Godspeed, Avenue A San Loco

Gothamist is reporting that San Loco on Avenue A has shut its doors…

Everyone knows that San Loco was really just a step above Taco Bell, and that its contributions to drunk-at-3-A.M. culture surpassed its impact in skateboarding. However, it was a member of the Tompkins Day One pantheon. Even an institution like Mamani’s (which we now cannot imagine life without) hasn’t been there that long.

San Loco was the misleading springboard by which every California transplant judged New York’s Mexican food — even though it was the equivalent of judging the state of pizza in L.A. based on the nearest California Pizza Kitchen. It offered low cost margaritas for the T.F’s legions of summertime drunks who were too ashamed to be seen walking into Doc Holiday’s. “Oh, you’re going for a taco? Sure…” And above all, San Loco rode in solidarity with the hoards of freshmen that would arrive at Tompkins each September. Though they might’ve been shunned by locals for disregarding the the park’s unwritten rules, San Loco welcomed them with open arms via its $3 for two tacos and a drink with a student ID special. At least someone was in their corner.

Thank you San Loco. We hope you’re up there with Autumn reminiscing about the good old days. And consider the past two editions of Tompkins guides obsolete. Pour a margarita out on the curb.