Burrito Bandito Review #2
El Burrito Jr.
Address: 919 Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Located on the corner of PCH and Ave B
Tel. 310-316-5058
The Burrito- "The Special 'C'"- 2 Bean & Cheese burritos, chips, salsa and a drink, all served up in a white paper sack. This is the best value in all of burrito-dom... EVER!
The ultimate beach Mexican joint. El Burrito Jr is situated on PCH a couple blocks from the water, and occupies an old Weinerschnitzel building (you know one of those red & yellow A Frames). Nothing beats rolling up to El BJ's on a perfect South Bay day (you know, sunny, 75 and in the middle of January), rubbing elbows with the locals and enjoying some beany, cheesy goodness.
El BJ's proves the rule that less is more. Despite all the great choices on the menu, the most popular item by far is the "Special 'C'". These two lovlies come wrapped in foil and shoved in a white paper bag, with a bunch of whole fried tortillas and salsa. Perhaps it is the lack of accompanyment that makes the refried beans taste so good. Regardless, they are a bit saltier and a bit runnier than most. They could also be made with lard, which would immediately explain why they are so amazing. To top it off, this combo costs a measly $3.25.
As any great Mexican joint, there is more to it than just the food. In order to get these delicious dishes, you are going to have to earn it. El BJ's is almost always crowded and with the orders going in and out of the same window, things can get messy... especially at lunch time when the scene is reminiscent of a Southwest Airlines flight. At this point, one of two things can happen. You can get mad at the shaggy haired surfers, high school kids in hoodies, office workers (who inevitably have gigantic orders that they swear they called in a half hour ago) and the utter lack of that distinctly American idea... forming a line. Or you can kick back, relax and realize this is all part of the experience. Trust me, the food will be worth the wait.
They do allow you to call your order over the phone. However, if it is crowded, you will still have to squeeze (elbow, shove, mean-mug) your way to the front of the pick up window while doing your best impersonation of a Wall Street stock trader- hold up your hand and begin shouting your order number). And PLEASE don't forget your order number because you will given all kinds of dirty looks from in low-rise jeans and Uggs.
Once you have your tortilla wrapped treasure in hand, find a spot on the patio and enjoy what you have worked so hard for. And Remember, No Loittering.
Ratings:
Size: 6" x 3" x 1"- 18 cubic inches time 2 for a total of 36 cubic inches. 4/5
Chips: Whole tortillas, fried on site. They look nice, but sometimes have an inconsistent texture. 3/5
Salsa: tasty with a medium kick. (be sure to ask for a couple extra packs, they get stingy sometimes...). 3/5
Dr. Pepper Check : Yup 5/5
Service: the service is great, the mob scene at lunch is crazy, but it just adds to the experience. 4/5
CA Health Inspector grade: A 3/5
Dollops: 5/5- Hey, for $3.25, there is no better bargain in Burrito Land!
