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Cafe Los Arcos
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
255 A Bushwick AveBrooklyn, NY 11206
Neighborhood: East Williamsburg
(718) 381-2550
- Nearest Transit:
-
Montrose Av (L)
Grand St (L)
Morgan Av (L)
- 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:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for Cafe Los Arcos
Review Highlights
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"i LOVE their grilled corn." In 5 reviews -
"This place makes good burritos." In 12 reviews -
"...made hot sauce, crispy pico de gallo, and the veggies are..." In 5 reviews
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Derek M.
Brooklyn, NY
3/9/2012
Los Arcos is a place that adds more Mexican flare to the area. With Bushwick Pita right next door Bushwick Ave. One near here should feel luckier than The Lucky Charms Leprechaun holding a horseshoe, in regards to Mexican food.
I've dined in Cafe Los Arcos on two separate occasions and both times I had an amazing experience. The woman at the front is so nice that it's a crime to not smile when you talk to her.
I have had the burrito, which is amazing and packed with the authentic-from-Mexico flavor. I have also had the chicken tacos which are delicious with a lime on the side. I highly recommend their tacos! I want to try their other types of tacos, and with it so close to my residence, I will be a frequent visitor.
The price is perfect and you feel comfortable eating there.
Highly Recommended! -
Review from megan n.
Brooklyn, NY
5/17/2012
You are solid, Los Arcos.
First of all let's get it right in our communal admission that Mexican is not the thing in NYC. Initially my taste buds reject the notion.
However with some tri-state Tex-Mex therapy I understood that this sort of food is satisfying. In a way. After a couple drinks. Or oh okay before then when you're lazy.
Lazy food FYI is not an insult. It's a real thing with a real audience that wants you.
Basically get the super nachos. They fulfill you. You can eat them fresh from the fridge the morning after.
Brunch items are solid in my mind but consume quickly. No one enjoys crusty yolks and yes this can happen anywhere.
DO NOT get the shrimp tacos. They blasted the dirty taste with hot sauce and dirty hot sauce isn't cool even during the munchies.
I've heard the chilaquiles are flaming? Sp chk. Also they're super nice here. -
Review from Mike Y.
2/24/2012
I've ordered from this place 3-4 through Grubhub over the last 2 months or so.
I don't know what Lisa S. was complaining about re: the delivery or why her review was dragging down this restaurant due to the cost of delivery because its still $10.
I've had several things on the menu and it's all fairly consistent, pretty decent mexican food.
over several orders I've had their huevos rancheros, chicken super nachos, chorizo super nachos, pollo milanesa, pork torta, spinach quesadilla, some kinda've peach smoothie.
like i said - really consistent and pretty decent. the lettuce(iceberg) that comes sprinkled with the meals are bit pale, but hey its iceberg. no some fancy mixed greens or whatev.
quick summary of the above:
i would pass on the huevos rancheros;
out of the two nachos i would pick the pollo over the chorizo due to larger portions of chicken, they tend to be a bit skimpy on the chorizo.
pass on the spinach quesadilla.
perhaps my favorite thing that i've gotten was the pollo milanesa - fried well, paired great with rice and pinto beans.
peach smoothie was good.
torta was also consistent.
for the items i would pass on it does not mean that they're not good. they're just not great and you can probably order something better. all the rest of the reviews talks burritos so i guess i'll give it a try next order.
i cant vouch for the ambiance as i've never been to the actual restaurant but their delivery comes fast and food stays hot. im happy continuing to order from here. -
Review from Lisa S.
Brooklyn, NY
1/22/2012
I used to order from Los Arcos roughly twice a week. They have enormous, inexpensive burritos. I've had the steak burrito, chicken burrito, and the basic (rice/beans) burrito, and I was happy with every variation. It's my favorite place to get inexpensive mexican food in my neighborhood.
I could order from http://grubhub.com and pay online, so I did not have to deal with downloading menus and calling, etc. It was so wonderful and convenient. They had a comparatively cheap delivery minimum of $10.00, back in the good days...
Today I logged on to grubhub with every intention of getting another burrito, only to discover that they had raised the delivery minimum to $16.00. Guess I won't be ordering from Los Arcos anymore, which sucks because the food's legit. :( Two stars because I'm pissed they raised the delivery minimum. -
Review from Hina B.
Brooklyn, NY
12/8/2011
I quite love this place. the food is great and cheap. the women behind the counter (Maria i think) is a doll and super sweet.
Try the chicken burrito or the $2.50 tacos which are amazing too! -
Review from Jimmy T.
Brooklyn, NY
10/20/2011
Don't get more sketchy then a wanted fro Rape sign right next to the ATM!
Solid mexican fair. Stay far far far far far far away from the tequila burrito!
My girlfriend has a thing with taunting me to eat the strange meats. Ok, thats unfair, I have a thing with searching out the weird meats. BUT, I usually avoid the seafood at ghetto mexican joints. One bite of their tequila shrimp will tell you why... That said, in my professional burrito assessment Los Arcos ain't bad. Its wrapped, dry, you can pick it up, and its filled with goodness. 5 dollar regular burrito can't be beat. -
Review from Finlay L.
Brooklyn, NY
9/29/2011
Cafe Los Arcos, I am a fan of you. The $5 lunch special just rocked my Thursday afternoon world. Nothing fancy, just rice and beans and sliced avocado with some lettuce and pico on the side, but it was more than enough food and just what I wanted.
The atmosphere is also nice. Again, nothing fancy but it's a quiet, friendly place to hang out and enjoy your meal. The woman working there was super nice, pointed out that I was about to order something without meat (yes, that's the point, but I can see someone else being unpleasantly surprised) and sang along with the radio, which made me smile. Even with the singing though it was pretty quiet and I was able to sit with my rice and get some reading done.
I wouldn't have minded a bit more pico de gallo with my beans, and the rice was a little on the dry side, but again for the price I'm not going to complain. Definitely going to come back again! Probably lots. -
Review from Jenifer H.
Brooklyn, NY
6/5/2011
This is one of my favorite Mexican food places in Brooklyn. I'm from the Southwest where we have real Mexican food (no Tex-Mex), so I'm pretty picky. The food is authentic and inexpensive.
I have tried several items on the menu, and I would order any of them again. The staff is very friendly whether you eat in or order take out.
Plus they usually have horchata which is hard to find in NYC. Los Arcos makes me feel at home. Definitely the place to go if you need your Mexican food fix.
PS: It's BYOB!Listed in: Best Mexican Food
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Review from Rahul Z.
Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, NY
8/11/2011 6 Check-ins Here
This place is worth the stars.
I went and was surprised. The lady at the counter explained the menu very nicely and respected my diet and made the food that i ordered with proper concern. I was happy with the food. And i have been back a few times. I plan on going back and being the duke as soon as i try other places in the area.
The service: I'd like to add that she did a superb job being nice. and making me feel like a person. Not rude at all.
The only reason its not a 5 star is that the price is just a tad bit high for my pocket and the food that i got. Also they forgot to salt the beans on the side which i was able to cope with because i have salt at my office.
Service excellent
food really good
environment: needs some work but its bright and sunny in there. -
Review from Jolie C.
Bronx, NY
3/8/2012
the food choices are a lie, for fact i know chicken broth is added to the (vegan) "lentil soup" for flavor, the shrimp you eat is kept 3 weeks frozen (not fresh), the fresh flounder you eat is tilapia(sorry if i mislead you while i worked there), exploitation of their workers, in terms of hours and compensation, is a joke. fu k these guys, deception and lies worked the bushwick neighborhood for years now,. take this review down for spelling and grammar i will come back to it 15x more.
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Review from Karin B.
Brooklyn, NY
10/6/2010
Meh. Used to be a delicious deal but now their selections cost more and have less flavor. My burrito was dry and bland. The chips tasted like Tostitos from a bag. The salsa was good but I had to drown my burrito in it so that meant nothing to dip the too-salty chips in.
So Los Arcos has lost a star--and a customer who will no longer ride her bike from her bumfuck neighborhood to their bumfuck neighborhood to eat there. Oh well.... -
Review from Nick E.
Brooklyn, NY
12/13/2008
Dear Cafe Los Arcos,
You're so close to being the best burrito in NYC. Admittedly, that's not saying much, but if you listen to me, you can be a star!
Here's what you need to do:
- put the lettuce and pico *inside* the burrito, not on the side (are you implying I should be eating my burrito with a fork and knife?)
- burritos ordered to-go should be wrapped in aluminum foil and *not* placed in a giant to-go container and subsequently placed in 2 more bags (see above comment about how burritos should be eaten). Also, that's just wasteful.
- $2.50 for guacamole inside a burrito? You're killin' me... $1 max, please.
- get your ratios right: less rice, more beans, and less filling overall so that you can wrap the sucker up properly without it asploding everywhere
If you follow these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to attaining NYC burrito super-stardom. All I ask is you remember me when you're big and famous.
Forever yours,
Nick E.Listed in: E Williamsburg or Bushwick?
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Review from Rachel S.
Boston, MA
10/30/2009
I've been eating here for a year and have loved every item I've ever gotten. These days, it's always either the grilled chicken salad or the TEQUILA BURRITO! Sooo yummy. The woman who works the counter is adorable and very sweet.
I've gotten delivery once or twice and didn't have a problem, but we usually eat-in or take-out. -
Review from Blake S.
Santa Ana, CA
2/17/2008
I dunno how long this place has been open, but its all new inside. So they either just opened, or renovated. Either way, the food is great. It is the closest thing to real mexican food that ive had in new york.
i dont know why, but new york just cant grasp the concept of mexican food. either they dont use enough rice, or they pack too many ingredients in, or they dont use enough grease. mexican food isnt rocket science.
Well, Los Arcos made a great burrito. Tastey black beans, amazing home made hot sauce, crispy pico de gallo, and the veggies are only peppers and onions (like i said, simple). They just need to work on the rice a little. Its good, but could use a little more salt.
All in all, its the best mexican food ive had here in NY. -
Review from trinh m.
Astoria, NY
11/25/2008
California has the best Mexican food in the United States. NY is not a great comparison, which my friends from California also agrees. On that note, the food at this place is ok, but the lady at the cash register is super sweet.
***TIME: Lunch & Dinner
***FOOD (3/5 stars): Everything I ordered was OKAY. I'd rather eat at other places.
Vegetarian Enchilada (3/5 stars): nothing close to enchilada I had ever. Tasted like soft tacos with veges inside.
Quesidilla (3.5/5): OKAY. I just add flavor by putting guacamole, sour cream, and a shit load of hot sauce to every dish.
***SERVICE (4.5/5 stars): Food comes our fairly quick, 5-13 minutes for 2 people, one meal each. The lady that cashiers is super sweet; she always says thank you more than once and smiles ;)
***CUSTOMERS: Mostly S. Williamsburg/Bushwick young people? Not sure.
***ENVIRONMENT/SPACE: About 5-7 tables that can fit a party of 4. Convenient restroom. I like to sit at the window. Spacious, quite clean in the dining area. Typical Mexican restaurant setting, not fancy. Not too many people come in at once when I come. I see a 3 top now and then, but never crowded.
***WILL I COME BACK?: Only for convenience if I run out of food and I'm too lazy to cook, so I'll walk 2 blocks to eat hear kind of thing. -
Review from Evan R.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 8/7/2010
Kinda crazy to think I've been eating at this spot for almost 2 years now, on average 1-3 times a week. That's about 200 burritos, by my reckoning. And they never disappoint. The food is ALWAYS delicious, fresh and generous for the prices - which have gone up slightly, but hey, what hasn't in the last 2 years? What hasn't changed: the staff are still ridiculously nice, the lunch special is still $5, and the guacamole still rules. This kind of Herculean consistency deserves recognition, so while I'm waiting to go pick up my order, I figured I'd give my old review an update and another 5 stars.
Some new favorites since I first started eating here:
- MEXICAN SHRIMP BURRITO (or the shrimp tacos) are cooked in this amazing red sauce. I think it's a sweet red pepper sauce but I honestly have no idea. I just know that you want it.
- $1.50 TAMALES. Not on the menu, sometimes there's a paper sign up in the window. But just ask. These lil budides are SO LEGIT: about the size of a beef patty, their tamales are fresh masa steamed in a banana leaf with your choice of meat and sauce filling (red = smokey and wonderful, green = spicey, limey tomatillo amazingness) and you get two for the same price as one slice of pizza. Seriously, where else can you get a full for $3 and still feel like you ate something reasonably healthy and made of high quality ingredients?
- CHORIZO. Zomg, their chorizo just keeps getting better. RIch, smokey, baconey, beautifully spiced chunks of fuckyeah all up in my mouth. I actually stopped getting this at one point because it was TOO BACONNY. That hiatus lasted about 4 days.
- TEQUILA BURRITO. I know it's like nine bucks. Just do it. So good.
Burrito Loco, referenced in my previous review, has now become Bushwick Pita Palace and makes even worse burritos than before (as well as equally miserable felafel variants - hit up Olive Valley on Bogart & Moore if yr in the area and need a shwarma/felafel fix).1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/14/2008
I concur with Blake and countless other transplants from the South/West quadrant of the US: New York… Read more »
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Review from Aimee A.
Stamford, CT
1/23/2009
Tried this place for the first time tonight. First impressions were great! I had the vegetarian enchilidas with spinach and green sauce. They came with rice and beans and were $6.50. My roommate had 2 beef tacos and two chicken tacos (all were $2) and a Jaimaca hibiscus juice that they make fresh there ($1.75). For the two of us our dinner was only $17 and some change, not including tip, which is pretty good considering we left full and happy! The lady who waited on us was super sweet as well. What also makes this place so great is that it's only a block away from my house.
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Dear Bedford Ave taco truck,
I think I have found a cheaper and much closer alternative to you! Sorry.
Sincerely,
Aimee -
Review from Kitty B.
New York, NY
5/11/2011
Cafe Los Arcos catered my California themed party for under $200. Liliana (owner), is super friendly and efficient in handling large orders. Being from Los Angeles, I am extremely picky when it comes to Mexican food. Everyone at my party loved the food that Cafe Los Arcos prepared! I will definitely use their catering services in the future.
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Review from Jodi S.
Brooklyn, NY
2/4/2009
I remembered reading some positive reviews of Cafe Los Arcos one night when I was scouring the nearby neighborhood for delicious mexican food as I was having a craving. I had given up when I drove by
Arcos and swerved into a parking spot across the street. I ordered a Veggie Burrito and some chips and guacamole. When I got home and took my first bite, the mmms and more mmmms kept escaping my throat as my craving was being thoroughly satisfied. Their burrito and their guac were soooo delicious and really hit the spot.
I used to have a cousin in Southern Cali growing up, so I am no stranger to excellent burritos and was one thing I had practically written off since being in NY. No longer. When I get a burrito craving, you will find me here in Los Arcos. Good stuff!! -
Review from Richard S.
Brooklyn, NY
5/24/2009
I have eaten from here three times. Had the chorizo burrito and tacos. All three times have ended up in vomiting and general sickness. They did taste pretty good though.
My gf has the chicken tacos and burritos and has been fine and thinks its pretty good, she just thinks I'm an idiot for ordering the chorizo the third time after getting sick the first two.
All in all overall taste is ok but you can find much better so you might as well. -
Review from Joolie T.
7/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
best Mexican in the hood? no.
convenient from the subway? YES.
grilled corn? oh yeah.
burritos? yes... but it's just OK.
lunch specials? uh huh! it's a great deal!
a few steps from the Montrose L stop- Cafe Los Arcos is a great place to stop in for lunch time. their Pollo Guisado is one of the tastiest stews i've had from a Mexican place in the area. seasoned perfectly... the stew is poured on top of the white rice and i swear... every bite was a dream!
the tortas/cemitas are pretty good, too. i LOVE their grilled corn! cheap and delicious... i like coming here when i'm really craving for corn. the burritos are fine and better than Bushwick Pita's next door... it's surely not the best in the hood.Listed in: the secret BROOKLYN HIPSTER in…
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Review from Kat B.
Brooklyn, NY
5/8/2011
All around bad. Don't waste your time or money!
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Review from nicole b.
Brooklyn, NY
3/8/2010
This place makes good burritos. There is nowhere else to get a nice decent burrito in this neighborhood. I'm sorry Pita Palace, but your burritos are inferior. I like the chips and salsa and the mole burrito. Haven't tried breakfast yet, but I have big plans. Their nachos are pretty good too. Basic. Nothing fancy. Like your grandma.
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Review from Mike N.
Queens, NY
7/27/2010
Came here the other day; we got grilled corn, a shrimp burrito, enchiladas, horchata; it was all delicious and well-priced, and the guy at the counter was very nice.
So, what more can I say? Nothing terribly fancy going on here, but good food, good prices and good service-what more would you want? -
Review from Branson L.
Brooklyn, NY
1/18/2010
Pretty darn good. I had the enchiladas with mole... Also tried the tacos once. Small dining room, our server was very sweet, food was great, although I have to say I prefer "New Mexico" over on Graham Ave. There is a wealth of great Mexican restuarants and tortillerias in this hood... I can't wait to try more. This place is pretty darn good, but I was wasn't blown away.
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Review from Jenn S.
Santa Ana, CA
11/19/2008
I'm another California girl just trying to find a good burrito. Finally I've found it here!? Hmmm. Anyways I'm a huge fan of the mushroom and shrimp burrito. The real winner is the homemade salsa and sour cream. I did try a beef taco and I was pretty disappointed but because the burrito is so good I'll let it go. Yay for good burritos! Oh and the grilled corn is so good, like I crave it and have to run over there. Make sure and ask them for their homemade salsa too.
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Review from Pete S.
Brooklyn, NY
3/27/2009
Last night my room mate and I ordered take out from here. It arrived quickly and was pretty good. I got the beef quesadilla, which was tasty, but the meat was a bit tough. My friend got some type of huge burrito, but you'll have to ask him about the flavor. We also split some chips and very fresh tasting pico de gallo. In general, the menu consisted of a good variety of standard Mexican fair and fairly priced, even a bit on the cheap side.
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Review from Skyler d.
Brooklyn, NY
11/30/2008
Wish I could've edited this sooner; the husband-and-wife that run this place are beautiful and sweet people. I really miss going to this place - I went so much more often that my initial d-bag review indicates.
Nothing special. Just cheap, quick, and tasty Mexican food. I like the handwritten signs. -
Review from damian c.
Brooklyn, NY
10/26/2009
Just tonight, I ordered 2 burritos and some guacamole and chips. The lady tells me "20 minutes". Fine. 45 minutes later I call to see what's up. "Ten minutes, ten minutes." An hour after the initial call, I call to cancel. She doth protest. She says it's almost ready. I say "cancel, don't send it. If you had said it would be an hour an hour ago, I would have not placed an order." We order from somewhere else, then the bell rings 10 minutes after that. She sent him anyway. Screw these clowns.
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Review from Elijah C.
New Orleans, LA
7/12/2009
ate here recently after hearing a friend rave about it. i have to say this is some of the best tacos i've had in new york. i had the chorizo. it was really really good. and chips and guacamole, also really really good.
can't wait to go back. -
Review from Glenn R.
Brooklyn, NY
9/14/2009
I'm really torn as to how to write this review, so i'll split it out between the good and the bad.
Good: We've lived a few blocks away from here for about a year. I sometimes go here for breakfast, which i really enjoy--their Huevos Rancheros is real good. we have also gotten delivery, and have had almost no problems. Usually comes quick, decent burritos, pretty cheap, filling, all the things you would look for.
Bad: I had just run 18 miles, after eating nothing more than a power bar. I know i'm an idiot, my fault, all that. Instead of making something, i decide to plop down on the couch and call in a gigantic burrito. It'll be faster, less work for me, what a great idea. I ask how long it should be -- 20 minutes. After 45 minutes I'm getting concerned. After 1 hour, I call. The woman is quite apologetic but assures me it will only be 5 more minutes, and that the delivery guy is on his way. Pretty sure he wasn't. After a total of an hour and a half, when i am ready to call and cancel my order entirely, the bell rings. I'm so starved that I don't care. I ordered about 12 dollars worth of stuff, hand the guy a 20, and he just grins at me like an idiot. "No change" he says. I limp to the deli next to my apartment, get change for my 20 from my main man behind the counter. It was the first time i've tipped absolutely nothing for delivery--and i didn't feel bad about it. All my food was cold and pretty gross, but i didn't really care. I hope this was just a one time thing and not how they run things now, but i don't know because I haven't ordered from here since. Probably will. -
Review from Doug W.
Brooklyn, NY
4/7/2010
I've been on my personal taco tour of my 'hood, and this was okay. The counter person didn't ask me if I wanted red or green sauce on the tacos, but they served them with red sauce. No heat. But .... WHOA... $2 tacos is something to behold. I'll try again, this time ask for green sauce.
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Review from Cory D.
Brooklyn, NY
4/12/2010
I love this place, good food and nice people. I've been eating here for years and I've never been dissapointed. Their food isn't anything super fancy, but for the price it's the best in the neighborhood.
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Review from Matthew D.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 1/8/2011
Oh yeah, the elote (grilled corn) is really, really good too.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/15/2010
Wow, I've never experienced any of the delivery waits people mentioned here. It always shows up… Read more »
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Review from amanda z.
Brooklyn, NY
9/3/2010
I know we love to complain about how bad the "mexican" food in NY is, but I'm a big fan of this place. Maybe it's because I grew up in CT, but I think this place is choice. I think it's also because the prices are great, and the people that work there are sweet and welcoming. I'm addicted to their grilled corn and pork tacos.
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Review from Big M.
Brooklyn, NY
12/15/2008
The waitstaff is really nice, and the food is good because its real Mexican Food!
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Review from Andrew S.
Brooklyn, NY
11/11/2008
I had the steak burrito here tonight after reading the other reviews, and generally thought it was good. It's better and more authentic, particularly as far as the beans and rice go, than the Taqueria el Paisa off of Suydam and Irving; I'd even say it's at the level of a decent street burrito or taqueria burrito in Portland, where I used to live. The main problem is that the price for a standard burrito (which has meat, beans, monterey jack cheese, pico de gallo, rice, and sour cream) is $6.25, which is a bit steep compared to the usual taqueria-type places, and there's an extra charge of $2.50 for guacamole. It's good guacamole, and I'd probably get it again, but I admit that if there weren't so few other decent options I'd be hard pressed to spend $9 for a burrito at a place like this. Oh, and one other thing--they don't do a good job at wrapping their burritos, so they seem throughout to be on the verge of falling apart and eventually probably will. The positive side, and I think one explanation for the prices, is that it's a bit more like a restaurant than a taqueria, with a decent atmosphere and the option of either ordering at the table or at the counter. The woman who takes the orders is very nice, too. So overall I recommend it; I might add a further complaint concerning their lack of carne asada and more varied meat options in general, but we don't have to spoil what's already a fairly good thing.
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Review from Abbey M.
Brooklyn, NY
2/1/2009
i love the chorizo at this place, the guac is good too (but $2.50 - yikes). the burritos are the best i've had anywhere else in recent memory... that's right - it's mexican food - not rocket science, but as far as nyc goes, they are pretty darn good.
