The 11 Absolute Best Burritos In The US
Is there any greater joy in the world than sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering, juicy, overstuffed burrito? These decadent logs of deliciousness are easily one of the most cherished comfort foods in the world; jam-packed with savory meats, gooey cheeses, heaps of beans, rice, and all the delicious fixings. Although burritos are nearly universally adored in the United States, their cousins from across the border are slightly different. Authentic burritos are much smaller than our oversized American ones. Also, they're regionally diverse with local meats, cheeses, and fillings instead of our everything-plus-the-kitchen-sink-don't-skimp-on-the-guac varieties.
Although you'll have trouble finding traditional fillings like grilled cactus or regional cheeses in American burritos, you can still enjoy a fantastically fine meal if you know where to go. These absolute best burritos in the United States range from the more traditional to the wildly whimsical with one common thread; they're all tasty enough to have you begging for seconds.
La Taqueria San Francisco Super Burrito - San Francisco
La Taqueria San Francisco's Super Burrito wins points for sheer size and over-the-top tastiness. Although you can customize your own behemoth burrito, what really makes it super is a triple threat of cheese, sliced avocado, and plenty of sour cream. Other than that, the fillings are up to you. The carne asada is excellent, fork-tender, and perfectly seasoned. You can also get flavorful carnitas, chorizo, or pollo. Adventurous diners might be drawn to some of La Taqueria San Francisco's more inventive offerings like beef head or tongue.
Vegetarians can get their Super Burrito on, too, with a yummy blend of signature salsa, fresh cheese, and beans. One of these giant burritos will be enough to satisfy you through lunch and dinner, and you might even have some leftovers to take home. It's pretty clear why locals consider La Taqueria San Francisco the gold standard of burrito joints in the city.
Illegal Pete's Shredded Beef Burrito - Various locations
Although you can make your very own giant burrito from the comfort of your own home, Illegal Pete's in Colorado and Arizona is there to fill the ginormous burrito-sized hole in your life if you need them. With a security blanket-sized tortilla full of beans, vegetables, rice, and toppings, you really can't go wrong with any meaty filling, but their Shredded Beef Burrito kicks things out of the park. The beef is seasoned to perfection and has just the right consistency. You'll get a homey taste of meat and veggies in every bite, plus your choice of guacamole or sour cream.
Illegal Pete's tried-and-true formula might just be pandemic proof. According to The Denver Post, the fan-favorite Mexican restaurant is opening three more locations so you can get your fix from just about anywhere. So, next time you need a burrito-shaped hug, head on over to Illegal Pete's.
Juan's Flying Burrito Flying Burrito - New Orleans
Juan's Flying Burrito is the place to go if you want to sink your teeth into the most authentic Mexican food that you can find on this side of the border. You'll find them all over New Orleans. All of their burritos are filled with the good stuff, like mouthwatering shrimp, tasty chicken, steak, and plenty of beans and rice. Top the whole thing off with cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and their signature salsas, and you're good to go.
Their trademark Flying Burrito is huge and hearty. Make sure that you have plenty of napkins on hand because these babies are definitely messy, and you won't want to lose one drop of goodness. Regulars know that the best way to enjoy Juan's Flying Burrito's food is by washing down that big burrito with a glass of their berry lemonade. Dine-in or out, but make sure that you stop in for the real thing.
El Tepeyac Cafe Original Hollenbeck Burrito - Los Angeles
Although you can eat El Tepeyac Cafe's burritos with your bare hands, you might want to reach for the fork and knife for these ones. Their classic Original Hollenbeck Burritos come smothered in chile verde for a seriously savory kick that might just send you straight to burrito heaven. Plus, El Tepeyac Cafe knows how to cook a mean meat filling that is simmered in juices and sauce until it's falling off your fork. It's this sort of burrito goodness that makes it a Los Angeles legend.
Although hungry diners will definitely want to reach for the Original Hollenbeck Burrito, you can also get a mini one if you're not as peckish. If pork isn't your thing, it also comes in chicken and beef. Get the jumbo-sized traditional varieties or smaller versions with plenty of vegetables, sauce, and a hefty serving of rice. Salad rounds off the whole meal nicely. You'll get your veggies and comfort food at the same time, so it's a win-win.
Pica's Mexican Taqueria Wet Burrito - Jackson, Wyoming
If you're not familiar with the concept of a wet burrito, prepare yourself to enter a brand new flavor dimension. Think of it as the ultimate upgrade. You get everything that you want from a traditional burrito with a tasty twist in the form of sauce, cheese, and sour cream. At Pica's Mexican Taqueria in Jackson, Wyoming, the wet burrito is a true masterpiece, crowned with a generous serving of chipotle enchilada sauce, tons of cheese, and fresh salsa. The best part is you can take any burrito on their menu from wet to dry.
Although the chipotle enchilada sauce is tasty enough to drink by the glass, the inside of Pica's Mexican Taqueria's burritos are great all on their own. Their traditional burritos hit all the right flavor notes with meaty fixings, rice, beans, and even more cheese. You can also add guacamole for an extra punch.
El Agave Mexican Restaurant California Burrito - Florence, South Carolina
El Agave Mexican Restaurant's California Burrito might look more like art on a plate rather than food, but we promise that it's just as palatable as it is pretty. Maybe even more so. The California Burrito is packed with two types of meaty goodness, chorizo and chicken. It has plenty of healthy-for-you fixin's like avocado, pico de gallo, and grilled onions too. Chipotle sauce and pico de gallo give the burrito an extra hit of flavor, and the whole masterpiece is cloaked in melted cheese dip that makes every bite sing.
Plus, since it comes in a 10-inch tortilla, the California Burrito is no slouch in the size department. It's guaranteed to fill you up with traditional and unexpected flavors, and the creamy avocado slices on top add texture and dimension to the dish. It's a colorful dish that delivers on all of the yum you want from your comfort food, and definitely something you should try next time you're in Florence, South Carolina.
A-Mari-Mix Restaurant Burrito Clasico - Miami
A-Mari-Mix Restaurant's Burrito Clasico is another beautiful dish that marries perfect presentation with a luscious, hearty filling. It's also artfully draped in two types of crema, so you get a bit of spice and cream in every mouthful. Although you can certainly eat this big fella with your hands, you might want to use a fork and knife instead, especially if you're dining in at their Miami location.
Inside, the Burrito Clasico has your choice of meat, slow-cooked refried beans, a generous helping of rice, and plenty of tasty vegetables. Carnivores can feast on chicken, steak, beef, ropa vieja, shrimp, or pork. Vegetarians certainly aren't left out either. They can choose between extra refried beans, mushrooms, or a combination of both. The whole thing is wrapped up in a complex cornucopia of mouthwatering flavors and served with twin drizzles of signature sauces, a hit of cilantro, and some fresh tomato.
Dos Toros Taqueria Mission Style Burrito - New York City
If you're looking for a more traditional burrito with all of the flavors, you associate with great American-style burritos, head to Dos Toros Taqueria for a Mission Style Burrito with a New York City twist. Dos Toros Taqueria packs plenty of flavor into their burritos, and they've got something for everyone. These tasty treats start off with a fresh, steamed tortilla filled with classic favorites like carne asada, carnitas, pollo, and rice and beans. Prefer something vegetarian? Dos Toros Taqueria has you covered with Impossible ground beef or spiced Brussels sprouts.
Once you have your protein, you can smother that sucker in black beans, corn, peppers, onions, cheese, or vegetables. There's also homemade salsa and fresh guacamole available. Try their smokey or habanero hot sauce for a multi-faceted kick that will compliment creamy guacamole and sour cream to perfection. These hefty burritos are flavorful, huge, and meant to hit the spot.
YoHo Hibachi & Sushi Burrito Sushi Burrito - Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina, might not be the first place you think of for premium burritos or sushi, but YoHo Hibachi & Sushi Burrito is here to smash your preconceptions and deliver a big, bold burst of fusion flavor. Their Sushi Burrito is a colorful and complex celebration of all things East and West, and you can customize it with your choice of fish, shrimp, or crab. There's also a vegetarian option with a seaweed salad, avocado, and cucumber.
Basically, just think of these burritos as your favorite sushi dishes, just jumbo-sized. One thing that YoHo Hibachi and Sushi Burrito does exceptionally well is balance their flavors. The precision and nuance mean that you can taste every ingredient clearly. So, if you are looking for a healthier riff on your favorite burrito, and crave the fresh medley of mango, tuna, salmon, shrimp, crab, or edamame, get to YoHo Hibachi and Sushi Burrito stat.
Kono's North Shore Little Breakfast Restaurant Breakfast Bomber - Honolulu
Although you can find breakfast burritos just about everywhere in the United States (or make your own breakfast burrito), you have to fly to the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii for the absolute best. Kono's North Shore Little Breakfast Restaurant in Honolulu is a humble local haunt with epic breakfast burritos full of crunchy bacon, expertly cooked eggs, cheese, potatoes, and a side of red-hot salsa. Known affectionately as Breakfast Bombers, these tortilla-wrapped bundles of sunshine come standard or fully loaded.
Get yours with bacon, Kalua pork, Portuguese sausage, chorizo, or packed with veggies. Then, you can amp the whole thing up with spicy jalapenos, sliced avocado, or a generous dollop of sour cream to make it fully loaded and more than fairly delicious. Fair warning; you will never be able to stomach a gas station frozen breakfast burrito ever again once you've had a taste of the real thing.
Chipotle Chicken Burrito - Nationwide
Chipotle is one of the most authentic chain restaurants in the country, known for its consistently good food, fresh ingredients, and large portions. Their burritos come in signature foil wraps to keep the goodness inside and the temperature optimal, and while all the fillings are on-point, the Chicken Burrito has a special place in our hearts. These burritos are the antithesis to boring, bland chicken. Instead, they spice up the bird with authentic flavors and serve it with cilantro-infused rice, beans, your choice of salsa, cheese, and tons of veggies of your choice. To make it extra, grab a little sour cream and guacamole and some extra salsa for dipping.
Although you can pick up Chipotle's Chicken Burrito just about anywhere in the country, it's nice to know that you can make a copycat version with just a few key ingredients if you don't want to leave the house. Whether store-bought or DIY, this burrito is fantastic.