San Antonio, Texas, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and nowhere is that more evident than in its burrito offerings. From massive, meat-filled behemoths to smaller, more refined creations, the city's burritos are a testament to its rich Tex-Mex heritage. This guide dives into the top 15 burritos you absolutely must try during your San Antonio adventure. We'll explore what makes each unique, highlighting the best places to find these culinary masterpieces. Get ready for a delicious journey through San Antonio's burrito paradise!
The Heavyweight Champions: Giant Burritos You Won't Forget
These are the burritos that demand respect – large portions packed with flavor. Prepare to be amazed (and maybe a little full).
1. The Original Mexican Restaurant's "Big Texan" Burrito
This isn't your average burrito. The Big Texan is legendary, known for its sheer size and generous fillings. Expect a mountain of rice, beans, your choice of meat (carne asada is a popular choice), and all the fixings. This is a meal for champions.
2. Rosario's Mexican Cafe's "The Beast"
Living up to its name, Rosario's "The Beast" is a culinary challenge. A massive flour tortilla cradles mountains of your favorite fillings, making it a great option for sharing (or a solo mission for the truly ambitious).
3. Ray's Drive Inn's "The Burrito"
While not explicitly named a "giant" burrito, Ray's offering is substantial. Their simple, classic approach focuses on quality ingredients and generous portions, resulting in a truly satisfying experience. The perfect example of "less is more."
The Flavorful Favorites: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
These burritos showcase the diversity of San Antonio's culinary scene, balancing classic flavors with modern twists.
4. Boudro's Texas Bistro's "Shrimp Burrito"
For a more upscale burrito experience, Boudro's offers a delightful shrimp burrito. The succulent shrimp, combined with fresh ingredients and a sophisticated flavor profile, makes this a luxurious choice.
5. The Esquire Tavern's "Breakfast Burrito"
Start your day the San Antonio way with The Esquire Tavern's breakfast burrito. This isn't your typical breakfast burrito; it's a gourmet take on a classic, using high-quality ingredients and creative combinations.
6. Mama Margie's Mexican Restaurant's "Carne Guisada Burrito"
Mama Margie's is a San Antonio institution, and their carne guisada burrito is a must-try. The tender, flavorful carne guisada is perfectly complemented by the soft flour tortilla.
7. Pollos Asados Los Norteños's "Chicken Burrito"
Sometimes, simplicity is key. Pollos Asados Los Norteños offers a straightforward, delicious chicken burrito that highlights the quality of their roasted chicken.
Hidden Gems: Local Treasures You Won't Want to Miss
These less-known burritos offer a unique and delicious experience, often with a focus on family recipes and local ingredients.
8. La Familia Mexican Restaurant's "Vegetarian Burrito"
La Familia's vegetarian burrito proves that meat isn't necessary for a delicious and satisfying meal. Their creative use of vegetables and flavorful sauces creates a unique and fulfilling experience.
9. Alamo City Burrito's "Specialty Burrito"
Alamo City Burrito offers a rotating menu of specialty burritos, keeping things fresh and exciting. Their creative combinations and commitment to quality ingredients make each visit a culinary adventure.
10. Frederick's Restaurant's "Chile Relleno Burrito"
Frederick's takes a bold approach with their chile relleno burrito, combining the classic chile relleno with the burrito format for a unique and flavorful experience.
Beyond the Basics: Unique and Unexpected Burrito Experiences
These burritos go beyond the traditional, offering creative twists and unexpected flavor combinations.
11. Chacho's Mexican Restaurant's "Breakfast Taco Burrito"
Chacho's takes a fun and innovative approach, wrapping their delicious breakfast tacos inside a larger flour tortilla for a unique and satisfying experience.
12. Pancho's Mexican Buffet's "Build Your Own Burrito"
Pancho's lets you create your own burrito masterpiece, offering a wide selection of fillings and toppings to customize your perfect burrito.
Sweet Endings: Dessert Burritos for the Adventurous Eater
For those with a sweet tooth, San Antonio offers a unique dessert option: the dessert burrito.
13. The Original Donut Shop's "Donut Burrito"
While not technically a "burrito" in the traditional sense, The Original Donut Shop's Donut Burrito is a fun and indulgent treat. Imagine a warm, cinnamon-sugar coated donut wrapped around various fillings like ice cream.
14. Chururria's "Churros Burrito"
Chururria's takes a similar approach, wrapping warm churros in a large tortilla with various sweet fillings and toppings.
The Wildcard: A Burrito That Defies Categorization
This final entry is a unique experience that transcends typical burrito classifications.
15. A Local Food Truck's Surprise Burrito
San Antonio's vibrant food truck scene is constantly evolving, with new and exciting burrito creations appearing regularly. Exploring the local food trucks is a great way to discover unique and unexpected burrito flavors.
This list is not exhaustive, and San Antonio offers countless other delicious burrito options. However, these 15 represent a starting point for your burrito journey through this incredible city. So, grab a friend, explore the city, and enjoy the best burritos San Antonio has to offer! Remember to check for updated menus and locations as things can change in the culinary world. Happy eating!
