Loco Burrito

Loco Burrito is a locally owned, quick-service Mexican spot at Shop 10, 74 Todd Street, right in the Todd Mall pedestrian strip in the middle of Alice Springs. The kitchen deals in slow-cooked burritos, tacos and bowls, and the open-air courtyard out front is where dogs are welcome, so it slots straight into a walk around the mall.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor alfresco and courtyard seating on a leash; the compact indoor dining room is for people only, assistance animals aside. The indoor space is small with an open kitchen, so most of the dine-in action is the courtyard anyway, which works in your favour with a dog. Staff are easygoing, but do not count on a water bowl being provided; in Central Australian heat you should be carrying a collapsible bowl regardless, even for a quick lunch.

Max: order the slow-cooked pulled pork burrito and pick a shaded courtyard table before the midday heat lands; mornings and late afternoons are the comfortable windows in the Red Centre.

Worth knowing

The menu is built around slow-cooked meats, with the pulled pork burrito a regular pick, and there are vegan and vegetarian fillings including a jackfruit option, plus a build-your-own burrito bar approach if your order needs customising. It runs as fast, fresh and casual rather than a sit-down affair, which suits a settled dog better than a long degustation. Hours run from 11am on weekdays (12pm Mondays and Saturdays) through to 8pm, with a later 10pm close on Fridays; it is closed Sundays, so plan your dog-friendly feed Tuesday to Saturday.

Getting there and parking

The address sits inside the Todd Mall precinct, so walking in from most of the Alice Springs CBD is the easiest option and the mall itself is pedestrian-friendly. There is street parking on Todd Street and public carparks within a short walk. The venue is flat and step-free, which helps with dogs that are stiff or older.

Pair it with

The sandy paths and levees beside the usually dry Todd River run right off the edge of town and are the everyday walking route for local dogs. For something longer, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve north of the mall is on-leash dog territory, with the Bradshaw Walk, Riverside Walk and Cemetery Walk loop through ghost gums and red-rock country. Council neighbourhood parks, including Bougainvilia Park across the river on the East Side, open as leash-free areas in the early morning and evening windows, roughly 5am to 8am and 5pm to 8pm.

In town, Page 27 Cafe and The Locals Alice Springs are other dog-friendly places to eat within walking distance, and Heritage Caravan Park takes dogs for travellers overnighting in town. More options are on the Northern Territory dog friendly restaurants guide and the Alice Springs destination page.