Buddy's Burrito & Taco Bar

3.5 star rating
57 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Mexican, Fast Food  [Edit]

260 Court St
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Neighborhood: Cobble Hill
(718) 488-8695
Nearest Transit:

Bergen St (F, G)

Carroll St (F, G)

Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Drive-Thru:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "southwestern salad with carne asada + fish tacos are my..." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "...burritos," but none compare to the "El Grande" at Buddy's." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "...bang for your buck, and their chips and salsa are amazing." In 2 reviews
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57 reviews in English

  • Review from Vicky C.

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    4/19/2012

    Buddy recognize me. They should since I go there every other day.

    Literally steps away from me, it is my go to place when I want something decently healthy and affordable. And fast.

    I'd tried pretty much the whole menu, but I keep going back to the super veggie burrito, $7.89, (and am I the only one that feels so foolish when saying super veggie......?) which consist of lettuce, rice, two types of beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa and maybe something else that I don't really care to differentiate. Burritos are meant to be mixed anyways.

    The fish tacos are pretty good too, but gets too oily and too rich/fatty feel if you have more than two in a month.

    Staff is friendly, if a bit shy. Not very talkative. I've never actually ate in here before, but there's plenty of seating. A bit dark no matter what hour is it, makes it a little grimy-like, but nothing too off putting.

  • Review from Cara M.

    • 11 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    3.0 star rating
    4/25/2012

    Go ahead, ask a random New Yorker on the street where you can get some good Mexican food. Most of the time the standard answer is that you can't in New York City. Be careful that you're not asking a Californian transplant, or you really won't want that earful.

    Anyway, I'm from Tennessee and I've lived in Texas. So that means I know tex-mex better and I'm no purist anyway. Buddy's does something great, which is cooking the meat to order. My husband consistently gets a chicken burrito and it's almost as big as his head. That means it fills him up, folks. I waffle between getting chicken nachos and trying to be healthy and getting a meat platter (I did once try a salad too). OK, Buddy's is pretty serviceable. If you're hitting up the movies later or you're just hungry and you don't want to break a $20, go to Buddy's. Now if they'd just slice that freshly-cooked meat into more serviceable pieces we'd be really cooking with gas. I'd say this place falls more on a Cali-Mex or Tex-Mex style scale of "Mexican cuisine authenticity" but please, it's Brooklyn. It tastes good, it's fresh and it's fairly inexpensive. I'm not complaining about having this option in the hood. When I want nachos, this is my go-to spot.

  • Review from Jonathan E.

    Brooklyn, NY

    3.0 star rating
    3/13/2012

    When I ordered 2 tacos and a water, I was surprised that the bill was around $8.  It seemed a bit high.

    But then I told the cook I didn't want tortillas, as I'm on a low carb diet.  As such, he delivered a big plate of carne asada and carnitas with greens, which was a decent amount of food for the price.  The meats were nice, though I'm not sure if this taco salad is typically offered.

    I didn't venture into the beans, guac and other things that can distinguish eateries, so it might gain a star on future visits.

  • Review from M D.

    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    5/16/2012 1 photo

    Went there for two veggie tacos on a whim for a total of $6--cheap! The were both delicious! Messy  to eat with all the packed-in goodness, but delicious. Everyone was super friendly. However, and I feel bad to say it, they need to hire a better exterminator. Upon opening the bathroom door and flicking on the light, a medium sized black roach started running around. I ended up swinging the door wide open, the roach came out by me, then ran out into the restaurant, and under the door of the next bathroom. Gross.

  • Review from Brittany S.

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    12/23/2011

    HOLY GUACAMOLE! Probably some of the best guac I've had in a longggg time.  I've ben there 2xs now and it was consistent.  Its like $6 for guac and chips but don't be discouraged.  The guac is a pretty large portion and it has tomatoes mixed in.  Probably about a solid cup of guac.  
    They also have some beer - corona and some others that are reasonably priced.
    When I say they marinate in some magical sauce I am not joking.  I don't eat meat and I eat a lot of seafood. Sometimes in places like this the seafood is too 'fishy'.  OMG I had shrimp quesadillas. Not only was the shrimp marinated in some magical sauce there was more guac in the quesadillas.  The thing was huge and I could only eat half.

  • Review from Jimmy S.

    • 116 friends
    • 194 reviews

    Staten Island, NY

    4.0 star rating
    3/4/2012

    Finally finally finally found my burrito spot!!! I had the steak burrito which I believe is called "The Brooklyn Burrito" it was awesome so fresh and tasty and huge. Also, ordered the Guacamole which was definitely the best I've ever had! I can't wait to go back!!!

  • Review from Adelaide S.

    Brooklyn, NY

    2.0 star rating
    3/3/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Why is it so difficult for New York restaurants to make a proper burrito? The rice was of the Spanish variety, cooked with too many tomatoes. The flavor of tomato sauce overpowered almost everything, except the onions. It was basically a mouthful of tomato sauce, raw onions, and a strange variety of thinned out sour cream. The burrito hunt continues, elsewhere.

  • Review from christine y.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    4/28/2012

    The burritos are perfection here.  We get the gourmet burrito with carne asada, and it gets cooked right in front of our eyes!  Everything here is fresh, from the steak to the chips.  Probably the best burrito I've ever had.  Last time, we got the fish taco and it was divine.  It's quick, affordable, and delightful.  I highly recommend Buddy's and can't wait to go back!

  • Review from Chauncey Z.

    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    3/12/2012

    Good fresh and cheap

  • Review from Kathleen A.

    • 2 friends
    • 45 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    3.0 star rating
    2/16/2012

    ordered delivery from here the other night.
    we ordered:
    chicken nachos
    pork burrito.

    the nachos were pretty good for the most part... but their guac is not that great. also, they should really cut up their chicken in some fashion, as an entire breast of chicken is kind of impossible to eat via nachos. and it seemed light on nacho chips.... but then, at the bottom, there was a hunk of chips all stacked together. could've been better, but it was tasty. and they get points in my book for holding back the sour cream on request.

    my boo seemed to like his burrito. he devoured all of it.

    delivery took a little over an hour, which seems like a long time. it was a random Monday night, and i live pretty nearby, so i would've expected more like a 30 min time frame.

    but it was also pretty cheap, coming to $17, so $20 with a tip. we'll be trying delivery from here again, so we'll see if there's any improvements.

  • Review from Sera A.

    • 24 friends
    • 132 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    3.0 star rating
    2/1/2012

    I had the Shrimp Taco's that were pretty good and the Nacho's. The chicken in the nacho's was not sooo great... but I wouldn't let that be a stopper for going here. Decor I give a zero, but most of these places are not meant to be classy in any way, but I wish they made at least a 3 star for the decor. I would go back, but there is room for improvement for sure. It was also reasonably priced.

  • Review from Jared S.

    • 0 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    11/21/2011

    Each burrito is made to order.  Unlike Chipotle, there is no vat of chicken or beef.

    That's annoying when you're waiting.  BUT, it tastes really good!  And in a non-Chipotle type of way.  They use stewed tomatoes which sounds nasty but works really nicely.  And the guys are always nice.  Recommended for sure.

  • Review from Roberto A.

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/7/2012

    Additional visits make Buddy stand out. Lots of meat in tacos, incredibly fresh guacamole, low prices, and friendly service.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      12/14/2011

      Low key with authentic, fresh food. I ordered two tacos, each had a huge serving of meat. The… Read more »

  • Review from Bill J.

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    12/29/2011 13 Check-ins Here

    I must admit their Burritos are very large.  My favorite is the Brooklyn Burrito with steak.  A major plus is that they will make it to order.  Often I like mine spicy.  I also highly recommend their shrimp tacos.

  • Review from Louis P.

    Brooklyn, NY

    3.0 star rating
    2/11/2011 1 photo

    Solid spot for a big-ass burrito. I can't complain because i got the vegetarian burrito and the baby was STACKED! The inside of Buddy's is nothing to get excited over, it kind of smelled bad and it looked like a mess hall. You can sit and eat if you wish, there is enough space.

    $7.78 after tax for the burrito, on par with other mexican spots. They had a few different types of Mexican beers and Mexican soda too that i did not try. Menus were not placed in the front too well, some things were on the wall the others were on a paper taped to the counter,

    The guy who made my burrito was suspect but he did a good job, and made it fast too. The guacamole isn't homemade it's definitely from a container that sits in their fridge but it was passable.

    Don't expect the world, it's not as good as Chipotle either but i think you will enjoy. I would compare it to a larger version of a Chinese food/tex mex spot you would see in other areas.

  • Review from Helen Y.

    • 29 friends
    • 178 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    3/14/2011

    Do not come here if you plan to go out in a slinky dress after. Do not come here if you are getting fitted for your wedding gown after. Do not come come here if you want that Scarlett O'Hara waist afterwards. These monster burritos go down swell and tasty. The Yelpers who compared this to Chipotle made me cringe..the food here is far yummier and filled more substantially. This may not be your authentic Mexican burrito, but this NY/Californian hybrid sure tastes fine. The shrimp Bklyn burrito has a flavor that has been lacking in so much fast food Mexican I've had lately. The vegetarian one is okay also. The service here is friendly, if laid back(read, a little on the slow side).

    I've seen the other Yelper complaints about cleanliness. I didn't see much to complain about when I came.

  • Review from Ali F.

    • 2 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    12/2/2011

    Now, befor i say anything, this place has been here probably befor i was born. it seems like the type of place that was a hit when it first opened up. The food comes in massive portions at a great price. fresh and fast. its very good. However the taste of their tacos isnt as good as oaxacas, but it is bigger.

  • Review from Mardi R.

    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    8/9/2011

    I must admit, I've only had one thing from Buddy's (basic gourmet burrito with shredded pork), but in my defense it's because this is the best burrito I have ever tasted in my life and I can't bring myself to order something that might be less delicious. You must try it.
    One negative, their guacamole which is supposedly "all avocado, no filler" is a GROSS mis-advertisement. Quite the opposite, it's all filler, very little avocado. But this doesn't even make a mark against them because their burritos are so awesome.

  • Review from Nick J.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    11/13/2011

    Great fresh food.

    Burrito was amazing

  • Review from Lisa L.

    • 18 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/28/2011

    My favorite burrito place in the area!

    I always get the Gourmet Burrito with chicken...

    Love that the chicken gets a char on the grill and love all the guacamole, salsa fresca and cheese -- all the right components.

    You *may* have to wait a bit depending on the number of orders ahead of you...but I've never been disappointed, no matter how long I've waited.

  • Review from Abigail S.

    Miami, FL

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/12/2008

    Okay, I'm not such an asshole that I can't admit when I'm wrong. Buddy's may have just about the worst guacamole ever, but I ordered a Brooklyn Burrito recently and it was pretty okay. It was way better, in fact, than the burritos I've had at California Taqueria, which has been my cheapo Tex Mex fast food go-to joint for months.

    It's still not great, or even very good, but for New York fake Mexican food, Buddy's will do just fine.

    Listed in: Brooklyn Does it Better, Cobble Hill and Carroll…

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 2.0 star rating
      11/3/2007

      Gross.  Are you joking?  This place has the worst guacamole in the world.  Have you ever eaten… Read more »

  • Review from Peter S.

    Brooklyn, NY

    1.0 star rating
    7/19/2008

    Had a few tacos and a quesedilla.  Three comments:

    1. The food sucks.  I don't know HOW they stay in business serving garbage like that.

    2. The people who work there are dour, rude, and obnoxious.  Crappy service with an attitude.  I don't know WHY people come back to this place.

    3. I saw roaches on the wall.  I don't WHY the health department hasn't shut this place down.

    Look.  There's "LA Style Burritos" a block away.  The guys are nicer, the food is better, and I never saw roaches there.  If you have a hankering for Mexican food, do yourself a favor and walk past Buddy's.  Go to LA Burritos.  Your stomach with thank you, and you'll be a whole lot happier.

  • Review from Jenny M.

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    2/10/2012

    One of my favorite places ever.. I love Mexican food and this is awesome food the portions are huge and the price is just right.. Full of flavor and great taste. The foods always fresh and fast, ate there a couple of times and the foods cooked right in front of u so u know whats going into your food... I love this place my favorite take out .. Try anything on there menu u won't be disappointed at all.. Trust me

  • Review from Heath R.

    • 212 friends
    • 842 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/26/2006

    We've ordered in twice from Buddy's, and I'll order delivery from them again. You can't go wrong with their Brooklyn Burrito, and C. reports that the vegetarian burrito is also solid. They're relatively big, so prepare yourself for a filling meal. (I can barely eat the whole thing.)

    The chips and salsa make a nice accompaniment to whatever you order, and be sure to try the lime Jarritos. It's a Mexican soda, and I recommend it. One disappointment. They don't serve horchata at Buddy's. What kind of Mexican place doesn't serve the traditional Mexican drink?

  • Review from Rebecca M.

    • 2 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    3.0 star rating
    7/18/2011

    My burrito was delicious until I bit into a piece of cilantro, after asking the guys nicely if the gourmet burrito had any and was told no. I even heard the cashier ask the "cook" if there was any cilantro, in Spanish. He also said no. Well, fellow cilantro-haters, it does. Enough to make you feel sick. Why lie about something like that to your customers??? Or if it wasn't intentional...how do you not know what's in the food you're serving? They get three stars from me cause their $3 sangria was good (tasted like a juice box!), and my boyfriend loved his burrito. I'm just sad my experience was ruined by their mistake. I can't help it that cilantro makes everything taste like laundry detergent!

  • Review from Lana V.

    Brooklyn, NY

    3.0 star rating
    11/10/2009

    Wow people are pretty harsh. Since when is "burritos are gigantic" a bad thing?

    The burritos in this place are GIGANTIC. And they make for a darn good $7 lunch.

  • Review from Chris H.

    • 12 friends
    • 44 reviews

    Houston, TX

    4.0 star rating
    12/15/2009

    Not sure why this place gets such a bad review, but coming from California, maybe I'm just used to dirty, unkempt hole in the wall type mexican restaurants.

    The only thing I've ordered is the El Grande Burrito with carnitas and it definitely brought me back to memories of eating giant burritos in college back home. I am a big eater and the El Grande is a solid meal and a half for me. Carnitas are freshly cooked. My wife has ordered the chicken and it is seasoned rather well. Simple, but well.

    I've never eaten there (not sure why you would), but the service is fast and you can watch them prepare your food (always slightly comforting). I wish their food would include chips though!

  • Review from Marty C.

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Staten Island, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    Amazingly delicious! They have very fresh food here with amazing choices!!!

  • Review from alice f.

    • 10 friends
    • 38 reviews

    Nashville, TN

    1.0 star rating
    4/28/2008

    Yuck.

    Good to see I'm not the only one who thinks this place is the opposite of delicious. The weird sweetish sauce on my burrito was gag-alicious.  Ate here once, got burned, ain't gonna do it again.

  • Review from Justin L.

    • 86 friends
    • 986 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    3.0 star rating
    7/29/2010

    The
    Food won't
    Amaze but
    Good service and
    Really large portion sizes earn three stars.

  • Review from David N.

    • 68 friends
    • 49 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    3.0 star rating
    2/11/2011

    This is a place I get take out from quite a bit.  The food is solid and is the best burrito available in the neighborhood.  Being a burrito adict I've had better but this one is decent and delivers.  Their Guac isn't bad either.  I can't speak for much else here.  I've eaten in the shop a few times adn was not impressed with its cleanliness which is something I try to forget when I'm ordering delivery.

  • Review from Jeff M.

    • 38 friends
    • 297 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    1.0 star rating
    10/21/2007

    Tacky, tawdry Mexican fare, I've been three times somehow and this place has always managed to disappoint me afresh. Maybe it's just my own preference for a little flavour, spice and character in my burritos, but this place is far too much a college haunt in its culinary arrested development.

  • Review from Sarah J.

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    10/6/2010

    oh i loves it. southwestern salad with carne asada + fish tacos are my staples here. their jalapenos are the REAL DEAL, not freakishly spicy, almost pickle-like. and you can eat them in unlimited quantities!!!

    ...but for the sake of your stomach lining, i wouldn't.

  • Review from dan f.

    • 2 friends
    • 11 reviews

    New York, NY

    2.0 star rating
    3/3/2008

    if you need to get evacuated asap and might be having trouble doing so for whatever reason, buddy's is your spot.

    seriously: post-feast brown-town.  

    ... perhaps only second worst to the burrito king on hyperion in LA. wow, just thinking about that place makes my stomach hurt.

  • Review from Carlie D.

    • 80 friends
    • 186 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    2.0 star rating
    10/25/2010 1 Check-in Here

    The burrito here was huge. I wasn't impressed by the flavors and it took an inordinate amount of time for them to make it even though there were only two others in the restaurant at the time but it was ok. I've still had better burritos but this was ok for a last minute dinner stop.

  • Review from Laurian C.

    • 21 friends
    • 47 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    3.0 star rating
    11/21/2006

    The first time at Buddy's I ordered the big burrito and it barely had any meat (carne asad) although it cost $9; the nachos were excellent though!.  The second time, I ordered the Brooklyn Burrito and had to pay $1.50 for extra meat (carne asada), but I can't imagine why this amount of meat is not included without paying extra!  The nachos the second time were excellent again!  Moral of the story:  Order the nachos, or something other than the carne asada burrito.  Pros:  They cook the meat as you order it.  Definitely fresh!  Cons: Not enough meat in burritos and they charge almost $3 for chips.

  • Review from Daniel G.

    • 35 friends
    • 79 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    1.0 star rating
    8/20/2007

    Judging by all the 5 stars reviews, I have to say this spot is overrated. I had a "gourmet:" burrito, yet it came without rice and beans. Needless to say, the combination of carne asada(which wasn't half bad), a big pile of shredded queso blanco, guacamole and stewed tomatoes was way to mushy and lacked any base from which to enjoy these ingredients. Sure its just a burrito, but from where I come from, any burrito without rice and beans, may just as well be a big fat spliff.........

  • Review from jessica l.

    • 18 friends
    • 65 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    3.0 star rating
    10/14/2007

    this place is NOT the greatest. if you want good cali style taqueria mexican, go to la taqueria or rachel's (same owners) in park slope.
    but i don't live in park slope anymore, so buddy's is where i get my nachos.
    i have never eaten anything else there, but i've seen burritos and tacos which look totally "eh".
    but the nachos are good. get those.

  • Review from Tracy H.

    • 26 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    1.0 star rating
    8/1/2008

    The worst fish taco ever!  I've been on a big fish taco kick and thought I'd give Buddy's a chance since it's in my neighborhood but I never go to it.  Big mistake.  How does a clumpy piece of fried fish that tastes like it came from a frozen pack of Ms. Paul's qualify for a fish taco?  And I couldn't even bear to eat the sloppy regurgitated-looking vegetarian taco I ordered.  I will definitely stick to California Taqueria on Court and Bergen -- just four blocks from Buddy's but light years ahead in terms of taste and quality.

  • Review from sara n.

    Dallas, TX

    2.0 star rating
    3/22/2009

    the burritos are gigantic, first of all. I got carnitas, which was ok, not the best or worst i've had. i forgot to ask for refried beans instead of black beans, but they did have whole wheat tortillas. i almost went to california taqueria down the street, but then changed my mind at the last minute-- kind of wish i had gone with my first choice.

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