This place was perfect: three sizes of burritos, four varieties of sauce (mild, hot, serious or stupid) and classic rock. The place was empty when we arrived, but by the time I had stuffed down the softball-sized chicken burrito (that was the small burrito; the grandes locos is, judging from the waitress' gestures, the size of a small child)-- the place was packed. I had found the oasis for the weary South Beach traveler.

As an added incentive to find this gem, San Loco boasts healthy Mexican food. I think I have to believe them; the food was so fresh, the tortillas so soft, cilantro so potent. Their refried beans are vegetarian and cooked in soybean oil vice pork lard. Had I not read that part in the menu, I would have never known the difference. I recommend the chicken burrito combo with beans and serious sauce for $3.75.

I stumbled onto San Loco by accident... one evening I parked on 14th Street (at Collins) to go to a very nice restaurant nearby, but I didn’t have enough change for the parking meter for the time needed to enjoy a nice meal and drinks without rushing. Imagine my surprise when the snob hostess refused my request to make change for the parking meter! So, I walked half a block (west on 14th) and found San Loco, and had a great time at less than half the amount I would have spent at the snob hostess place (all in plenty of time before my parking meter expired!).

I often find that some of the best things about travel are the unplanned places and things you find when you are flexible. I liked San Loco so much that I brought my family with me on a return visit.

San Loco uses all fresh ingredients and makes all the food in their large menu from scratch. They are also vegetarian-friendly if that is what you like...they refry their beans in soy oil instead of pork lard. Their Pico de Gallo is very nice, with fresh ripe tomatos, jalapinos, fresh squeezed lime juice, and lots of fresh cilantro (yum!). They have a range of four salsas to choose from for your chips and to season your food with...the hottest of which is called Stupid Hot (believe it).

San Loco Mexico Cantina has a large ala carte menu that has Tacos ($2-$4); Taco, Queso, or Guaco Loco ($4-$6) which is a hard shell taco (beef, chicken, rice, bean, or fish) wrapped in a soft tortilla spread with beans, cheese, or guacamole; Enchiladas ($5-$7); Quesadillas ($4); a wide range of Burritos ($3-$8); Salads ($4-$6), and more. They have side dishes, desserts, and serve beer.

In both of my visits, I had their beef "Guaco Loco" which is a huge taco, with chips, salsa, guacamole, and lots of their fresh Pico de Gallo. My family enjoyed their food as well.

San Loco has a rustic (but clean decor). They do not accept credit cards. If you forget, don’t worry...there is an ATM in the neighborhood.

San Loco Mexico Cantina is located in South Beach at 235 14th Street, between Collins and Washington Avenue. To get there from the Fountainebleau Hilton Resort (see my journal) or anywhere in Miami Beach, go south on Collins Avenue to South Beach, turn right on 14th Street, and start looking for street parking, because San Loco is less than one block on the right.