Chowdown Showdown: Who Has the Best Burrito All Wrapped Up?
We send our hungry helper out to three burrito spots in Oak Forest, Orland Park and Tinley, in hopes of finding the tastiest burrito around. Who will wear the crown—or in this case, the sombrero?
In this week's showdown, we went looking for the biggest and best burritos in the area. The contestants were Burritos Marias of Oak Forest, El Famous Burrito of Tinley Park, and El Pueblito of Orland Park. I'd actually never eaten at any of these places, so I was excited to give them a whirl.
Burrito Marias, Oak Forest
This is a little restaurant that gives you the feeling that you're in for some good home cooking. I don't like beans or sour cream that usually come with the territory, so I ordered my chicken burrito with rice, cheese, and lettuce. It was a big burrito and on first bite I noticed that the ingredients were well-distributed—crucial, in my opinion. It was also wrapped well and didn't break apart. The chicken was well-marinated and the cheese was melty. The only drawback was a bit too much salt.
Thumbs Up: Well-constructed burrito, good flavor.
Thumb Down: A bit too salty
El Pueblito, Orland Park
This stop was a restaurant that's actually connected to a small grocery store. I ordered my chicken burrito the same way and was actually shocked when they brought it out—it was huge. Right away I noticed the shell had ripped in the middle, so I knew I was in for a battle. I essentially had to stand it up on the plate and go to work. First thing that stood out was the chicken, which actually seemed to be rotisserie style, just pulled apart rather than the usual marinated style. Also that there was a whole lot of it, to the point where I didn't notice any other ingredients. It was good, but it didn't taste like a burrito at all.
Thumbs Up: Unique taste
Thumbs Down: Way too much chicken, not enough of the other ingredients.
El Famous Burrito, Tinley Park
I've heard others talk about this place because they do a $1.25 taco special a few days a week. But that's not why I was here, so I ordered the chicken burrito the same way. This one was the smallest of the bunch, but the chicken was red from the marinade and full of spice and flavor, which made me happy. The seasoned Mexican rice blended well and added more flavor, not just filler. Good ingredient distribution and the tortilla wasn't too doughy—always a concern with burritos.
Thumbs Up: Great flavor, with tasty marinated chicken.
Thumbs Down: Wasn't wrapped too well, and fell apart toward the end.
And the Winner of the Battle of the Burritos Is ...
I certainly had my work cut out for me, trying to tame three burritos in one week, but I managed to survive. In the end, it came down to simply the overall flavor of the burrito and the distribution of the ingredients—and that is why I'm crowning El Famous Burrito this week's Chowdown Champ.
Ray
5:56 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
Maria's has the best Goditas I have ever tasted.
Ellen DeSpain
7:55 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
Don't forget my two favorites - Burrito Jalisco in Tinley or Orland and Villa Rivera right in Oak Forest.
Cheryl B
11:04 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
Hands down, El Famous is the best around for everything on their menu. I have been going there for over 20 years, going back to their location in Summit. Now if Tinley Park could only get your order correct! They are always leaving something out. ;-(
Chester A. Arthur
1:26 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
El Gallo on Cicero in Crestwood is the best ever. I've been going there for 15 years.
Susan
1:51 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
El Famous is definitely the best! We've tried other places but always end up going back to El Famous
Deb Melchert
3:40 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
Definitely El Famous!
Felicitas Cortez
11:23 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
Love the football sized burritos from El Famous!
The Mexican
9:39 pm on Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Ahh, to all my gringo amigos...if you want as-close-to-authentic-Mexican cuisine as possible in the southwest suburbs of OF, OP and TP, please check the parking lot of the establishment; if its full of late model SUVs, or European cars, you might not find the food you are looking for. In contrast, if you find pick up trucks, Astro minivans, or landscape work trucks; you my friend are in the right spot. As a Mexican native, and growing up in a Mexican neighborhood in Chicago's south side, I know a thing or two about Mexican food. When I discovered Maria's in OF, I felt like I was back home in my Grandmother's kitchen anxiously waiting my abuelita's famous flautas. The Gorditas at Maria's are the best around; the well-done beef intestine tacos are hard to find around these neck of the woods but Maria's has them. You won't find then at Villa (ugh...too much sodium in that place) and you certainly will not find them at El Gallo in C-Wood. The waitress at the former actually made a face when I asked if they had beef intestine tacos. I've never been to El Famous perhaps because I have yet to see a landscape work truck in its parking lot or because I refuse to step inside a Mexican restaurant where I can order french fries with my tacos. El Pueblito is fast becoming a favorite of mine; i go here for sopes and tortas and the occasional corn on a cup, just like I used to get Sundays at Marquette Park. I must admit I have been to Chiplotle one time. I won't waste my time talkng boutit
frdubi
9:54 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Just had a steak burrito from Burrito Maria's tonight. Steak was good,,,was a very large burrito,,,but I have to agree with the author. Too much salt! I only got a third of the way eating it. I have high blood pressure and am on medication. I would go back there if only they cut down on the frickin salt! If you like a lot of salt, you can always add more, but if you can't handle a lot, you cannot take any away. I am going to call them tomorrow and tell them what I think, also what the author of this website said to back me up. His name is Joe Fletcher.