Undercover Diner Visits Hueso Loco

When El Jefe closed its doors downtown, it left behind a prime spot—and some big shoes to fill. So, when Hueso Loco opened in the same location, my friends and I were genuinely excited to see a new, lively Mexican restaurant take over the space. Operated by the same owners as Papa Gallo at the mall, Hueso Loco bills itself as an urban cantina—and that description is spot on.

This is not a destination for ultra-authentic Mexican cuisine. Instead, it leans into fun, colorful vibes with a high-energy atmosphere that feels designed for groups, celebrations, and a night out downtown. In that sense, it succeeds.

If there is one area where Hueso Loco really stands out, it’s the cocktail menu. The drinks are adventurous, theatrical, and clearly meant to be photographed. Some even arrive in novelty vessels like a mini bathtub or a tiny purse.

One friend ordered the El Bill Ny, which felt more like a science experiment than a cocktail—in a safe way. Made with Woodford Bourbon, ginger, infused sage syrup and smoked rosemary, it was interesting and well-crafted, though at $18, you’re very much paying for the experience.

I ordered the Diamante ($15), a mix of Tito’s Vodka, St. Germain elderflower, lime, lychee-infused purée, and elderflower cordial. It arrived with dramatic dry ice spilling out and, thankfully, tasted as good as it looked—refreshing, balanced and slightly sweet.

Another friend opted for the non-alcoholic Paloma Fizz, which was refreshing and not overly sweet, a solid option for those skipping alcohol.

When it came to food, the table was divided. Several people felt the flavors could have been bolder overall.

I ordered the Sizzling Burrito ($16), stuffed with marinated chicken, steak, rice, beans, pico and avocado, then topped with queso, creamy chipotle sauce and pickled onions. It was massive, filling and genuinely delicious—I was happy with my choice.

We also shared the trio of chips and salsa, which was a crowd pleaser. The variety of salsa made it fun, though it is worth noting this comes at an extra cost.

Other dishes landed more squarely in the “fine but forgettable” category. One friend ordered the chimichangas and said they were exactly what you would expect from a standard Mexican restaurant—good, but nothing special. The street carnitas tacos earned a similar review: enjoyable, but not standout. The birria tacos were also compared unfavorably to Papa Gallo’s version.

The biggest disappointment of the night was the enchilada platter—one cheese, one chicken and one hamburger enchilada. The hamburger meat was described as watery and bland, the chicken watery and mushy, and surprisingly, the cheese enchilada was the best of the three. One diner could not finish the dish at all.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Tex-Mex quesadilla was a hit, with one friend saying she absolutely loved it.

Hueso Loco is a welcome addition to downtown and will do very well thanks to its energetic atmosphere, inventive cocktails, and fun, social vibe. While the food isn’t consistently over-the-top or destination-worthy, there are solid options if you order wisely.