Taco Loco — Restaurant in Clarksville

On appearances alone, you might not recognize Taco Loco as a flavor powerhouse. It consists of a mobile home-type structure with a gazebo out front, and picnic tables underneath. There's another wooden structure and a food truck, as well as painted 50-gallon drums full of plants.

The unique, haphazard setup is part of the establishment's charm. The trailer houses indoor dining, and it's full of detailed street art-style murals. Place your order at the window of the smaller wooden structure. The food truck houses the heavy-duty cooking equipment, such as the deep frier.

When you arrive - and if you look a bit lost, as we did - the manager will welcome you and ask if you've eaten there before. If you say no, he'll explain the menu, ask whether you prefer spicy or mild, and bring out samples of their meats, sauces, and drinks for you to try.

Their main menu consists of a selection of tacos or bowls. Tacos are street taco style, with meat, sauce, and veggies in a fresh tortilla. Bowls have cilantro lime or jasmine rice plus your meat, sauce, gaucamole, sour cream, and cheese. Choose your meat - steak, chicken, or shrimp - and choose your number. Each number denotes a flavor profile, such as Thai sweet chili, Philly cheese, buffalo chicken, or jerk chicken.

There are also rotating specials on a nearby board. The day I was there, specials included dumplings, empanadas, and loaded French fries. Unique drinks include Thai tea, hibicus juice, and a milky mango drink.

If you have dietary restrictions, don't worry. The manager asked about this as well, and he was very consciencious that none of my samples contained dairy. He also verified that my selections were safe for me. All items are customizable, so, for example, you could ask them to omit the cheese and sour cream.

Below are dishes we've tried and loved.

Loco Taco Chicken Bowl - This bowl (combination #1) consisted of cilantro lime rice, black beans, chicken with Loco sauce (a green, creamy, pesto-like sauce), huge chunks of chicken, spinach, guacamole, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

Thai J.J. Taco - Strips of steak, spinach, tomatoes, and onion on a tortilla, smothered in J.J. sauce, which, acording to the manager, "Is like Thai sweet chili sauce, only it's more spicy and less sweet."

Aloo Curry Empanadas - I always seek out the most unique menu item, and this was it. "Aloo" means potato, so this was a crispy, fried empanada stuffed with curry spiced potatoes. The combination was excellent!

Chicken Dumplings - these were the juiciest, most succulent dumplings I've ever had. Each serving has four large dumplings (each about an inch in diameter) served on a bed of shredded cabbage with peanut sauce.

At the time of our visit, tacos were $3.75 and bowls were $9.95. Our purchase of one bowl, one taco, two empanadas, and two bottles of water totaled $27 and some change, plus a tip. Expect to pay more than $10 per person when eating...

I stopped for lunch here yesterday 8/27/19. As most people have stated the owner{s} and staff are friendly and informative. It wasn't that busy when I arrived. But as been said before I was given sample portions of some of the meats on their menu. All of them were good, but I didn't initially receive a sample of the one I was looking at. Once at the window I asked the young lady behind the counter if I could sample the one I was looking at. She said no problem and gave me a sample. I decided to go with that choice in a bowl. I chose #2 the Thai Sweet Chili Taco in a bowl. I added cheese, pinto beans and sour cream as toppings. First of all the chicken and the sauce was outstanding, along with the rice. It is a bit on the spicy side, but not over the top for my palate. But it could be for those sensitive to “heat” in the food. That being said, when I go back {and I will}!! I would not order the cheese and sour cream. I also ordered the Mango drink. Personally speaking I did not care for it at all. I had the distinct pleasure of talking to one of the owners, {Patrick.... I remembered your name Patrick... side joke I'm hoping Patrick will remember 😀} as I was leaving. He asked me for my thoughts and opinion of my visit. I was honest with him. I told him that I didn't care for my drink. Without hesitation he gave me a drink of my choice, which was good. I also found out that they have other drinks {Coke, Sprite, etc}. But it is not on the menu for you to choose from. I respectfully suggested that he should make it known so future customers will have that option. I also told him how much I loved the Thai Sweet Chili. He agreed with my assessment that the sour cream and cheese is not typical toppings for that meat n rice combo. All in all!! It was a great lunch. I don't live far from here and I can assure you that I will be back! Right now.... Im believe I will be going back for the Jerk Chicken Taco. Great job guys, keep up the great work. As I said before, I...

I have been coming to taco loco for about two years now and it is always a pleasure. The owners are 100% the most friendly and customer attentive. They really care about there business and the people of the community. I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews being left but I guess you can't please everyone. First of all, there prices are absolutely fair for the genuine and authentic food there making. They use fresh ingredients and even grill the steak and chicken out front, offer unique homemade drinks and sauces. Some of there tacos have a kick of spice but that comes with the cultures of foods they are offering and presenting to you.You have options that are not hot/spicy or can even ask them to take something off. You have options for a bowl or taco with various toppings and accommodations, and even a kids menu which is nice. I have been met with nothing but smiles and awesome communication, and I am always happy to see them!!! The food to me, is amazing. My favorite is the sweet Thai chili bowl with chicken. It is a treat with a little spice and always fresh. I feel comfortable in assuming the portion of bad reviews are people more pleased with mediocre cheap taco bell. If it's too busy for you to wait, than catch some fast food. This place is always on point when I order and if it's busy, I don't mind waiting because I know it's worth it. I regularly get my food very quickly and if I don't, it's because they are well liked and I'm not the only one there. I can't wait for taco loco to expand there menu and business in the future. They have me in...