Good deals at El Burrito Loco

If you are craving tacos, burritos or sopes, it may be time you journeyed to El Burrito Loco in Wasco for one of the most-affordable meals in town.

Owners Jesus and Theresa Hernandez have been in this location for 20 years. Their daughter, Angela Hernandez, and her boyfriend, Juan Aguirre, also help out at the restaurant.

Before they owned the restaurant in Wasco, the Hernandez family owned Taqueria Los Altas in Bakersfield. "My dad wanted to move from Bakersfield to a smaller town, and he came to Wasco in 1999," said Angela. "Before we came here, Eskew Deli was in this location."

Serving up authentic Mexican cuisine, El Burrito Loco is located at 803 7th Street, right next door to Wasco Liquors on the corner of F and 7th streets. The doorway is hidden by a small, dark hallway, and it would be easy to walk past without even seeing it, but it's worth looking for.

El Burrito Loco's prices are reasonable and won't empty the wallet. They offer a variety of tacos for $2.25 each, a selection of sopes for $2.99 and the chicken and steak El Burrito Loco for $7.99.

Greeting guests on a Saturday earlier this month was Monique Vogan, who has been with the restaurant for the past 13 years. She says she is part of the family and couldn't imagine being anywhere else. She immediately knows the most popular item on the menu: "The Burrito Loco!"

Vogan's easy manner and friendly smile those who come into the restaurant. She says she has a good relationship with all her customers. "We don't rush our customers out once they've finished their meal," she said. "We've had people sitting at a table for over two hours."

Councilmember John Pallares frequents the restaurant for its good food and inexpensive prices. "It's close to my home, the prices are very reasonable, and the food is great!" He was there enjoying a plate of fries last Saturday. "The fries are best with seasoning salt on them," he said. "It's not so good for your diet, but they do taste good!"

Visit El Burrito Loco from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They are closed on Mondays.