Today, alongside Riverside High School guest Andrew Weiss, I visited my local hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant, Cocos Locos. Located in Willoughby and nestled cozily in the corner of a strip mall, the building is easy to pass. The restaurant’s exterior does not look like anything special. Still, when I walked inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the brightly-painted Mexican interior and the plethora of knick-knacks hung up. The atmosphere was inviting, and the service was great. Chips and salsa were whisked to our table before we had even sat down. 

The extensive menu offered dozens of delicious items. I had my heart set on fajitas, and choosing from the sixteen variations offered proved challenging. Keeping it classic, I ordered the steak fajitas. Andrew ordered the Burrito Mexicana, which was a whopping twelve inches and stuffed to the brim with steak, chicken, pork, rice, and beans, then topped with queso, a red sauce, and green salsa. Our food was served to us within fifteen minutes. The fajitas came with Mexican rice, pico de gallo, refried beans, shredded cheese, and lettuce. The rice was typical Mexican rice—nothing extraordinary, but yummy nonetheless. My steak was slightly dry, but it was an enjoyable dinner once put into the tortilla with other toppings. I will order a different meal when I revisit, especially after tasting the Burrito Mexicana. Andrew’s massive burrito, with sauces arranged to depict the Mexican flag, was the night’s standout. The meat inside was tender and flavorful, and when eaten with the sauces, the flavors blended nicely together. The sauces did not make the burrito soggy and added a needed depth to the dinner that elevated it from a typical burrito. Within minutes, the foot-long burrito was demolished.

For the cheap prices, the quality of the food was far above average. Cocos Locos is a place I would revisit for a weeknight dinner out. It nailed my craving for fajitas, and Andrew insisted that we make Cocos Locos our go-to Mexican restaurant. I am inclined to agree.

Winner of Dinner: Burrito Mexicana 

Cost: Affordable

Restaurant Score:  7.2/10