During a recent procrastination session, I was amazed at the number of places selling burritos near to UCL. Given this and in part inspired by my new favourite TV programme Man vs Food, I decided to pay each one a visit and establish once and for all, which place sold the best burrito near to UCL.
It’s worth pointing out that I’ve adopted quite strict selection criteria for my test. I’ve only selected food outlets that make burritos on site (be it eat-in or take-away) thereby ruling out any supermarket ready meals that might be available near campus. Additionally, all premises must be within a fifteen minute walk of the SPP Rubin Building where I often tend to be based. That therefore rules out places such as Chilango (in Holborn), Tortilla (in Angel), and Wahaca (in Soho). This has left me with five places to assess against each other. Results are below, with each having been visited at least once since May 2012.
El Burrito (Charlotte Place – W1T 1SF)
Pros:
El Burrito has a special place in my heart given that it was the first (and only) burrito place that I would go to when I first came to London four years ago. Standards then began to decline but I am pleased to say they have returned to their past glories. A lovely place that has really friendly staff and a certain charm not seen in some of the chain outlets. Furthermore, their food is more authentic, serving both molé and tinga – both of which are exquisite.
Cons:
On occasions the fillings haven’t necessarily been warm and with only two people serving customers, service can be a little slow at times.
Score: 8/10 – I’m very fond of El Burrito. Criticisms of it are relatively minor. It does amazing food and that’s the most important thing.
Benito’s Hat (Goodge Street – W1T 4NB)
Pros:
For a long time, this was my burrito place of choice and has recently opened up more stores in London. Service has always been unbelievably quick and efficient. You can usually get a seat here as well. Also sells these amazing Mexican soft drinks which taste like a liquid version of Haribo.
Cons:
They’ve recently changed the menu which sadly isn’t as good as their old one. I used to be huge fan of the Ben’s chicken burrito but the new menu has toned down the flavours: producing a simpler to understand menu but ultimately a less exciting meal.
Score: 6/10 – used to be something special but has now just become bog standard. Will satisfy a burrito craving but isn’t a place to shout about.
Mestizo (Euston – NW1 3EL)
Pros:
Mestizo has a very similar menu to El Burrito with whom it shares owners. Again, the quality of food is outstanding and is packed full of authentic flavours. Additionally, you can choose to have your burrito as a quesadilla or chimichanga which El Burrito doesn’t offer.
Although you can get a take away burrito, it’s worth eating in the restaurant upstairs which offers a waiter service and a great lunch time drinks deal. This makes Mestizo the perfect place to go to if you want a long relaxing lunch break that gives you plenty of time to catch up with friends.
Cons:
The burritos aren’t made in front of you, making it difficult have it tailored to your own specific tastes. Eating in the restaurant although being very enjoyable, does make it a more expensive meal.
Score: 9/10 – amazing food and a nice place to hang out. Many will cite this as their favourite and it’s not difficult to see why.
Freebird (Goodge Place – W1T 4LZ)
Pros
Street food as it’s meant to be. Ingredients appear to be fresh and of very good quality. I’m a particular fan of their salsa – I’m yet to find any better in London. There’s always a long queue by the Freebird cart yet it always seems to move relatively quickly.
Cons
Two major problems. Firstly, there’s no seating whatsoever. Not surprising given that it’s a mobile food outlet but they could really do with being allowed to put out a couple of chairs or tables at least. My burrito starts to get cold by the time I reach campus! Secondly, they don’t serve food in the evening.
Score: 7/10 – serves an above average burrito but a couple of major issues prevent me from scoring it even higher.
Chipotle (Charing Cross Road – W1T 2PR)
Pros:
The food is absolutely incredible here. May not be authentic Mexican food (if burritos can be) but certainly doesn’t lack in flavour. Portion sizes are incredibly generous and offer a wide range of filling choices. Aside from the food, there are plenty of major positive points as well. Service is very quick, staff and very helpful and friendly, and there’s tonnes of seating available.
Cons:
One of the more expensive places to grab a burrito. The price of guacamole is especially extortionate - £1.50 for a large tablespoon! Where are they sourcing their avocados from?! Also, of the places listed here, Chipotle is by some margin the furthest away from campus. It is reachable in 15 minutes but it’s a brisk walk.
Score: 9.5/10 – It’s very difficult to criticise Chipotle. It works equally well as place for a very quick bite during a night out, or as a place to have a leisurely meal while nattering away with friends. Above all, the food is epic. Only the price of guacamole prevents it from getting full marks.
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