MOST OUTSTANDING BURRITOS IN LOS ANGELES AREA

[observor]

I have a relative who absolutely adores burritos and I would like to get him to *the* most outstanding burrito to be found, from Los Angeles (preferably northern side) north to Ventura. Please help me get him to burrito nirvana!

[Skapesx2]

I'm so surprised no one mentioned Asada Taco on Imperial Hwy. Their Burritos are sooo good. It's made with Asada, refried beans, onions, cilantro and medium to hot salsa. IT'S SO GOOD. The best part is when you get to the bottom 1/4 of the Burrito; The warm tortilla is moist and full of juice (and yes, some grease) and it quirts into your mouth in all of it's flavorful goodness. I want one right now. I definitely recommend.

[Ginger9]

I agree with Skapesx2 - Asada is excellent!

[Norm Man]

Skapesx2, where is Asada Taco located (Imperial Highway is very long)?

I tried unsuccessfully to findit through Google. Or did you mean to say Acosta Taco on Imperial Highway, between Inlewood Ave and Hawthorne Blvd, in Lennox?

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Acosta Taco
4539 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90304

[Harry Niletti]

From my tum, it is barred,
If it ain't got that lard.

[Sung to the tune of Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)."]

-Harry

[rickym13]

not in any particular order:

all meat red chili burritos @ mexicatessan
green chili cheese burritos @ al & bea's
combo burritos @ al & bea's
el loco burritos @ el loco

[burntwater]

Metro Balderas will make a burrito for you with same quality carnitas they serve on the weekends.
I had one last week with Costillas.

[mrgreenbeenz]

I love Metro Balderas but think that burritos are their Achille's heel (also their giant bean-filled huaraches - make that heels). Sopes may be the best way for them to show off their amazing carnitas.

I'm no purist - my fave burrito in LA is a combo of carnitas and chorizo from Taco Zone on Alvarado and Glendale. Crispy Pork/Greasy Pork. It's like a yin and yang thing. If yin and yang were two pigs who will soon die of congestive heart failure.

[burntwater]

I would agree that getting a burrito at Metro is not the best use of their menu but since this was a burrito thread they do a better job then most because the key ingredient is better then most places. That is if you want a LA style (with rice and beans) carnitas burrito.

I was going to try a Trompa burrito but thought it might be a little much.

Usually i get tacos myself but I ordered the burrito for road food.

I like to eat a portion of the carnitas with the tortilla and the other half by itself.

I'll try it as a Sopes next time. I'm sure it will be great since the carnitas is so good.

You been back to EH2 lately?

[mrgreenbeenz]

No but I'm still plagued by your suggestion that I've been eating lamb all the time I thought I was getting goat. I don't deny the possibility but it was certainly the gamiest most birria-esque lamb I ever had if that's the case.

I'll go there soon and ask the million dollar pregunta - chivo o borrego?

[EarlyBird]

I absolutely agree with one of the earlier posters that El Abajeno, on Inglewood Blvd. in Mar Vista, has some excellent burritos and other food. There is a reason that Mexican families form lines outside on any given Saturday or Sunday. And it's always jammed with other people during the week. It's just marvelous food. I prefer their less monster-size burrito, also agreeing with some others that a burrito should not require a knife and fork and should not be "wet" or sloppy or exploding with ingredients.

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El Abajeno
4513 Inglewood Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

[Clinton]

Ah, but El Abajeno (Vic's) burritos are in a class by itself. Every now and then we will drive all the way to Culver City just to gorge ourselves on their wet burritos. I always ask for more meat sauce over that huge "log" laying on top of the plate accompanied by freshly made tortilla chips.

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El Abajeno
4513 Inglewood Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

[EarlyBird]

Man, I'm hungry now. I have never had anything at El Abajeno which is not excellent. By the way, who is "Vic"?

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El Abajeno
4513 Inglewood Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

[Servorg]

>>By the way, who is "Vic"?<<

It originally opened as Vic's Market in the '60's and then the El Abajeno restaurant space opened up next door.

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El Abajeno
4513 Inglewood Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

[EarlyBird]

I did not know that! I know that Sanchez Meat Market is next door to El Abajeno. Perhaps that's Vic's family name.

I happened to be lucky enough to live in easy walking distance from these establishments for four years. I wish I still did.

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Sanchez Meat
4525 Inglewood Blvd, Culver City, CA

El Abajeno
4513 Inglewood Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

[Sam D.]

Victor's family name is Yniguez. His kids and maybe grandkids have been running the place but the food is still the same as it was 40 years ago.

[Cubancoffee]

I wonder if people realize how provincial they sound when they proclaim that This Style of (insert name of food) from (insert another city) is the Only Authentic Style of (insert name of food) on the planet. Vive la difference, I say, and if you're pining for something you can't get here: 1) You have a good excuse to go back and visit that "authentic" place; 2) Consider opening your own restaurant; 3) Learn to love your local variations. Badmouthing a regional style of food is somewhat close-minded, IMHO. Rant over.

[Servorg]

That's all very nice, but do you have anyplace you would care to recommend for a good burrito in the greater LA area?

[bagdoodle]

Why has no one mentioned Burrito King. It used to be a chain centered around the Silver Lake district, and now may be just the one at Sunset and Alvarado, but their burritos -- especially my favorites, the Machaca and the Chorizo -- are the best I've yet had.

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Burrito King
2823 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

[Servorg]

I'm trying to recall if it was a Burrito King that used to be on Washington Blvd. just a bit west of Centinela in Mar Vista? It had a yellow sign with red letters (IIRC?) and I loved their chorizo burrito. When you looked at the bottom of the paper it was wrapped in there was a pool of red grease soaking through. Probably much better for my overall health that I no longer have easy access to those particular burrito's at this "advanced" stage... ;-D>

[PommeDeGuerre]

Personally, can not stand Mission style burritos. Rice and beans have no place in a meat burrito. Just cheap carbs and filler. Give me a torilla, salsa, onions, cilantro, possibly a little gucamole. I'm happy. Bland rice and beans to detract from the texture and intensity, and spike my blood sugar? No thanks.

[mc michael]

Sounds like Yuca's to me.

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Yuca's
2056 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

[a_and_w]

Thanks for sharing. Any recommendations for burritos in LA?

[Burger Boy]

But you must remember the OG burros, were beans & cheese and anything you had left over from the night before, so yes beans technically do have a place in burro's! Here is a little history lesson. Enjoy. http://www.laweekly.com/2009-10-22/ea...

[a_and_w]

Jonathan Gold is probably the least credible source when it comes to burritos. I've been really disappointed by his blatant propagandizing on the subject. I would take anything he says with a huge grain of salt.

[Burger Boy]

You go to any of those places in that article, like I have and you will discover what a burro is suppose to be. After that it is all an adaptation from the original. Go to San Diego and try some mexican down there, they have authentic and the have burritos with french fries. Burros were meant to be a lunch or snack, they evolved into something else, lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, etc. please. But hey to each his own. One thing I know, Burros did not come from San Francisco!

[a_and_w]

I respect your burrito recs, Burger Boy, just not Gold's. Apologies if that wasn't clear.

[Burger Boy]

it is all good, but I think Mr. Gold is coming from a purest old school place. You should really try Lupes #3 and Tonio's, great stuff. I am sure a mission burro is good and there are times i like mine loaded with everything and covered with sauce and cheese.

[PommeDeGuerre]

Was raised in San Diego. Burritos at most of the various 'bertos were what I grew up on. Also Karina's and Juanita's in Encinitas. Live in L.A. now and am still looking for my favorite here, I just know that I do not care for the Mission style both from first hand experince in SF and those in other palces which mimic. You could make the case that Chipotle is a Mission mimic. I do like King Tacos all meat burritos, carne asada from El Parian, and will get all meat from some of the various taco trucks. If a place does not offer this option, but offers machaca, I will get that as it has never come with rice and beans in my experience. Another option is a torta, but that is an entirely different ball of wax. I am not opposed entirely to a bean burrito, but if that is what I want, I wil order exactly that.

[a_and_w]

Chipotle is a cruel parody of a Mission burrito. No wonder you're confused.

[PommeDeGuerre]

Trust me, there is absolutely NO confusion here, but thanks for checking in.

[Burger Boy]

Try El Tepeyac, Lupe's #2, Tonio's, Al & Bea's, La Azteca Tortillaria makes some good burro's. There are some good Taco truck's around town. Check out http://www.greattacohunt.com & http://www.dailytaco.org many of these places do burros also. Enjoy! There are several Alberto's, Alerto's, Alfredo's and Benitos in the L.A. area. Benitos on Beverly does a good machaca the last time I was there. I do miss Alberto's in San Diego.

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El Tepeyac Restaurant
385 E Mill St Ste 4, San Bernardino, CA 92408

La Azteca
4203 Chevy Chase Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039

[mdpilam]

"Give me a torilla, salsa, onions, cilantro, possibly a little gucamole. I'm happy."

But that's what a taco is. That's one reason why I liked the Mission burritos - aside from their deliciousness :) is that they've got more going on than a taco. So, you can get tacos (meat, tortilla, salsa, onions and cilantro) or a burrito.

[jesstifer]

I'm a native Angeleno who's spent years searching for the greatest burrito... sorry, Jonathan Gold, but it is unquestionably in San Francisco.

Best here is Yuca's.

[observor]

They are really inexpensive...

[medRare28]

How about Ramona's?...I get the red chili with rice, cheese and green onions...OMG its HEAVEN.

[Dommy]

My favorite burritos are...

* Taqueria Sanchez Grilled Shrimp Burrito
* Tonny's Chile Verde
* El Tepeyac Chicken Hollenbeck
* Gallegos Deli Barbacoa
* Ana Maria's Carnitas

--Dommy!

[Burger Boy]

Mrs. Dommy, Where is Tonny's? Por favor

[Dommy]

Tonny's is in Pasadena, on Lake and Orange Grove....

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Tonny's Restaurant
843 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104

[Harry Nile]

Tonny's also has excellent aguas frescas.

[Dommy]

YES!!... and they are HUGE... and one of their Vampiros could be a meal on its own... oy!!

--Dommy!

[Burger Boy]

Thank You, I will check it out next time I am in the area.

[Moose]

In West LA, on Pico and Barrington you'll find a superb burrito at The Talpa. Get the pork in Spicy Tomatillo sauce burrito. Earth shatteringly good.

[aching]

Ooh, that's close to my work and I've never been there! Thanks for the rec.

[elnora]

my two favorite places to get burritos on the westside -

tacos por favor (chorizo-cheese or the al pastor)

tacos plus - burrito de la casa, with al pastor - this is really good. grilled peppers.

[swimfin]

Rick's in Pasadena on Walnut. Combo Hot. Get extra sauce on the side. Good stuff.

[Bert]

I've eaten many of the burritos on this list (including a solo triumph over a manuel's special that almost killed me), but my two favorite choices are:
1) a carne asada burrito at ana maria's stand in Grand Central Market (tasty meat, gigantic size, incredible value); and
2) the chile verde wet burrito from Tonny's often lauded on this board and by Jonathan Gold... not conventional chile verde of pork cubes simmered in green broth. they're basically using carnitas and a separate tangy sauce, but somehow the combination is absolutely perfect.

[Burger Boy]

Do you mean Tonia's on Rosemead near Beverly?

[ipsedixit]

Call me a heathen, a savage, a Luddite, or even just ignorant, but I really like the burritos at Chano's

[raytamsgv]

Over to the dark side, you have gone. :-) Yes, their burritos are pretty good.

[Neta]

Especially the "Chanos burrito" an Americanied version which is very good. The only Chanos I know of now is in Baldwin Park which is not close. Any others?

[ipsedixit]

There's one by USC in downtown LA on Figueroa.

[JAB]

There's another across from Lincoln Park.

[SoCal Foodie]

Not sure if this Chanos is related to the others, but there's one in San Gabriel: 1030 E Las Tunas Dr (between San Gabriel and Rosemead Blvds).

[Clinton]

What? No mention of Tito's Tacos burritos? Aha-ha-ha. Despite the numerous criticisms, I still like the distinctive taste even though the price has gone sky high and the serving size decreased. The long waiting lines say they must be doing something good?

[Burger Boy]

The all meat with cheese is very good!

[ronsilverado]

agree about tito's burritos. regardless of how you feel about the tacos (i happen to love them, but am tired of trying to justify this), there is something about their flour tortillas that i find magical. i suspect it is lard, but i probably don't want to know.
at some point over the last 20 years, i discovered the "bean, cheese rice" combination which i would never even consider ordering anywhere else. it might be my favorite burrito in the city. especially if you can manage to work some of the taco into it.

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Tito's Tacos
11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230

[tissue]

Salsa and Beer in Reseda

[GK in SO]

Which ones are good there? I had the "special molcajate burrito", and despite the waitresses assurances, it was spicier than hell. Couldn't even feel my mouth afterwards.

Any other suggestions? TIA, Tissue!

[tissue]

They have a shredded beef with potaotes in it! Ask for guac stuffed inside.

[Jelly71]

i like their papa and bean burrito - it's just beans, potatoes and cheese. i don't know how the potatoes are cooked, but they are actually really tasty. they are not fried, but that's all i can figure out.

anything with their chicken is awesome. they grill their chicken to perfection. it always has a great flavor and is never dry.

[GK in SO]

Tissue and Jelly 71 - thanks a lot!

[orythedog]

Latino Market on Thousand Oaks Blvd has great burritos and tacos with the full selection of meats (pastor, cabeza, carnitas, lengua, etc...). In addition they usually have 2 or three dishes of the day that you can put into a burrito like chile colorado (cubed beef in salsa rojo).

Latino Market
711 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-6005
[phone]

[ickster]

I like the following burritos:

1. The carne asada burrito at Yuca's in Los Feliz. It has whole beans, pico de gallo and meat.
2. The machaca and egg burrito at La Llamarada in Lincoln Heights.
3. The green chile, bean and cheese burrito at Lupe's #2 on third street. in East LA. It has refried beans, beef and chunks of green chile (a la Hatch NM).
4. The all meat al pastor burrito at El Taurino.
5. The carnitas burrito at Antojitos Denise on Olympic in East LA.
6. The al pastor burrito and carne asade burrito at Sergios in the city of Commerce. The menudo is good there too.

[mc michael]

Both the Carne Asada and the COCHINITA PIBIL burritos at Yuca's are gooood.

[cagey]

Like shrimp? I can recommend the shrimp burrito at Taqueria Sanchez in Culver City. Not up there with the big boys, but definitely worth a try.

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Taqueria Sanchez
4541 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

[ickster]

Cagey-

Is the shrimp grilled, cooked with a sauce or battered and fried?

[cagey]

Grilled. Same goes for the shrimp tacos.

[observor]

I guess I should say that "outstanding" does not necessarily imply "big".

[a_and_w]

This is a common confusion in LA, which just doesn't get the burrito. As an SF transplant, the only burrito I've found that really scratches the itch is Eduardo's Border Grill. Great pollo and carne asada, but no al pastor or carnitas, which is a bummer.

[mc michael]

Not so fast former SFr, not so fast. http://www.laweekly.com/2009-10-22/ea...

[a_and_w]

Love Jonathan Gold, but he just doesn't get burritos. At all.

PS: Another burrito that scratches the itch is the chile relleno burrito at Tacos Por Favor. I'm less of a fan of their other burritos (except the chorizo breakfast burrito) but the chile relleno one is great. Wish Tacomiendo did a chile relleno burrito...

[Servorg]

Gilbert's El Indio has a very credible Relleno Burrito - Fernando's Burrito consisting of a chile relleno, beans, avocado and lettuce burrito, topped with melted cheese and salsa espanola. The only thing I do is ask them to omit the lettuce. For some reason hot lettuce just strikes my taste buds in a off kilter way.

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Gilbert's El Indio
2526 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

[cagey]

I was going to suggest Gilbert's (Super Mule or Extra Special) as a contender here, but I've seen too many flame posts from "purists" about El Indio. As far as lettuce in a burrito, I grew up eating here so I'm used to hot lettuce from time to time. Offputting to some is de rigeur for others I guess...

[Bruin2]

So happy you said that. I've always hated the taste of warmed up letttuce, and if I reheat a burrito, I have to pick it apart to try and take out the lettuce (which is really hard if there's cheese in there). I can tolerate the letttuce if both the lettuce and the burrito is fresh, I guess because the lettuce is not yet wilted (using wilted in a spinach sense) but warmed up, ecch.

[observor]

I don't get why LA burritos should be different from SF burritos...um, its Mexican food, why are the Mexicans different in SF than LA?

EDIT: I see, I read the history. Personally, I don't think a true burrito should need a knife and fork, given its origin.

[Burger Boy]

a true burrito does not need knife and fork, they were a way to make a lunch for the next day with leftover beans, they added some cheese or if they were lucky some kind of meat and that was it! Simple and filling, in the same vein a pasty is for the coal miners.

[mc michael]

OK, but a lot of the burritos I've had (OK, I'm selective) have been better than the pastys I had in Ireland.

[mdpilam]

Yeah, Eduardo's is about as close as I've come to a Mission burrito. Tacomiendo isn't too far behind either. But, it's just not the same.

[a_and_w]

Tacomiendo is maddeningly close. I can't quite put my finger on what they do wrong but I've basically given up on their burritos. Besides, their taco platters are just too ridiculously tasty for me to order anything else. Another place that comes close is Taco Plus -- I order a burrito with bean, rice, cheese, avocado, crema, cilantro, onions, and salsa when I'm hankering for a veggie burrito Taqueria Cancun style.

PS: The big mistake most LA places make is not melting the cheese on the tortilla.

[mollyomormon]

a and w, have you tried the burritos at Senor Fish? I think they come close to Mission-style as well.

[a_and_w]

I haven't, but I read a review recently that echoed your sentiments. They even supposedly have pickled jalapenos in the pico! You think it's worth a schlep across town?

[mollyomormon]

Yes, I do. Their scallop burrito is especially amazing. I have only had mission style burritos once or twice so I can't make a very educated comparison, but it's a kickass burrito by any measure.

[Burger Boy]

Lupe's #2
Tonia's
J&S
Al & Bea's
El Tepeyac
El Taurino
Alberto's or Benitos great machaca & egg burritos Alberto's north of Valley Blvd 1/2 mile on the west side, do not confuse with Alfredo's

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El Tepeyac Cafe
812 N Evergreen Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Al & Bea's Mexican Food
2025 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Benito's Taco Shop
7912 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

El Taurino
2306 W 11th St, Los Angeles, CA 90006

J & S No 3
887 N Garfield Ave, Montebello, CA 90640

Lupe's Hot Dog Stand
4642 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90022

Tonia's
4233 Rosemead Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660

[mdpilam]

Best Taqueria burrito (I've mostly given up on LA burritos; Bay Area transplant): La Taquiza.

Honorable mention: Al n Bea's.

[LaLa Eat]

As a bay area transplant as well, I concur with the La Taquiza rec as a good sub for that specific craving.

[monku]

Not sure if the OP's search for "Outstanding Burritos" has to do with size, but it seems to impress me.

Dinos Chicken & Hamburgers on Main Street, LA....huge burritos of all kinds for around $5
J&S, Montebello for a great machaca burrito. $3
Lucky Boy's huge breakfast burrito $5.50
Casa Del Rey, Temple City. All meat chicken burrito (about 1 pound of chicken)

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Dino's Burgers
2817 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Lucky Boy Drive-In
640 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105

Casa Del Rey
9100 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City, CA 91780

[mc michael]

Yeah, that is a good BB at Lucky boy.

[monku]

Posts about best "breakfast burritos".
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/399381

[Clinton]

Manuel's is good but El Abajeno (Vics) in Culver City for me, is a lot tastier. The El Abajeno burrito is close to the size of Manuel's (or equivalent) but also includes the kitchen sink. Both are way big to eat. The regular combo burritos (made to order at the counter) for me is adequate and well worth the cheap price. You might want to try the carnitas taco which I know you'll like.

[mc michael]

Yuca's on Hillhurst makes good burritos, not outsized ones.

[Harry Nile]

Thank you, mc michael, for what may be the greatest understatement in the history of this board! Yuca's cochinita pibil burrito is simple, subtle, and delicious -- neither a garbage can of unrelated flavors nor a sermon on acquired tastes -- and it's prepared and presented by real people, not hipsters or folklorists with a cause. Every visit to this wonderful little shack reminds me of why I came home to Los Angeles.

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Yuca's
2056 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

[mc michael]

Well said, Mr. Nile.

[wienermobile]

At El Tepayac, in East LA they have Manuel's Special Burrito, over five pounds worth of ingredients that fill two tortillas. It may not be the best but it certainly is the biggest.

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El Tepeyac Cafe
812 N Evergreen Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033

[monku]

Easily enough for 3 people to eat, but the price has gotten a little out of hand...$18. Two of you could make a big meal out of it.

[Hughlipton]

I had a partner who ate a whole Manuels and then washed it down with a Hollenbeck (a half-size Manuels). He died the next day. No human being can eat a whole Manuels and survive it. I kid you not aboput the facts but seriously don't believe it had anything to do with the food. One of the best places in all of L.A. for Mexican food. Their menudo on the weekends is also top end.

[mc michael]

My ex-boss ate a whole Manuel's on a bet, won $100 and lives to tell about it endlessly.