Disclaimer: None of the burritos on this list were left uneaten. Also, I don't believe in cutting burritos in half--unless it's for photographic purposes. This list is in no particular order... have your own favorite L.A. burrito? Let us know in the comments!
Al & Beas - Chicharrón Burrito w/ Salsa Verde
While this iconic joint in Boyle Heights is undoubtedly best known for their bean and cheese burrito, it's their chicharrón (fried pork skin) burrito with salsa verde that has me wanting to skip chewing all together and just drink it using a jumbo boba straw.
2025 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Hours: 9a.m -8p.m. Mon-Sat (Sundays close at 7p.m) (323) 267-8810
The Chori-Man - Chorizo con Papas Burrito
Once your olfactory receptors detect that unmistakeable chorizo scent emanating from The Chori-Man's stand at the Farmer's Market in DTLA's Flower District, it's game over. Fourth generation chorizo maker Humberto Raygoza cooks his green Tolucan-style chorizo (which gets its distinct color from using poblano peppers and cilantro) on a flattop grill then stuffs it inside a huge flour tortilla with seasoned potatoes, pickled red onions and a mozzarella-provolone cheese blend. This is expert-level chorizo made by a true craftsman who doesn't believe in cutting corners (e.g. grinds his own spices; hand-mixes and hand-ties everything). Trying both of his (more traditional) red Zacatatecano-style and green artisanal chorizos is an absolute must.
Note: The Chori-Man sells his chorizos by the pound (also offers soy chorizo) and is more than happy to share different ways to cook it at home. It's simply inspiring to talk to someone so passionate and enthusiastic about their craft. L.A. rules.
754 Wall St Los Angeles, CA 90014
Hours: 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (Saturdays only) Place Orders: (424) 239-4486
Cacao Mexicatessen - Carnitas de Pato (Duck Confit) Burrito
There's not a whole lot left to say about how awesome the duck carnitas are at this super chill spot in Eagle Rock -- except that the insanely moist, tender and succulent meat, cooked in its own fat, is quite enjoyable when stuffed inside a large flour tortilla with pickled red onion, avocado slices and just the right amount of rice.
1576 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Hours: Tues-Fri (11:00 a.m. - 9 p.m.) Sat (8:30 a.m. - 10: 00 p.m.) Sun. (8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.) (323) 478-2791
Cofax Coffee - Chorizo Burrito (w/ avocado)
Well-balanced is what came to mind when I first bit into this beautifully grilled breakfast burrito. Soft scrambled eggs, grilled peppers and onions, a nice amount of avocado, chorizo, cheese...What more could one ask for? Then I got a taste of the smoked potatoes...and not another word was spoken.
440 N. Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours: Mon-Sat: 7a.m. - 6p.m. Sun: (7a.m. - 5 p.m.) (323) 424-7485
La Azteca Tortilleria - Chile Relleno Burrito (w/ Carne Asada)
Picture a time when you've been so stuffed beyond measure that even taking a sip of water seemed unmanageable. If this burrito, with its house-made flour tortilla (probably made with ground up angel wings) was handed to you, you'd find a way to enjoy it. That's how great it is. There's no putting this thing down once you dig into it. It's got the perfect balance of melty cheese, killer beans, fried chile relleno and thin, tender pieces of carne asada. It really hurt me inside when I cut this masterpiece in half, but it was the only way to show the anatomy of one of the best burritos in LA.
Note: Go. Now.
4538 East Cesar E Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Hours: 6 a.m. - 3:30 p.m Sun-Mon (323) 262-5977
Burritos La Palma (Jerez Zacatecas) - Burrito de Birria
I'd be happy if all 'Burritos La Palma' ever sold was their delicious made-from-scratch flour tortillas. Fortunately, they also offer the most incredible birria (a spicy beef stew--often made with goat in other states in central Mexico, including Zacatecas) to go nestled perfectly inside their nicely grilled tortillas. Each order comes with two, nunchuck-sized burritos with your option of: only birria; birria, beans and cheese; or birria with a light salsa verde smothered on top.
I wish these burritos were sold everywhere, including Staples Center. Since they're not, I suppose I'll have to store a couple, or ten in my custom belt with burrito holsters when going to a Kings game.
Note: Taking some of their house-made flour tortillas home is highly advised.
5120 N Peck Rd, El Monte, CA 91732
Hours: Mon-Thurs.: 11 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Fri-Sun: 11a.m.- 8 p.m. (626) 350-8286
Little Mexico Chiquito - Burrito de Lengua (Beef Tongue)
Upon first glance at the simple menu at Little Mexico Chiquito (tiny), which only includes: tacos, burritos, birria and menudo, you won't notice any one item that stands out too much. However, once you take a bite into one of their hefty burritos, you'll appreciate the perfect balance of texture between the insanely tender lengua, creamy refried beans, crisp shredded cabbage and the absence of rice all together. Add some of their tangy salsa verde (made with tomatillos) and you're all set.
This is the type of burrito you get after a hard day's work--and tacos alone won't suffice. It's a place whose small menu allows the owners to focus on using quality ingredients in the food they dish out.
Note: Other meat options include: chicken, carne asada, birria, adobada (marinated pork), and cabeza (beef cheek).
3823 Slauson Ave, Maywood, CA 90270
Hours: M-Th 7:30 a.m - 11 p.m (Fri & Sat they open from 6 a.m. to midnight) (323) 585-1819
Lupes #2 - Bean and Cheese Burrito
Including a bean and cheese burrito on this list is an absolute must. The signature refried beans (made with lard) AND generous amounts of melted cheese at this historic Boyle Heights stand are what set this burrito apart from the rest in LA.
4642 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Hours: Mon-Fri 10a.m.-8:p.m. Sat. & Sun. 11a.m.- 5 p.m. (323) 266-6881
Ramona's Mexican - Beef and Red Chile Burrito
As soon as you walk through the doors at Ramona's, your nose gets hit with a vast array of heartwarming aromas that immediately transport you to an old-school Mexican kitchen. The deep, rich scent of their signature red chile sauce with insanely tender chunks of beef, slowly being simmered, is simply...magical. Their fresh, house-made flour tortillas being slightly toasted on the comal (griddle) and amazing refried beans on the stovetop will have your olfactory bulbs going crazy-- in a good way. Once you bite into the actual burrito, you'll simply get it.
There's so much more to say about this soulful flavor factory, which has been aound since 1947, but for now, I'll just say that in terms of quality ingredients, authentic (and laborious) cooking methods on such a large scale, longevity, integrity and all around deliciousness, Ramona's is unmatched.
13633 Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90249
Hours: Mon.- Sat.: 10 a.m.-7:30p.m. & Sunday 10a.m.- 5 p.m. (310) 323-1950
Señor Fish - Shrimp & Scallop Burrito
A few seafood burritos came to mind when putting this list together, but most of them were ultimately not worth mentioning due to the use of too much rice and not enough shrimp or fish.
This isn't a scallop-flavored burrito with cup noodles-sized shrimp embedded into the rice. There are actual seared scallops and shrimp in this burrito. The pinto beans, rice and cabbage add some nice texture and aren't just used as filler. I nearly committed the cardinal sin of leaving behind what I thought was a cold tortilla scrap. Upon further review, I noticed that there was a nice scallop chunk inside one of the tortilla folds. Friends don't let friends leave tortilla scraps behind.
4803 N Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Hours: 10 a.m.- 9p.m. (Open at 9a.m. Fri-Sun) (323) 257-7167
Taqueria Los Anaya - Shrimp Burrito
I wish more places like this existed where quality reigns over quantity. The excellent golden fried shrimp : Veracruz-style coleslaw : chipotle salsa ratio was perfect. Balance of flavor and texture is everything when looking for a proper burrito--especially when dealing with seafood. You just can't go wrong when there's shrimp in every bite of your burrito.
Note: A great meal is that much more enjoyable when the service is impeccable and the vibes from the entire staff are warm and welcoming. A lot of restaurants could learn from this taqueria.
4651 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Hours: Mon-Sat 7a.m.- 9p.m. (Sun 8a.m.-5p.m.) (323) 731-4070.
Tacos Villa Corona -- Chilaquiles and Steak Burrito
I couldn't ask for much else in a breakfast burrito. The chilaquiles add just the right amount of crispiness to the already delicious, steak and soft-scrambled egg burrito. The perfect amount of cheese, whole pinto beans, and pico de gallo come standard and make the first couple of bites without salsa quite nice. At some point though, you'll want to add some kick with their smoky red salsa.
Note: Try their papas and spinach burrito...and add bacon.
3185 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Hours:Tues-Fri 8a.m. – 2 p.m. Sat. & Sun (Close at 3 p.m.) Closed Mondays.
