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Manny's El Loco
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
45 reviews for Manny's El Loco
Review Highlights
"They have the best bean and cheese burritos ever."
(in 4 reviews)
"It has a chile relleno AND carne asada."
(in 6 reviews)
"There's also a salsa bar, because salsa and chiles go with..."
(in 4 reviews)
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Megan H.
Azusa, CA
I've been coming here since childhood and Manny has never disappointed. At one time one employee even remembered my whole family's regular order. All we had to say was "the usual!" and he would place it for us. I don't believe he works there anymore.. It was years ago.
Not forgetting about the food, gotta love those Loco Nachos! Also, this is one of the only places I can order a plain ol' bean and cheese burrito and be completely satisfied. I love to eat the excess beans with some fries. The taquitos are super yum too! Love the crunchy ends.
Having attended Northview high school, I loved to come here for lunch. It was my most favorite lunch spot out of the choices and it still is. I have so many fond memories of Manny's El Loco and I will continue to get my eat on here! -
Review from Bill E.
West Covina, CA
1/5/2012
Ok, pay attention! This isn't going to be pretty!
First of all, understand that I have been a customer of this place since it was in the old A&W Drive~in that formerly stood at their current location. Back then, the food was BOMB, and I ate there often! I raved about the place to whom ever would listen. Everything was good & hot & service was fast... that was the good 'ol days, trust me.
Somehow, they just let everything slip. The staff are some of the rudest people I've ever seen work in a restaurant! They act like they are doing you a favor by taking your order! No smile, no "gracias", nothin'. The place was decorated by someone who loves Disney and shops at the swapmeet. The restrooms are like a filthy truckstop, so don't even think about it. Maybe ONE member of the staff speaks ENGLISH , and I expect ICE to raid the joint anyday (knowhatI'msayin'?). The place gets over run by the kiddies from Northview HS at lunchtime, so avoid times like mid day week days... on secod thought, just avoid this dump all together.
OK. That pretty much sums up the GOOD.
Now for the BAD:
The food really sucks! It used to be GREAT, & now it sucks. If you order a bean & cheese burrito, be prepared for a room temperature meal. For some reason, they remove the beans from the heat and just scoop out the frejoles from the pot COLD (no kidding) which doesn't melt the meager amount of cheese... and it makes for a disappointing experience, to say the least. I mean, DANG! What kind of mexican place can't make a decent BEAN & CHEESE BURRITO??? Jeez, how pathetic. This is just wrong, not to mention a probable violation of the HEALTH CODE! (note to self: call the county & make a report). I noticed the last time I was in there, it had a *B* in the window.
Then, I ordered a carnitas burrito that was SWIMMING IN OIL & GREASE. It looked like 30-weight oil from JIFFY LUBE pouring out of the bottomon the first bite! Then after a couple more bites, I noticed something I did not recognize inside the burrito!!!... ( uh-oh). Upon closer examination, I realized that I was looking something like an artery with 3 or 4 blood vessels hanging, from what resembled a heart valve! I was so grossed out, I asked to speak to Manny himself to complain. I knew he was there, because I recognize him from the old days... (actually, I recognized that bad rug of his...)
So, apparently, I know HIM. But even though I've been his customer since 1985, he doesn't know who the **F** I am... I held the burrito up for him to see the quivering piece of GOD KNOWS WHAT, and I asked: "WHAT IS THIS???"
He studied the nasty thing for a moment, then explained to me that it was "A NERVE".
Well Hell's Bells, I didn't order a freakin' NERVE BURRITO! I express my displeasure with my food, and he goes onto say the he "wouldn't mind it".
I walked out that day, NEVER TO RETURN AGAIN. Not when there are so many better places around for less money. 27 years ago, he was practically the only game in town. He must be feeling the heat from all the renegade TACO TRUCKS around today!
I would rather eat @ the North View High School Cafateria! Do yourself a favor and skip MANNY's all together. You will end up with more money in your pocket and you won't have to eat cold food and OTHER THINGS you wouldn't want anyway. -
Review from Vanessa F.
Covina, CA
Updated - 8/22/2011 1 photo
I hadn't been to Manny's in a minute because the prices are too high. When halftime came on Saturday I needed to find a place nearby to pick up dinner so I stopped there. I had a coupon for buy one combo get one free, and I still somehow walked away spending $12. Didn't save me much money. I can walk out of other places with enough foodI rodered my usual sopes combo, grabbed some red salsa, and headed home.
I was excited to see a $1 menu (valid only Monday-Friday) that included things like bean and cheese burritos, quesadilla, hamburger, and a few other items.
Their red salsa was better than I had remembered it, had lots of flavor and some spice.
Their sopes weren't as great as I remembered. It may be that I've found other places that make it better, or maybe their food has changed some. Their not as jam packed with meat as others, and what pieces of carne asada were it were large, gristly, and tasted like the oil/grease they were cooked in.
I think it's time to abandon their sopes and try something else.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/20/2011
This is one of my favorite "hole-in-the-wall" mexican places around here. Though... technically it's… Read more »
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Review from Michael W.
La Verne, CA
Manny's bugs the CRAP out of me.
They have some really awesome things and some shitty things
They are now doing karaoke once a week. Imagine your Grandma singing nursery rhymes.
That's it.
You can tell they are hurting with changes to the menu.
The dollar qusedilla? Its pretty awesome for a buck. I dont know what they do to it but I always eat it all.
They have some of the most unique fries. They are huge and look like Lincoln logs.
Ask for them well done and thank me later.
Yes the decor is outdated and funky
But when I get my soft chicken taco fry and soda I dont care.
Its a slice of retro Americana.Listed in: TACO TIME!, Cruising through Covina, Kicking Back With A Burrito, Breakfast Hating, Deep fried goodness
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/2/2010
They have a crazy deal going on right now.
So usually its 2 bucks for a taco 250 for fries 150 for a… Read more »
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Review from Elizabeth V.
Long Beach, CA
3/28/2011
I do have to commend them on community support activities. They have a great set-up with plenty of parking and an area that vendors can set up on, as well as a front area for a DJ and a sound system. But I wasn't very happy with the food. I got a 2 soft taco plate with rice and beans. The rice was really cold and old. The beans and tacos were okay. The cost was about $7.50 (no drink.)
I was there for a community fund raiser and I got there late so there was not a line for food and they weren't busy when I place my order. I can see from other reviews that it seems hit or miss so perhaps I was here on a bad day. I can't see myself coming back unless there's another fundraiser going on. -
Review from g C.
Covina, CA
12/8/2011
Food is good though overpriced, but if buying to go be sure to check your bag. They now leave things out. I have been going here for years, but I think I'm done. This time instead of feeling welcome, I felt I was interupting the workers conversation about Christmas they seemed annoyed I was there. Guess that's why they left out part of the order I paid for. No longer worth the trip. Too bad, this used to be a great place.
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Review from Mike F.
7/14/2011
I really wish this place was cheaper so I could here more often, and not have to resort to 75 cent tacos.
Their wet burritos are delicious. The sauce they smother it in is spicy which is what I like.
Apparently they do karaoke here sometime during the week. -
Review from Charles D.
Azusa, CA
10/7/2011
2 Taquitos for 2 Bucks and it comes with Guac..... nuff said... Great food, and pretty fast service. Will definitely come back..
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Review from David A.
Monrovia, CA
You will not leave a single bite on your plate. There is not one thing on this menu that isn't INSANELY DELICIOUS. If someone told me that Manny himself was putting some secret drug in the food to make it addictive then I would believe them. That may sound like an insult but I assure you it's not.
Not only does the Mexican food here taste awesome, but so does the American food. They put a twist on certain favorites, like the El Loco Burger being served on a torta instead of hamburger buns. The chili cheese fries are too large for one person to handle and they're fried so perfectly. The food is always hot, fresh, and positively mouth-watering. There's also a salsa bar, because salsa and chiles go with every meal.
This is the kind of place where if you come in often enough, the staff makes an effort to learn what you like to order. There are also car shows and live entertainment on certain nights. The theme of the interior design is also vaguely Americana, with assorted cartoon characters and dolls of Disney characters adorning the walls. I get a sense the restaurant means a lot fo the community.
Final note, The Loco burrito is worth tackling (although you may not conquer it) because it has a chile relleno INSIDE of it. Yes, one entire side dish inside of another dish. It's like a snake eating its own tail. -
Review from John H.
Azusa, CA
6/28/2010
I used to go to Manny's El Loco at two other locations. They used to have one on Duarte Rd. in Monrovia and one on First St. in Arcadia. Those locations haven't been there for years however, and since I am moving to the Azusa area I was suprised to see they still existed.
So I got a couple of things I had missed for years, the special quesadilla which is a quesadilla made with guac and pastrami, and the El Loco burrito which is a combo carne asada and chile relleno burrito. Actually that turned out to be too much food for me. I ate the quesadilla first and wihin an hour or so i was in the bathroom with a not happy stomach at all. And maybe an hour after that I was throwing up.
Now I used to really like their red hot salsa and I put a good amount on the quesadilla, but something in that got me good and sick pretty quickly. There's way too many other Mexican food places around here than to try this one again. -
Review from Briana B.
Huntington Beach, CA
6/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yummy. This is a childhood favorite of mine and even though I live an hour away, I find a way to stop by and grab me the best Pastrami Quesidilla ever! The shredded beef tacos are fantastic, love the bean and cheese burritos, and the El Loco Burrito. You cant go wrong with this place :D
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Review from Gema G.
Los Angeles, CA
1/28/2011
Manny's El Loco" (in covina) to be on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives (on Food Network)! Here's the email address: DDDinfo@mac.com
let them know how awesome his food is and maybe see him on the show! besides having awesome food, manny has a heart of gold. and he needs all the help he can get! -
Review from Mrs G.
Upland, CA
6/20/2011
They have the best bean and cheese burritos ever! I've been eating them since I was a child and just recently moved 25 min away. I miss those burritos being 5 minutes away. I tried an Alberto's burrito here by my house and it was so huge and watery that I couldn't hold it up with 2 hands at all. It fell apart and was all over the place. El Loco's is huge but firm to hold. The best!!!!!!!!
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Review from Mark B.
The Dalles, OR
5/25/2010
It has certainly changed for the worse. The El Loco burrito was once spicy, with carne asada meat. They switched to a cheaper cut and it makes the burrito taste awful. A vending machine burrito tastes better.
Worst part is all the homeboys coming in wearing their pink high heels and lipstick. gross. -
Review from Will V.
Los Angeles, CA
7/16/2009
My favorite is the Carne Asada Burrito. The burrito has carne asada steak, refried beans, onions, tomatoes, chili, and an avocado sauce. Also, the flour tortilla is one of my favorites when compared to other Mexican restaurants.
The carne asada burrito is about $6.
Also, the salsa bar is extensive -- with a wide selection of salsa and spicy vegetables.
I enjoy looking at the old pictures of when David Hasselhoff visited this restaurant in the 80s. -
Review from Nina B.
Irvine, CA
5/25/2009
Alright,
used to live in San Dimas when I was a kid. Had to travel to Covina to get my Mexican food fix tho.
I've been eating here since I was born. Really can't remember a time without El Loco.
Now that I am an Orange County resident, it is a lot harder to get my fix. Its so far away!!
I've been eating healthier lately and allow myself ONE splurge day a week and El Loco was the only thing that could satisfy my ravenous Mexicana stomach. The boyfriend was surprisingly down for an hour drive to get some fast Mexi grub.
When we got there, my mouth was already salivating. Had to practically take a tissue with me to SOP it up.
Anyways- the lady that took my oder is the SAME lady that used to help me and my dad order in the good old days. She recognized me which was amazing as I haven't been there in YEARS.
I ordered the usual. Wasn't going to waste a trip on something I didn't absolutely love. I got 3 hardshell shredded beef tacos as that is my favorite of all time fast food mexican. I also threw in a large order of fries for myself. The BF got the el loco nachos and a large order of fries as well. If I get good food once a week, I better get a hell of a lot of it!
I noshed on tomatoes from their pico de gallo while I was waiting coz it was either that or start snacking on my thumb. I was seriously that hungry.
Got the food and ate it ALL! The tacos are huge, wrapped in napkins as the red grease is plentiful and super tasty. also packed with so much lettuce, cheese and tomatoes that you have a little side salad of toppings after each taco :) The fries are really not crispy unless you get a real small piece, but it doesn't even matter. they are that flavorful and YUMMY! After I finished ALL my food, I went on to finish my lightweight BF's food. The nachos were smothered in beans, cheese and other stuff that was beyond compare.
Overall, better than I remember. Glad there's not one over here though. I'd splurge way too often and become a gready panzona mess!
Go if you're ever in the area! If you are there on a Saturday for lunch, you may see me! -
Review from Suzanne L.
San Gabriel, CA
5/27/2008 4 Check-ins Here
I heart el loco.
While I don't know if this is considered to be "real" mexican food or not, I crave its greasy goodness about once or twice a month. Maybe because it's one block away from home. I remember when the #2 was like 2.50. It comes with a super greasy taco, greasy fries and a drink with unlimited refills. Now I think it's like 3.75 (good lord!!) The Loco Nachos are bomb too.
I like the salsa bar, and I always feel a little embarrassed cuz i'll take 5 pico de gallos, some carrots and 2 green sauces and all I had ordered was a kids combo #2. Now there's a sign that says "Please only take what you need". Who said I didn't need that many?? I guess I wasn't really that embarrassed.
The decor is funny cuz there is a cut-out of Marilyn Monroe and also snoopy decorations, framed laker posters and random Disney stuff. Oh yeah, next to the restroom, there are pictures of what appears to be candid shots of the filming of Knight Rider. I'll admit i'm a Knight Rider fan, but why are these pics here at El Loco???
You can buy lottery tickets here too. And get your weight and fortune told for 25 cents. This place has it all!! -
Review from Paul M.
7/31/2009 1 Check-in Here
One of my top choices when I want to induce a food coma.
I'm not sure if the quality of food is declining, or if I'm just getting pickier, but it seems like it's not as good as, oh, say 10 years ago.
I usually get a chile relleno burrito, an order of fries and a horchata (especially for breakfast). The chile rellenos are decent, but they taste like they might be sitting around for awhile (hard to avoid, it's not like they can whip up a fresh one for each order. ) Still, the batter is a bit soggy and the chile a bit bland. And then the pico de gallo tastes like it's a couple days past it's prime (also a pretty common thing: I think pico de gallo might be Spanish for "onions and tomatoes in imminent danger of going bad.")
The fries are thick wedges of greasy goodness, although occassionally it tastes like they were cooked in old oil.
Actually, I think their potato tacos are the best thing on the menu that I can eat (full disclosure, I don't eat birds or mammals) It's hard to improve on mashed potatoes, but putting them in a hard taco shell and topping them with cheese, lettuce, tomato and hot sauce is a great start.
And let me just digress about horchata for a moment. Why is it that although every place uses one of those pre-mixed dispensers (unless you're lucky enough to find it home made) that the quality seems to vary widely from place to place, even given the same exact brand (I think it's called Juicy Whip or something). Horchata is fraught with peril. So much can go wrong. The ratio of creaminess, rice flavoring and cinnamon have to be just right. Too much or too little of one and it's practically undrinkable.
That reminds me: someone needs to invent a really tasty horchata cocktail. There just aren't enough breakfast cocktails as far as I'm concerned.
[end digression]
Manny's El Loco is always clean, the service is always above average, and the food is good, for what it is. As for the decor, has 50's diner nostalgia EVER been a wise decorating choice? It's not even campy or ironic anymore: it just reminds me of those empty-nesters in elastic band jeans who think driving around in a PT Cruiser makes them cool. -
Review from Kelyn M.
San Dimas, CA
11/24/2007
I went here last night at about 2:30 in the morning. The guy I'm dating insisted that it was better than Alberto's which is also 24 hrs and just across the street. I wasn't that impressed. The carne asada in the taco I got was really dry, and hard. And the quesadilla he got was good- it was average, how can you screw up a quesadilla?! My friend got the carne adasa nachos and it looked bomb. I think I'll try this place again- in the early hours of the morning most likely, and hopefully it's a better experience next time.
And if it's terrible again, I'll settle with Alberto's. -
Review from Danny p.
Covina, CA
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I tried the Combination burrito which has shredded beef, cheeses and both red and green sauce. It's a great burrito except for the onions that they cook with. I hate onions, but I like this place to eat. It's been around for many many years and will last for many more.
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Review from Sako G.
Glendale, CA
8/29/2009
After hearing about the El Loco burrito, we gave it a try. It wasn't amazing like I expected it to be. It was too sloppy of a burrito. Wrong type of cheese in the burrito, guacamole wasn't good either. I got one el loco burrito and a diet coke and my total was $9 something. Definitely not worth it.
My friend, who is from SD, tried their California burrito and said it was nothing close to the ones they have in SD.
Their tacos are $2.10? Wtf? Everywhere we go in LA we get bomb ass tacos for $1.
I'd stay away from this place if I were you. -
Review from LadyBug B.
Norwalk, CA
6/21/2009
I really dont think anything is great about this place.
Their fries taste like they been fried in fish, onion rings, chicharones..etc...
I am not a fan of there food at all. -
Review from Nat S.
Rowland Heights, CA
11/21/2008
Man, I love their El Loco Burrito. It has a chile relleno AND carne asada! No place I go to does that. Plus, their salsas and sides really complete the meal. Their green tomatillo salsa is so damn good. I definitely dig this place over Albertos.
I've had their hard shell tacos and those are good as well. Go here, its good, no lie. The only hit I could give them is that I wish they used like the carne asada that tastes more charred. If they had carne asada like Boca Del Rio along with their chile relleno? BOMB! 5 stars for sure. -
Review from FERNANDO D.
Inland Empire
8/23/2009
Another of covina's best places to eat.
I usually get the Carne Asada Burrito and wash it down with a Orang Bang! I use to start my firday nights off with that combo. I would see the owner there most of the time. He was vary nice and always giving the kids stickers. I also love looking at the old pics on the wall. I remember when I first moved to covina. The talk of the town was Knight Rider. Every place I went school,mcdonalds,hosptal,and the park you would here " filmed Knight Rider here". So it always brings me back. -
Review from Ron L.
Covina, CA
12/2/2008
They have auto shows in their parking lots...
Food is OK.......
Has fifties look inside... -
Review from M S.
Covina, CA
Updated - 2/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been going here for years and just got around to trying their sopes (like a masa English muffin). Comes with beans, your choice of meat, shreaded lettuce, Mexican cheese, and crema. And it's only $2.50 It's really good, you should try it.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/27/2009
I can usually park, walk in, order, and get my food before the lines at nearby drive-throughs move.… Read more »
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Review from Jose F.
Covina, CA
8/29/2010
Three or four bites into my burrito and I am wondering how can you make bad Mexican food?? This place sucks. Dirty, bad food. NO THANKS
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Review from Chester K.
Los Angeles, CA
8/12/2009
I have been here once before for chili fries. Good for the price and quantity, nothing spectacular.
Today I decided I wanted a Carne Asada Burrito, but Albertos accross the street didn't seem like it would satisfy my craving, and being that I had read reviews of Manny El Loco's burrito, I decided to try it out.
I will eat beans, but if I can get it without I will, so instead of beans in my El Loco Burrito I asked for fries. Don't know if others have been doing this, but it was delicious!! California Loco Burrito? lol.
The meat was of the stew meat variety, softer with little to no fat. The chile relleno was soggy, but that was to be expected and it was good nonetheless. The burrito itself packed a lot of flavor. It didn't seem that big when I got it, but it had plenty of stuffing and got me quite full. On top of it all, the green sauce is pretty money. Along with the carrots this meal satisfied my mexican craving for the day.
Worth the $6+ price tag? Yeah I think so and I definitely recomment it to others. -
Review from Dennis G.
Covina, CA
1/23/2011
Please Checkout this Mexican American Restaurant its awesome. The El Loco Burrito is Da Bomb. Tacos are great to. Please go check this out. Been coming here for over 30 years since I was a child.
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Review from J R.
Baldwin Park, CA
5/3/2011
Went in to check out there b&c burritos and was dissapointed. Way too much lard on the flavorless beans, and the asada tacos wern't any better. Ambience was nice thou.
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Review from Bridget V.
Redondo Beach, CA
Updated - 8/20/2009 ROTD 7/2/2010
Thank you for being open so so late so when I am drunk and want some sobering up fried food I can go here. I love your combo burrito, but I can't finish one all the time. Yum, it's hard to write this update when I am hungry, I want another burrito.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/20/2009
I so love this place. When I go, I can't just have one thing, I have to have an El Loco feast.… Read more »
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Review from shao l.
Covina, CA
3/13/2011
Carne asada burrito tasted like microwave bean burrito with few bits of beef. it's so not worth $6.
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Review from Hector M.
San Francisco, CA
10/11/2008
Do yourself a favor and order the "special quesadilla". Pastrami, cheese, tomatoes, and a fried tortilla. I would recommend something else on the menu, but I just can't bring myself to order anything else. I have yet to find anything like it anywhere. I wish they had a drive thru, but it's really clean inside and they seem to be always open.
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Review from Mike D.
Covina, CA
10/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
Been going here since it was a drive-in in the 80's
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Review from Manny M.
Riverside, CA
9/29/2010
Best place for burritos!!!!!!!!!!!!! been coming here since i was a kid and i still drive out to Azusa from Moreno Valley from time to time on weekends to buy like 5 bean and cheese burritos maybe a combo burrito and eat them through-out the week its worth the drive every time! i give this place infinity stars :D
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Review from Matt L.
Pasadena, CA
7/21/2008
If you like those deep fried hard shelled tacos with shredded beef, this is the place to get them. Super crunchy and a good amount of cheese on them. Watch for sharp edges of the shell
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Review from Andie D.
Covina, CA
7/11/2010
They have a decent variety of foods to choose from. The sopes are delicious! The bean and cheese burrito use to be a lot larger with more cheese, but now the size and quality have become a little bit down graded. I always seem to find one or two burnt beans in the burrito. The special quesadilla includes pastrami. I've alway had to share this one, it was so filling. I love their taquitos, crunchy and the meat tastes just right. The avocado sauce poured on top is amazingly good, I just wish they could pour on a little more ;)
Recently they just added a combo menu. The price is decent for how much food they give you. -
Review from Keisha E.
Covina, CA
11/21/2008
I'm a big fan of their Loco nachos but I find myself loyal to their Loco Burrito, which has EVERYTHING in it (carne asada, beans, pico de gallo, guac, cheese...something else...and my favorite part: a chile relleno). My family has been coming here forever and we all love it. I brought my friend here last night and we ordered a loco burrito and carne asada tacos. yum. They have a salsa bar. I'm in love w/ their green salsa. I'm pretty sure this is not considered authentic mexican food but heck it's good. The only thing they're missing is a drive-thru which is a burn because Alberto's is across the street and they steal all Manny's customers that just felt like staying in their pajamas..*guilty*...I guess Manny's makes up for their lack-of-drive-thru-syndrome by offering its customers a good ol' time with their juke box, claw machines, and public restrooms?
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Review from Katie H.
Livermore, CA
2/9/2009
I have been going here for as long as I can remember, when i was a kid they used to give me trading cards when my dad and I were waiting for our order, he was probably drinking the hot sauce at this time. AWESOME FOOD. Best machaca I have ever found, every thing is super yummy, good spicy carrots and perfect hot sauce! The people are the nicest ever as well!
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Review from Staviean S.
Stallion Springs, CA
6/6/2006
Quaint little Mexican fast food joint. The tacos are good, but the carnitas is the $hit. Believe me... Order two carne asada tacos, and a carnitas burrito with just meat, cheese, guacamole and sour cream and a large bang. You will be in heaven.
