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El Burrito Mexicano
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
El Burrito Mexicano
7.9
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A Wrigley-adjacent counter spot that’s built for late-night burritos and dependable tacos more than a linger-and-chat meal. The best results come from picking one burrito lane and adding a simple taco or side—big flavor, minimal fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lengua burrito, Al pastor burrito, Tacos de tripa
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Late-night burrito power with real offal and classic proteins.
Who should go: Late-night burrito and taco seekers
When to visit: After games or late evening
What to order: Lengua burrito, al pastor burrito, tripa tacos
Insider tip: Go lengua if you want the most distinctive, savory payoff.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; tight during games and late evenings. Plan to walk a few blocks or use rideshare.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — jeans, hoodies, game-day gear all normal.
Noise level: Moderate to loud late-night; ordering counter noise and steady foot traffic.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes late night; spikes briefly after Cubs games.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-and-cheese burritos, rice-and-bean plates, and veggie tacos.
Vegan options: Limited — beans, rice, tortillas, and salsa-based builds; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — corn tortillas available, but shared prep space means cross-contamination risk.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s fast, loud, and counter-focused. Better for casual hangs than conversation-driven dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating. You order first, then grab whatever spot opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes for older kids who like burritos; late night skews adult and crowded.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burritos, offal options like lengua and tripa, fast turnaround after games.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican meal, cocktails, or a quieter place to linger.
El Burrito Mexicano
8.2
A true Wrigleyville late-night anchor that’s built for cravings and speed—straightforward, filling, and tuned for the post-game/post-bar rush. It’s strongest when you order like a regular: one torta lane or one burrito lane, plus one small add-on to share.
Must-Try Dishes:
Milanesa Torta, Al Pastor Taco, Tamales (Red & Green)
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Open-late Mexican staples that stay fast under rush conditions.
Who should go: After-game and after-bar crews
When to visit: Late night, especially Fri–Sat
What to order: Milanesa torta, al pastor taco, tamales
Insider tip: Pick a single “main” (torta or burrito) and add one taco—done.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited late at night and especially tough on game nights. Plan to walk from a few blocks away or use rideshare.
Dress code: Ultra casual — jeans, hoodies, game gear all normal. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud during late-night rushes — expect shouting orders and crowd energy, not quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes late night Fri–Sat depending on bar closings and Cubs games
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; quick counter service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-and-cheese burritos, rice and bean plates, and cheese quesadillas are reliable options.
Vegan options: Limited — rice, beans, and veggie-based builds possible, but confirm no dairy or lard.
Gluten-free options: Limited — corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is likely in a fast-paced kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for conversation-driven dates — it’s loud, fast, and functional. Better as a casual late-night bite once you already know each other.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s mostly counter-service and turnover is fast. You may wait briefly during peak late-night rushes, but reservations aren’t a thing here.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes — simple menu and quick service work for kids. Late night is rowdy and best for adults only.
Best For
Better for: Late-night speed, value, and consistency when bars let out — big portions, fast builds, no-nonsense execution.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, quieter vibes, or polished Mexican plates — this is about efficiency, not ambiance.
El Burrito Mexicano
8.4
A Wrigleyville counter classic where tacos, gorditas, and burritos hit best when you keep the order focused and let the kitchen move fast. It’s built for pre-game or post-bar timing, with simple, well-seasoned fillings and a steady rhythm that holds up under heavy neighborhood traffic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Al pastor tacos, Gorditas
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume, no-frills Mexican near Wrigley that stays fast and reliable.
Who should go: After-game crowds and late-night taco seekers
When to visit: After games or late weekend nights
What to order: Carne asada tacos, al pastor tacos, a gordita
Insider tip: Pick one lane (tacos or gorditas) and keep it tight for speed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very difficult on game days and weekend nights—assume circling or rideshare.
Dress code: Ultra-casual; jerseys, hoodies, and bar attire are normal.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours—conversation is secondary to speed and turnover.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes late night; lines move quickly even when it looks busy.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of game-day spillover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, rice, and veggie-based tacos or burritos are available.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with custom orders (beans, rice, salsa, no dairy).
Gluten-free options: Corn-tortilla tacos are gluten-free by default; cross-contact possible in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's loud, fast, and functional. Better as a casual pre-game or post-bar food stop than a conversation-driven date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations; counter ordering only. Seats turn over quickly, but plan to eat fast or take it to go during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime or early evening, but late nights skew adult and bar-heavy.
Best For
Better for: Fast, no-frills tacos and gorditas that hold up under heavy late-night demand near Wrigley.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, quiet conversation, or a broader specialty menu—this is about speed and consistency, not exploration.
El Burrito Mexicano
8.2
A Wrigleyville counter classic built for fast, filling Mexican food that holds up when the neighborhood is busy. The best orders stay in one lane—tacos or a burrito—so everything lands hot and straightforward. Expect a no-frills room where speed and familiarity are the point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Al pastor taco dinner, Steak burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume, no-frills tacos and burritos built for speed near Wrigley.
Who should go: Late-night locals and post-game taco crews
When to visit: After games or late weekends
What to order: Carne asada tacos, al pastor taco dinner, steak burrito
Insider tip: Pick one lane (tacos or burritos) to keep timing tight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking only; very limited on game days and busy weekends. Expect to walk a few blocks or use rideshare during Cubs games.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — jeans, hoodies, team gear all normal.
Noise level: High — fast-moving counter energy, not ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak; longer after games or late-night rushes
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a few minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-and-cheese tacos, rice, and veggie burritos are easy swaps.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, and vegetables, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn tortillas are available, but no separate prep area so cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal. It’s loud, quick, and transactional — better for casual eats than conversation or atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It’s counter-service with open seating; just order, grab food, and sit when space opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos and burritos. No special kids menu, but portions are flexible and forgiving.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Mexican that stays reliable during high-volume moments like games and late nights.
Skip if: You want atmosphere, margaritas, or a sit-down Mexican dining experience.
El Burrito Mexicano
8.2
A Wrigleyville-area classic that works best as a no-frills taco stop when you want something filling and straightforward near the stadium flow. Keep the order tight—two or three tacos plus a drink—so everything lands hot and properly seasoned.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lengua taco, Chorizo taco, Tacos de carne asada
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Late-friendly counter Mexican with tacos that hold up under rush.
Who should go: Post-game crews and late-night locals
When to visit: After games or late weekends
What to order: Lengua taco, chorizo taco, carne asada tacos
Insider tip: Order tacos first, then add a side only if you’re still hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very competitive on game days and after 7pm. Plan to walk a few blocks or use rideshare during Cubs games.
Dress code: Very casual — jerseys, hoodies, and jeans are standard.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; quieter late-night after the rush.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during busy periods; longer on game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, beans, rice, and cheese-based options.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, and veggie fillings; confirm ingredients when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortilla tacos are available; cross-contact possible during rush.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date, but great if you want something casual, fast, and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — counter ordering and quick turnover mean reservations aren’t needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, quick service, and flexible seating work well for older kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night tacos that stay hot and filling even during heavy Wrigleyville foot traffic.
Skip if: You want atmosphere, margaritas, or a sit-down Mexican dining experience.