I’ll admit something right now. I’ve driven past Loco Mexican Restaurant and Cantina on North Delaware Street more times than I can count, always thinking I’d stop in someday.
That someday finally came a few months ago, and I’ve been kicking myself ever since for waiting so long. This colorful spot in Fall Creek Place has become my go-to when I’m craving authentic Mexican flavors that don’t skimp on quality or portion size.
What makes Loco stand out in a city full of Mexican restaurants? It’s the combination of lightning-fast service, generous portions, and flavors that actually deliver on their promises.
The nachos alone have earned legendary status among Indianapolis foodies, piled high with toppings that somehow stay perfectly balanced from first bite to last. Whether you’re a local looking for your new weekly spot or planning a food-focused road trip across Indiana, this unassuming restaurant at 2205 N Delaware St deserves a prominent place on your list.
The Legendary Loco Nachos That Started It All
Let me tell you about the dish that’s sparked countless conversations across Indianapolis. The Loco Nachos aren’t your average appetizer that leaves you hungry fifteen minutes later.
These are the kind of nachos that make you question whether you should have ordered an entree at all, because the mountain of chips, cheese, and toppings could easily feed two or three people.
What sets them apart is the construction. Every chip gets its fair share of toppings, which means you’re not digging through a pile of naked tortilla chips at the bottom.
The cheese stays melted throughout your meal, and the ratio of meat to toppings to chips feels like someone actually thought about the engineering involved. Fresh jalapeños add just enough kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Reviewers consistently mention these nachos as a standout, and after trying them myself, I understand why people drive from across the state specifically for this dish. The presentation alone makes you reach for your phone to snap a photo before diving in.
They arrive at your table still sizzling, with steam rising from the melted cheese and warm toppings creating an irresistible aroma that fills your immediate dining area. For around fifteen dollars, you’re getting restaurant nachos that actually justify their price tag through sheer volume and quality.
Service So Quick You’ll Think They’re Reading Your Mind
Here’s something that caught me completely off guard during my first visit. I ordered my food, took exactly three sips of my horchata, and suddenly my plate arrived.
At first, I thought maybe they had my order already prepared, but after talking to other diners and reading countless reviews, I realized this is just how Loco operates. The kitchen moves with remarkable efficiency without sacrificing quality.
The staff at Loco treats regulars and first-timers with the same warmth and attention. Multiple reviews specifically mention servers by name, which tells you something about the consistency of excellent service.
Whether you’re sitting at the bar with Caesar or Melissa, or being taken care of by Michelle in the dining room, you’re getting people who genuinely seem happy to be there.
What really impressed me was how attentive the staff remains even during busy periods. Your water glass gets refilled before you realize it’s empty.
Extra salsa appears tableside without you having to flag anyone down. This level of service makes Loco feel less like a casual Mexican spot and more like a neighborhood gathering place where everyone knows the rhythm.
The quick service doesn’t feel rushed either, which is a delicate balance many restaurants struggle to achieve in their operations.
Al Pastor Tacos That Rival Anything Downtown
Downtown Indianapolis has no shortage of upscale taquerias charging premium prices for their creations. Yet somehow, this modest spot in Fall Creek Place serves al pastor tacos that compete with the best of them at a fraction of the cost.
The pork gets marinated with the right blend of spices and that signature hint of pineapple that makes al pastor so distinctive.
You can build your own combination of any three tacos, which means you’re not locked into ordering multiples of the same flavor. This flexibility lets you explore their menu without committing to a single protein.
The al pastor consistently shows up in positive reviews alongside mentions of their barbacoa and ahi tuna options, proving that variety is one of Loco’s genuine strengths.
Each taco arrives properly constructed with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime that brightens the rich, savory pork. The corn tortillas are doubled up to prevent the inevitable structural failure that happens with overstuffed tacos.
What makes these tacos special isn’t some revolutionary technique or secret ingredient. It’s the straightforward execution of traditional methods with quality ingredients and proper seasoning.
Sometimes the best food comes from respecting the classics rather than trying to reinvent them with unnecessary complications that muddy the authentic flavors everyone craves.
Choriqueso That Deserves Its Own Fan Club
Before visiting Loco, I thought I understood what good queso looked like. Then I tried their choriqueso, and suddenly every other cheese dip I’d eaten seemed like a pale imitation.
The combination of melted cheese and perfectly seasoned chorizo creates something that transcends the simple sum of its parts. This isn’t the grainy, separated mess you sometimes get at chain restaurants.
The chorizo brings a smoky, slightly spicy element that cuts through the richness of the melted cheese. You get actual chunks of sausage throughout rather than just a faint meaty flavor mixed in.
The consistency stays smooth and dippable from the first chip to the last, which speaks to proper preparation and quality cheese selection.
Regulars at Loco often order this as their standard starter, and several reviews specifically call it out as a must-try item. The portion size is generous enough to share with your entire table without anyone feeling shortchanged.
Paired with their fresh, perfectly salted chips, the choriqueso becomes dangerously addictive. I’ve watched tables go completely silent when it arrives, everyone too focused on scooping up another chip-full to maintain conversation.
It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you seriously reconsider whether you actually need an entree, though you’ll probably order one anyway and regret nothing.
A Neighborhood Location That Feels Like Home
Fall Creek Place has transformed dramatically over the past decade, evolving into one of Indianapolis’s most interesting neighborhoods. Loco sits right in the heart of this revitalization at 2205 N Delaware St, surrounded by a mix of historic homes, new developments, and local businesses that give the area genuine character.
The restaurant’s location makes it perfect for a casual dinner after exploring nearby attractions.
Just a short walk away, you’ll find Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Blues at 2310 N Meridian St, another local favorite that shows how this neighborhood supports quality independent restaurants. The proximity to downtown means you can easily make Loco part of a larger Indianapolis adventure without the hassle of navigating to the suburbs.
Parking is straightforward with spaces available right in front of the building, eliminating one of the usual frustrations of urban dining.
The restaurant’s exterior might not scream for attention, but that understated approach is part of its charm. This is a place that lets its food and service do the talking rather than relying on flashy architecture or trendy design elements.
Inside, the vibrant colors and thoughtful decor create a welcoming atmosphere that balances authentic Mexican aesthetics with modern comfort. The separate carryout area shows they’ve thought about the customer experience for both dine-in guests and those grabbing food to go.
Barbacoa That Converts Skeptics Into Believers
Ask any regular at Loco about their favorite dish, and barbacoa tacos come up almost as often as the famous nachos. The slow-cooked beef practically melts on your tongue, seasoned with a blend of spices that creates deep, complex flavors without overwhelming heat.
This is comfort food elevated through technique and attention to detail.
Traditional barbacoa requires patience and proper cooking methods that many restaurants skip in favor of faster preparation. Loco clearly understands that some dishes can’t be rushed.
The meat arrives tender enough to pull apart with a fork, infused with seasonings that have had time to penetrate every fiber. Each bite delivers that satisfying richness that only comes from low-and-slow cooking methods.
Multiple five-star reviews specifically praise the barbacoa tacos as some of the best in Indianapolis, with one reviewer claiming they’re worth the drive from outside the 465 loop. The meat works beautifully with simple accompaniments of cilantro, onions, and lime, proving that exceptional ingredients prepared correctly don’t need elaborate sauces or toppings.
You can taste the care that goes into each batch. Whether you’re a barbacoa devotee or trying it for the first time, Loco’s version will reset your expectations for what this classic Mexican dish should taste like when done right by people who respect tradition.
Consistent Quality That Keeps Locals Coming Back Weekly
One review mentioned coming to Loco almost every week, and after several visits myself, I completely understand that level of dedication. In a restaurant landscape where consistency often falls victim to growth and popularity, Loco maintains the same quality whether you visit on a quiet Tuesday afternoon or a packed Saturday evening.
The kitchen doesn’t seem to have off days.
Every plate arrives properly heated, which seems like a small detail until you’ve experienced lukewarm restaurant food enough times to appreciate the difference. The portions remain generous across visits, and the seasoning tastes the same whether you order in January or July.
This reliability transforms a good restaurant into someone’s regular spot, the place they recommend without hesitation to visiting friends or out-of-town family.
The restaurant operates with clear systems that prevent the usual service breakdowns that plague busy establishments. Orders come out correctly, modifications get handled without attitude, and the pace of service matches the energy of the crowd.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch between errands or settling in for a leisurely dinner, Loco adapts to your timeline without making you feel rushed or forgotten. That kind of operational excellence doesn’t happen by accident.
It requires training, standards, and a team that actually cares about the experience they’re creating for every single person who walks through the door at 2205 N Delaware St.
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