Bean & Cheese Burritos--Who has the BEST?

[BrookieStyles]

I have been obsessed with bean & cheese burritos lately--my current fave is from Poquito Mas w/guacamole, but I am looking to expand my horizons. Is there an amazing bean & cheese out there I'm missing? West Hollywood/Hollywood would be ideal but I am willing to drive! Thanks in advance :)

[wienermobile]

El Burrito Jr. on PCH in Redondo Beach. Really creamy texture.

[BeerLover]

hands down it has to be EL Indo in northridge area. with some of their yummy salsa

-----
Indo Cafe
10430 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034

[Wheggi]

Is that the restaurant at Roscoe and Tampa, or the one at Roscoe and Balboa? That place at Balboa makes absolutely gnarly burritos, and IIRC are open 24 hours as well.

[ITry]

I've been lovin my b&c for long time. My number 1 recommendation is Leo's Mexican Food on Inglewood Ave in Gardena (?) south of MB Blvd. They always rise to the occasion. I started going there since High School in the early 70's. Man, those lovely pillows of bean and cheese goodness, covered with red sauce and cheese were the best! I went there a few years ago, and they still rocked!
Places that used to have awesome b&c burritos? La Villa down by the beach in Manhattan Beach and Taco Del Amo in what used to be Del Amo Fashion Square.
While we're on this topic, around 1986 Taco Bells tortilla's changed to what they are today. They used to be alot dryer, now there's like this rubbery consistency to them. Anyone else notice?

[westsidegal]

do you know what type of oil/grease leo's uses?
tia

[ITry]

Sorry gal, I don't know. Sounds like I'm going to have go back and ask. While I'm there, I might as eat, I mean I am there, right? LOL Fingers crossed that the quality hasn't gone down...Joe's comment has me concerned.

[Joe Blowe]

Lawndale, not Gardena.

http://www.leosmexicanfood.com/direct...

And, the last time I was there, it definitely did NOT taste like they were using lard. I imagine they're using whatever oil/fat is the cheapest. Really average Mexican food, IMO...

[ITry]

Thanks Joe for the location correction. It's been a while... It might be average, but for the times that I've gone there, it's been consistently average. I mean this is a b & c burrito we're talking about here after all. The fact that they've been in business for this long hopefully speaks to the quality of their food somewhat. Admittedly, it is gringo.

[susybranch]

Okay, I just HAPPENED to be licking the last of a nuked Yuca's bean and cheese burrito off my teeth when I saw this posting. I think we should not run screaming at the American cheese component -- it tastes weirdly perfect with their creamy (pork product-inclusive) beans & onions -- and a few drops of their blistering hot sauce, that sits around on their crappy tables, is a vital component. For me it's way superior to the chain burritos mentioned above, all of which are tasty & edible -- but there is an evil "Mom made it" quality to Yuca's... the lard, or whatever it is. It took me a while to get over my American cheese prejudice/horror (except, don't we all find ourselves taking a bite of a child's white bread/grilled cheese sandwich sauteed in butter?)... I'm just sayin'... it has its place. --Which isn't very many places, granted.

[Ollie]

Al & Bea's in ELA/Hollenbeck area

[dnt4get2luvme]

Ramonas in gardenia is BY FAR THE BEST

[lovetoroq]

Someone help me out. I don't recall the name but when I was a kid we used to go to a little mexican place that was near by what was then called Beverly Park. (now the Beverly Center) I think it was located near Tail of the Pup...

[noellek]

Wahoo's has the best bean & cheese burritos! They're pretty cheep too!

[hippodeir]

i too have developed an embarrassing addiction to bean and cheese burritos...
i go to baja fresh (i know, i know...there are better places i should try, but i can't help it), and i get it with pinto beans. however, the meal isn't complete without cholula hot sauce...that's the key!

[la tache burger]

Ate the bean and cheese burritos at Baja Fresh 4 or 5 days a week for a coupla years, no exaggeration. Beverly Hills location mostly, as they had the best balance of beans to cheese to tortilla. Pinto beans of course. Preferably not too early in the day, so the beans had a chance to break down a bit. Still eat them occasionally. Yum. Better than Pocito Mas.

[greenpapaya]

My favorite Bean & Cheese burrito is from way back when. Does anyone remember Casa Escobar in the Eagle Rock Plaza from years ago? I think they closed the restaurant there in the early 90's. They had the most delicious burritos made with fresh guacamole... and tortillas made on the spot. There were always about 2 or 3 women in front, pressing tortillas by hand and toasting them on the fire. I long for those burritos. I've heard of a couple Casa Escobar restaurants currently in the L.A. area (Marina del Rey, Malibu). Does anyone know if these restaurants are associated with the original one in Eagle Rock? I've called to check, but no one seems to know...

[DanaB]

There is also a Casa Escobar in Santa Monica. I know that the Santa Monica and MDR branches are associated in that they are owned by different members of the same family. I think the MDR people have the Malibu one as well.

When I was a kid, we ate at the branch that was on Pico in West L.A. I don't know which branch was "first" (the Pico branch was open as early as 1970), but it would be fair to assume that they were all originally related. The food at the one in Santa Monica is pretty much identical to how I remember the Pico branch to be. My choice was cheese enchiladas with rice and beans. The food is the classic California/Mexican old-school style with plates covered with melted cheese. As a coincidence, my 75 year old aunt just invited me to have dinner with her at the S.M. branch this Friday. I haven't been there in years, but will be sure to ask about the Eagle Rock branch and report back on the food.

[greenpapaya]

Thanks Dana! Did you ask your aunt about the old Casa Escobar in Eagle Rock? Would love to hear any bit of news you have...

[thunkened]

Best bean and cheese I've ever had is from De Kotijas in Oceanside California on College Blvd. Try it. They have the best hot sauce I've ever had too.

I've eaten so many bean and cheese burritos - but this place stands out by far.. the bean and cheese and the hot sauce are the best food item I've EVER had.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&h...

[mrshankly]

I really like the B&C burrito at Poquito Mas.

[la vida dulce]

For the price Baker's in the Inland Empire makes a good little plain bean and cheese burrito. And they make the frijoles from scratch, no canned beans.

[benoswald]

Don't underestimate Señor Fish.

I love their B&C burritos. They don't "refry" the beans,
they're kinda whole. I always order extra cheese.

Locations in So. Pasadena, Downtown, Alhambra & Eagle Rock.

+ the french fries, fish tacos, potatoe tacos & quesadillas are super.

[enzos momma]

Oh my favorite place for Bean and Cheese burritos is El Abajeno in Culver City. Mmmm Mmmm good. They actually have really good taquitos too, not the traditional kind. Greasy fried tortillas filled with Carnitas, Monterrey Jack Cheese, avocado slices and salsa. On my way from the OC to the SFV I stop there to pick up dinner and my step kids always want a burrito and a taquito, Its just good food.

[Tapeworm]

Try a bean & cheese double wrapped at the Chano's on Figueroa by USC or the location on Mission by LAC+USC Medical Center.

-----
Chano's
3000 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007

[highendhats]

It's a little sketchy, but the best REAL bean & cheese is at Lucy's on La Brea & Pico. Real home-style refried beans with white cheese and the best fresh salsa. Benito's is a close 2nd, but I don't like their salsa as much. Such a guilty pleasure...

[mikester]

Any rec's for those of us stuck in Orange County ?

I've had the B&C burrito at Jalapeno's and liked it. They also do a good Chile Relleno Burrito !

[navystreet]

I like the bean & cheese burrito at Benito's. I think it weighs a pound.

[code7outlaw]

Al and Beas in Boyle Heights (1st St just east of the 5 Frwy)...MMMM Bean and Cheese Burrito with a side of the Chicharon Salsa.

[ashlee]

Las Feuntas has a really good one. You just have to be willing to drive to Reseda and Vanowen in the valley. They make an AWESOME bean and chicken burrito too.

[WildSwede]

Agreed. Try their Burrito de Bistek Encebollado (steak and grilled onions burrito) next time. It will make it hard to order anything else ever again!! With their fabulous avocado salsa, of coursely!! ;-)
Also, back when I was younger, Sabroso's on Vanowen and Corbin had an AWESOME B&C burrito. Not as good now as I remember it (I think it is actually the salsa that has changed - not the 'ito, tho, now that I think about it). If you are in Reseda, you may want to give it a try.

[Ollie]

I can't believe no one mentioned Al & Beas on 1st Street in the Hollenbeck Area.

[Pakkai]

To all the Montebello J&S fans--ya gotta try Al&Beas in ELA/BoyleHeights. Like me you'll never look back. Unless you're golfing at the Montebello golf course. Al & Beas is
Hands Down, The Bomb, like Grandma's Beans, on and on. The Green chile and cheese burritos are to die for. Take the little ones and order the four finger dog too. I'm out the door and heading into ELA as soon as I am done here. 1st street and Chicago next to the Hollenbeck Gym/Boxing ring.

[Pakkai]

By the way, parking is a bitch there due to all the road construction. Try the post office parking lot across the street.
I am biased as an east sider and I also recommend Ciro's on Evergreen in ELA just down the street from Assumption Catholic church.
Peace (It's Brooklyn dammit)

[rickym13]

as noted before...al & b does have best green chile burritos! their all meat and combo are not too shabby either :)

[HBfoodie]

Can you describe what a Four Finger Dog is?

[Pakkai]

One more than 3 one less than 5 : )
or
A 5 finger dog is free a 4 finger dog you gotta pay. (sorry dog humor)

Anyways, My nephews love these! They are 2 hot dogs that are split and grilled served up in a hamburger bun with all the fixings.

[nrique]

Take two hot dogs split the down the middle, making sure not to separate them. Lay the flat side down on a hot grill until perfectly crispy and flip. Prep two slices of lightly toasted sandwich bread, whatever condiments you like. Once the two sides are crispy put on one of the toasted bread, add lettuce and tomato if you want and then cover with the other slice of bread.
That is a Four Finger Dog. . . sandwich.

[suzeetuna]

My favorite has always been the heavily larded, refried pinto bean and cheese burrito at Los Burritos. It's even better when ordered wet. That, some pickled carrots and a cantaloupe smoothie from the fruit juice bar can induce a joyous coma for hours.

[sebastianxx]

Mmm... Los Burritos is right around the corner, and I eat there anytime I need to immediately nap afterwards. A tasty treat, my friend! Also, the wet Chile Verde burrito is great as well.

[a_and_w]

I have to say, I was not particularly impressed with my burrito at Los Burritos, though it was carne asada. In fact, despite the name, I got the impression that burritos were something of an afterthought -- I was certainly the only person in the place eating one.

[smak34]

Ahh....true comfort food at its best....You cant get a great B&C Burrito at places that are commercial or have fancy shmancy gourmet beans imported and roasted, etc.... Its all about the low key, no frills places that churns out B&C's. My choice is Pepe's !!! They have several locations, but the Original is in Alhambra on Valley Blvd. Mexicatessan in MPK is a close second.

[foodiebpn1]

never mind all that! the best hands down is AL & Bees on 1st street in boyle hts. it is old school has been there for over 40 years and is so clean you can eat off the floor. i have seen the mayors right hand man there many times getting food....

[sebastianxx]

I'm more of a protein guy- still have yet to find a Roast Chicken Burrito here that compares to Valentine's in San Diego (and I'm open to suggestions,) but my SO loves Bean & Cheese Burritos, and in my generosity of spirit I offer to finish them for her. That being said, my two cents has to be a Taco Truck alongside the front-most gate of the Pico Rivera Swapmeet, Thursdays through Sundays (I usually go Thursdays.) There's a few dotting the place, but this is the only one along the front, between the two admission entrances. Here's what they do...

Perfect blend of tasty pinto beans and gobs of cheese, with homemade salsas green or red your pick. A smattering of diced onion. Cilantro if ya wish, I don't. The Kicker: They take the large flour tortilla, warm it, and line it with cheese. Then they brown it, creating a crunchy, cheesey envelope within the burrito that perfectly contains the gooey bean and cheese filling. Soft doughy tortilla, chewy crispy cheesy layer and spicy rich beans and cheese inside. So ridiculously good.

And don't get me started on their quesadillas made from scratch and fried...

[sasha1]

Taco Bell. With the medium spicy hot sauce. Haven't had one in about 2 yrs, but for a buck, it was a winner.

[justagthing]

TB uses dehydrated beans and uses whatever the local tap water is, so if the tap water is not tasty, the beans will not be tasty. Have had my share of weird tasting beans at TB. I, like a few other CH prefer Del Taco. I like mine with extra green sauce and onions. Now that is my bargain buck bean burrito.

[emilymm]

Titos Tacos makes the best bean and cheese burrito

[ddyouandme]

ooooh yes...have you ever tried ordering it with the meat sauce? i find their beef burrito to be way to chunky, so if you order a B&C with a splash of meat sauce, it's the perfect alternative.

Assuming you're not a veggie, of course.

[a_and_w]

Nothing to go out of your way for, but the avocado burrito at Campos is quite tasty. I get it minus the lettuce and add sour cream

[lapchern]

1 vote for el pollo loco's brc and throw in a boatload of salsa and you have a winner.

[Dommy]

Second vote! LOL! :D I had to explain to P. the beauty of the BRC the other day... damn...

--Dommy!

[wildgift]

I second the vote for J&S. It's the best old-style one. They're open 24 hours.

I also like the ones at the Tacos Oaxaca truck in East LA, though they are weird, because they add a lot of onion and use whole beans from their pot -- basically, they don't know what a B&C is. Taco Nazo on Garvey in South El Monte is good too; they use the white Mexican cheese. Some Carl's Jr's have a Green Burrito portion, and they have an interesting B&C - they put salsa in - it's pretty good. El Atacor, all of them, are good, but I like the more northerly one on Figueroa in Lincoln Heights best for their B&C. Also, a bit farther up on Fig is La Abeja - haven't had that in a long time, but it's a good one, though pretty rich with fat or something.

I have been compiling a map of B+C burritos on Platial.com. I'm not sure if I can post the URL here, but you can look under the Explore menu, for Maps, then type "los angeles burrito" and the map comes up. All the other B+C eaters are invited to add to it, as it's open to participation. It's only for B+C mapping -- no meat.

[DanaB]

I admire your spirit in starting the map! I myself love a good bean and cheese burrito. I tried the one from Tere's based on this thread, and it was good. I also like the one from Burrito King on Hyperion and the one from Rick's on Fletcher/Glendale, but only if I'm looking for burrito that is beany, messy, greasy, and full of orange-cheesy goodness, with a nice red chile salsa with a good kick. Not polite or perfect, by any means, and I'd be happy to find one better, but they serve the need when it arises.

None of the above are the perfect bean and cheese burrito, however.

I tried the one from Poquito Mas a while back and found it bland, both the beans and the cheese. Actually I've found most things there to be on the blander side.

I'm following this thread closely and taking notes ;-)

[badhomecook]

Some folks from out of state need to understand a native's need for a good bean and cheese burrito. It's our comfort food. We run to them in time of need. And yeah, verily, they always provide...

[soyarra]

"they are weird, because they add a lot of onion and use whole beans from their pot -- basically, they don't know what a B&C is"

Probably because they're from Oaxaca, where no one knows from burritos, bean or otherwise. Burritos are strictly Northern Mexico (somewhat equivalent to the American South, for good or ill) or Texas food - in Oaxaca people eat corn tortillas only, and they eat black or red beans a la olla (stewed). In Mexico the use of flour tortillas pegs you immediately as a Norteno, much as using grits as a breakfast food outs one as a Southerner.

In any event, all these bean and cheese burritos being discussed are really western USA food, not Mexican.

[DanaB]

Not sure how you happened upon this thread, two+ years after it was originally written, but welcome to chowhound! Thanks for the feedback on the kind of Mexican food that is eaten in Oaxaca. Such information is appreciated, especially on threads where people are asking for information about Oaxacan food! Perhaps next time you post, you might consider reading the whole thread and getting the feel for the topic before getting on your Paisano horse.

[BShoemaker]

Don Ruben's on the corner of Bellflower Blvd & South Street in Lakewood. They have fantastic bean & cheese burritos and they are only about $2.00. They put in a lot of cheese and they are quite large. Good chowhoundin' grub!

[ipsedixit]

Just curious ...

Do folks like their bean and cheese burrito with pinto beans or black beans?

[Babette]

I prefer pintos but black beans are good for variety. At home I will use kidney beans as well, sometimes. Always made from scratch.

[badhomecook]

Frijoles negras, tambien! And a little sour cream in there. GAWD! This thread is killing me. Who knows of such B&CB comfort food happiness in or around Long Beach?

[Oh Robin]

Okay I know it's a chain but the black bean and cheese burrito (with sour cream) at Baja Fresh is just the best. So much cheese it's more like a black bean quesadilla and the sour cream just takes it over the edge. There's one on Spring near Bristol Farms! You will love it!

[Spiff]

I also like the ones at Baja Fresh, but with pinto beans...yum! I haven't tried it yet with sour cream, but I will next time...

[Emme]

Ha, I prefer the ones at La Salsa. Just pintos and that cheddar/jack blend for me... along with a side of sour cream and their charred salsa.... Wish it weren't too late for one now... :(

[kiwi]

So glad you asked for an LB rec. Casa Sanchez, particularly the one on Anaheim and Termino, makes a great one. Get one for me while you're there.

-----
Casa Sanchez
3948 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804

[a_and_w]

Pintos, though I'm generally a black bean guy.

[waterisgood]

My favorite is the bean and cheese w/ pinto beans at Poquito Mas!

[BearCity]

La Fogata on Van Nuys Blvd in Sherman Oaks has the best bean & cheese I've tasted. Fantastic, creamy beans and generous amounts of fresh cheese. I always order it wet, with red and green sauce. Horchata is great there, too.

[Debbie W]

That's a great idea. La Fogata makes really delicious beans, probably the best thing about eating there as the food tends to be average.

[BearCity]

Agreed. Some of their menu is lame, but the beans, cheese, mole and horchata are delicious.

[Local]

True...and they have the best spicy pickled carrots and onions that for me, raises their standard bean burrito/tostada to a whole new level.

[WandererLA]

I don't think I have ever ordered a bean and cheese burrito except when I need something quick at Del Taco but in the world of Bean and Cheese burritos, I just love Ramona's frozen bean and cheese burritos. We used to get them in elementary school and now you can get them at Smart & Finals in the frozen section. There is a perfect balance of bean and cheese and with a little hot sauce it's a great meal! Give it a try!

[ddyouandme]

my fave is at Holy Guacamole on Main Street in Santa Monica. I'm not a fan of most of their food, but the B&C is always right. Gooey and delicious.

[kure]

I like the bean & cheese w/green chile burritos at Al & Beas.

[condiment]

Indeed - it's all about Al & Bea's. With a shoutout to Lupe's as well.

[Babette]

Where is Al & Bea's? And Lupe's?

[iknowfood64]

Al & B's is in Boyle Heights on 1st St. down the street from the hollenbeck police station, they also have very good soft tostada burritos. Lupes is located in East L.A. on 3rd St. east of the 710 fwy down the street from King Taco.

[rickym13]

i agree that al & b has the best green chile burritos! nothing comes close!!!

[SoCal Foodie]

J&S in Montebello has the best-tasting bean & cheese burrito in SoCal IMHO! They blend the beans & cheese together to give it a silky texture and I like to order mine with pico de gallo. J&S is located on Garfield avenue just south of the Pomona fwy.

[Ernie]

Yum, J&S are great too and dirt cheap. A lot of that yummy silkiness comes from extra lard though. However its perfect before or after a night of drinking!

[mpken]

I too love the J&S beans with it's fine texture and flavor. My arteries just clenched reading your post. "extra lard"! YIKES. No wonder it is so tasty. I'll just have to eat half a burrito instead.

[Neta]

You just hit the nail on the head. If the beans are fried in lard, they have to be good. That's the secret of any good Mexican food IMHO!

[fgrade]

yes yes yes, j & s has the best one, order a side of guacamole fries, they shave a few minutes of life away, but who's counting

[nrique]

You got that right! J&S RULES!
They add something to the beans not sure if it is chorizo but it is a little spicier than most places.
If you want to take it to the next level ask the lady to grill it for you, you know make it crispy on the outside. That and dipping it in a side of guacamole, OH MY!

Exit the 60 frwy at Garfield make a left and it's the third business from the corner. Parking in the back or on the street.

[eatmuch]

I'm fond of the b&c at poquito mas -- didn't know about the guac option -- do they put it inside or on the side?

[BrookieStyles]

Guac inside--and if you're feeling adventurous, get it "wet" (melted cheese & enchilada suace on top) with a side of sour cream...DEE-LISH!

[chowesq]

Concur with B&C at Poquito Mas.

[garvanza girl]

Haven't had them in burrito form yet, but the beans at My Taco on York in Highland Park are *really* good. In fact, everything I've tasted at My Taco has been really good, but that's a story for another thread :)

[slowrider]

Concur!!
Have been loving My Taco......everything I have tried has been really good and the place is clean. The Goat consomme that is really tasty! And just down the street too!

[soyarra]

Good lord - the beans at My Taco are amongst the worst I've ever had. They're what my family held in the greatest contempt: beans made with MILK. Yuck! Only low-class nutballs put milk in their beans. My Taco is highly overrated.

[kramer59]

I have to concur. After trying the chicken and carnitas at My Taco, the only thing I would recommend is the barbacoa.

[bigtums]

May I suggest also trying the sopes? To keep to the burrito theme, I do like how you can get three different sizes in their burritos at My Taco-even though I love that place, the beans don't do it for me.

[j3tcore]

this may seem obvious, but the 'famous avocado burrito' at Campos can be incredible depending on which Campos you hit. The one on Robertson by the 10 is good - there's also a good one on Venice in Culver City area

[Debbie W]

I second this burrito, and it also contains lettuce which I like but others may not. The avocado in this burrito is a thinnish sauce. The OP could get just beans and cheese without the avocado and lettuce, obviously, and I'm sure it would be good. My favorite Campos is the original on Pico Blvd. at 20th Street in Santa Monica, I have been eating at this location since 1973! Their shredded turkey hard shell tacos are also delicious but the OP wasn't looking for tacos.

[PaulF]

Those turkey tacos are a very underrated gem.

You just don't find turkey tacos anywhere else.

The only Campos I eat in is the Pico/20th Campos and I only order the turkey tacos.

Which has nothing to do with the topic of this thread.

[Cecilbee]

Try El Arco in Highland Park. I moved away and don't get to HLP much, but I still dream about those burritos...

[Slackerchick]

Bean and cheese w/ guac is my new favorite, too! But I confess I've been getting the small red burrito at Del Taco.

Tere's has the best beans. Cahuenga and Melrose. They normally put a lot of stuff in their burritos, but you can get it plain. Yuca's puts onions on it, so if you don't like that, be sure and ask them to leave it off. But clearly, it's not the best thing on Yuca's menu.

My favorite B&C is at Casa Vega, oven style. On Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks. Of course, it's about 5 pounds of refried beans, so how can it not be good?

[Ernie]

Mexi-catessan in Monterey Park. Very simple but excellent beans and perfect beans-to-cheese ratio

[slowrider]

So true! Have not been there in some years.....used to get those a couple of times a week back in the day....loved, loved, loved those bean & cheese burros....
Glad to hear they are still doing it right.....thanks for the reminder Ernie......will have to get back there soon.

[la vida dulce]

Ay! Those bean and cheese burritos are the ultimate at Mexicatessen. Worked there as a kid, waaaay back when I got $1.25 and hour and thought I was rich! When we closed up, I made my own special rice-bean and cheese with the chorizo beans. They make two kinds of frijoles from scratch, fresh every day.

[jazzlover]

Yuca's on Hillhurst (Los Feliz area) - Basic, but scrumptious. Although it is totally eclipsed by the carne asada!

[scuzm]

i've gotten nearly everything on the yuca's menu, and i have to say that the bean and cheese burrito is the worst thing on it. while i love the beans at yucas, the cheese tasted like american singles. i took a peek inside, and it was orange. i think they used the same cheese they use on cheeseburgers, b/c they definitely do not put cheese on their meat burritos.

[1newyorkguy]

yuca's uses american cheese. don't go there.