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El Burrito Jr. #5
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
El Burrito Jr. #5
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Burrito Jr on PCH is a no-frills drive-thru and counter-service joint focused on oversized burritos, breakfast plates, and basic tacos at very friendly prices. It’s the grab-and-go choice for surfers, students, and commuters who want something filling and familiar without getting out of the car.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super deluxe carne asada burrito, Carnitas burrito with salsa roja, Ceviche tostada with extra lime
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Classic South Bay drive-thru for huge, budget-friendly burritos.
Who should go: Hungry commuters and students needing fast, filling food
When to visit: Late breakfast through early evening for shortest drive-thru line
What to order: Super deluxe burrito, carnitas burrito, ceviche tostada
Insider tip: Ask for salsa on the side to control heat and avoid soggy tortillas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot with limited spaces; most guests rely on quick in-and-out driveway access or brief street parking along PCH.
Dress code: Ultra casual—come as you are, from gym clothes to beachwear.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly drive-thru and takeout, so conversations are easy if you’re eating in your car or at the small counter.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on drive-thru traffic; rarely a true wait for walk-up orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the drive-thru can stack slightly during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few solid options like bean and cheese burritos, quesadillas, and breakfast plates without meat.
Vegan options: Limited—bean burrito without cheese is the main choice; verify ingredients for tortillas and rice if strict.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free protocols; corn tortillas available but cross-contact should be expected.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date unless you're aiming for a low-key, fun, grab-and-go vibe. It’s more about convenience than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations or formal seating; orders are placed at the counter or drive-thru and taken to-go. Seating is extremely limited.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for quick takeout meals. Portions are large, so smaller plates may need sharing. No highchairs or dine-in amenities.
Best For
Better for: Huge, affordable burritos and fast drive-thru convenience when you want something filling without stopping for a full meal.
Skip if: You want sit-down comfort, lighter health-focused options, or a more polished Mexican dining experience.
El Burrito Jr. #5
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Burrito Jr #5 is a long-running drive-up stand on Pacific Coast Highway where oversize burritos share the griddle with straightforward tacos. Commuters and locals roll through for quick carne asada, carnitas, and breakfast burritos, with tacos as an easy add-on when you want something smaller than a two-handed burrito. The setup is pure South Bay roadside—more about scale and speed than finesse—but it hits when you want hearty, inexpensive Mexican comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Burrito with Salsa Roja, Carne Asada Tacos, Chorizo Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Roadside burrito stand where tacos, burritos, and breakfast all move fast.
Who should go: Hungry commuters and locals craving big portions on a budget.
When to visit: Daytime and early evening to dodge peak drive-through lines.
What to order: Carnitas burrito, carne asada tacos, breakfast burrito with chorizo.
Insider tip: Ask for salsa on the side so tacos don’t get soggy in transit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small onsite lot with quick turnover; additional street parking available along PCH, usually easy during daytime.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; most people are in everyday clothes or workout gear.
Noise level: Low to moderate outdoors; easy to hold a conversation while waiting but there is no indoor seating.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on drive-up line; walk-up orders tend to move faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though the drive-through can back up slightly during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—bean and cheese burritos, rice, chips, and customizable veggie tacos.
Vegan options: Very limited—order bean burritos without cheese and confirm no lard in beans; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are typically used for tacos, but there is no cross-contamination control; suitable only for non-sensitive diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—there’s no indoor seating and the experience is built around quick drive-up meals. Better for casual bites, errands, or post-beach hunger rather than a date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables and no reservations. It’s strictly drive-through or walk-up ordering, with some people eating in their cars.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals—families often stop by for burritos and tacos to-go. There’s no seating or play area, so best for car dining or taking food home.
Best For
Better for: Oversized burritos, fast service, and value-focused Mexican comfort that beats nearby spots when you want big portions with minimal wait.
Skip if: You want handmade tortillas, refined salsas, dine-in seating, or a slower, more polished taco experience—other South Torrance taquerias will fit that better.
El Burrito Jr. #5
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
El Burrito Jr #5 is a classic South Torrance counter-service spot where oversized burritos, breakfast plates, and simple combos come out fast and hot. Locals rely on it for drive-by carne asada, chile verde, and breakfast burritos with portions that lean heavy on rice, beans, and salsa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Deluxe Burrito with Carne Asada, Breakfast Burrito, Bean and Cheese Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school, drive-up burrito stop with big portions and house salsa.
Who should go: Burrito lovers craving fast, filling South Bay classics.
When to visit: Weekdays at lunch or early dinner to avoid lines.
What to order: Deluxe carne asada burrito, breakfast burrito, chips and salsa.
Insider tip: Call ahead and use the small lot to avoid PCH traffic stress.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot with tight spaces; usually manageable on weekdays but can back up during peak lunch and early dinner. Nearby residential street parking is limited but possible with short walks.
Dress code: Completely casual; come as you are. Beachwear, gym clothes, and everyday attire are all common.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly order-and-go traffic with some dine-in chatter. Easy to hold a conversation at the tables outside.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during rush periods, especially for drive-through–style pick-ups.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though a brief line forms during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean and cheese burritos, veggie burritos, and simple substitutions are available.
Vegan options: Limited — you can request bean and rice burritos without cheese or sour cream, but customization is required.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free protocols; corn tortillas are available but cross-contact is likely in a compact kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date unless you're aiming for extremely casual, quick, no-frills vibes. It’s more of a grab-and-go or casual lunch spot than a sit-down experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations are not used. Seating is first-come, first-served, and most guests take food to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menus, quick service, and large portions work well for families. No dedicated kids' menu, but burritos and combos split easily for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling, classic South Bay burritos with big portions and reliable house salsa. Ideal for quick meals, budget-friendly stops, and old-school counter-service efficiency.
Skip if: You want gourmet, ingredient-driven burritos, vegetarian-forward menus, or a comfortable dine-in environment with ambiance. Consider alternatives if you prefer lighter, more modern builds.
El Burrito Jr. #5
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
El Burrito Jr. #5 is a counter-service South Bay staple where big burritos and no-frills tacos fuel late evening takeout runs. The focus is on speed, portions, and familiar flavors, making it a reliable stop when you want a couple of tacos and a hefty burrito before heading home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Super Deluxe Burrito, Breakfast Burrito (served later into the day)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: South Bay counter joint known for hefty burritos and straightforward tacos at late hours.
Who should go: Hungry night owls wanting big portions over frills.
When to visit: Later evenings before closing for grab-and-go tacos and burritos.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, Super Deluxe Burrito, breakfast burrito.
Insider tip: Split a Super Deluxe Burrito with a friend and add extra salsa cups for dipping.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small onsite lot plus adjacent street parking along PCH; usually easy later in the evening.
Dress code: Come-as-you-are casual; most guests arrive in everyday wear after errands or workouts.
Noise level: Low to moderate; counter-service bustle but easy enough for basic conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on takeout rush; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait aside from brief ordering queues.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options like bean-and-cheese burritos, cheese quesadillas, and simple veggie tacos.
Vegan options: Limited; bean burritos and basic veggie modifications possible, but no dedicated vegan fillings.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available, but no formal gluten-free protocols or cross-contact controls.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date unless you both want a quick, casual bite; it's more about convenience than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with open seating; tables turn over quickly even during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; casual seating, familiar menu items, and quick service make it easy for families with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, fast service, and late-night convenience compared to sit-down Mexican spots.
Skip if: You want specialty tacos, craft salsas, or a more atmospheric dine-in experience.
El Burrito Jr. #5
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Burrito Jr. #5 is a no-frills South Torrance counter where oversized burritos, foil-wrapped breakfast orders, and drive-thru tacos keep costs low and portions high. It’s the classic grab-and-go choice when you want to be full for well under twenty dollars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Deluxe Burrito, Carne Asada Taco, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Old-school burrito stand with drive-thru convenience and hefty portions.
Who should go: Hungry locals prioritizing size and speed over ambiance.
When to visit: Lunch and late evening for the steadiest griddle rhythm.
What to order: Super Deluxe Burrito, carne asada tacos, any breakfast burrito.
Insider tip: Split a Super Deluxe and add extra salsa cups if you’re watching spend.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot with quick turnover; easy street parking on nearby residential blocks except during school pick-up hours.
Dress code: Anything casual; most guests arrive in everyday clothes or gym wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly drive-thru traffic and counter chatter, still easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for counter orders; drive-thru can stretch to 10–15 minutes during peak evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait at the counter; drive-thru moves steadily with minimal delays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several workable options including bean-and-cheese burritos, potato tacos, and breakfast plates without meat.
Vegan options: Limited—bean burritos without cheese, chips and salsa, and some sides; no dedicated vegan substitutes.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—corn tortillas available, but no dedicated prep area and cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is a functional counter-and-drive-thru spot built for speed and value, not ambiance or lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come and typically available; most customers grab food to go, keeping tables open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—low-key environment, fast service, and large burritos that are easy to split. No high chairs or dedicated kids’ menu, but families visit often.
Best For
Better for: Burrito size and value; quick meals under twenty dollars; reliable late-evening takeout when you want something filling fast.
Skip if: You’re looking for dine-in atmosphere, specialty salsas, or more refined Mexican plates—other sit-down spots in the area fit that better.
El Burrito Jr. #5
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Burrito Jr. #5 is a counter-and-drive-thru joint on Pacific Coast Highway known for oversized foil-wrapped burritos and straightforward combo plates. It’s a classic South Bay move when you want to be full for under twenty dollars without leaving the car.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Deluxe Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Breakfast Burrito with Bacon
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Old-school South Bay drive-thru with huge burritos and all-day combos.
Who should go: Hungry diners prioritizing portions and speed over ambiance.
When to visit: Lunch and early evening to avoid peak drive-thru backups.
What to order: Super Deluxe Burrito, carnitas burrito, bacon breakfast burrito.
Insider tip: Customize burritos by asking for extra meat, easy beans, or added hot salsa.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot shared with neighboring businesses plus limited street parking; easiest to access during off-peak hours.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are, drive-thru friendly.
Noise level: Low to moderate; most people take food to-go, so the dining room stays conversational.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes in the drive-thru; walk-up counter is usually faster.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes depending on burrito orders and griddle volume.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options, including bean-and-cheese burritos, cheese quesadillas, and veggie-stuffed variants.
Vegan options: Limited — bean burrito with no cheese and basic sides are the main choices.
Gluten-free options: No designated gluten-free protocols; corn tortillas are available but cross-contact is expected.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date appreciates old-school drive-thru charm; it’s more about speed and portions than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating; tables are first-come and usually available outside peak lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menus, quick service, and booth seating work well for families; portions are large enough to share.
Best For
Better for: Massive burritos, fast drive-thru service, and under-$20 meals that leave you full.
Skip if: You want polished ambiance, specialty salsas, or extensive regional Mexican dishes beyond the basics.
El Burrito Jr. #5
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Burrito Jr. #5 is a no-frills South Bay mini-chain outpost with a drive-thru and walk-up counter, where big burritos and simple hard-shell tacos keep costs low and portions high. It’s the move when you want a four-taco combo, a foil-wrapped burrito, and a soda without getting out of the car.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Taco Combo, Super Deluxe Burrito, Bacon Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Drive-thru burrito and taco stand known for hefty portions at low prices.
Who should go: Hungry diners prioritizing size, speed, and convenience.
When to visit: Lunch and early evening to dodge the longest drive-thru lines.
What to order: Carne asada taco combo, Super Deluxe Burrito, bacon breakfast burrito.
Insider tip: Customize tacos with extra salsa and jalapeños to punch up the drive-thru order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot with limited spaces plus some street parking on PCH; usually available but can bottleneck during peak meal times.
Dress code: Come-as-you-are casual — anything from gym clothes to beachwear is perfectly normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly drive-thru traffic and kitchen sounds, but easy for conversation at the outdoor tables.
Weekend wait: Drive-thru can stack up to 10–15 minutes; walk-up counter typically 5–10 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait — often under 5 minutes unless a rush hits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — bean-and-cheese burritos, cheese enchiladas, and customizable tacos.
Vegan options: Limited — beans (verify lard), rice, and veggie modifications; not a dedicated vegan-friendly spot.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free protocols; corn tortillas can work for some diners but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe you're going for is ultra-casual and low-pressure — it's more about convenience and hearty portions than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it's counter service with outdoor seating; most guests use the drive-thru, so tables usually turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — fast service, mild menu options, and big portions make it easy for families; no special amenities but very laid-back.
Best For
Better for: Portion size, speed, and convenience — especially if you want a satisfying burrito or taco combo on a tight budget.
Skip if: You're looking for standout tacos, high-quality ingredients, or a sit-down atmosphere; other local spots specialize more in flavor or experience.
El Burrito Jr. #5
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Burrito Jr. #5 is a drive-thru and walk-up stand where hard-shell tacos, burrito combos, and soda cups fuel budget-friendly taco runs all day. It’s more fast-food-adjacent than sit-down cantina, but for quick Taco Tuesday style stops at happy hour prices, it’s a long-standing South Torrance habit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hard-shell beef taco combo, Carne asada tacos with salsa, Junior burrito with chips
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Old-school drive-thru Mexican stand where taco combos stay inexpensive and filling.
Who should go: Drivers and families wanting fast, cheap tacos without table service.
When to visit: Late lunch or pre-dinner hours to avoid peak drive-thru backups.
What to order: Hard-shell taco combo, carne asada tacos with extra salsa, junior burrito.
Insider tip: Walk-up orders often move faster than the drive-thru during prime after-work rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot shared with neighboring businesses; usually open spots outside peak meal hours. Easy street parking along PCH except during commute rush.
Dress code: Come-as-you-are casual—athletic wear, beachwear, and work clothes are all normal.
Noise level: Low—no indoor dining room, and outdoor/order-window chatter stays minimal.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on drive-thru line; walk-up counter is typically quicker.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait outside of a short drive-thru queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—bean tacos, bean-and-cheese burritos, and rice/beans sides.
Vegan options: Very limited—bean tacos or burritos without cheese; confirm ingredients at the window.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free procedures; corn tortillas available but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No—this is a drive-thru taco stand built for speed and convenience, not atmosphere or conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations—orders are takeout only via drive-thru or walk-up window.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple tacos, burritos, and combo plates work well for kids. Parents should note there’s no dine-in seating.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive hard-shell tacos and burrito combos that beat most sit-down spots on speed and cost.
Skip if: You want margaritas, a full happy hour menu, or a dine-in Mexican restaurant experience.
El Burrito Jr. #5
7.8
El Burrito Jr. #5 is a drive-thru and walk-up Mexican stand where hard-shell tacos, breakfast burritos, and combo plates keep family meals inexpensive and fast. It’s more classic roadside joint than sit-down restaurant, but for quick taco nights or post-beach burritos, it’s firmly in the local rotation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Hard-Shell Taco Combo, Super Burrito Deluxe
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school Mexican drive-thru where burritos and taco combos stay cheap.
Who should go: Families needing fast, filling Mexican without table service.
When to visit: Off-peak late lunch or early dinner to avoid long lines.
What to order: Breakfast Burrito, hard-shell taco combo, Super Burrito Deluxe.
Insider tip: Split a giant burrito between younger kids and add extra salsa cups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot with a quick turnaround plus adjacent street parking along PCH; usually easy except during peak meal rush.
Dress code: Completely casual—beachwear, hoodies, and post-sports-practice outfits are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate outdoors; mostly drive-thru and walk-up traffic, so conversation is easy if you’re eating in the car or at the limited outdoor seating.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on drive-thru line; walk-up can be slightly faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait beyond standard order prep time.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few vegetarian-friendly basics like bean-and-cheese burritos, cheese quesadillas, and rice/bean plates.
Vegan options: Very limited—bean options without cheese may work, but there’s no dedicated vegan prep or menu.
Gluten-free options: No formal gluten-free program; some plates can be made without flour tortillas but cross-contact is unavoidable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is a drive-thru/stand setup built for speed, not ambiance. Better for casual hangs or quick bites.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations and only minimal outdoor seating. Most diners take food to-go or eat in the car.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—great for families with younger kids who want simple tacos, burritos, and quick service. No high chairs or indoor dining, but portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive burritos and tacos when you need a quick meal without sit-down service.
Skip if: You want a dine-in experience, extensive vegan options, or a quieter sit-down meal.