Loco Bar & Grille
by Joe Hakim
The motto of Loco's Tex Mex Grille is "Go south of the border right here in Greektown." In the same complex as Niki's Pizza, Bouzouki Lounge and Niki's Lounge, Loco's definitely stands out. Even among Tex Mex bars, Loco's is unique. Obviously being the only Mexican spot in Greektown already gives you distinction, but as you peel away the layers at Loco's, something different comes to the surface.
Sure, there are margaritas, cheap tacos and salsa dancing but there is also a bartender who is making tequila old fashioneds and plenty of other handmade cocktails. The bartender's name is Jeremy and he's full of energy and excited to talk booze with anyone who wants to gab. Discussing cocktails with him is fascinating, and he's willing to fix you a drink if you give him something to shoot at. "I love when customers asks me to just make a drink," Jeremy says, "Whether it's bitter, sweet or sour, I can make something for you."
Old Fashioneds are normally made with bourbon. Although it may seem like a relatively simple switch, using tequila is a pretty good idea, especially in a Mexican restaurant. There's some Cointreau in there too, which gives orangey sweetness. If nothing else, it's a unique recipe for a drink that's, well, kind of old fashioned (get it?). "I try to build drinks like a chef builds a dish," Jeremy says. He even has started ordering special ingredients for his drinks. Loco's cocktail program is serious business.
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Monday through Friday Loco's offers happy hour. All drinks are $1 off and appetizers are half off. On Tuesdays, tacos are only $1.25 to go along with all of the happy hour specials. On Saturday nights, DJ Cisco leads the party with salsa dancing. Free dance lessons are offered from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
While Jeremy can make a delicious cocktail, there is also a full bar stocked with just about anything you could want. Twenty-plus tequilas, plenty of beers (Dos Equis on tap) and even some specialty booze round out an impressive bar selection. Even more impressive is that Loco's offers food until 3:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, so it is possible to drink, dance and eat in that order.
There aren't many bars like Loco's – a place where you can get a taco, handmade cocktail and learn to dance the salsa in the heart of Greektown, so there's no reason not to check it out. Odelay! |RDW
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