Loco’s bar serves up classic cocktails, spirits as well as beer. — Photos: SHAARI CHE MAT/The Star
Vibrant margaritas, mojitos and Tex-Mex favourites are reasons to head to easygoing Bukit Bintang watering hole
THERE is a certain subdued ambience along Changkat Bukit Bintang, although inside the bars and restaurants, laughter and lively chatter can be heard.
At Loco Mexican Bar and Restaurant, danceable, synth-heavy 1980s music spills from the speakers.
This Mexican eatery still has regular customers since it opened its doors seven years ago.
The tables are adorned with old mosaic tiles, which over the years have hosted impromptu tequila toasts.
Its walls adorned with classic movie posters exude a sense of nostalgia, each element a testament to the friendly, unpretentious vibe at Loco.
(From left) Margarita, Long Island Tea, Sex on the Beach and Mojito.
Loco’s menu has spirits, beer as well as classic cocktails. The food menu also includes a selection of Asian and western dishes along with Tex-Mex food.
We sampled Loco’s fajitas, burritos and Mexican fresh prawn ceviche and ordered the classic drinks – all were tasty with vibrant flavours.
Margaritas and mojitos move well at the bar as far as classic drinks go – there are 15 margarita flavours.
“We often have embassy staff and tourists coming here for drinks and meals,” said Loco owner Devendran Rathakrishnan.
The alley way serves as an al fresco dining area.
He is well attuned to the needs of the service industry, having worked as an airline crew member for 24 years and an Irish bar manager for six years,
“We are old school, so we put a lot of energy into our business,” he said, referring to the challenges in recruiting staff.
Devendran recruited two friends who were previously in the F&B industry but were laid off during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Before the pandemic, Loco was a location to watch live bands.
(Left) Fresh prawn ceviche.
Now, it just has a room for private functions.
If you want to enjoy drinks outdoors, the alley next to Loco has tables and chairs where you can kick back and relax in the evenings.
Loco is a sanctuary, a refuge where good times flow like tequila and friendships are forged over plates of fiery nachos and sizzling fajitas.
Loco Mexican Bar and Restaurant, 22 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: Daily, 11am to 2am. Reservations: 03-2142 8260.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
