In honor of National Burrito Day on April 1, we’ve rounded up the top 10 burrito-ordering cities in the country. Does your town make the list?
Is there any food more perfect than a burrito? This versatile, portable, and oh-so-delicious creation works for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can stuff it with eggs and bacon, chicken or beef, vegetables, and—of course—beans … black beans, red beans, whole beans, refried beans. All the beans. It’s no wonder that the burrito has earned its own National Burrito Day, the first Thursday in April.
Beloved across borders and from coast to coast, the burrito has inspired cult-like adoration. While the burrito originally established its American foothold in Southern California back in the 1940s, discerning diners all across the nation have fully embraced this fun-to-eat meal option. Our data shows that the top two metro areas in love with the burrito are Phoenix and LA, but don’t let that fool you into thinking burrito territory exists only in the west. Hardly. Also included on our list of top ten burrito-loving cities are Atlanta, Washington DC, Dallas, Denver, Chicago, Oakland, Boston, and Tampa. Clearly, the burrito has conquered the whole country.
The word “burrito” is a diminutive form of burro or donkey. Burrito historians theorize that the tortilla-wrapped delight might have been so named to reflect its role as a kind of sidekick to the horses ridden by Mexican cowboys or vaqueros. The story goes that because burritos could be easily packed into the cowboys’ saddle bags for travel, they were compared to the donkeys that often accompanied horses on the trail. There are other theories, including one about a 1940s street vendor who called the school kids he served “burritos,” meaning that they were dim-witted. We prefer the story about the cowboys.
Wherever the name came from, the burrito really took off in the 1950s and never looked back. From the early days of fairly basic (and, by today’s standards, “skinny”) options to the more contemporary, overstuffed behemoths, the burrito has found its way into our hearts.
And as we continue to cope with life in the time of COVID, the burrito offers the additional benefit of being a meal option that’s made for individual serving. National Burrito Day would be the perfect time for some crowd-pleasing burrito catering delivered right to your office. Whether you have a breakfast meeting, a client lunch, or a late-night working session with the team, the burrito is the perfect choice. Individually packaged burrito boxed lunches offer variety with chicken, steak, pork, and veggie options. You can also go the “deconstructed” route with a burrito bowl.
We wanted to know which parts of the country love burritos the best, so we looked at ezCater burrito orders for the past year. These 10 cities rose to the top as the most burrito-loving locations in the nation. We’ve included some of the most popular restaurants to order burrito catering from in each locale.
1. Phoenix, Arizona
Carmen’s Tamales
The individually packaged burrito box from the Carmen’s Tamales lunch menu includes a burrito, rice, and beans.
America’s Taco Shop
Not just a plethora of lunchtime burritos, but breakfast burrito options, too! Most popular are the Ranchero Breakfast Burritos and the Carne Asada “Burrito Bag” bagged lunch.
Cafe Rio
With an individually packaged lunch option known simply as, “Burrito”, Cafe Rio’s not messing around. If it’s burritos you want, it’s burritos you’ll get. And maybe some Tres Leches Pie…
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2. Los Angeles/Long Beach, California
El Pollo Loco
With a name that translates to “The Crazy Chicken,” it’s no surprise that the folks at El Pollo Loco go all out with their burritos. Their individually packaged options come in five variations, three with chicken, two without.
Bird’s Nest Cafe
If you’ve got a hungry crew to feed, the Breakfast Burrito Platter from the Bird’s Nest Cafe might be just the thing to jump start the day. Choose from five burrito varieties including the Oh My Goodness Burrito. You really can’t go wrong with that one!
My Taco Guy
A family-owned local favorite, My Taco Guy has you covered with breakfast burritos, boxed lunch burritos, and bowl bars. And don’t forget their authentic desserts or maybe some refreshing lemonade.
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3. Atlanta, Georgia
No Mas! Cantina
Burrito Grande Box: Each box includes a burrito (w/ your choice of meat, black beans, poblano rice, queso, guacamole, sour cream & pico de gallo in a flour tortilla), chips, salsa, and dessert.
On The Border
From burritos to fajitas to their famous “border bowls,” the On The Border menu has plenty of crowd pleasers to choose from. And they are all available as individually packaged servings for convenience and safety.
Verde Taquiera
Check out the hearty Burrito Bowl Boxed Lunch, which includes rice & beans, pico de gallo, queso fresco, and your choice of meat or vegetables plus chips and salsa. Add in a few of their famous fresh-baked oatmeal raisin cookies for an extra treat.
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4. Washington, DC
Chevys Fresh Mex
Simple, fresh, and authentic. Chevys Fresh Mex’s Burrito Boxed Lunch has you covered with your choice of burrito (five flavors available), chips and salsa, and a chocolate chip cookie. All the good stuff in one individually packaged presentation.
Guapo’s Fine Mexican Cuisine
Guapo’s has earned its share of accolades over the years: best salsa in DC (according to Fox 5 News) plus a mention on the Today Show. Not too shabby. Their individually packaged burrito bowls—available with chicken, steak, veggies, or beans—will inspire rave reviews every time.
Sol Mexican Grill
Started by three brothers with a passion for street food, Sol Mexican Grill offers breakfast and lunch burritos, so you can enjoy their delicious and authentic food at any time of the day.
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5. Dallas, Texas
On The Border
1982. Three friends. A few tequila shots. The rest is history. On The Border may have taken over the country, but it started right here in Dallas, and is still going strong. Check out individually packaged Burrito Boxes, Taco Boxes, “Border Bowls” and more. You can’t go wrong.
Tacos Y Mas
Another long-time Dallas favorite, Tacos Y Mas launched in 1997. Their Grande Burrito is a great deal. The giant flour tortilla is stuffed to bursting with all your favorite fillins and fixins.
Doña Mary, Antojitos Mexicanos
Breakfast burritos, sizzling fajitas, hearty enchiladas, and something called a “Dirty Taco”—there’s a delicious choice to satisfy every member of your party. And don’t forget the Sopapillas. Seriously. Don’t forget them.
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6. Denver, Colorado
El Mejor Mexican Cuisine
This family-owned business prides itself on preparing and serving food as if they were cooking it at home. You’ll taste the hospitality. Their El Mejor Burrito comes in protein and vegetarian options.
Qdoba
Creating “crave-worthy” Mexican dishes is Qdoba’s goal, and they’re serious about it. Combine one of their six Burrito Boxed Lunches (including the Brisket Burrito) with their Double Chocolate Brownie, and your team will be raving.
Milagro Burritos
Milagro Burritos is all about burritos. Says so right in the name. It’s also about miracles (Milagro means “Miracle” in Spanish), and you might agree after you’ve tried any one of their Breakfast NBurritos or Burrito Boxed Lunches. So many options to choose from, and all divine!
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7. Chicago, Illinois
Jarabe
The word “Jarabe” means a syrup or tonic that you put in your body to make yourself feel good. And feeling good is exactly what you’ll be doing when you sink your teeth into one of their delicious boxed burrito lunches. Try Tex Mex or Deluxe, or mix it up with a burrito bowl. So many options!
El Ranchito
Steak Burritos (a perennial fave), Chicken Burritos, Ground Beef Burritos, Veggie Burritos, and Mini Burritos (that’s right, Mini Burritos)—the team at El Ranchito has you covered.
Mixteco Mexican Grill
Mouthwatering is the word that comes to mind to describe Mixteco’s individually packaged burritos. Choose from six varieties (including tofu) and twelve different add ons. The combinations are nearly endless!
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8. Oakland, California
Los Moles
Los Moles brings you the taste of Mexico with a modern twist, crafted by Chef Lito Saldana. Wow your clients with their Breakfast Burrito Platter, or regular Burrito Platter. And earn yourself additional kudos with an order of their handmade Churros Caseros for dessert.
Best Coast Burritos
Inspired by the laid-back vibe of the California coast, Best Coast Burritos brings you unique and super tasty options like their California Burrito (which features fries … in the burrito!), Shrimp Burrito, and Surf & Turf Burrito (featuring steak and shrimp).
La Salsa
Started as a little taqueria way back in 1979, La Salsa is now a not-so-secret local favorite with a reputation for super fresh ingredients and unique salsas. In addition to their Burrito Grande Tray, they offer five different breakfast burritos to start your day right.
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9. Boston, Massachusetts
Boloco
“Bold and addictive” is how Boloco describes their flavor philosophy. Sounds like a great way to make an impression. They are also Certified Green. They offer a range of burritos and burrito bowls in all kinds of options including gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian.
Los Amigos Taqueria
Contemporary Mexican cuisine made from fresh ingredients with a focus on healthy options. Their delicious Burrito Bagged Lunch comes with one of ten different burritos, plus chips, salsa, and hot sauce.
Anna’s Taqueria
Keepin’ it real since 1995, Anna’s Taqueria combines authentic recipes with expert assembly to deliver burritos that are sure to please. They also offer unique ordering options that bundle a burrito meal with a variety of add ons like drinks to make ordering a snap.
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10. Tampa, Florida
Moe’s Southwest Grill
With more than 700 locations around the world, Moe’s has definitely made its mark. And it’s not just their delicious food. Their name stands for “Musicians, Outlaws, and Entertainers.” Sounds like a good crowd to hang with, right? Get in on the fun with their individually packaged Burrito Box or their Mini Burritos.
Tijuana Flats
What started out as the dream of a college kid with no restaurant experience has become a 124-restaurant empire dedicated to a “Tastes Good. Does Good.” approach that gives back to the community. Fave options from this caterer include the Burrito Boxed Lunch and their Burrito Take Home Meal Kit.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Good vibes is the motto at Fuzzy’s. In addition to great food, they are dedicated to supporting the community from making sure no kid goes hungry to providing discounts to first responders. Their Burrito Bowl Bar and Deluxe Burrito Bowl Bar are great solutions for a big crowd, and their individually packaged Classic Burrito Box features a jumbo burrito, chips, queso, salsa, and their renowned “Butt Burnin’” hot sauce.
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If your city isn’t listed above, don’t worry! We’ve got your office catering covered, nationwide. We’ll make it easy for your whole team to celebrate National Burrito Day (April 1 in 2021) in style.
