"That's why they call it Beantown" - A guide to burritos in Boston

I’m including Felipe’s to ask you to politely refrain from going there. It isn’t that the burritos are that bad, or that expensive, but this is inauthentic food at its finest, and by finest I mean “eh.” The fact that it’s in the middle of Harvard Square should have tipped you off, but if it didn’t, you must be new. So go to Ana’s.

Five stars for the name (despite there being nothing mango on the menu whatsoever), three for the burritos, four for the service, one for the location. That about sums it up.

Admittedly, WAPO is more about the taco than the burrito. But the tacos? 6 for $5 (basic beef, that is). Can you seriously top that? Ana’s can’t. Boca Grande can’t. Baja Betty’s certainly can’t. I say do it. If you’re already in Roslindale, can you really go wrong?

Little known El Pelon (bad location) is a shining star on Boston’s Mexican food scene. Though the actual burritos are not the highlight, the steak tacos…nom nom nom, GONE. The other awesome thing about El Pelon is its proximity to Fenway. Burritos and baseball? Indeed.

What’s awesome about Tacos Lupita, aside from the cheap burritos, is the decor. Perhaps it’s because it feels like you’re in a bus station in the ‘70s, or perhaps it’s because this is the closest to Mexico you might ever get in Boston, or maybe it’s the Virgin Mary on the wall, but this place wins serious extra points for ambiance.

Viva’s a solid four star (that’s 4/5, my friends). It’s like fast food, but with sangria. Really – I mean, how many fast food places have you been to that even have beer? The decor is clean, bright…almost shiny. The burritos are what you’d expect from a spot like this, but big and cheap. Fantastico!

Olecito frequently draws comparisons to the untouchable El Pelon. I don’t know if that’s really warranted, but this place sure does have damn fresh veggies in their burritos. I once bit a tomato that tasted like my dad’s garden. It was awesome.

Anna’s ranks among the favorites for Boston’s burrito connoisseurs. With tasty toppings and even tastier prices ($5 for a big-ass burrito), you won’t hear any complaints along Harvard Street (another Anna’s is right down the street).

A friend of mine claims that Betty’s makes the best burritos in town. Though I politely disagree (Ana’s, all the way), these babies are pretty damn tasty. Better yet, they’re big enough for breakfast, lunch, and dinner…and I mean ONE BURRITO. Seriously.

So Boca’s isn’t my favorite, I will say that. They charge extra for guac, their service is mediocre, and they scoff at you for asking for tap water. But don’t be fooled by the rough touch…these yummy – and fairly healthful – burritos pretty much rock my socks off. Get the guac…DO IT.

Andale is simply burritos for the downtown crowd. Nothing to see here, move on by…unless you work in the Financial District and are a burrito aficionado who believes that Boloco sells wraps. In that case, Andale’s your man…er, your burrito shop.