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Kenmore (Green)
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tofu burrito
washed down with a jarritos:
i am addicted
What a hilarious experience. It was definitely a place that if I wasn't in a good mood- it would have been disastrous.
We walk to the only person at the counter- and she looks at us. We look at her, look at the menu, look at her- she still just stares at us. Finally, we decide to order- after ordering, as she continues to stare at us, she yells to the back something in Spanish, and then looks at us and tell us we can't order with her- we have to wait for the guy in the back to come. Okay....
She then begins to tell the guy who came from the back our orders in Spanish, and I see him preparing them wrong. I begin to try to tell him (and her?) that it is incorrect, and she yells something at me I don't understand, so I stood silently until they handed me the burrito and I had to refuse and reorder it.
The burritos would receive a D for effort- the chips were stale, and there was only enough salsa for an eighth of the stale chips. After being an Anna's Taqueria fan for years- I was really looking forward to finding a burrito place that may slightly compare. This was like comparing McDonald's to Le Bernadin... no comparison.
The best and most authentic Mexican Food in Boston hands down. The counter workers are short and rude unless you speak in Spanish. The Al pastor and Chicken Colorado are amazing not to mention a Tamale that blows any other tamale out of the water in Boston.
Being a native Southern Californian Mexican food snob, this is the only Mexican food place i will eat at on a consistant basis in Boston. The food is so authentic and so is the attitude of the workers. love it.
my only problem with the place is they charge you 50 cents for a drink refill.
I really want to like Boca Grande because they do have one of the best loaded Nachos in the Boston area. But other then that, I really don't like anything else. I think their burritos are a little on the bland side and when putting "it" together, they all do a messy job about it. The first bite to me is really important. Other then the flavor the neatness to a burrito or anything in a submarine looking thing...NO WATER or JUICE should come out. A burrito must be moist and not runny. They maybe need to work on their techniques and also add some flavor into their meats.
Big Mouth!
The 4 stars are based on the tamale only. I also tried a carnitas enchilada (which was tasty but average (except for the carnitas)), but I want to talk about the tamales.
They are EFFing huge! I love that. I've never seen a bigger tamale. For only like $5.50 too. The masa was sweet and delicious; I couldn't get enough of it. The chicken was juicy. The sauce mixed perfectly with everything. Though it wasn't 100% perfect. It was a chicken corn tamale, but aside from the masa, there was no corn. Also, the husk is a bit of a pain to deal with and it can be messy if you're not careful. Yet seriously worth it. My gf and I have been thinking of going back ever since. I only wish there was one closer to home.
Who will help me franchise Boca Grande? said the hen. (if only to steal their tamale secrets)
I'm looking at the bright side - I've eaten approximately 3.7 million burritos in my 28 years (give or take a few) and I've never had to throw one out until today. Most Boca Grandes are meh, but this is meh supreme. Salsa and hot sauce somehow both manage to be bland. Not sure how this is possible when a main ingredient is raw onion/pepper, but they achieve it. 1 extra star because my love for all burritos transcends this experience. Tortilla+beans+cheese+rice = magic.
Ick!
Seriously.
Thank goodness I got my dinner free, otherwise, I think I'd have some serious qualms.
I'm picky about my tortillas. Happily, most places in town have the appropriate thickness and steam it for the appropriate amount of time.
The abomination that was my burrito was wrapped in thick, dry naste. The chicken ranchero had the flavor and consistency of wet cardboard. The rice was overcooked. Is it possible to water down guacamole without making the texture watery? Y pico de gallo es "tomato." Los gringos no compreden. Extra charge for guac. Extra charge for sour cream. $0.50 for refills of fountain drinks.
A friend wanted chili verde, pero no tenemos mucho! - he would have taken a little of this, a little of that. But they talked him into the "spicy" Chicken Colorado. Very not hot - but had at least a little more flavor than mine.
Quesadillas are made lazy style - simply fold the two opposing ends, so nothing is closed. Sort of grill for a minute.
The staff seemed bored and disinterested. And my tummy was not loving me later.
Waste of time. Never again.
Boca is a great restaurant for the price and convenience. Everytime that I have gone to this restaurant the place has been clean and the employees friendly. The only caveat is that everything I have attempted to get a tofu meal they are always out or they would get 5 out of 5! Check them out asap.
Rising from the ashes of the once popular hipster hangout "Burrito Max" comes a new(er) installment of the terribly misguided chain Boca Grande. Known in many circles as "Bogus Grande", this chain has garnered the nickname through boring, listless burritos and lackadaisical service that leaves one wondering if the restaurant owner has any interest in succeeding at all. The number of restaurants in this chain can only be attributed to the owners' savvy at picking locations where it might be the only late night option for drunk and/or desperate customers.
Many years ago a brother and sister worked in the restaurant industry together. For whatever reason they parted ways on bad terms and opened rival restaurants. The brother opened Anna's Taqueria. The sister opened Boca Grande. I think it is obvious who the sibling with superior restaurant management skills was.
Onto the food:
Have you ever eaten a rock? If you would like to experience the feeling with less gastrointestinal damage try eating a burrito from here. I've sadly eaten here multiple times and always end up with the same feeling. The meat is dry. All of it. Chicken, steak, carnitas, you name it. The guacamole tastes like it came out of a plastic bag. The salsa can't possibly be considered salsa by normal standards. At least the soda is normal.
If you are hungry in Kenmore square and are thinking about stopping in for a burrito please keep moving. This isn't the worst Mexican spot in Boston but it sure is close.
Am I eating the same burritos as the rest of you? The burritos at Boca Grande aren't amazing but they're not bland and the service there isn't horrible. No, they're English isn't great but they've always been nice to me and my friends when we come in for a quick and cheap meal.
I usually come in here when I'm sick of the dining hall or when it's closed. There's a Qdoba across the street now and a Chipotle a few blocks away but I usually get my burritos from Boca Grande. They're cheap, taste good, and very filling. I particularly like the Chicken Colorado burrito.
Ugh, I agree with all the previous reviewers. The burritos here are bland and not a good value at all. Even the guacamole had no taste! The only notable thing about the burrito that I got was that it stayed together and didn't fall apart on me.
There was also no air conditioning on this hot summer-like day so I was melting while I ate my flavorless burrito. No gracias. Voy a ir a Chipotle la proxima vez!
Ugh, this place could be so much better. I've been to this place many times with friends. The quesadilla is usually what I get and its pretty good (if you get guacamole and soul cream). I like spicey food, and I ask for the spicey sauce, but I can barely taste it. Most of the other food there is filling and not bad. I do enjoy the burittos, though they can sometimes be made a little dry. I would've considered four stars if they didn't charge 50 cents for a drink refill (it's more a matter of principle). At least a cup of water is free. I've been told that food is authentic, which is always a plus. I do have to say that the people there are really nice if you get to know them a little bit. I think if you stick to the basic items (burritos, quesadilla, etc.), you should be okay. Also, the food is prepared relatively fast.
I love burritos. I really do. I don't like this place because the guys hit on me every single time I go there, and they talk about me in spanish. They think I'm a gringo that doesn't know spanish. Well this time it pissed me off and I said chingate to them. And I meant it. It annoys me. Go back to Mexico.
Also, make it like subway where all the ingredients are offered in addition to whatever "meat" item you offer. Both Boca Grande and Ana's suck for this. They always try to charge for things you never get. Just give me some freaking guac. and charge a little more on the base price if you need to.
I eat here constantly, and understand why everyone says the staff is unfriendly... their english isn't very good! Get in there and practice / use your spanish, these guys are actually very nice people.
Burritos are made fast, and are decently tasty. They're wrapped up tight in foil and rarely leak, but are sometimes a bit dry. Definitely go for the extra cost sour cream and/or guacamole.
This place is straight up garbage.
I go to the Art Institute of Boston in Kenmore Sq, and at the end of last semester I was overnight at school doing lots of work to finish up my projects. Anyway, I start to get realy hungry later at night around 10:30 and it was either Boca or McDonalds.
So I head over to Boca and get what is possibly the worst burrito I've had in Boston. First off the burrito was just so soggy. It was falling apart before I could even unwrap it. It was completely over-stuff with rice and a lack of pretty much everything else I requested. I had the carnitas and that was a mistake. They were stringy and not very tender (the small amount that I actually got).
Two thumbs way down.
Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice, shame on me.
Or is it the other way around?
Boca Grande has, without a doubt, given me non stop the BLANDEST and most terrible mexican food I've ever had.
I'm all for bland. When I'm hungry, hung over, or sick, bland is the best. Give me a heaping hunk of pasta, some soba noodles, a bunch of rice with egg on top... But! Don't make me pay for it!
And that's where Boca Grande fails so miserably. Chicken, pinto beans, lettuce, hot sauce, and guacamole (for an extra dollar even!!), taste like... Well they taste like nothing, more or less. Like the blandest pinto bean soup you've ever had. Fail.
Service is whatever, but not even the best service could even make a gigantic disappointment like their burritos good.
GROSS, GROSS, GROSS, GROSS!
Bad service, bad meat, bad everything. Not worth it. Do yourself a favor and go to Anna's.
I wanted to say "It was OK" and give them 3 stars, but it is more appropriate for me to say "Meh, I've experienced better". That's exactly what crossed my mind when I had the first bite out of that steak burrito that I order from every single burrito joint.
I came to this place with high expectation as lots of my friends place this place above El Pelone. But I think my friends are so wrong. El Pelone still reigns the top of Burrito joints in my book.
Although I couldn't yet identify what ingredient makes El Pelone better than others, like others reviewers commented on this place, I can't say nothing more than its blandness.
However, the burrito joint previously existed on this location, "Burrito Max" was far worse. If I came with comparison of previous business, Boca Grande would've earned 3+ stars from me.
Considering that, Boca Grande is definitely good addition to Kenmore sq where good cheap food is scarce.
The service at this joint blows. Dude making our burritos could not communicate with other humans. Tough when you're getting food to order. The heavyset woman ringing us up was simply a bitch. The tofu burrito specifically mentions including rice (makes sense, for the complete protein for the vegan crown), and when I noticed they had not put any in, I mentioned it before they wrapped it up. Nno dice, they simply ignored me. Then once i began eating, I requested a side of rice. This time instead of ignoring me, they simply denied me. rice. really? How much could that have really cost them???? A customer. Never again. the burrito itself was decent though, the red tofu in the "Special sauce" tasted pretty good. too bad.
Ick. Definitely made me sick. Not sure what it was but no es bueno. And the guys do hit on all the women who come in. Gross!
Grande Opening! says the sign... behold, another welcome addition to the dining options at the perpetual construction site that is Kenmore Square. A Boca Grande for the BU students and post/pre Fenway Park crowd. Hopefully this can finally put the Taco Bell on Comm Ave out of business.
I've not been to a Boca Grande before but it tasted pretty good to me - I had red pork burrito (huge) and lemon chicken quesadilla (effing gorgeous). Top late nosh option for hard workers who miss dinner time. Here and Uburger next door will be competing for my post 10pm hunger.
As for this branch - well there are lovely big windows and they're most definitely mexican in this place too. I was certainly out-of-the-loop on the language front and the decor included some great skeleton dolls and a Frida print. Watch out for mexican cuisine - it will soon be the best in the world. Don't think for one moment that all those Mexican guys doing the cooking in just about EVERY restaurant in the US aren't learning something. They won't just be the soux chefs forever.
EDIT------------
I go quite often now and it does make a good lunch, but it's nothing special. I actually get quite pissed off at how they just assume you're going to get the grande with extra s-cream and g-mole for those dollars more.
EDIT------------
Hate this place now. They're such dicks and they can never make a good burrito without fucking me around. To think I gave this 4 stars initially. That was before the unholy trinity of the 2 guys and that girl on the counter.
Met up with a friend at Boca Grande last night, with intentions of going to Burrito Max, which has been nonexistant for at least a year apparently. As of late, I've found myself avoidant of burrito chains, save for Tacos Lupita (Lynn,Revere,Slummerville). Places like Qudoba, Chipolte, and Baja Fresh kind of lose their oompf the 80th time around, lack creativity, and are usually overpriced. TL and Bucky's Burritos (started by Bucky Lasek, pro skateboarder) up in Newburyport are my two favorites thus far.
Overall I was fairly pleased with the experience. I was dissapointed that they didn't have any steak for my "California Burrito", well priced at $4.95. What made this burrito Californian was the addition of avocado and bean sprouts, apparently that means California. Regardless, portions were pretty huge, it was rolled well (no trainwreck when I get within inches of finishing), and was prepared within minutes. There was virtually no wait.
Two things I can't stand: Laziness and people who waste my time.
This place is fucking ridiculous--I ended up storming out without even ordering. People will probably hate me for this review, but all I wanted was a side of beans--I came in and the woman at the counter was talking to a customer. I step up, the only person in line, and suddenly she loses all ability to speak english--even when I just point at something and say "vegetarian?" She just rolled her eyes, kept saying "one moment" and would stare off into space. The guys in the kitchen ran back and forth a few times, chatted with her, stared at me, then walked back.
Fucking ridiculous--I don't know why I even bothered with this place anyway--in the end I'm glad that I walked out b/c looking into the kitchen was a nightmare--the place was incredibly dirty, people weren't wearing gloves while they were cooking, and I'm sure nothing was veg friendly.
I hear that you're either Boca or you're Anna's and that's just the way it is. Well...I go to school in Kenmore and have been going to the Boca there since before I knew what Anna's was...and when I tried Anna's I was disappointed.
I'm a Boca girl. And the first time I went into one (brighton center) I was stunned at the speed of their burrito making. They just fly through it and karate CHOP at the end.
I love the Kenmore square one best, though-- the harried employees always lighten up and smile when I come in (once a week). I know people have mentioned in their reviews that they're unfriendly-- but if you smile at them, they open right up. I think they're used to being ignored by people as they're making their food and have hard shells...but I get at their soft underbellies (and so could you).
Anyway- I also love that the soda machine has cherry coke in it-- I try not to drink soda but I have a hard time resisting cherry coke on draft.
I like the steak burritos best-- and get some lime to squeeze on it every few bites, yum! I also always nod my head vigorously when they say, "guacamolesourcreanayxtra." It's good stuff.
I agree that during lunch rush they get a little overwhelmed, their smiles are weaker and the tables don't get bussed as often, but I still really like the place. It's my favorite lunch spot in K-Square. Also, check the manny and big papi dia de los muertos figures, they crack me up.
People are giving this place more the one star?! Seriously?
Sure, this is a great place if you want a poorly wrapped and bland burrito. The meat, beans, rice, and "hot" sauce all had negative taste. Yes, that's right, my own mouth lost its natural flavor after eating here (hrm, I guess by that analogy one could use a Boca Grande burrito as a palate cleanser...but i digress).
+'s: Picture of Frida Kohlo on the wall, Grapefruit Jarritos.
-'s: The food.
FYI, I don't think it's possible to tell the difference between Boca and Anna's. Or maybe I'm just so hungry any time I eat at either of them that I don't even taste the food. All I get from here is burritos. I may try the tamales some day. The "salsa" (what they refer to as tomatoes) is a bit oniony these days, boo. One time I tried the horchata, it wasn't very good...way too sweet. This place is alright as long as you're just another sweaty hog waiting for them to fill the trough. Oink oink.
Everyone told me this place sucked, but I didn't believe them. Mainly, I didn't think a burrito could be bad. Unexciting yes, but bad?
My friends were right. This place is bad. The burritos taste like nothing. Even the guacamole, which I paid extra for, tasted like nothing.
So I guess they're not bad, they just suck.
Unfortunately, living in Kenmore Sq, there are no other food options besides U-Burger.
Can they just put a Boloco in this location instead? I would go here every day.
HEY! BOLOCO! BUY THESE GUYS OUT! YOU'LL MAKE A FORTUNE!
I would go the extra mile and take the T to Anna's any day. Despite being a big Anna's fan, I decided to try this out (I live on campus at BU). Not only was the food not worth the trip, the guy making my burrito wasn't the least bit interested. He continued talking to the cashier in spanish when clearly I was standing on his head. This kind of behavior is still acceptable if the food is good enough.
I wouldn't go here again - ever.
I figured it's got a mexican name, it's got a mexican vibe, they can't mess it up right? Man...boring food, dry chicken, employees giving me attitude and just not caring. My wife is lactose intollerant, yet they put cheese on her tortilla and steamed it before even asking. So when we say no cheese, we get an eye roll and a pissed off re-steam. Screw you, buddy. Then, when it's time to pay, the dumb woman at the register is on the phone, speaking in spanish to lord knows who. rather than put them on hold, or at least work WHILE talking, we waited. and waited. and waited. until i said (rather rudely, may I add) "CAN I PAY FOR THIS OR SHOULD I JUST LEAVE?!" man...all that time to just eat a crappy, crappy burrito. never again. oh, how i wish it was still burrito max.
Boca Grande, where do I begin?
First a little history, as a native Southern Californian, I am an extreme mexican food nazi. I have not approved any other mexican food place in boston. I've been a big fan of the Boca Grande in Coolidge Corner and I was super excited to see that the opened close to me!
This place was just as good, if not better, then their coolidge corner location. They have the best enchiladas in boston (i go for cheese or chicken ranchero). Both sauces are bueno (I think I like the red better) and they actually bake them! Their burritos are huge and they have one of my favorite beverages HORCHATA (cinnamon rice drink). If you were as disheartened about mexican food as I was, boca grande shouldn't dissapoint you.
ps: one time I brought some friends who are native to san deigo and they werent dissapointed but still said that it wasnt as good as west coast mexican food. i had to explain "remember we are in the northeast!!!!" then they moved back to california.
I am not sure what to think when I read everyone eles's reviews, especially ones referencing Cali because I am from Cali and LOVE mexican food, but can't stand this place. I usually LOVE whatever Tom gives high rankings to, but in this case I just CAN NOT agree.
I live in Kemore Sqaure, so you can imagine when something new was added I was very excited to try it and add it to my local food rotation.
But this place just keeps letting me down. The first time I went my chicken was burnt, then my burrito was just off tasting, the third time I got a salad and still was not happy.
In my book, its usually 3 strikes your out, but my roommate brought home a chicken burrito from there yesterday and again, just too dry and the contents were badly placed. Too much guac in one part, then barley any in anther.
Yes, the location is nice, well decorated i guess for a bare type of place and nice big windows, but the food has to at least pull you in!!
I am just going to say it, more than once I have wished this was a Boloco instead!
I am not feeling Boca Grande. As soon as I walked up to the counter I could tell that the employees didn't really want to be there, or maybe that they didn't really want me to be there. They have the tortilla shells all ready to go with one measley strip of cheese already stuck to it. They make the burrito/quesadilla whatever it may be in front of you. The options are pretty normal for a Mexican place. I got a grilled vegetable quesadilla. And although it tasted okay (key word: okay) it just wasn't all that memorable. Especially when you go to a place like Picante in Central Sq. and they give you some tortilla chips to go with your burrito/quesadilla. Boca Grande does nothing like this. There weren't that many people there and I can see why. It just wasn't memorable and was pretty bland. And the service sucked. At least they had a picture of Frieda Kahlo on the wall.
Solid food here. Not too many places where you can get dinner for $5 or less and be filled up. Oh, and this place isn't Taco Bell. Genuine Mexican right near the Kenmore Square stop. I wish that they could sell Dos Equis or Corona here!
Food is great.. my favorite is steak tacos with the green salsa which has a good spiciness to it.. not the best mexican food, but its cheap and a great quick lunch... (and i agree with tom that it is annoying that they always assume you want guac or sour cream)...
This one isn't as good as the ones in Coolidge corner and Brighton center.
The burrito wasn't great. 3 stars because they have wheat tortillas and it's bright & cheery inside, though I have not figured out why a burrito joint has adult contemporary music playing. They make the burritos fast, so speak up quickly if you don't want something on it. The spicy chicken in my burrito was good. I asked for veggies to be added to my burrito and all I got was a piece of broccoli added to it. The tamales looked good. Staff is not friendly.
In terms of fast-food-ish mexican burrito places, I like Boca. They have more selection and an overall better burrito than Anna's in my opinion, at least if you are vegetarian (I can't speak for meat-eaters). My favorite is the California burrito. Reasonable, fast, and pretty reliable, if not a somewhat middle-of the road burrito. Good, but not as good as El Pelon.
Boca yuck! Not set up well, people didn't bus their own stuff, so garbage was left many of the tables. I opted out of getting any type of meat in my burrito because I didn't trust that it was fresh, and my stomach is still doing summersaults. booooo! I'm a sucker for staying!
Maybe I ordered the wrong thing...I wasn't satisfied by my vegetable and cheese tamale, although it was a lot of food for five dollars. Still, three stars for being Mexican food that isn't Taco Bell. I wish Yelp let you give half stars.
I used to be confused when it came to choosing my favorite mexican joint . Was I an Anna's guy or a Boca Grande guy? After dining at all the Anna's and Boca's locations, I've decided to lean towards Anna's? Why?
Consistency. Although Boca's flavor CAN be as good as Anna's, Anna's food at whatever location you go to is consistent. Boca's on the other hand is a crapshoot. You better pick the right one otherwise you're going to be disappointed. The one thing that Boca does that Anna's does not is provide different marinades for their meat. At Anna's a chicken quesadilla is a chicken quesadilla but boca's has ranchero chicken or colorado chicken and variety of other marinade types of meat. Pricewise the two chains (anna's, boca) are the same, cheap. But what really dropped Boca's standing in my book was the inconsistency of their locations. The Brighton center location was by far the worst mexican food I've had. They had the audacity to serve carnitas that was crunchy, dry, and full of gristle. But if you go to the Kenmore square one and the Brookline one, it's a completely different story. Those 2 locations serve pretty solid food and are on par with anna's. Sorry Boca, until you fix your problems at all your locations, I can't give you a better rating because your Brighton Center carnitas was THAT bad.
Neighborhood: Coolidge Corner
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Porter Square
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Fenway
Category: Mexican
Boston, MA
Category: Pubs
Boston, MA
Category: Burgers
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