TARASCOS (7.5)

3319 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 669-3300

www.tarascoslamexicanrestaurant.com

Vegi-Burrito: $6.59 after tax

Measurements: 9″ circumference; 7″ length (standard size)

Both black and re-fried beans are vegetarian (no lard)

Rice is made with chicken stock

Tarascos is the best example of a vegetarian burrito taqueria in the Silver Lake/ Echo Park area.  Nice outdoor seating, ample parking and complimentary chips and salsa make it a great place to hang out.  They have several types of veggie burritos, including a San Diego style California Burrito, so read the menu carefully before ordering.  Their salsa is exquisite, particularly their chile de arbol salsa (pictured below upper right orange/ red) .  The habanero is as hot as you’d expect from one of the spiciest peppers (pictured lower center).  Tomatillo is mild (pictured upper left green).  Their house salsa fresca tastes like they’ve been working on the recipe for decades (not pictured).  They have whole black beans or re-fried pinto beans.  Open until 3 AM on weekends.

Again, read the menu carefully, and order carefully

Value:  Good for the area

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday 5:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m., Sat 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 a.m.

Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

WIZARD’S SCORE: 7.5

LAS GLORIAS DEL BUEN COMER (6.5)

620 Silver Lake Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 484-9090

Measurements: 8” circumference, 7” length (smaller than average)

Soy Burrito $5.21 after tax

Charming affordable hideaway on Silver Lake Boulevard south of Sunset with a plethora of vegetarian options.  Whole black beans or refried pinto beans, white rice and so so guacamole.  Plain tofu chicken or beef.  Food reminds me of Hugo’s Tacos: only it’s cheaper, has a more charming atmosphere, and everything tastes a little fresher.  They make their own salsa and hot sauce.

Value: Good Value

WIZARD’S SCORE: 6.5

ALEGRIA (8.25)

3510 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90026

(323) 913-1422

www.alegriaonsunset.com

Measurements: 9.5” x 8.5” (larger than average)

Veggie Burrito $7.85 after tax.

Charming neighborhood Mexican restaurant with table service, or take-out.  A blend of authentic recipes, with fancy California cuisine flair.  Alegria is often mentioned as one of the great stripmall restaurants of L.A.  Veggie Burrito: fresh tomatoes, crisp greens, onions, cilantro, jack cheese, creme fraiche, vegan rice, black beans in a flour tortialla; red bar-b-que-esque hot sauce; guacamole is $2.95 extra.  Their pico de gallo (no jalapenos) has an interesting seasoning.

CASH ONLY

Value: They were charging $8 for a burrito before it was trendy

WIZARD’S SCORE: 8.25

BURRITO KING (6.25)

2109 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

(213) 484 9859

Measurements: 9” circumference, 7” length (standard size)

 

Beans: vegetarian

Rice: made with chicken base

Vegetarian Burrito #1 w/ guacamole: $5.20 after tax

#2 fajita style: $4.80 after tax

If you play the Family Feud of Silver Lake/ Echo Park and are asked to name a local burrito place,  the #1 answer is Burrito King.  It’s prominent signage at the intersection of Alvarado and Sunset can’t be missed.  Pretty much standard issue LA burrito.  There is some debate as to whether they put lard in their beans.  They claim they don’t, and I don’t taste it.  The spot is magic.  Sitting on one of the stools I think of someone moving to LA with everything packed in their car, coming up Alvarado from the 101 freeway to their new home in Silver Lake/ Echo Park (The 2, ie Alvarado at this point, is the dividing line between Echo Park and Silver Lake).  That first night walking (first and last walk in LA) down to Burrito King and having that first Los Angeles burrito forever to be romanticized…

 

2 types of vegetarian burritos, one with guacamole and the other fajita style, typical red and green sauce (although their red had a special zip).  Their tortillas are a little thicker and dryer than average.

Value: Not really

 

 

 

 

WIZARD’S SCORE: 6.25