Coco Loco Cuban Caribbean

08/18/10

Not at all what I was expecting

by VA2020

A friend decided to take me out for my birthday to Coco Loco. I love Cuban food. I grew up in in Florida and there are many Cuban restaurants you can choose from. I was excited.

When we entered in we were greeted by a nice woman. She didn't make eye contact with us at all and she sat us in a booth right in front of another family. No spacing at all even though there were plenty of empty booths.

The table was behind us was loud so we moved to a booth in front. Not a big deal.

Decor was not impressive but typical. Fake foliage resting on top of the refrigerator that held the beverages. Paintings of traditional Cuban life.

After we ordered our drinks they hand us bread rolls. This is new as I'm used to pressed cuban bread but I tried it anyways. They were terrible and dry.

Still wanting to enjoy my meal I order Arroz con Pollo. A dish I've had many times and one of my favorite meals. When it came out it was not an arroz con pollo I had ever seen. The rice was sticky and slightly soupy. It was a very dark orange and not the typical light orange to yellow color. It was incredibly salty. I was really hungry so I managed to eat what I could. The chicken was fine but the salt on the meal made it hard to eat. Even the fried sweet plantanos was not golden brown and soft but rather really chewy and really oily.

My friend had the black bean soup. It looked like they opened of can of black beans, heated it up, and put it on her plate. It wasn't great at all. Not what she was expecting either.

We had this fried mashed potato ball that my friend ate completely. She was starving and it was the only thing that tasted good.

We had the flan. I was heavily disappointed. It was actually the worse flan I ever had. Its supposed to be creamy and and leave a sweet memory. Instead I played with it with my spoon as I waited to pay and leave.

This may be "Authentic Cuban Food" but it isn't great or even good Cuban food. Save your money and go somewhere else.

11/05/09

Best Cuban Food in Atlanta

by jojo somerville

The authentic vibe of Coco Loco many - Cubans and folks that just love Cuban food. Black beans are great as are the sadwiches of course! Homemade sangria usaully is the best drink for those that do!

• Pros: Fresh Tilapia and Groupoer
• Cons: hard to find on Sidney Marcus near Piedmont

06/08/09

Just what we have been looking for! Authentic and delish!!

by travelbugg1980

Having lived in South Florida, my fiance and I are always on the lookout for a good restaurant that can serve up that authentic carribbean flavor. Unfortunatly many of the real authentic home-cooked kind of places in Atlanta seem to be either very new, or more family style. i.e.--no liquor license! Coco Loco on the otherhand was exactly what we have been looking for!! A place where we could get a good flank steak or cuban pork, and also have a nice mojito. (Way better than those at Bahama Breeze!!) A place where you could bring your family OR go out on a date. Ambiance was chill--not too fancy but not too casual. Service was prompt, and prices fair. Everthing we tried was delicious, especially the conch fritters, and the shrimp. Though the cuban style steak was lick-your -plate delicious as well!! We can't wait to come back!! And to top it all off, once you are in the island mood--there is a cigar shop across the street to complete the evening in true caribbean fashion!

• Pros: Great menu, great drinks, good service.
• Cons: Can be pricey--still worth it though.

01/29/09

Mediocre

by atlexplorer

Have been here for lunch and dinner and some dishes were good like the empanadas and calamari appetizer, but our entrees were not that good. I had the pork stew-type dish which was recommended by the server and it was OK, I was expecting a lot more I guess. My boyfriend had a roast pork and it was not good at all, the pork was dry and it lacked flavor. Overall, it was nothing special, food lacked flavor, probably won't be having a repeat visit.

01/07/09

Where else in Buckhead can you get a 28 OZ Steak for $19 ? Great art on the walls - The Grouper is Great

by boykinman

I have been a diner at CoCo Loco since the day after they opended. I have seen this restaurants thrive through out all the trendy Tapas - joints and Latin revival - Julio the owner will most likely great you at the door - -he will seat you amongst muraled walls (created by his artist wife Anna) I discovered the Habanero Grouper a few years back --- this is not Habanero as in hot it is Habanaro as in Havanna - I am told -- the veggies come with cheese on them - the fish is sauteed in a butter caper sauce and is to die for - it reminds me of the Cafe De La Place (used to be behind Houston's on Peachtree) -- did a French version --- this is perhaps the best fish dish in Atlanta for the money! I love my little Cuban coffee - thick and sweet - who needs Red Bill! You'll find older Cuban men sitting and talking about the Bay of Pigs etc -- this is always a good sign and you will find the place spotless -- clean - and run in a most professional manner -- some nights there will be a band playing and I've even seen the owner get up and play the drums - I used to come years ago for the Conch fritters but have since moved to lighter fair -- if you knonw what I mean -- Their web site has a great video and really gives you a good idea of what to expect - One of the best things about CoCo Loco is they serve homemade Sangria in a big glass -- not a wine glass! that may be worth the trip --

• Pros: Real dea lCuban food -- you can go light or you can go heavy --
• Cons: Not as close to my home as I like --