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El Burrito Jr
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
919 S Pacific Coast HwyRedondo Beach, CA 90277
Neighborhood: Redondo Beach
(310) 316-5058
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
227 reviews for El Burrito Jr
Review Highlights
"Special C + Horchata = Happy Stomach."
(in 49 reviews)
"i absolutely love the bean and cheese burrito."
(in 40 reviews)
"LOVE the tacos and Super Deluxe Burrito."
(in 15 reviews)
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227 reviews in English
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Review from Chelsia B.
Redondo Beach, CA
2/3/2012
So I'm just handing out 5-star reviews today.
Anyways, LBJ's. It's my hands-down favorite Mexican food and that's coming from a well seasoned Mexican food eater since birth (my credentials also include living in San Diego and experiencing that type of Mexican food). Mexican food in general is my favorite but LBJ's is a notch above.
My favorites include:
1. Special C (2 bean and cheese burritos) with either Horchata or Orange Bang (their beans! sheesh I've tried to recreate these at home many a time to no avail).
2. Special A with chicken tacos
3. Super deluxe burrito with steak.
Anything you get there is a delicious, calorie overload!
In addition, they have yummy salsa, free chips and a nice guy that works at the window.
**remember to call it in so you can skip that annoying line (go the left window even though you'll get some evil stares) . Also, don't forget cash (Atm fees are no fun). -
Review from Angelica R.
Pittsburg, CA
1/29/2012
The infamous LBJ's. You can't get any better than this. Homemade Mexican food and freshly made salsa and chips with every order. I always get a 'Special C.'
This is a 'locals' spot if you're from South Redondo. You will pretty much see everyone and their Mama's here. Always an RUHS reunion. -
Review from rui t.
Beaverton, OR
1/17/2012
Nothing says Redondo Beach like standing in line at 2am at El Burrito to get a burrito. It really doesn't matter what kind you get, they are all fantastic. Stuffed full of meat and other good stuff, and you get a full package of tortilla chips with your meal, and it is cheap. Cheap.
Way better than the Wee other burrito place down the street, and honestly, you just can't go wrong.
It's worth driving from the valley to have it here, it's that good. -
Review from Jamie B.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
1/27/2012
3 stars for the food - 5 stars for the employees and the proportions and price, and you can park right in front of the order line , awesome when you have 2 kids in the car , so yea I will be back, they have lots of lunch specials , super cheap.
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Review from Paul J.
Hermosa Beach, CA
1/6/2012
This place is great. I come here pretty religiously once a week. I get the same thing every time - Special C. $5 (including tax) gets you 2 BIG bean and cheese burritos, a big stack of chips, salsa, and a drink. You can't explain that!
The food varies slightly, and sometimes it's better than others (especially the salsa), but it's always good, and that just
I stopped eating meat right after I started coming here, so I've only had their tacos once or twice, but I remember the carnitas was delicious. -
Review from Lexie V.
Los Angeles, CA
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
What the hell happened here? Are there new owners or was there some sort of pay cut? This used to be one of my favorite spots but now I will be sure to avoid it.
I was there this afternoon and there was a pretty long line for the lunch rush. I ordered a Special C (two bean & cheese burritos and a medium drink) as usual. I waited for 30 minutes without complaining. I noticed people who were behind me in line were getting their much larger orders before I got mine, but I didn't think much of it. Then a girl goes to the window, orders a Special C and asks "Can I just get one that is already made and take it now?" and they just handed her her order right there and she left. This not only pissed me off, but it also pissed off the other 20+ people waiting in line. I was number 50 in line and once they started calling number 65 I said something. "Excuse me, did you happen to miss #50?" I saw him look around for my order, then he just grabbed two burritos from a pile, threw them in a bag and handed them to me. I reminded him about the drink and he filled up 75% of a cup and handed it to me. So this means they either forgot my order or just didn't care.
After 35 minutes of waiting (the wait NEVER used to be that long, even for lunch/dinner rushes) I got my order and realized that the burrito was half the size they used to be. The tortilla to filling ratio was unacceptable and the tortilla seemed stale. There was barely any cheese and the beans were dry.
I'm so sad, I used to come here ALL the time. The last few times I have come here the quality has been noticeably worse and today was the last straw.
There are so many other great Mexican places around. Go there. EL BJ is not what it used to be and it pretty much sucks now.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/2/2011
Generous servings of wonderfully greasy Mexican food. The yellow fluorescent lighting really adds to… Read more »
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Review from katrina g.
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
We love EL BJ, and to illustrate what kind of a place this is, I will quote my son:
"Someday when I go off to college I'm going to look forward to coming home to visit and eat at EL BJ." -
Review from John R.
Torrance, CA
1/19/2012
If your looking for good fast Mexican food look no further. They only server takeout at this location but out of all there locations this one is the best. I have been going there for about 15+ years and its always the same, GOOD! The prices at this location seam to be lower than there sit down places they have. I always call in the order and pick it up without having to wait in line. Great lunch special "F" $6 you can't beat it. Food and a drink.
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Review from T Z.
Redondo Beach, CA
1/10/2012
It's embarrassing to taste something so bad in such a beautiful setting.
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Review from Eric H.
Redondo Beach, CA
1/14/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Great Mexican take out! Great food!!! The carne asada and shredded beef burritos.
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Review from Amber D.
Torrance, CA
12/26/2011
Been going to this location my entire life!!!! I love this place! every single thing on the menu is great!
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Review from Natalie W.
Redondo Beach, CA
12/26/2011
Been going here for years, best after beach mexican around. I love Lbj's, place is a lil gold mine. You wont be disappointed, everything is delicious.
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Review from Joseph P.
Torrance, CA
9/12/2011
The El BJ!
This is place is a keeper, hands down. Go there for the bean and cheese burrito combo: Special C, and you won't be disappointed!
El Burrito Jr. or El BJ as my friends call it is really good for the price bean and cheese burrito combo. Good ole' Special C
For a measly $4.50 ($5 flat with tax) you receive two bean and cheese burritos, too many fried chips, and two plastic sauce cups of salsa, and a drink! Now that's a deal! I will be the first to admit that I came here everyday for lunch/dinner for entire week. In fact, Sam (the cashier during the times I went) would already have the Special C ready for me! Score! no waiting in line! (this is without having the pre-order it over the phone).Personalized service like that makes me want to come again. Once you own a drink cup the refills are free and unlimited, also you can always ask for more chips and salsa, and they will be smiling back at you.
I've had other things on their menu, but I think I'll stick strictly to their flagship deal: the Special C. The other items are pretty filling, but it does not stand out compared to the other Mexican burrito,taco,torta places I've visited. Sam did however recommend the crispy chicken taco. My brother ordered it and proclaimed "Eureka!" He declares it the best item on the menu (but he's the meat eater in the family and I'm the seafood/veggie guy.
If you have any questions, ask for Sam. He's a friendly guy and will be more than willing to help. Service like his is hard to come by.
Recommended meal: Special C Two Bean and Cheese Burrito with Chips/Salsa and a Drink!
Pros: Cheap prices for delicious bean and cheese burritos
Cons: May be stuck in a LONG LINE. And it's Cash only.
I'll see you soon, Sam. Have my burrito ready for me again :) -
Review from David P.
Torrance, CA
1/20/2012
El Burrito Jr. or LBJ's as many locals lovingly call it, is a true South Bay staple. Generations of south bay residents line up for well priced, delicious, Mexican food. The main favorite is the" Special C" .The combo consists of 2 amazing bean and cheese burritos, tons of chips and great salsa plus a drink to round off this favorite of many locals. I also must add, that I LOVE their beans, they are as close to perfection (my grandma's beans being the pintos to which I compare all Mexican restaurants' rendition of them to) as you get in my opinion that's outside my grandma's house. That being said, the menu is not limited to just burritos as there are plenty of other great things to choose from the menu as well. Chile Relleno, enchiladas, tostadas, wet burritos, the works. I love this place and highly recommend this location above the others because it's near the beach and it's the original. :)
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Review from Greg T.
8/18/2011
tried the special burrito with carnitas...big burritos with lots of carnitas but the carnitas was tough. I was really looking fwd to some greasy, tender carnitas. loved the oversize tortilla chips.
really average at best...may be a lot better after a 12 pack.... -
Review from Amy K.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
12/8/2011
Not as good as the one in Torrance on PCH. Ordered Beach Basket. Good enchiladas, beans & rich. Chicken taco was funky.
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Review from Jamie A.
11/6/2011
Sure, they always have a line on the street and I have enjoyed their their burritos in the past as they are are tasty and huge! ...but I had a craving for chile relleno and this happened to be in the area. Well, the LBJ chile relleno was prob the messiest, most unappealing Mexican dish I have had in a while. It was pretty much like a bell-pepper stuffed with Von's shredded 4-cheese with scrambled egg here and there. I don't know what was the point of the red sauce it was smothered in. It was not spicy and it tasted like tomato sauce! You'd assume they'd use a poblano pepper (for some reason my pepper was not spicy and a little soggy) and some real Mexican cheese. They don't!
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Review from James T.
Redondo Beach, CA
12/20/2011
Ok LBJ whats going on here? Normally I cannot get enough of your food, I've been coming here since longer than i can remember, namely for the Special C. In the last month or more the "Special C's" have been seriously lacking taste. The beans used in burritos are are very bland now. Something is definitely different here, like they changed something in the recipe to cut costs. I figured one time was just an off day, but I've been back four times in the past month and a half, and the beans are flavorless and bland every time. Never happened before. I'm sure other locals who love the special c will notice as well. Its a bummer cause I love their damn burritos so much! Now, I have no desire to finish them. Hopefully this changes.
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Review from Kelley J.
Redondo Beach, CA
7/27/2011
Definetely a great spot to grab dinner or a late night meal. Apparently everyone goes there for the special C (2 bean and cheese burritos, chips and a drink).
I have never been a big bean and cheese burrito person, but I LOVE these ones. The only reason why it isn't five stars is because they only accept cash. Sometimes at 10pm I can't make it to an ATM and have to go somewhere else for food. -
Review from Jason I.
Los Angeles, CA
11/27/2011
Never had a bad meal from this place. I love the breakfast burritos and I love the beans. The beans really make a Mexican food restaurant . Make sure you bring cash.
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Review from Bob D.
Redondo Beach, CA
8/1/2011
A South Bay institution!
Great gringo Mexican food! I always get the chunky beef Super Deluxe Burrito of the Special "C". I've living in the area my whole life and have tried almost everything they got and for the most part its really tasty!
Only thing that ain't great, waiting on the sidewalk and the eating situation on the side.
Take it to go, dump tons of salsa on your beans and enjoy! -
Review from Victor K.
Berkeley, CA
6/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I know that this chain has quite a few locations these days, but this was the one I rarely went to. I'm amazed how much less people like this one even though it has more places to sit, including an indoor area. It's very interesting.
Anyways, back in the days of my youth the Special C was only $3.50. It is still the best deal on the menu at an even $5.00 with tax, at least that's how much they ask for when you order it.
I don't know what it is about their bean and cheese burritos, but they are somehow my favorite. I cant think of another place that has better ones. All the other things kinda suck here.
Get the Special C and ask for an extra thing of their salsa. You'll need it if you eat like me. Two cups of salsa for each of the burritos and an extra one for the large chips they serve.
It's a bomb place for lunch, but, unfortunately, that's all they really got going for them. -
Review from Shari T.
Redondo Beach, CA
9/29/2011
Sorry, but I just can't get into this cult classic anymore It's nice that it's still around, and it makes me feel nostalgic for high school and college each time I pass it, but I've moved on to buying food that I actually want to eat when sober. The chicken they use for burritos is awful. The food is mediocre, and the wait is almost always ridiculous. Honestly, now that I'm a grown up, I want real food. Sorry, LBJs!
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Review from Fiona D.
6/9/2011
Calm down, Sean L.
The Special C is still one of the best things. Sorry if $5 is too much for TWO BURRITOS, CHIPS AND A DRINK. Not many places will give you that much of a deal so please, do tell us where these magical eateries are that give you two burritos practically for free...
Anyway, I still think this place has the best bean & cheese burritos around. I have been to many Mexican restaurants and eaten many bean & cheese burritos, but none of them can come close to the ones here at El Burrito Jr.
It has to be the shack too. The ones at the Torrance restaurant don't quite taste the same...
Now when I usually come here, I stick with the Special C but last night I was really craving something more and my friend told me about their beef, bean & cheese burrito.
With just one bite, my life completely changed. THAT is my new favorite thing to get now. It was seriously one of the best burritos I've ever had. It had the goodness of the classic bean and cheese but combined with nice, big chunks of tender beef with a yummy, spicy red sauce running all throughout. Simply amazing.
Overall, I think this place has some of the best Mexican food in the South Bay and the prices are VERY reasonable if not just plain cheap.
The only downsides about the shack is obviously, that it's a shack. Not a restaurant. The line also gets really long here and the wait can be kind of a pain because so many people have finally come to realize how awesome "LBJ's" is. You can always call ahead though which may speed things up a bit but either way, be prepared to stand around. But it is TOTALLY worth the wait. -
Review from Vincent C.
Torrance, CA
8/1/2011
I love this place! This place is the burrito version of penis-schnitzel... If you ever come I highly recommend the Special C for 4.75. It includes 2 big bean/cheese burritoes, a large soda and Mexican chips
Call them for quicker food, and if your able to speak Spanish, you can cut everyone -
Review from Chris G.
6/29/2011
This is one of those gems you either know about or find through Yelp. Sleepy looking little yellow roadside stand that makes killer Mexican food. The word is out because there is always a line. This place is ideal when looking to fill a Mexican fix, or a late night food binge after drinking. Heck, this place is ideal for any occasion.
I'm always game for a Machaca burrito. All orders come with their chips, which are small uncut tortillas, and tasty. They also have tables outside in the sun and under cover, so you always have a place to chow.
Even with the recent price increases, the food is solid and inexpensive, always a good combination. -
Review from Veronica M.
Redondo Beach, CA
12/10/2011
I don't know why this place has so many good reviews. I have tried to eat here on a number of occasions-I live a block away and my husband and son go there for a quick burrito-and I think it's awful. I have tried their cheese enchiladas, chile rellenos, been and cheese burritos and I don't like any of them-their rice and beans are bland and the beans are runny, yuck! Now when my boys go there I tell them nothing for me thanks.
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Review from Sean L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/18/2011
Stop acting like the special c is the best thing in the world. After the price sky-rocketed to over $5, that combo is no longer the super good deal of yore.
Pretty good mexican food. -
Review from Jeremiah R.
Redondo Beach, CA
7/6/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Been coming here for years, always great food at a great price. By far the best Mexican food in the area.
TIP: Call them if there is a huge line outside and place your order that way. I always end up standing in the back of the line and getting my order in faster than the people in line ahead of me.
Then when I finally get to the front my order is ready! ;-)
Its worked for years, and I thought everyone should cherish it!
A friend of mine says you guys should get a food truck! Imagine! -
Review from James B.
Redondo Beach, CA
5/10/2011
Great food, Great Price, Call in your order for super fast service.
Special C + Horchata = Happy Stomach. -
Review from Christopher T.
Redondo Beach, CA
9/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
A South Redondo staple. No complaints here... Just really decent Mexican food!
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Review from Dustin L.
Redondo Beach, CA
7/13/2011
People in the south bay don't know good food and the reviews of this place prove it. I judge a place by it's asada, and theirs is mediocre at best.
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Review from Carlos A.
Bellflower, CA
3/25/2011
I used to work in redondo beach and decided to try this place because one of my friends said "dude they have the best burritos ever"....
So i asked really? what do you usually get here? he responded."dude they bean and cheese burrito" "they have the best bean and cheese burrito"... he is white of course and doesnt know any better..He thinks taco bell is real authentic mexican ood...I was LMAO but decided to try the place either way
Im very picky when it comes to mexican food..i was spoiled by my grandma and mom..They make the best mexican food PERIOD...
But im always down to try something new.. But to all of you out there "burritos arent really mexican" look it up.
Go anywhere in mexico and you wont find a restaurant that serves them.
Having said that el BJ's has the best chunky beef wet burrito i have ever had...The carnitas is hit and miss...when its fresh its so juicy and tender...
when its been sitting there all day its dry and chewy...
anyways the burritos are huge..I always save half for later cuz theyr so filling....full of meat....ton of melted cheese on top and the sause they drench it with is not bad at all...
I also love theyr chips and salsa......
Not authentic mexican but non the less good burritos
the bean and cheese burrito BTW sucks......lol..but you crazy cool gringos wouldnt know the diference.. -
Review from Wig H.
Las Vegas, NV
8/16/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Awesome greasy mexican food! Try the Burrito Deluxe! The pork here is killer!
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Review from Emily R.
El Segundo, CA
10/17/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Welp, I earned my "soused" badge on Yelp last night, so you could imagine the evening I had. After a night of drinking, all I want to eat the next day is carby, starchy, bad-for-you food..and/or a burrito. I'm a Tucson gal, so Mexican fast food was very plentiful where I come from. I woke up this morning CRAVING a burrito. I've noticed that Mexican fast food isn't as popular in the South Bay as Tucson, however, after searching Yelp I found El Burrito Jr.
I leashed up my dog, and we started our trek to the burrito joint. We arrived to the place and I asked for a bean and cheese burrito and a coke. He asked if I wanted the combo, which comes with 2 bean and cheese burritos, chips & salsa, and a drink...all for 5 dolla.....HOLLA!
I grabbed my food, walked to Esplanade and indulged in the deliciousness...Sophie the dog had some burrito too. It ain't Tucson Mexican fast food...but it's pretty darn close! Oh, and the employees were super nice. They were friendly and complimented my dog. :) -
Review from Erin B.
10/5/2010
The food is okay.
The staff and surrounds are pretty funny...
Walk up to the joint last night. There's a sign the says "ATM inside", wait what there is no "inside" of El Burrito Jr. Weird.
Walk up to the window to order. It was late and I wasn't too hungry so I just ordered one tamale...
Me: can I have one tamale please?
El Worker: Wah kind you want?
Me: What kind do you have?
El Worker: Beef.
Me: Umm, okay I'll have a beef tamale.
And my friend ordered a chicken burrito...
Friend: can I getta chicken burrito with guacamole?
El Worker: You want guacamole?
Friend: Yea.
El Worker: We don't have guacamole. You still want some?
Friend: Umm, I guess not if you don't have any.
Pros:
tamale was hug and really good.
open late
chips & salsa. bomb.
Cons:
lettuce in the burrito. ick.
cash only
out of essential goods.Listed in: South Bay
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Review from Washington L.
Newark, NJ
9/28/2011
This place is ok, the carne asada burrito is good but doesn't compare to the place I go in LA. It's walking distance from my work which is a plus. The sad part is that they don't have lengua burritos which I would like everyday. Don't get me wrong, the food is good. But just doesn't taste as great as Carnitas Michoacan in Los Angeles. That's just my opinion. Don't take it personal people. I'm just picky when it comes to Mexican food
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Review from Bob L.
Los Angeles, CA
12/2/2011
Special C!!
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Review from Chris F.
Redondo Beach, CA
12/6/2010
LBJs food is so insanely good, it makes me emotionally upset. One of the first places I went for Mexican when I moved to LA five years ago, and I intend it to be the last place I eat before I leave (or whatever).
I always gravitate to the Carnitas Super Deluxe--a massive pile of meat wrapped up and drenched in sauce. Not going to win any aesthetic prizes, but definitely does the trick. Just be prepared for the post LBJ-induced coma.
Be sure to order ahead to avoid the often insanity-inducing line out front. Also, listen carefully for your number over the phone because the guy usually mumbles it, and if you stumble around for the right number while at the window in front of the other hungry suckers in line, you could get maimed. -
Review from Food-Doc K.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
10/25/2010
How some rate this joint 5 stars is beyond me. IMHO it's far from that.
What initially intrigued me about this place was whenever I drove by it on PCH there always seemed to be a crowd of loyal patrons standing at the take out window waiting for grub. I'll chalk it up to the slow sevice I guess being the food is just not all that.
By the looks of the place it's obviously an old Weinerschnitzel or one with the "Der" in front from due to it's design.
I gave this place at least a dozen tries before finally realizing it wasn't me, but rather food was average at best to put it politely.
How some consider this place "great" Mexican food is insane IMHO. Del Taco is as as tasty with a better reputation. If you enjoy this type of food, the taco carts in TJ would be pure heaven to all of you.
The food served here is generic and bland aka, boring!. For starving surfers just leaving Torrance Beach maybe, but not anyone with a decent palate. Much hype and great visability from PCH makes this place what it is.
Come on now, tacos, burritos, combo plates and other offerings are nothing to be called spectacular. It's average at best Mexican food with little taste. The beans that are loaded with lard and minimal cheese are runny and the taste of the rest of the food is nothing to brag about.
The wait is longer than any usual fast food Mexican joint having the majority of food already prepared and those whole deep fried tortillas served as "chips" (that you break yourself) are subpar as well as the salsa.
There are a few park benches to eat at along side this place, but with the usual crowd I'd get it to go as a one time try. A novelty at best.
Great for surfers lacking their taste buds from hours in polluted waters and nothing spectacular for Mexican food enthusiasts. Taco Bell a few miles north offers better, tastier food.
I consider this place a curiousity for locals and those driving by on PCH. YMMV.
It is a great place to eat after a day of salty beach activity with a 40 ouncer in a brown bag. Other than that, I'd pass!
I honestly think they serve the pre-made food as slow as possible so that people driving on PCH always see a small crowd out front while waiting for their orders.
