With locations in downtown Orlando and the Milk District, Gringos Locos launched a third location earlier this month. The new restaurant lacks adequate space but makes up for it with delicious tacos and great deals.
The taco shop offers a wide variety of tacos, burritos and other Mexican options. One can pick their choice of protein for each meal including beef, chicken and pork. The Double D’s (1/$2.99, 2/$6.29, 3/$8.79) are one of the most popular options. Which is a soft tortilla, wrapped around a crispy shell with queso holding the two together. The taco are topped with cheese, lettuce, pico and sour cream. Each taco comes with a healthy serving of each ingredient. These prices offer a fantastic deal when considering the portions. While this option is heavier than others, it has the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crunchy and soft tortillas layered with queso offer the perfect casing for a delectable inside, no matter which protein one chooses, the flavors do not disappoint.
One can also create their own taco, with the My Taco, (1/$2.99, 2/$5.49 or 3/$7.49), which allows customers the choice of everything at the food bar.
There are also vegetarian options available. A popular vegetarian option, the Guaco taco ($3.39), shows a very similar style to the Double D’s with two shells. A soft tortilla covered in guacamole wraps around a crunchy taco. The inside houses a mix of beans, cheese, lettuce, pico and sour cream. The fresh flavor of guacamole mixed with the savory beans offers a taste for those seeking meatless options. While the food choices sit in a food bar, the options hold up with a fresh taste. The premade options provide each taco with a unique flavor.
On the lighter side one can order a rice and bean bowl ($2.50), chips and salsa ($1.99), chips and queso ($2.99) or chips and guac (4 ounce $2.99 or half pint $4.99)
The store offers an unconventional happy hour every day from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. During this time customers receive free chips and salsa with every order. Food is also at a discounted price, $2 tacos and $5 burritos.
The only downfall to the new location is the size. The restaurant includes three tables inside and two outside. The parking lot is also fairly small. Located behind the building the lot contains spaces for around six cars. This creates a busy buzz about the restaurant but once inside, one finds a lack of adequate seating for each customer. The tables only offer four seats a piece so one looking to eat in the restaurant should plan according to rush hours. The new space could not fit many more tables, so their spatial layout maximizes what they have. This proves the same in the other locations.
Despite spacial concerns, the new location left customers fulfilled. Compared to other local Mexican restaurants, Gringos Locos offers not only a cheaper option but a better flavor than a fast food chain. The menu offers something for everyone and the ability to choose parts of the taco makes each meal unique. It lacks in space but it makes up for in taste.
The Hilights
Who: Gringos Locos
To Try: Double D’s ($2.99-$8.79)
Where: 517 E. Michigan St. Orlando, FL
Cost: $0.99 to $8.79
Rating: 4.5 out of 5