breakfast sandwich, Mexican style – $5.25
Hours: M-F for Breakfast and Lunch, sometimes open until the late afternoon.
Phone: 503 516 3460
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Mediocre? The burritos are tasty and cheap. Try one of their fajita burritos.
They also have a huge selection of breakfast burritos.
Good to know. I will need to try them again based on your recommendation. And thanks for the breakfast tip. I wish more carts had breakfast (well served during dinner hours too, but that is a different story)…
The real draw for me is their habanero and tomatio sauces. You have to ask for them specially (normally only the “green” or “red” sauces are offered) and they’re perfect if you like spicy food.
I’ve had mixed results at this cart, however, their small tacos are usually pretty good. The carne asada is worth a try.
LOCO LOCOS FOOD IS THE BEST! WIDE RANGE OF ENTREES AND THEY ARE VERY TASTEE! THE BEST IN PORTLAND IN MY OPINION!!
Mediocre?? You, my friend are mistaken. Loco Loco has hands down the best tacos and burritos in the greater PDX area. Anyone who eats knows.
Loco Locos has some of the best, most consistent burritos I’ve ever had. Fast, cheap and tasty.
For those who say mediocre, where do you prefer?
Food is alright, but I’m appalled by their unethical business practice that takes unfair advantage of customers.
They’d gladly accept tip for nothing, yet they refuse to accept their own fees as a cost of business and charge customers a surcharge for using his credit card.
Surcharging is prohibited by VISA & MasterCard contract, but they ignore it and unethically tack on these fees on your receipt. Their justification was “there are worse offenders out there”.
Cart on 5th is now gone.
I went to a party and had the best burritos I had ever had. I inquired and was told they came from the Locos Locos cart. I would like to order in mass. Does anyone know how to contact the cart owner prior to a purchase?
I work and live a distance away. I would be greatful if a regular would be so kind as go get me a contact number.
Thank you in advance for your help. Gail
Just my tastes, but they’ve got the best burritos on the Alder lot. Try the carnitas. The meats don’t have the gross, chewy wads of fat that other carts (Chinto’s) have, the red sauce is really good, and they use rice in their burritos.
Best burritos hands down……….Breakfast burritos are excellent and cheap!!
Best tacos in the greater PDX area my butt! This cart panders to the white masses who are too scared to order a taco in spanish. If you want a good taco, go to Gresham. It’s the closest to Mexico City you can get.
Their burritos are so good, I love this cart not because of how good it is but how fast they are, as you said.
Dude: I didn’t even know this cart accepted cards? I’ve always paid w/ cash.
I went to locos locos last week and got the chicken and carne asada tacos. The flavor was outstanding and the price was great. this is the firt cart I have tried in this pod. I shall be back for more.