Villa Bonita Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Columbus

Why have I never tried this place before? Some co-workers and I were looking for a place out for lunch one day last week. I had been wanting to take them to Diamonds Ice Cream shop so I suggested Taco Loco since it was next door. I had never been to Taco Loco, but the reviews were good so we decided to try it.

Upon entering the restaurant there is a posted menu as well as a Lunch Specials board. There was a great selection to choose from at competitive prices. It was hard to choose. Everything sounded delicious.

The cashier who may have also been the manager was very friendly and welcoming. He answered our questions and welcomed us warmly. We each placed our orders and were given cups for our drinks and a number for our order. We picked a table and got our drinks. By the time we returned, there were two baskets of fresh, hot chips, the guacamole and queso we ordered, and their version of salsa which is a bowl of onions and hot peppers with a side of a red hot sauce. Our orders were brought to us an appropriate time later.

I ordered tacos which comes in an order of 3. You can mix and match any of the tacos on the menu. I chose the shrimp taco, the steak taco, and the al pastor (pork and pineapple). On my plate, in addition to my tacos were chopped cucumbers, radishes, and rice. (I could have also chosen beans.) Everything was fresh and delicious. Some of my co-workers also got tacos, others got the chimichanga. We devoured everything.

Now, if you are expected to go there and get a plate full of gooey americanized mexican food covered in cheese, you will be disappointed. There is nothing wrong with gooey cheesiness. I love gooey cheesiness. But I also love this fresh, healthier version. That being said the chimichangas did have queso sauce. The tacos had a gentle sprinkling of Mexican cheese which was perfect.

I highly, highly recommend this place. The restaurant is clean. There is a patio for outdoor seating. There is also a Margarita menu which we had to decline since we were returning to work. I will...

Absolutely love the carnitas and barbacoa tacos! Some of the best in Columbus. I learned to always get the tacos (with refried beans). I tried a burrito yrs ago and didn't care for it - so much so that it was hard to get me to go back. But when I did, I went with the tacos and now they have me hooked. They used to have tacos and a side of refried beans or rice as a lunch menu item, but it seems they changed a few things (again). You used to order at the counter and pay up front, now it's a proper sit-down restaurant with a waiter. I actually preferred the chill vibe of ordering at the counter. Reminded me of my favorite place when I lived in San Diego. And along those lines, they automatically give tortilla chips to everyone, which not all Mexican places seem to do here, but was the norm in San Diego. I will say, while the tacos are reminiscent of San Diego, the chips are not anything like the homemade tortilla chips served in restaurants there. These look and taste like they come out of a plastic bag, and even then they aren't very good. But the tacos are great, the staff are friendly, and I love eating there, so I'm giving it 5...

Consistently good, fresh affordable food.

I’ve eaten at Taco Loco since they first opened, and it’s only improved over time.

First off, they have a complimentary chips and salsa bar. Wow! The chips are really good, and the salsa is the fresh type. Now you don’t have to feel guilty asking for your third basket of chips, or the third little container of the salsa you love.

Second, the music matches the decor, and although there are a lot of TVs, they’ve never had the volume up on any of them, which is good if you just want a visual distraction.

The food! Yes, the food is really good. The corn tortillas in the tacos are super yummy, and as a vegan, I appreciate having a few options: awesome bean dip, avocado, and grilled vegetables with black beans. You can ask if something is vegan - or can be made vegan - and they’re willing to work with you.

Overall, this is one of my favorite places to eat in Columbus because it’s right there on Sawmill, with easy parking, great prices, a relaxing (and fun) atmosphere, and consistently...