Al & Bea's Mexican Food

One of my favorite burrito spots in LA. I grew up a couple miles from here, and Al and Bea's and Manny's (El Tepeyac) have been favorites for decades. What makes these burritos so special for me is the creamy refried beans. The other ingredients are fine -- I like that chicharron -- but the refried beans are great.

Al and Bea's has been open since 1964. It's a fairly small place, with just a few tables in their outdoor and indoor patio. You order at one window and pick up your food at the other. They now take credit cards. The menu hasn't changed in years, it's mostly burritos, some tacos, enchiladas and burgers.

The bean & green chile (with cheese added) is fantastic. I also love the chicharron and the chile relleno. The simple bean & cheese, with red or green sauce, is swell.

The burritos are smallish and priced accordingly -- the bean & green chile is around $4, and all burritos are under $7. So go ahead and order a few burritos for your meal, and an extra one to have for breakfast the next day.

I've also had the Snack Plate, consisting of chips, cheese, green chile, side of beans and guacamole, which you can top with either chicken or beef. It's simple and tasty. Take it to go to nearby Indie Brewing and wash it down with a good beer while watching a Dodger or Laker game.

Did You Know: A few years ago Nate Silver's 538 website had a March Madness style bracket to crown the best burrito in America. Al and Bea's made it to the Final Four but lost out to El Farolito in the Mission District in SF. The reviewers considered it an upset, and noted that the last burrito they had at Al and Bea's just wasn't up to their usual standards, and that they probably just got a burrito on an off day. Seriously, these could be considered among the best burritos in the country.

Very much overdue review. Every time i'm in the Boyle Heights area I come here to pick up a few burritos for myself. It is THE BEST BURRITO IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA. I order the classic bean and cheese w/chili, Chicharrón (has pieces of pork still on it) and the all meat. Place is just amazing. Definitely must hit up.

Bout as authentic LA as it gets right here.  Traffic due to quarantine enabled me to get to Boyal Heights, pickup burrito and back to my house in Santa Monica in 45 minutes.  Ground beef (xtra meat), bean, cheese and green chili.

I have been wanting to try this place for a long time. I decided to cheat on my KETO diet today and try it. I was craving beans!  

I ordered a bean & cheese burrito with green sauce, all meat burrito, chips, salads and guacamole.

The guacamole was watery and bland. It's more of an avocado sauce then a guacamole. But no avocado taste....(maybe made from frozen avocados?). Salsa was watery and lacked flavor also.

The all meat burrito..was pretty good. Meat had good flavor. It had green sauce and cheese inside but I felt it needed something else...maybe next time I'll add sour cream.

The bean & cheese burrito with green sauce...although it is very basic this was the highlight of my meal. It was delicious and flavorful.  A must have next time I go back!

Don't sleep on Al & Bea's. Love this place! It's all street parking, kinda sucks but find somewhere to park and walk up. Not that big of a deal-- when you are coming for something glorious, you do everything in your power to receive it. Don't be a hater.

I've ordered:
COMBINATION BURRITO: what I've ordered when I'm feeling like some meats
- bean, cheese, and shredded beef
BEAN AND CHEESE: I'm a red sauce on the side kinda gal.

AL & BEA'S SPECIAL BURRITO: git ittttt.
- bean, cheese, meat, lettuce, rice, etc -- it's like an everything burrito

Overall, delish.

Ordered 2 red and one green sauce bean burrito. Just came with beans and unmelted cheese. No sauce at all. This place is not what it used to be.

I remember my aunt and cousin put me on this place about 7+ years ago. My sister came into town and we happened to be in the Boyle Heights area I decided to put her on.

Man oh man! I forgot how bomb this place is!! It hits the spot every time and always made fresh to order with fast service. The bean and cheese burrito is so mouth watering and worth the $3. I got 2 everything tacos for $2.50 each and they were stuffed with lettuce, cheese, guac, and a fat tomato. The meat has that authentic old fashioned Mexican restaurant taste. I highly suggest the tacos!

Al & Bea's finally accepts cards after years of being cash only. What I love most about Al & Bea's is the fact that they kept their prices fairly cheap over the years. Not many other food spots can say that!! Thank you al and Bea's for staying affordable and being a staple in the Boyle heights LA community!!

First time here getting takeouts.  There was a long line, which was a good sign.  The burritos were good but it was somewhat "runny".  I guess it depends on your taste for burritos.  My husband seemed to enjoy it.

I've decided to start looking for the best Mexican food in LA and many signs point me here. When we got here there was live music and the service was quick. I got a bean and rice burrito with the green sauce, which was super tasty! I really liked the beans and the green sauce was a nice added bit of flavor. I would've liked some lime with it, which I am sure I could've asked for if I had thought of it. The tortillas are ok, but have no flavor to them. They are mostly a vessel for the delicious interior. I will definitely be coming back to try more things and when I do I'll update my review!

What can I say that other people haven't about the bean and cheese burrito.  Keep it simple folks. All you need to order is the bean and cheese burrito with red sauce. Two of those bad boys will do the job...Or one bean and cheese and one chili relleno burrito.  drove with the family all the way from Woodland Hills a couple of days ago after work... Drove for one hour and dealt with the traffic and three screaming boys in the backseat-WORTH IT!

Background On Visits: My coworker recommended me to this place. He said if I liked bean and cheese burritos, Al & Bea's was where it's at. Didn't have to tell me twice.

Visitation Rights: Been here a total of 3 times.

Location: Closest cross streets are: East 1st and St. Louis St.. Parking can be found along east 1st street, but I like to park on St. Louis St. and just walk to the shop.

Ambiance/Decor: Not much of an ambiance. The area is a bit sketch, but don't let that scare you off on trying some great burritos. They do have tables in their outdoor patio for your seating pleasure. I see this mainly a take it to go type of place.

Service: Not much service here, but the staffers are friendly and do offer you great suggestions. Food also comes out at a decent time also.

Food: The main attraction is their bean and cheese burritos! So cheesy and yum! The bean burrito also comes with red or green sauce. I usually get the green sauce on the side.

Bean And Cheese Burrito For Thought: Definitely coming back for more if I am in the area or if I want to venture out there on my lunch break at work.

Awesome beans and super cheap. Get the snack plate and stuffed jalapeños. I prefer the red sauce in my bean and cheese burrito. Call to order. They are really good at keeping clean with gloves and masks on.

love this place the food is exceptional!! i have had everything on the menu!!
great customer service!! the line is always long but ryan and other employees are quick with taking their orders!!!

ok so the food-
burritos
combination burro- shredded beef bean cheese salsa
bean and cheese
chile relleno - beans salsa chile relleno
chicaron - chicaron salsa
chicken- chicken beans (salsa) if asked

2-taquitos guacamole

hard shell tacos - shred beef cheese lettuce tomatoes- if asked grac/ salsa

chili cheese fries

and other things on menu..simple menu but everything is delicious!!
everything served quickly and fresh!!!

thanks for
your excellent service all these year

Brought my bf for a taste of Boyle Heights...naturally Al & Bea's was on the agenda.  This spot never disappoints. They are consistently delicious even a few decades later.  Of course the combination burrito is a must, but the chicharron burrito is so yummy. Needless to say the bf was a huge fan...Al & Bea's you now have a new fan.

This spot is still very good i first went there back in the 90's when I worked in Monterey Park, just a few weeks ago decided to try the again and the taste is still the same yummy!  Their beans are still just as yummy as ever only bean and cheese burrito i will ever eat.

Been coming here since I was 12. Used to be combination burrito was my favorite. Now it just simple bean and cheese. That's 45 years of the best burritos in LA. It's a drive but it's worth it
Update: I don't know what the cashiers problem is?

This is going to be short & sweet.

Hands down one of the best
B E A N & C H E E S E
burritos in the area.  

They also burgers, tacos, etc // ENJOY!

Delicious Tacos and bean and cheese burritos. I really enjoyed the customer service. Al and Bea's is located in Boyle Heights right off the I-5. When you arrive you will be greeted by people singing outside. This restaurant is an LA staple

This place is a hidden gem right in the heart of East LA.  It's been a long time establishment with a string of repeat customers.  They're located right on 1st Street one block from the Hollenbeck Police station.  

This place is known for their shredded beef but also they can fry just about anything.  Your taco, burrito, etc.

I got the Al & Bea's special burrito.  I would've attached a pic but I was too hungry and it was really delicious, taking a pic was an afterthought...lol

That means I'll have to come back to order more of their great tasting food.  Stop by for yourself!

There is NOTHING like this place, I been eating here since a kid.& every time I come back it never changes  

Super fireeee