Avatar's Punjabi Burritos
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
38 reviews
San Rafael, CA
"SO GOOD. Plenty of vegan options. I can't wait to go back! If only the mango ice cream was vegan *sniffle*."
45 Reviews for Avatar's Punjabi Burritos
Not bad in the least, though, I would rather settle for a sit-down lunch at Avatar's. With little space for seating, their Mill Valley burrito shack is more conducive to an on-the-go meal. But the food is just as good, as is the warm service. Their burritos, which are more like a wrap, are well-spiced, and huge. The rose lassi turned out to be a perfect compliment to wash it all down.
It's a bit out of the way for us city-goers, but well worth it if you're in the Valley. I only wish they were open on Sundays.
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Avatar's is as close to culinary nirvana as you might get. I recently had the pleasure of devouring a spicy lamb "burrito" from here. They use chapati for the bread, as opposed to a tortilla, and it holds the flavorful mix of succulent meat, rice and vegetables together just perfectly. That said, I sometime prefer to fork and knife it, but either way your belly isn't going to mind.
They have a specials board that is worth keeping an eye on as well, and it definitely keeps the locals coming back for more. While my heart remains in San Francisco, Avator's is the beginning of a good debate for moving up to the relative tranquility of Mill Valley, or at least visiting there more often. This place is easily worthy of my highest dinga dinga honors!
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It's all about the Punjabi Burrito.
Compliments:
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If Mill Valley has anything going on (other than the beautiful nature it sits in), it's the Punjabi Burrito.
So, yes, go for a hike, go for a bike ride, go visit the cool independent movie theatre that never shows more than 2 movies at a time, but above all go to Avatar's. It's delicious! It's for vegetarians and meat lovers! and it's affordable!
What makes the burrito Punjabi?
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- instead of a tortilla they use a flatbread made out of whole wheat flour called Paratha.
- It's usually stuffed with basamti rice, chickpeas, carrots, other veggies, and some Indian spices and sauces. They have variations on these ingredients. You can also add lamb or chicken.
Logistics:
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- The one thing about this place, is that it's very small (3 two seater tables inside and about 3 2 seater tables outside) and a bit warm inside. On cool days it's nice to sit at their outside tables and enjoy the clean MV air, but otherwise I would take it to go.
- closed Sundays
Suggestion:
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- Be bold and skip the basic burrito and go for the pumpkin or sweet potato.
Proof:
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I actually have my shoes on and am ready to walk over right now (no joke). mmmmm sweet potato lamb burrito you will soon be mine!
Very tasty indeed! Like its sister restaurant in Sausalito--it's Indian with a Mexican twist. This one in Mill Valley is good for lunches on the go! Pretty fast service, if your getting the burrito...but you might have to wait longer if you're getting a rice dish. It's only a two person team...in this tiny place. I like the sweet potato lamb burritos with the mango lassi drink. It's very filling with the right amount of spice. They also have pompadoms (sp?) for $1 each you can munch on while you wait for your food. I don't recommend the one with tiny black pepper specks on them, they're too spicy for my taste. There's limited outside seating, only a couple of small tables which fills up during lunch but sufficient street parking.
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here is the magical formula for making something i'll like to eat:
food i already like + indian = YUM.
as if indian pizza wasn't go to make me fat enough, here, irene, have this INDIAN BURRITO. or here, have two. or three. plus snacks. plus some bites of that other thing. plus OMG, EVERYTHING ON THE MENU.
seriously good & seriously cheap. too bad mill valley is seriously far away from the rest of civilization.
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Nish says it best 'culinary nirvana'.
dude is not kidding. after eating here you are sooo satisfied. I am the type of person that will eat a meal, and if it wasn't that good, I will eat something else after just to satisfy myself. Dont ask me how i am only a buck five, I just am. This place is so amazingly good. It's a commitment though they are huge and filling.
Omg everything is sooooo good! The Lamb, Curried veggies, chicken, sweet potato. Mango Lassi. If you want a lil snack but cant eat a burritio, ask the lady really nice and she will make you a little wrap with chutney. yum. I loooove this place.
The owner is this beautiful woman who is so sweet too.
The number one reason to go for a hike in Marin on a Saturday instead of a Sunday... Avatar's is closed on Sunday.
I love love love this place. I love the chicken curry burrito. I love the surly woman who takes my order. I hate Mill Valley, but what can I do?
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I love this place! I have been a regular customer for over 6 years. The vegetarian burrito and the jerk chicken burrito are among my favorite. Our family loves to get our food here and walk over to Old Mill Park and eat among the redwood trees. Our now 7 year old son has grown up on a special cup of rice, potatoes, chickpeas and "special sauce" always topped off by a squirt of delicious tamarind sauce that they let him squirt on himself. The hand made daily chapatis that make up the burritos are out of this world. The only drawback I can find is the physical space is cramped and uncomfortable with only 3 tables inside. On the other hand, having a small space probably keeps the prices as reasonable as they are, and in this town, great creative and affordable food is hard to find!
Block off the downtown square of Mill valley, you will find the one quick place to grab a bite. Avatar's Punjabi burritos are great for a lunch time bite. Same idea as a burrito, but you get tandori chicken or lamb wrapped in some naan bread. A unique and TASTY idea.
Not a great deal of space, but the outdoor seating is plentiful. And you usually end up munching away at your tinfoil wrapped PUNJABI burrito while sitting on the curb of the street.
Great stop after a long bike ride, since the Tenderfoot trail spits us close by.
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So, Punjab Burritos....great idea, great "want to support local business" reason for going, great smell from the street... but I can't say it really did it for me once I actually walked in and ordered.
The food was surprisingly forgettable, the wait to get it was loooong (despite us being the only folks in the joint), and to be honest, the local drive through bevy in my old Ohio hometown has more ambiance.
Now, don't get me wrong, it wasn't awful or anything, but the reviews I read seemed to indicate it was pretty sweet...and really, it wasn't. The rice plate was good (with the exception of the shrimp which tasted a little like it had been hanging out a few days past last call), and the chicken burrito was decent... but both were decidedly unremarkable.. And not cheap enough to warrant a pass.
I should also mention that I am somewhat skeptical of the "good for children" listing. Maybe I am a little too Midwestern, but to me "good for children" means (1) generally clean, (2) kids seating available, and (3) a few non-spicy options on the menu....or any one of these things. Punjab Burrito? None of the above (at least that I saw). And there was no bathroom. Apparently kids in Mill Valley don't wash their hands or go to the potty.
Anyway, I would go there again if every place else was packed and I wanted to eat downtown, but I can't imagine ever making a trip out of it.
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omg!! i've been 3 times now (just recently moved to MV) and each time i've prayed that a particular item is on the specials board:
- ground turkey & sweet potatoe curry.
it is HEAVEN. i prefer it as a rice plate with all the extras (chutney, garbanzo beans, etc).
i hope it never, ever goes away!
The first time I went I would have given 5 stars and the second time I went 3 stars so I'll average. I'll start with the 5 star day, I love curry chicken and tried the curry chicken burrito which was excellent! I couldn't wait to come back and try it again so when I went back in a week I was very disappointed to find out that they only took cash and instead of enjoying a delicious burrito I was left to go somewhere else for lunch. The following week, cash in hand I went back and ordered the curry chicken rice plate which I am hoping was just a little too old to serve and not an indication of what it is always like. I barely ate the chicken because it was extremely dry and the rice was more like styrofoam or the stuff they serve Chinese food over that has the same texture. I am hoping my second visit was on just on a bad day for the place and I will give them another chance but it won't be as soon as the first time!
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the chicken burrito is soooooooooooooooo delicious. best eaten after not having eaten for days. you will NOT be dissapointed. teh mango lassi is good, as well as the service.
This place is great, and the service is friendly in a distinctly Indian way: simultaneously funny, disarming, and enveloping. Few restaurants embody as much of the true vibe of India as Avatar's. Plus, the food is slammin'. California meets India in one of the coolest and least predictable ways at Avatar's.
(Really 2.5 stars)
This place was ok. It's not as good as the Avatar's that does enchiladas. I had the basic burrito so I could sample the base fare. It was, well, a little too basic. It just didn't really have enough flavor, which is almost hard to do with Indian food. Are they watering it down for the Mill Valley folks? I dunno. I just wanted more of anything in it that had flavor, other than more chick peas. What do they really taste like anyway?
It's worth checking out - they have a few veggie options and lots of meaty burritos, so maybe these are tastier than the basic.
I'll give it one more try! Gotta support the fusion places that don't have white tablecloths. They're the real deal, right?
My husband and I went to Avatar in Mill Valley once and we will never go back. We went in because we thought the tiny place looked interesting and would have something different to offer. We ordered Curry Chicken and some other dish I can't remember except it was absolutely horrible. The Curry Chicken was made with inexpensive items and had a sweet topping on top. We also ordered Naan and their version of Naan was not what we normally get from Indian restaurants. That was fine as long as it was good; however, that was not the case. Overall, the food was unremarkable - not very edible and the lady working behind the counter looked so bored and withdrawn. We won't be back.
A great idea that doesn't really live up to its premise. Food was a little bland; maybe more fresh ingredients would inject a little color and flavor into it. Papadams are excellent though.
I cannot believe there aren't more places like this! What a concept -- an indian-style burrito. I had the overstuffed sweet potato and curried chicken burrito. Can't wait to find an excuse to make my way back here...Mmmmmmmmmmm...
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Avatar's is a favorite of mine for lunch on lazy Sunday afternoons.
Avatar's is located in downtown Mill Valley and adds to the European feel of the area with it's casual indoor and sidewalk seating. The indoor seating is tiny (2-3 tables), but there is additional seating outside.
The combination of Indian ingredients served burrito-style is definitely a novelty. The contrast and combination of ingredients including chickpeas, chutney, yogurt, rice and so much more is a real treat for the taste buds. There are about 12 or so different styles of burritos on the menu which are all variations on the common base burrito ingredients. There are accommodations such as salad and just a few other options for those less adventurous taste buds.
This is the best idea EVER! Indian food wrapped in itself to go! I ordered the Sweet Potato and Lamb Burrito. The flatbread they use is thinner and a little heartier than nan and it was filled with basmati rice, garbanzo beans, chutney, pickled carrots, sweet potato, lamb and raita. Why hasn't anyone in any other city I have been to opened one of these up? It is a goldmine!
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Worth the drive over the bridge, especially if you combine it with a trip to Muir Woods or Stinson Beach.
Burritos and Indian food go together like mangos and nudity. Messy, but forehead-smackingly appropriate.
As a veggie, my favorite is the blackened vegetable with tofu. The pineapple chutney inside is delightful.
The woman who works at the counter (I think she is one of the owners) has the most INCREDIBLE eyes I have ever seen. Even if (as is the case with my boyfriend) you think the food is like something our moms would make at home when we were kids to try and appease us ("See? Why do you need to eat out? I can make burrito here at home in five minutes!"), just go for a look at the eyes. They're worth it.
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yummy food, spicy and fresh! I go here a few times a year and the woman at the counter remembers me when I go, it may have to do with her crush on my husband, but I will never know. She has a tough exterior but is very sweet.
Try the Rose Lassi you won't regret it. Sweet and tart it is a perfect balance to the spicy food on the menu. I usually get the jerk Chicken salad, it is large and very filling. They have combo platters that are always really filling and big, The lamb and chicken are spicy and fresh as can be. It is a nice alternative to a sandwich or a slice of pizza.
We will often come here for takeout and go back to the Sweetwater for a drink, perfect combo!
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You know, I'd love to give these guys 5 stars but the ambiance is so...ANNOYING! The food is great but they have a small place that double times as a babysitting joint for their kid who sits on the floor in front of a blaring tv in the tiny restaurant. Its a total drag to scream over the tv so I don't go here any more. But if you want the food to go, Man, it is good stuff!
I can't think of anything more appropriate to eat in the Bay Area than Indian food in a burrito. I'm surprised they don't have one of these on every corner. This is one of a couple places I like to eat in Mill Valley because it has good, portable food and doesn't have table service. The burritos taste great, but it's hard for me to tell each of them apart.
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great place - had the lamb over rice. despite others reviews on the priciness, $9 is not that bad compared to other equally hardy meals. Not greasy and pretty healthy too (beans, rice)
As unique as it sounds, and twice as tasty. The "burritos" are super tasty. Each one holds a secret, be it a super secret spice or a curiously delicious sauce. Open your mind and enjoy each bite!
As someone mentioned earlier, they are not wrapped as tightly as a traditional burrito, partly due to the type of naan used as the wrapper. If you succeed in eating one of them in typical hand-held burrito fashion, you are my hero and should have a pint of Guinness on me. They provide forks, and most of us need 'em.
Throw this in the mix for lunch options and you won't regret it.
I don't remember why I happened to be hangin out in Mill Valley, but there I was. Maybe it was because I had just purchased a Porsche and wanted to feel rich with the other rich people. But then I betrayed my fantasy by stopping at this place; I was instantly attracted to its hole-in-the-wall look. (And the smell of curry in the air.)
The burritos are an exciting mix of stuff you wouldn't ordinarily put together. The mild curry, spiced garbanzo beans, gingery carrots, and basmati rice just explode into an exciting new taste.
There isn't much variation among the different types of burrito on the menu; you change the meat but the other stuff in there is pretty much the same.
I just wish I had more reason to go to Mill Valley, because then I would get to eat here more.
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I know people come for the burritos but i'd like to say a word or two about the rice plates and salads. i get the curried vegetable rice plate and its chock full o' goodness. lots of veggies, broc, carrots, green beans, etc and lots o' flavor. i'm not a vegetarian but when i go to places and order vegetable things, sometimes there's like no actual vegetables. so this is nice. i've had the spinach salad w/ chicken- and the chicken is hot off the stove. the couple who own it are sooper nice too. seating can be grim, but there's a curb.
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...The healthiest, most filling and absolutely delicious fast-food available anywhere...make it happen!!
Great selection of beverages as well...my absolute go-to spot for a hearty and quick meal...
These burritos are SO good. The chutney, rice, garbonzo beans and whatever other stuff you chose to put in... PURE YUM. I do warn you, though- BE CAREFUL. Sometimes Avatar gets a bit lazy when rolling these fuckers, so it is VERY likely yours will spill all over you. I've been down that road. Twice.
Anyway, I love sitting outside watching the people of MILF Valley (and laughing to myself... Don't get me wrong, I LOVE it there and would probably live there IF I could afford it... which brings me to my next point...) One thing I noticed no one mentioned is that this place is a TAD pricey... The good old Mill Valley Mark-up is at work here. Not that it isn't worth it, but be prepared to spend about $24 if you are treating a special someone to lunch (this does include a soda or other non-alchoholic beverage).
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So, honestly, I thought this place was a joke, when I first saw the signage. It was an accidental run in, on an untypically sunny day in February. I remember it well. Punjab Burrito? What the hell is that? I mean -- Pakistani Pizza is one thing, but no one, and I mean no one, should mess with beloved Mexican Food.
We would have never found this place if Sam and I hadn't been looking for another flatbread sandwich place (located next door), because someone told us once that it was good, and we just happen to be bored, unemployed and hungry around noon on a Tuesday.
We waltzed in, ready for an experience. And that is exactly what we got.
Burritos made with Punjabi Flat Bread instead of Tortilla, filled with curried pumpkin and chicken, fresh fish and shrimp, garbanzo beans and savory delicacies like relish, chutneys, yogurt and pickles. Can you say "Yummo?".
Try a Ginger Beer with your P.B. It puts Ginger Ale to shame.
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I was hung-over and I needed something spicy and kinda gooey, with just the right about of grease. A friend suggested Punjab Burritos, and I was in on the name alone. I got the chicken curry Burrito and soft drink-it was pricey, almost 10 dollars. (which is the only reason they aren't getting 5 stars)
The burrito hit the spot, it was delicious and big I left satisfied and stuffed, plus we were able to sit outside and enjoy the sun as we chowed down. I'll definitely go back.
Upon arrival in Mill Valley from the wrong (east) coast, I saw Avatar's Punjab Burrito and was sure my friend's father was not entirely wrong when he described California as the world's largest outdoor insane asylum...
After I was assured that they were, in fact, serious, I edged up to the counter and ordered the lamb curry burrito...
For anyone looking for the "close your eyes and you'd swear you were in Mumbai" experience, this isn't the place (though if you eat inside, the curry can permeate your clothes, hair, skin, etc. and you may smell like you were in Mumbai). But broaden your horizons, grab a fork and dig in. Tear the cap off the soft naan wrapper and work your way down - a couple forks, tear off a little more naan. For me, the curries are a little on the mild side, but the flavors are well-balanced and it is probably the best "alternate" fast food in the $10 range in southern Marin county.
I have also had the rice dishes and know there is much better Indian if you prefer the more traditional presentation, but for a fast food alternative, Avatar's will hit the spot.
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This is the best idea ever!!!!!!!!!! Omg. I love burritos. I love indian food. Burritos + indian flava flav = what i've been waiting for my whole life. it's too bad i am never, ever in mill valley. i grew up in the bay area and i don't even know where mill valley is. oops.
sooo i haven't actually been here but after reading the reviews i thought i'd write a cyber plea to the owner: PLEASE OPEN ANOTHER BRANCH IN SAN FRANCISCO (preferably the mission)!
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Hearty portions of delicious meat and veggie curry over basamati or as burritos. Their lamb and chicken are tasty, moist and full of flavor. I found the whole "Indian food in Mexican tortilla" thing a bit peculiar at first, but it's good so why knock it. Curry is very assertive so plan on carrying a special spicy scent throughout the day. Three small tables - most customers do take-out.
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An un-intentional yet happy accident led me to this place. New to Marin, I was looking for Mission-style burritos and found Bombay in a wrap! I can highly recommend the blackened Salmon burritos.
Well, the concept was enticing but I didn't love it. The burritos were sloppy and the curry so-so.
It is the kind of place you would visit if it was near your office and your food options were limited.
Indian food is my favorite, so I was intrigued when I saw this little place next to a great pizza place (Small Shed Flatbread). Fairly good curries, but the don't really work as advertised. The "burrito" was either a thick tortilla or a thin naan, but was really greasy and too small for the curry. It ended up being quite a mess and hard to eat out of a plastic basket.
Curried Chicken and Sweet Potato Burrito is amazing! I love this place!!!
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