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Taqueria La Bamba
Category: Restaurants Latin American Latin American [Edit]
2058 Old Middlefield WayMountain View, CA 94043
(650) 965-2755
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 9:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
649 reviews for Taqueria La Bamba
Review Highlights
"I was in heavenly super burrito bliss."
(in 118 reviews)
"Love the suiza quesadilla with carne asada."
(in 140 reviews)
"I love pupusas, lovelovelovelove them."
(in 104 reviews)
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649 reviews in English
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Review from James L.
Mountain View, CA
11/6/2011
Burritos are perhaps my favorite food.
La Bamba makes the best burritos I've ever had.
Thank goodness I live down the street. :) -
Review from Andrew K.
Mountain View, CA
2/9/2012
Really not sure what the huge fuss about this place is. The burrito was a bit dry and the meat was far from flavorful. I also found it to be a bit pricey ($6.50 for regular, $8 for super burrito) given the very hole-in-the-wall ambiance. There were few places to sit and people were standing at counters eating.
My gf found the tacos tasty and commented on the authentic taste (hence the 3 stars). Overall though, I think there are better taquerias in the area, including Los Charros and El Grullense. -
Review from Casey S.
2/3/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Burritos aren't supposed to leak, right? My burrito is leaking.
Granted my baby-sized burrito (I'd hate to see the size of their Super Burrito) was filled to the brim with meat, rice, veggies, and beans, but I don't think this juice was on the menu. -
Review from Dan M.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
Oh man, so good! Al pastor super burrito is a delicious gut bomb (in a good way). Dillas are mighty good too.
No tables to sit at at this location. I will have to try their close location that has seating; I hope the burritos are just as good. -
Review from Spencer O.
San Ramon, CA
2/9/2012
This place has awesome burritos. Must order with extra guac! Horchata is delicious as well!
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Review from Vivian A.
This place can be touch-and-go with their burritos but their pupusas are on point. I frequent this place often and sometimes my burritos come out so soggy by the time I sit down (or stand to eat at that small counter) that my whole burrito falls apart.
That's fine. I'll just stick with their awesome pupusas. I always order the pork and cheese pupusas. Perfectly grilled, not juicy or runny, and the curtido (cabbage slaw) was crispy, not too soggy, and had a great flavor.
Glad they put in that counter to eat at but come on now, they can add some tables with all that extra voided space.
Burritos: 3 stars
Pupusas: 4 stars
Go for the pupusas. You'll find better burritos at the store on the corner.Listed in: You say "Pupusas"...
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Review from Dang N.
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I grew up eating at this place all the time. I thought this place had the greatest Super Burrito in existence, back when this place was pink. I wasn't wrong. After growing up, went to college, got a real job and then experienced the Gourmet World, when I do come back to the Bay Area, I make it a point to come back and experience the greatest Super Burrito. It really is this damn good. Though in all honesty, today, I feel like the burrito has been better in the past. But it this still won't waver my convictions that this place serves the greatest Super Burrito. But don't take my world for it, I mean just ignore my several journeys across the States on food tours, my numerous trips to Mexico and go yourself and try out the ultimate Super Burrito!
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Review from Cammy C.
1/4/2012
I'd give this place 3.5 stars if I could. Thing is, I've had better burritos elsewhere, but this was my first time trying a pupusa and I thought they were AMAZING! I could eat them all day. I ordered mine to go, and was sad that I only bought 2. I like that they pack extra salsa and all kinds of extra condiments for you when you order your food, how considerate of them! Their burritos and dinner plates are a bit more expensive than I'm used to paying at other taquerias, but I would come back here just to order more pupusas. I think they're something like $2-3 each. Burritos are close to $7-8 each.
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Review from Cathy S.
10/12/2011
This is how good La Bamba is: We arrive at SFO, we pick up the rental car, we drive to La Bamba for a burrito. Always.
Prior to moving to Vancouver, this was a staple in our family. Since we moved, it has become a lingering obsession. We have narrowed down food perfection to a regular Pollo Asado burrito with extra salsa for me and an Al Pastor Supreme burrito with black beans for my husband. Every trip back to the Bay Area involves at least several trips to La Bamba.
We are always subjected to TSA secondary searches at SFO when we take the "foil wrapped bombs" with us for the trip back, in an insulated bag. When we explain the sad Mexican food situation in Vancouver, we are given a sympathetic nod and are sent on our way.
All so worth it.Listed in: 30-Day Yelp Challenge, Bay Area Blitz
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Review from Jessica B.
Sunnyvale, CA
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Honestly, I wasn't that impressed. I like a burrito with a kick and for me, simply adding a few jalapenos just doesn't quite cut it. I ordered the veggie burrito on a whole wheat tortilla with black beans (the fact they have black beans earned them an extra star!). I asked for spicy and they recommended adding the jalapenos. The flavor was bland and the salsa they included was spicy but had no flavor.
I also ordered a cheese pupusa on the side which was the star of the meal. You can't really beat good masa and gooey cheese! Just wish they had a better salsa selection. -
Review from Karin H.
Los Altos, CA
12/22/2011
When I used to live in Mountain View in the early-80s this was a favorite place for take-out along with Tony & Alba's and Paul's Kitchen (a Chinese take-out that no longer exists). I think I have to agree with Jeremy's review, I don't think their food is as good as I remember it being but I still give La Bamba 4-stars. My family's favorite burritos are the pollo asado, carne asada and the veggie. We also enjoy their cheese pupusas and quesadillas. The chips are fresh and they have a nice selection of salsas.
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Review from Dui N.
San Jose, CA
10/5/2011
I heard about this joint for quite sometime now, back in 2005, from Jatbar, my trusthy source from local foodie. Since I recently move to work just a few blocks away from the taqueria, I decide it has been long over due to eat there.
I regreted doing it, when I went there, the taqueria was full of customer, mostly white. Not to be a racist and all, but this is a first red flag, kindla like you would not see any chinese would go eat at Mr Chau or Panda Xpress. I proceed to order my carnitas burrito, I gauge taqueria base on their carnitas and rice. It was $8 including taxes chips and salsa are EXTRA, I think it is very steep for a burritos, my San Mateo one is only $6.50 including taxes.
Once got back to the office, I soon discover the place is overated. The meat portion was little, at the same level as Chipotle, which is really bad on my book. Worse yet was the meat was blant, tasteless, I felt like I was eating cardboard, no kiding. Not only that, the burrito was also soggy, which I dislike the most. I was angry in disbelief, and wonder how could a place like this which received great review from my trusted friend could be this bad. The only possible explantion is their quality as been degrading because the sales side got the better of them and they have long forgotten about how it is going to be taste by their customer.
I will give it sometime before I can give them a second chance to do it right. although I feels that this place has turned into a tourist trap than a decent restaurant.
Peace -
Review from Daniela G.
Palo Alto, CA
11/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The super burrito is really good...which is why I haven't bothered trying anything else on the menu!
I always order to go because the ambiance is lacking, but one of the few good burrito places near Palo Alto -
Review from Ahmed H.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 12/21/2011 9 Check-ins Here
I just went back to retry their chicken super burrito. I always like to rate a place when they are not super busy. I got their at 2PM and was the only one in the store, so I will stick with my original review that their shrimp super burrito is best burrito. The chicken in the burrito was tough and dry and ruined the overall taste of the burrito. I am not saying it's bad. I am just saying when you have so many choices in Mtn View, you are better off going somewhere else. I still have not tried their other items. I'll give that a try and come back with an update. I still think this place deserves 4 stars just for their shrimp super burrito. Still the kind of shrimp burritos.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/12/2011
So, I've been coming to the burrito triangle for some time now. I think each place has it's… Read more »
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Review from dez d.
Cupertino, CA
1/23/2012
If one judges the location from the exterior they may drive by and miss out on the great food which they have to offer. I luv, luv, luv the chicken grilled tacos!!!!!
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Review from Menlo k.
Menlo Park, CA
9/30/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love this place.
Twenty years ago I was a regular at La Costeña (same strip mall)... like really regular, I ate there three to five times a week. I would eat at La Bamba only when I was in a rush and the line at Costeña was too long.
Then Costeña expanded to multiple sites, raised prices, reduced portions and lowered their quality. La Bamba took this opportunity to step up their game.
Neither is in my daily path anymore, but I still go out of my way for La Bamba from time to time, but never go to Costeña.
Now La Bamba is expanding to other sites. Hopefully they won't make the same mistakes that Costeña did. -
Review from Mercy D.
I found this place by doing a search in Yelp for a place to eat near the Shoreline Amphitheatre. It was pretty easy to find, as it is a bright yellow building so it's hard to miss! From the outside, I thought it would be kind of small but when I walked in I was surprised to find that it was pretty spacious. However, that could possibly be due to the lack of tables inside. There was maybe one small round table for two people and 4 seats each in front of the windows. Off to the side, there's a long, narrow bar-type table with no stools or chairs so people can stand while they eat. Other than that you can throw a DJ in there somewhere or play music and the middle of the room can be a dance floor (around the garbage can that is)! Not really sure why they have so much empty space.
And it was hot inside - I don't think they had AC. Good thing their food was good though! I ordered the super burrito (no beans or cheese) with carne asada. Pretty good! And their red hot sauce has a nice kick to it. My friend got a steak taco and a pupusas. The steak came with two corn tortillas and enough meat for him to split it into two tacos! And he said he really liked the pupusas, "almost as good as the one he had in El Salvador" he said. When we left we were both full and satisfied! Will definitely come again if we're in town! -
Review from Dan B.
Updated - 7/3/2011 23 Check-ins Here
La Bamba has really been slipping lately! It makes almost wish I wasn't the duke.
Prices have gone way up: $6.40 for just a regular burrito (It was $4.85 two years ago); That's an inflation rate of 15% per year, people!
And on the last two visits, the service has been slow or suffered misfires. It used to be I could get in a 20-deep line, and still get my cheap burrito in 5 min (which, frankly, was pretty amazing). Now I'm lucky if I get my expensive burrito in 10 mins, even with just a few other patrons in front of me.
Time for a rating downgrade, and to drop it down a few slots on the burrito list
Dan B's Taqueria checklist for La Bamba:
x Food? - good
Prices? - now higher than average
Portions? - average
Light crowds - Varies
Standout items? - burritos and pupusas (def not tamales)
Chips + salsa included? - No!Listed in: The Taqueria Epicenter of the…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/5/2008
Yes, like everyone else on the planet (apparently), I too like La Bamba, but nobody seems to mention… Read more »
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Review from Vanessa S.
Mountain View, CA
9/19/2011
Awesome authentic food and ample parking. Sure not fancy but filling and a super good value for the money.
Order your whole burrito at once and don't forget that you won't get the option of adding lettuce, cheese or sour cream after you've ordered without causing a big holdup. Grab a strawberry or mandarin soda to go with and make it a long lunch hour.
Not a ton of seating, but the prices are so good and the food so tasty that it's all worth it. Extra bonus points for the unintentional kitsch. -
Review from Hung T.
8/16/2011
I dont know how this place is so highly rated. I had their super carne asada burrito the other day and it was just alright. Really nothing special.
First off, the flavors were a little bland and the tortilla was soggy. Meat was overdone a bit, and they added beans and rice which i didn't like. I prefer french fries to give it a nice crunch.
To be fair, it was pretty big and they give a good amount of gaucamole for a $8 burrito. But there are way better burritos in the area. Viva taqueria in Santa Clara is my GO-TO place for california burritos while im up here. -
Review from Jeremy B.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/23/2011
Long story, turned short...this place isn't what it used to be, the price/value ratio is now bad since they raised prices and now I don't think I'll be going back..maybe once awhile for old time sake.
This place brings back alot of memories for me. My father and I used to frequent this place when I was a child. I went here during high school and my early years in college and I loved it. In childhood, high school and that portion of college, I would get a regular carne asada burrito and it never failed.
Last time I went to La Bamba was when I was 22. I lived in SD for a few years and now I'm back at the age of 25 (maybe I shouldn't publicize this on yelp...) Asides from getting exposed to SD and LA mexican food, I went in without judgement to get what I always liked as a child.
The first thing I noticed was the price...with tax, $7 for a regular burrito. Back then, it wasn't that much but hey, I guess you have to account for inflation. I got my burrito and it was still heavy as it was before. I gave it a bite and it didn't taste the same. The carne asada was bland, almost not seasonsed at all as it used to be and the pieces were smaller too, almost grinded up to the size of rice. It also had a mix of chewy and crunch, alongside with larger pieces but not at this visit.
Thus, this turned out to be very disappointing that right after I ate it, I decided to write a Yelp review. I may adjust this review later when I retry their carnitas or their quesadilla suiza but for now it's 2 stars for the food and an additional stars for the memories. -
Review from Golda R.
11/4/2011
So far this is probably my favorite place to get a burrito. Nothing has topped it yet.
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Review from Sandee L.
Updated - 7/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
On my latest trip back home to the Bay, I HAD to stop by La Bamba for my burrito fix. Right before my flight, I stopped by when they opened their doors at 10am and was the second in line.
While waiting for my usual, the carne asada super burrito, patron #1 (this middle aged man) looks me up and down and then asks me "Is that for you??"....implying that this little girl couldn't scarf down this massive burrito. I replied, "Hell yeaaaaah!". To that he said, "Wow, I've never seen anything like that before". Whatevers! I got comments from the security people at the airport scanning my burrito along with my luggage and I'm sure my neighbors on the flight were pretty unhappy with my alternating squirts of lime with hot sauce on each and every layered bit of my precious burrito throughout the 6+ hour flight. I just didn't care....I was in heavenly super burrito bliss. IT IS THAT GOOD PEOPLE!Listed in: Good Eats: Bay Area, Ca
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/26/2008
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! I have been coming here for years, and the super burritos are… Read more »
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Review from Afram K.
Sunnyvale, CA
6/13/2011
Meh. That's a good description, thanks for the word suggestion, Yelp. Not bad, but certainly not great.
I will admit, I got a burrito, and I think burritos are seldom a good indicator of the quality of a mexican place. But given that this place has no chairs (with only standing room, at least on the day that I tried it), and I had initially planned to sit-down for lunch, I had to change my plans and get something easily-transportable back to work. So I decided on the regular burrito. Grilled chicken. Meh.
I was disappointed that there was no further seasoning on the grilled chicken, and the components that went into the burrito were all pretty bland. In retrospect, I should have chosen a different meat. And I'm a huge fan of non-pico de gallo salsa. Unfortunately that's what they put on my burrito. I'm not against pico de gallo, but it's just...a "meh" kind of salsa that really doesn't improve on a "meh" burrito.
I'd really like to give this place 3 stars, since it's not quite as low as 2, but to be honest, it's not good enough for 3. Perhaps my experience would have been better had there been tables and chairs to facilitate me getting something besides a bland burrito. -
Review from Cassandra N.
Mountain View, CA
12/14/2011
carnitas super burrito is their best seller. the carne asada and pollo are ok.but the carnitas is crispy chewy salty and not too fatty just the way it should be.
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Review from Martynas S.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very fast and nice service, tasty burito and affordable price - good place to be if you are hungry.
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Review from Dawn S.
Alameda, CA
Ordered the chicken super burrito. Got the chicken regular burrito. Husband ordered the #10 pollo asado plate. Both were fine. Nothing special but certainly not bad. Good value for your dollar. Large portions. Food was bland. I looked for the salsa mentioned in other reviews and couldn't find any. I won't make a point to come back.
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Review from Jenifer V.
Sunnyvale, CA
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I hate to be the odd man out here, but La Bamba is just barely 3 stars for me. I might give it another try for their burritos (which is where the extra star comes from), but came here last night and sampled the pupusas and tamales.
The pupusas were extremely greasy and a little flat tasting. I've had ones that tasted SO much better and a lot less greasy. The best one was the plain cheese. The tamales were not good. At all. They came out barely warm and were literally mush. Literally. It was almost as if they sat in the steamer too long and were water logged. Based on yesterdays tasting, I would never order the tamales again.
With such high ratings, I might come back for a burrito, but I'll likely never get the pupusas or tamales again. -
Review from Pushkar M.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/31/2011
I'm a vegetarian and this place doesn't cut it for me. They cook everything on the same hot-plate with meats of various kinds and tortillas dancing around on the same parts. The food doesn't seem as good as Chipotle to me but most of my friends (who eat meat) think this place rocks. Overall, I wouldn't say these folks need to be more hygienic as well.
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Review from Geoff D.
3/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had my first La Bamba burrito the other night and it was... fine. Fairly tasty and heavy as most burritos are. Lots of rice and beans, decent stewed chicken, small dollop of 'extra' guacamole. Perfectly friendly staff. A few counters where you could sit/stand to eat if you really wanted to.
Not sure I'm getting the tremendous reviews here from others; might just be that, like donuts or ice cream, everyone likes a big cheap burrito. And on that score, these guys definitely delivered for me. -
Review from Cindy T.
9/29/2011 1 photo
Finally got a chance to try La Bamba! Being a huge taco fan, I ordered three tacos - carnitas, pollo and chile verde. All delicious, but the carnitas was especially tasty! The carnitas was crispy on the outside and moist and chewy on the inside. Amazing! They have salsa by the counter up front that made the tacos extra saucy. It's very spacious inside, but not much sit-down seating available. The staff was really friendly and the service was quick. They have magazine and newspapers mentions all over the wall, along with never ending awards. I also got a horchata and it was superb; it has just the right about of sweetness.
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Review from Amy C.
3/22/2011
Was just reminded that I hadn't reviewed this place. I quite loved the marinated beef and pork, though the carne asada actually didn't impress me that much. and And like many of the highly-ranked burritos in Norcal, La Bamba had pretty good flavor, but that greasy pure-meat richness that tastes of something fried in lard, seasoned with fat, and garnished with oil just isn't quite there. They didn't stuff their burritos with rice, though, so I liked that. Also, I've had terrific service here, with absolutely wonderful kitchen staff and cashiers. They'll chat with you and give you their favorites and what's fresh for the day. Just smile. :) And free chips!
Honestly, probably my favorite burrito place up here, hence the 4 stars. Though I must also add a caveat: definitely a Norcal burrito (not comparable to those of San Diego), albeit a good one. -
Review from Sabrina A.
San Jose, CA
5/20/2011
Eh, it was ok and I won't be coming back, but it wasn't horrible.
We came here for lunch and the place is pretty large, dark, bland and doesn't provide much seating at all. Overall, the place felt pretty dirty and dingy too. The ambiance just is really lacking.
The service wasn't very friendly, while not mean, not friendly either. But it was quick and we didn't wait long for our food.
I got the Salvadorian quesadilla, it was really big and will totally fill you up. Basically just cheese and meat, but pretty bland. But adding the sauce they keep in large bottles, did make it so much better. The sauce is really good, but I had to add it to every bite. The pork pupsa was the same way, as well as the bf's burrito - boring and bland without the sauce.
I guess I just didn't dig the feel, the food was bland and the service unfriendly. -
Review from Jonah R.
San Jose, CA
7/21/2011
I've had a lot of good burritos in my day, FREEB!RDS, Super Cucas, any place with a variation of the name "Albert's", but this place has got to be one of my favorites. Try a super burrito w/ carnitas, refried beans, and their hot salsa.. It's amazing.
And if you're into Salvadorian food, they've got some pretty good papusas too. -
Review from Kristel S.
Santa Clara, CA
4/24/2011
Definitely my go-to place for daaamn good tacos and burritos. My choice of meat is usually between carnitas and carne asada, but if I'm getting a burrito, which are hulk-sized, I usually get it with carne asada. You'll have enough for lunch and dinner.
The meats are well-marinated and grilled fresh to order. Every time I've been here, the meat has been consistently tender and flavorful. The rice, cheese, and other toppings that go with the burritos or tacos are also well done, and this place is certainly generous with them. -
Review from Jenn L.
2/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Honestly I'm not a fan of Mexican food but the bf loves his burritos. As a result, we venture into this cuisine from time to time (I can't win every time right?!)
Taqueria La Bamba has one of the best tacos that I have ever had. My favorite is the carnitas with carne asada being a close second. The price is cheap and the facility is clean. They are super fast with the to-go orders; you can be in and out of there within 5 minutes.
tip: sometimes they forget to give you lime! make sure you check your food before you take off.
Taqueria La Bamba is easily my favorite when it comes to tacos and burritos. -
Review from Andrew S.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Simple mexican, counter service, fresh, quick, reasonable. The Al Pastor is amazing.
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Review from Jon E.
Eastlake, Seattle, WA
4/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good solid super burritos. I had the Al Pastor. It was yummy -- generous portions of meat, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. All wrapped in a perfectly rolled tortilla.
Next time I'd probably get the carne asada or carnitas. -
Review from James P.
Milpitas, CA
2/21/2011
This is a mixed of Mexican and Salvadoran food. I love the carnitas here, crunching, crusty and tasty but not dried. The steaks are pretty too probably marinated. I don't know about their burritos because I rarely eat them in general, just too much. However, their menu is pretty extensive and the prices are not bad.
Another plus about this place is the free chips and condiments where other restaurants lack.
For those who have never been here, there is no parking so either park on the streets or in parking lots a few blocks away. -
Review from Myra G.
Milpitas, CA
5/8/2011
Wow! It's been awhile, but I'm back yelping!
I came here with my coworker for lunch. We were in the mood for some Mexican food and since La Bamba was close to our work, we decided to try the place out.
Both my coworker and I ordered the Carnitas Super Burrito. Can I just say YUM! The burrito itself was huge, filled with rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream. However, not like most places, they definitely don't skip the meat. There was plenty of meat to go around. The only warning would be is that if you don't like your carnitas crunchy, then I would choose a different meat selection. I on the other hand liked the texture. It was something different.
We also ordered two drinks: Horchata and Melon. Both were just right and tasted like any other Horchata or Melon drink at a Taqueria joint.
OH and one last note: You've got to try their orange salsa!!
I think I'll have to come back and try out more stuff on their menu.
