News
October 5, 2023El Loco Celebrates 40 Years on National Taco Day
El Loco Mexican Café celebrated their 40th year in business with the Capital Region Chamber, Assemblywoman Fahy, County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, Albany Mayor Sheehan, and Lark Street BID Treasurer Darius Shahinfar, and the community. The oldest Mexican restaurant in Albany officially marked forty years on October 1st, and the fiesta will continue for the whole month of October.
An old menu from the 80’s in the El Loco archives will be honored for the whole month of October. Items will be available to patrons in the same way existing items will be for dine-in, take-out, or delivery, which include El Loco’s own version of the Loco Burger, Loco Dog, and specialty desserts like the fruitachanga (a deep fried tortilla filled with apple, served warm and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon), and sopiadilla (fried dough sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon).
The 40th anniversary color is Ruby Red. And in fitting with that theme, the restaurant will be offering ruby red themed menu items, in addition to the old menu offerings, like the Hibiscus Margarita and Ruby Devil Steak Fajitas.
“The outpouring of support from the community has been tremendous,” said Owner Patrick Noonan. “The pandemic was tough, but it ended up being something that enabled us to show our strength, versatility, and adaptability. Our goal has always been to provide delicious Mexican fare for our loyal customers, and to give them something they can’t find just anywhere–a hometown feel. We invite everyone to come out and visit us for a little throwback this month and kick start us into the next 40!”
“Warmest congratulations to El Loco, on reaching an extraordinary milestone in the restaurant world––40 years of serving up deliciousness, with outstanding service,” said Jason Benitez, Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Capital Region Chamber. “Your culinary journey has not only brought joy to our taste buds, but has also contributed to the cultural richness of our community. We look forward to savoring your cuisine for many more years to come!”
“What better way to celebrate 40 years of outstanding Mexican food from El Loco in our Center Square neighborhood than on National Taco Day,” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. “For four decades, El Loco has served up Mexican cuisine on Madison Avenue in the Lark Street Business Improvement District with flare and quality ingredients, and is a cornerstone of our local community’s food scene. I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate with owner Patrick Noonan, staff, and the community today on this momentous achievement.”
“I am incredibly happy to celebrate El Loco Mexican Cafe’s 40th anniversary,” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh. “Small businesses like this are critical to our communities and given the challenges of the last few years, it is great to see this local restaurant continuing to persevere and thrive. Congratulations on this milestone achievement.”
“Over the last four decades, El Loco has become a part of the fabric of our community and a defining element of the Lark Street neighborhood. This is a tremendous milestone that so few other local businesses can match, and I’m excited to recognize the hard work and dedication of Patrick Noonan and their entire team,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “People travel here from across Albany County and the entire Capital Region because they know they will find a great meal and quality service every time. This is a place where it’s Taco Tuesday every day of the week.”
“I want to congratulate Patrick Noonan and the entire el loco family for 40 amazing years of providing fantastic service, food and community,” said Albany County Legislator Matthew Peter. “Beyond El Loco being an important staple of the culinary scene of Lark Street and our region, Patrick Noonan has worked tirelessly to help the community. Whether as BID chairman, Board Member of Park Playhouse or as a sounding board for local and municipal government on how to help small businesses during covid and beyond, Patrick has been a stalwart of the community.”
“The story of El Loco is one that so many other small businesses strive for,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “What started as a food cart at West Capital Park quickly became a brick and mortar staple of the Lark Street Business Corridor. El Loco has been an Albany favorite for 40 years – first under the ownership of Marcia Tolive and now under Albany native Patrick Noonan. I am so proud of how El Loco pivoted and persevered during the pandemic and how they have come back even stronger under Patrick’s leadership. I congratulate El Loco on 40 wonderful years in New York’s Capital City and look forward to many more as they continue sharing delicious tacos and margaritas with residents and visitors alike.”
El Loco has been a member of the Lark Street BID since its inception. “We’ve had so many monumental anniversaries in the corridor this year,” said Ella Montelone, Executive Director of the Lark Street Business Improvement District, “with Oh Bar turning 30 this week, Susie’s turning 20 in September, and now El Loco celebrating 40 years in the district today; we have so many wonderful long-standing businesses that continue to build and support our neighborhoods and our local economy. Congrats to El Loco on such an important day.”
All 2023 ribbon cuttings of the Capital Region Chamber and its affiliates and the Saratoga County Chamber are sponsored by the Saratoga National Bank & Trust Company.
