Loco’s Tex Mex — Restaurant in Detroit

Not wanting to wait 45 minutes at the two restaurants across the street, we ventured into El Zocalo. At first we thought they weren't open for business because their front door looked dirty and unused. When we got closer, we noticed it was "locked" with zip ties. (They REALLY need to do something decorative to this door and put up signage to guests telling them to enter from the side of the building.) Anyway, we waited about 20 minutes for a table, and ordered and had our food within about 15 minutes. Not bad, considering we'd still be waiting for a table elsewhere. The employees were all very friendly, professional, and highly efficient. There superstar was the food. Seriously delicious. Everything. We drove a half hour to Detroit just so I could get a good wet burrito. The fajita steak inside was tender with NO fatty, chewy pieces. We all agreed that their refried beans are some of the best around. I actually ate all my beans before trying the burrito because I enjoyed them so much. The rice is good, a little tomatoey (if that's not a word, I call inventing it), but good. I was a happy camper. My husband loved his ground beef chimichanga, refried beans, and rice, and stuffed himself because he said it was too good to leave for leftovers. Likewise, my daughter said her steak quesadilla was outstanding. So, if you're in Detroit and in the mood for Mexican food, I highly recommend El Zocalo. Skip the wait at the other restaurants and head on in for great service and excellent, authentic...

We chose El Zocalo because there was too long a wait at our usual favorite. The place was completely empty. We were seated outside, as before the evening. The decor was fitting and reminiscent of Mexico. The servicers were kind and ardent in their attempts at adequacy though ultimately unsuccessful. We squashedThere were 8 in our party, including 4 children. The meal was very delayed. Parties that arrived after us were almost finished eating before ours arrived. We requested additional extra chips and salsa more than once before they finally arrived. Being a mother of incessantly finicky (read picky) children I was certain to be very clear with each of their particular "dietary restrictions" (no lettuce, include sour cream, meat only, etc...). Regardless of this precaution, none of their meals arrived 100% correct. Not only this, but the food itself a was not bad good. Portions were very large, a positive, but the flavor just wasn't there. Our chips were stale, as were the Taco shells on the hard tacos. The salsa tasted like simple tomato puree with some oregano and a bit of garlic thrown in. I did ask for several things during the meal, and for these the server was prompt and as before friendly and congenial. I believe the restaurant is only recently opened, or perhaps reopened, so some extra time may improve all of this, but I still don't think...

I really wanted to love this place because the food at Locos Tex Mex was fantastic—flavorful, fresh, and exactly what you’d hope for from a great Mexican restaurant. Unfortunately, the service was seriously disappointing and completely took away from the experience.

Our server was training someone, which I totally understand. I made a point to clearly say—twice—that I couldn’t eat red meat and needed my meal to be all chicken. The server repeated it back to me, and I confirmed. When the food came out, it was all beef. I sent it back through the food runner, and when the server returned, she told me it was what I ordered. I assured her it wasn’t, and asked again for all chicken. It finally came out right, but it seemed like the trainee was blamed for the mistake—we never saw them again at our table, which felt uncomfortable and unfair.

At the end of the meal, I paid with a $100 bill for a check just over $60. The server shorted me on my change, and when I pointed it out, she caught an attitude and returned the rest of my change in the most passive-aggressive way possible—in as much coins as possible.

The food alone would’ve brought me back, but with service like this, I’d be hesitant to return or recommend it. It’s a shame, because the kitchen clearly knows what...