25131 Tue Jul 29 15:28:28 -0700 2003 5 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 99911 I went to Happy Burrito today and got the Happy with Steak. The burrito itself was pretty good, but I was a little dismayed that I had to pay extra for a small amount of chips, and I only got about a tablespoon of salsa with them. Are there any other burrito suggestions in the downtown area? Happy Burrito 1616 Webster Oakland, CA (510) 763-9174 Tue Jul 29 15:28:28 -0700 2003 0 Sean Whittier 1 99912 In my opinion the burrito (and everything else) is better at Juanita's at 1734 Webster. More of a sit-down place, but if you call ahead (865-2588) you can get your burritos to take out. Just a block or so away from Happy, but MUCH better, imho. Tue Jul 29 15:38:13 -0700 2003 99911 0 Neil Spence 1 99963 If you get your burrito to go there [Happy Burrito], ask for "hot sauce" and you'll get a small container of decently hot salsa. Not huge, but you can get a second for $.25. Inhouse you can take a container of it to your table. Chips aren't worth it. But definitely there's *way* better than Happy Burrito. Time and again I was dragged there (both locations), and found it lacking. Mushy ingredients, nothing to look forward to other than mere sustenance. Fear anything other than their burritos; the "cheese" on the tostadas and nachos is... well, let's just say not good. Salty, too. I liked Taqueria Del Sol, 14th between Franklin and Webster. Their higher-end burritos have jalapenos in them, and are usually well made (esp if the older blond guy is making them). Very fresh ingredients. I also love the tacos from there. Plus, all the hot sauce you want. If I were to go back to downtown Oak for just one burrito, that's where I'd head: "regular burrito del sol, carne asada, black beans, light sour cream". Their salsa fresca is also amazing (but expensive now). [err... plus I love the way they made their prices so that once tax was included, everything was a multiple of a quarter. Trivial to do, but a very nice touch for a working person who doesn't want lots of change rattling around!] For more sit-down, Mi Casa (Webster just N of 14th) is astounding for most things. I've raved about them several times, if you look in the archives. Ala carte ~$1.5-2 per item, three can fill you up no trouble, and they're amazingly friendly. A bit eerie the first time (you go up a steep staircase into a nightclub painted black), but well worth it. Juanitas (Webster N of 17th)? It's okay. I have a problem with the owner. He'll come around and make machoish comments, and has often offended coworkers who were there with me. And if you get there late (12:15), service can be very lacking, to the point of not getting drinks. It's good food, mind you -- but if you're not lucky, the salsas may not make it to your table. (besides, if I were going there, the enchiladas beat the burritos easily) Axtlan (Franklin N of 19th) is okay, never been too amazed by them though. Quesadillas seem the best there, burritos are kind of lackluster (but better than HB). Never heard of anyone going to La Bonita Taqueria (Franklin+Broadway, near Grand). Seen signs. Open for breakfast. Looks a bit expensive. A bit further north, Gordo Burrito (I think) (23rd, E of Webster) was tolerable, but definitely not worth the trip. Now that Vachi's is gone, I doubt I'd go out of my way to visit that small food strip again. So: try out Taqueria del Sol, esp the "del sol" burritos. Carne asada, pollo, and al pastor are all good (never managed to try any other options, was too hard to resist what I knew was great!). Get the red hot sauce. If you've cash to spare, chips+salsa. And enjoy! [apologia for the long reply; worked in downtown Oak for years, hunting for good Mexican...] Wed Jul 30 03:47:55 -0700 2003 99911 0 Marc Wallace 1 99992 Have to concur that the Happy Burrito is almost criminally bad, and the name of the joint alone argues for strict avoidance just on general principles. I got this salty, astringent quality in my mouth the one time I ate there. As one who always wishes there were enough time at lunch to hop on Bart and hit the Fruitvale, I'd have to say the only burrito downtown is that at Taqueria del Sol. Real guacamole, not that sick green avocado "sauce" at Happy, radishes and pickled jalapenos and green onions available, free chips, decent beans ands rice, serviceable pastor and carnitas, Jarritos...on the non-burrito side, Juanita's is weak, WEAK! and I haven't had enough time at lunch to check out Mi Casa yet but will do so on Mr. Wallace's recommendation. Wed Jul 30 13:20:42 -0700 2003 99911 0 Pope Pius Avocado III 2 100032 Interesting, all the support for Taqueria del Sol. I thought Aztlan was a bit better, a bit more appropriately spiced. But it's a weak field. Wed Jul 30 17:26:02 -0700 2003 99992 0 Nathan Landau 3 100038 I think the Taqueria del Sol support is mostly because of the freshness of the ingredients. Not sure what it is, but everything just tastes a bit fresher there. The salsa fresca definitely is. It also appeals to my spicy side: nothing like deathly hot red chili sauce and jalapenos to add to the burrito experience. As far as Mi Casa goes, I'll admit that I usually order the tacos and tostadas, and sometimes flautas. Mostly because a burrito is a meal by itself; by ordering several small things, I can try shredded beef, chile colorado, *and* a third meat, rather than having to choose just one! ;-) Wed Jul 30 18:57:48 -0700 2003 100032 0 Marc Wallace