discern "Seeking out good eats, coffee and beer."

Originally I wrote, “Loco Coco’s has some of the best tacos and burritos on the Seacoast.” Back when they opened, they were the best choice in the area for Mexican food.

But then they expanded, after raking in what I’m sure must have been a pile of cash. We went back, and I edited my review to say, “…Loco Coco’s has deteriorated a bit in both quality of food and service since expanding their operation into the adjacent part of the building. The old room has become a bar, and in the new section, an inefficient, somewhat greasy kitchen with more space and several more tables. But it still tastes pretty darned good—for Mexican food in New England…”

Well, last night, we tried again, just to give them one more shot. I’m sorry to say that will be our last time going to Loco Coco’s. The food now tastes like one of those Ameri-Mex chains, except with even poorer quality, and less Mexican flavor, if that’s possible. Grease abounds within the burritos. There was more gristle in the meat than ever before. We even found several small pieces of plastic in the “guacamole” from the salsa bar. But mostly, it just didn’t taste very good.

From now on, if I want some Mexican food, I’m going to Chipotle at “The Crossing at Fox Run” (near Best Buy and Barnes and Noble). It may be a national chain, but it tastes really, really good. Another alternative is the not-so-Mexican Dos Amigos. Not my favorite, but at least it ain’t an artery-clogging grease-fest, like Loco Coco’s.

The best beer in town… Open late for food… A solid menu. What more can I say? The beer choices change regularly, and are listed on several chalkboards around the restaurant. There is a sampler you can get if you aren’t sure which beer is for you. Ten beers served in three-ounce glasses are brought to you on a wooden paddle. For vegetarians, the baba ganoush and hummus appetizer is tasty, but for me the spicy, curried Prince Edward Island mussels are the best appetizer. You can’t go wrong with the pulled pork sandwich, burgers and other sandwiches, though I’m not a huge fan of their mini pizzas. The specials are usually quite good. But the beer, concocted by brewmaster Tod Mott, is the main attraction.

Friendly staff behind the counter, delicious muffins and scones, and a darned good cup of coffee. What more can I say. Oh yeah, it’s a bookstore also.