Over the last few years the East Texas area has seen an explosion of little Mexican taquerias. It started with the chain of El Lugar family restaurants, then came Don Juan’s and then any number of other little taco stands and carry- out only establishments. I really love street food, and these places represent the best of Texan and Mexican regional cuisine. On 69 just south of Lindale is Koko’s Mexican and American Grill. Koko’s is little more than a taco stand with a small sit down area indoors, and a porch for outdoor dining. While the atmosphere is not exactly fine dining, the food is really delicious and moderately priced. Located between Tyler and Lindale it lacks the urban charm one sometimes hopes for when discovering a hole in the wall restaurant or street food. But it’s all about the food at Koko’s. If you don’t mind a grabbing and going or if the people accompanying you are good sports, this is a great option.
I’m glad to see Tylerites break free from the microwave tyranny of the Jalapeno Tree, Mercado’s and On the Boarder. To my mind, these corporate giants can’t come near the quality of a place like Koko’s. My advice, next time you have out of town guests stay away from the large boring chains and hit a place like Koko’s. It’s located at 10981 US Hwy 69 S between Tyler and Lindale.