El Taco Loco — Restaurant in City of Spruce Grove

It's shocking to me the experience we just had at El Taco Loco because we have only heard positive things since it opened! We've been looking forward to going there to eat since restaurants have been closed down during the pandemic and finally got there tonight.

Well...... We absolutely won't be going back! In a back handed way we were basically told not to come back because I have Celiac Disease (not my choice I am unable to digest gluten - wheat, rye, barley and oats contaminated with gluten due to field proximity). After we sat down, I asked our server what they have for gluten free options on their menu and she told me the fish tacos - I told her well those are breaded so definitely not those....... Mexican restaurants are usually fairly gluten free friendly because it's meat with seasoning, salsa and corn tacos so super easy to accommodate. In fact, most restaurants are always very happy to accommodate that I have Celiac Disease which I've know since 2008 and this is actually probably the rudest most appalling restaurant experience I have had in those 14 years!!

It's quite clear the restaurant has no idea what gluten is because the server did go and ask someone after she said then we don't have anything else that "it's just the fish tacos, that's usually what people with that problem order." When she came back after asking she said as a one time thing we will make you any taco you want gluten free. I asked her what does that mean? She said like only tonight, if I come back they would not do that again! 😲 Then she suggested I get a burrito and I asked her how, as a bowl but what about the chicken and beef you said it's not gluten free? And the burrito is a flour tortilla and she says yeah we just put it in the frying pan to warm up the tortilla quickly and I told her no I'm allergic to flour. Everything you're suggesting clearly has flour. So then she tells me "you just read the menu and see if I think anything is suitable for me" and I was pretty much like yeah okay I'm done, definitely not eating here.

Anyways I had ordered a virgin margarita. No idea what was in that so I didn't drink it and the person I was with had a beer. I didn't order any food so he didn't either. He drank the beer, we paid and we left.

I'm appalled that I was treated this way because of a disease I didn't ask to have! It's very abnormal these days for restaurants to have zero awareness of food allergies and sensitivities so anyone else who requires a special diet...

This is one of the best restaurants we have eaten at in a long time. Upon entering one immediately notices how clean and fresh the place looks and the food smells incredible. Being on the first floor of a medical building, there is lots of parking, easy access, and the windows offer a bright dining room. Both times we have been here we were immediately greeted and offered a table. They have a selection of Mexican beers which help bring back memories. The owner, Raoul, has chosen to offer authentic Mexican food and there are plenty of choices. We chose to start with the Aguachile (raw shrimp, cucumbers, and onions swimming in a vinegar sauce) and Huarache (thick corn tortilla topped with meat, vegis, and sauce). Interestingly, they decided to add tomatoes to the Aguachile for our second visit and the addition was very welcomed. A platter of various salsas (and tortilla chips) was brought out and the spiciness of each was explained. We then moved on to more food, even though we did not really need it. We had the Enchiladas (roja salsa) and the Taco Tinga (shredded chicken) on the first visit and the Enchiladas (roja salsa) and Alambre (combination of meats with soft corn tortillas) on the second visit. Each of the dishes were outstanding. The flavors were out of this world fresh and fantastic. Having a variety of salsas meant that we could vary the flavor of each bite which made the meal even better. We did enjoy a beer with our meals and they bring a bottle of water which you can pour yourself. Despite the Winter conditions outside, we felt like we were in Mexico. The music was at a perfect level where you can hear it but it does not interfere with talking. Our server was friendly and attentive each time and prompt to ask if there was anything we needed during the meal. Our dining experience each time was fantastic. The prices are not cheap but the food is well worth it. You will definitely be happy you made the choice...

I've tried ordering food 3 times from here. Each time has been a bad experience:

First time, the food I wanted was no longer allowed to be cooked for take out.

Second time, an order for two people took an hour to cook, despite the fact the restaurant was quiet and there weren't skip orders going on.

This time I get there and they tell me that they tried to cancel my order, but couldn't. Because they don't have the ingredients to make food.

Plus, on the door there was a sign saying "we are full, please come back after 4pm" despite the fact there was literally no one in the restaurant.

I am sure the food is OK, but I won't ever know, as everytime I've tried to be a customer they just somehow don't want the business.

Not only will I not come back, or try again on my own, I will actively veto this place as an option if anyone suggests we eat here. It shouldn't be this difficult to order an item from the menu and A) actually get it, and B) get it within a reasonable time.

I've never seen a restaurant do this poorly with simple...