Gold Dig #40

LocoL is a fast food spot in Watts, which I think makes it onto Jonathan Gold’s 101 Best Restaurants list as much for its mission as for its food. I fully support this. While the food might not compare to high end places where one dish will cost you as much as a whole tray full of items on the LocoL menu, it is tasty, made from scratch, and aims to bring affordable, nourishing food to a neighborhood lacking in food options. I went to LocoL with some friends who live in the area, and they are happy to have it. One of them teaches at a school nearby and has been going to LocoL for lunch regularly since it opened.

The place has a clean, laid-back feel, with cement floors and black and white cubes that serve as tables and chairs. There’s also a nice patio outside, and cartoonish skater paintings that give the building a fun vibe.

The Dish

Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson are making healthier, sustainable versions of popular foods like burgers, tacos, and chili. My friends who live nearby say the menu has changed a bit since LocoL opened – adjusting to the tastes of the neighborhood by getting rid of some of the less popular things like sammies, and adding other items like chili cheese fries.

Cheeseburger

The meat patty is a little dry (apparently it is grain-enriched for health and affordability reasons), but overall it’s a solid burger. The bun, developed by Chad Robertson of Tartine, may be the best I’ve had on a fast food burger.

Braised Beef Foldie

The Foldie is LocoL’s version of a taco. I got the braised beef, they also have a bean and cheese. For $2, this is a nice-sized pocket of crisp-fried goodness, filled with tasty beef and melty cheese.

Chili Cheese Fries

You can get these fries with beef or veggie chili. We got beef and were impressed. The chili is tasty, on a healthy-sized portion of decently crisp fries and a good amount of melted cheese. They stand up well to many chili cheese fries.

Red Beanzz and Rice

The red beanzz and rice bowl is massive – it felt like it weighed about two pounds. And they don’t skimp – where some places might go heavy on the rice as the cheapest ingredient, this bowl had only a thin layer of rice at the bottom. We actually found ourselves wishing there was a bit more rice. Best part – those croutons are made of corn bread!

Coffee Milkshake

I am regularly disappointed with fast food milkshakes (I’m talking to you In N Out), but LocoL’s milkshakes are delicious. One of my friends finished her vanilla shake before my food even came out. My other friend said her caramel shake was quite good though a bit sweet, and I loved my coffee shake.