The 17 Best Burritos You Can Find In LA

Ask any Angeleno, and you'll get a different answer for the so-called Best Burrito in Los Angeles. And while it might initially seem like the tortillapocalypse has begun, you soon realize ... it's true. There really are a hundred different "best" burritos in L.A.

But this is qualified by several determining factors ascertained (though subconsciously) by the party making the claim. Examples: Was this the first burrito they ever ate in L.A.? Is it within a 100-foot radius of their home? Are they someone who typically enjoys a burrito? Are they Mexican-born? Are they Mexican-American born? Do they like lettuce? Had they been out all night — and by that point — gotten completely hammered and nearly blacked out when a toasted, warm, human baby-sized bundle of beans, cheese, and saucy meat brought them back from the dead and saved their lives? 'Cuz that one is probably their favorite.

Still, there exists an elite class of tried and true heroes out there, beloved by generations of L.A. locals and newbies alike. Even a few Michelin-recognized spots, packing the flavor of cherished family tradition. But the only way to find out which burrito's the best? You gotta taste 'em, compañero!

"A burrito is a Chicano thing, a Los Angeles thing, proudly Mexican-American. It is the food of mom," once declared the late, iconic restaurant critic, Jonathan Gold. And when it comes to Lupe's #2, that sweet mother's milk comes wrapped up in a toasty grilled tortilla as a Beef, Bean and Red, a simple Bean and Cheese, or a Cali Burrito packed with steak, refried beans, guacamole, cheddar, sour cream and fries. Don't ask questions. Just dig in.

The intrepid "Lupe" here is actually not a Lupe, but instead the beloved, late Adeline Portillo, who founded the East L.A. spot with her husband, Manuel, in 1972. Adeline may be watching over the place from her mural on the outside wall, but her cooking lives on, just as it has for over 50 years. With what looks like a glorified food stand, a low-key Instagram, and an enormously loyal following, Lupe's is the real deal.

How loyal are these fans? The Portillo's grandson and current owner, John Anthony, recalls his grandparents once FedEx-ing burritos to Japan. As ELA Campus News reports, "This particular customer had eaten at their food stand and loved the burritos so much that they wanted to share them with their family and friends back home." That's how loyal. Dōmo arigatō, mister burrito.

With five locations north of the border, we're highlighting Burritos La Palma's three outposts in Los Angeles: Highland Park, El Monte, and Boyle Heights. But despite the eatery's SoCal popularity, those signature flour tortillas and slim, wet burritos were born in Mexico, thanks to José de Jesús Bañuelos, who founded the O.G. outpost there in Jerez.

You'll be happily dining "Zacatecas-style," on burritos that hit lighter than most. Of course, we'll still eat too many. Hand rolled with just the saucy meat — no beans, cheese, or (gasp) shredded lettuce — they're perfect for dipping into salsa or slathering in Tapatío. Go for broke with the Platillo Especial, and get those babies sauced up wet-style, and served with an undressed side salad and refried beans — as it should be.

As L.A. restaurant GM, Francois Renaud, noted of a BLP beef birria and shredded chicken tinga meal on Instagram, "In Burrito City I've never been the Chubb kind. But I'd drive to hell for these skinny full-hearted bundles of joy." The Michelin Guide calls these burritos "superb," but you can still show up in your sweatpants.

You don't come to La Azteca Tortilleria for the hand made tortillas that the Michelin Guide claims "boast a kind of richness and chew that others don't." And you certainly don't keep coming back for the warm atmosphere and the iconic L.A. Cezar E. Chavez Avenue vibe. No. You become obsessed with this place for the chile relleno La Azteca burrito and you don't pass go until you're finished! One Redditor spoke for all of us when they notes, "I need this in my life right now."

If dying of melted cheese is a thing, take all our money. Revamped in 2010 by owners Juan and Candy Villa, the couple battled it out in a crowded industry, rising to the top with a commitment to quality ingredients, no cheaping-out, and zero reheating. It's fresh, handmade, and ready to rock.

Expand your carnivorous palette by adding carne asada to the La Azteca, or wake up early (or not, since breakfast goes until 3 p.m.) and snag a Chorizo and Egg burrito all for yourself.

Set the mood by cranking Gerardo's '90s one-hit-wonder "Rico Suave" to get hyped for the "dopest of all breakfast burritos," the eggs-bacon-tots-avo-cheddar-cotija-cilantro-molcajete Rico Suave at The Rooster on Pico Blvd.

This former food truck turned brick and mortar favorite is the brainchild of chef Rouha Sadighi, who you might remember from the time she won Cutthroat Kitchen. And as far as her mission goes, it's all about the food. She tells Voyage LA, "Guests will find a variety of kick-ass breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and tacos with the eggs cooked perfectly every time, which we are extremely proud of — because there is nothing better than an egg made right."

A limited standard menu features those perfect eggs in a single burrito (which, by the way, was named the best breakfast burrito in L.A.), as well as a sandwich — The Bodega, with bacon, egg and cheese, and kill sauce on a ciabatta roll. Throw in a side of tots and you just won the weekend.

For nearly six decades, Al & Bea's has been coming in hot with authentic Mexican cooking for Boyle Heights locals. But way back in 1966, founders Albert and Beatrice Carreon sold burritos for just 18 cents. As their grandson and current owner, Albert Carreon, explains to Boyle Heights Beat in 2022, "I've been ... just blessed to have the opportunity to keep my grandparents' legacy even though they're gone ... I still feel like they're here, even though they're not physically here, because people talk about them all the time."

After more than 50 years, Bea's original recipes are still the same. And many loyalists swear by Al & Bea's as the best-tasting Mexican food around. One Redditor even built a miniature of the place. But if you're here to eat, you'll definitely want life-size food.

You can't go wrong with Al & Bea's Special, a hefty burrito packed with beans, cheese, shredded beef, lettuce, and guacamole. And, unless you're burrito-ing and driving, you have to order it wet; covered in melted cheese and drenched in their signature savory sauces.

Move over Michelin, we're stepping it up with a 2022 James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant, that's serving up high class pairings, but, of course, as a burrito! Come on. We wouldn't leave you flapping in the breeze like that. It's hoodie on, pinkies up, and the rest of your grubby little fingers wrapped around a hot tortilla with fillings you haven't thought of yet.

Pull up a seat at Angry Egret Dinette where L.A. local and Guerilla Tacos street cart founder, chef Wes Avila, will delight your taste buds with his latest fever dream wrapped up in a tortilla. The lineup is ever-changing (Just check out this lamb shank burrito, or these mini burritos). Currently on the breakfast menu, you'll find the Hey Porky's loaded with scrambled eggs, black beans, roasted pork shoulder, candied bacon, salsa verde, and queso Oaxaca. There's also The Atwater, featuring mushrooms, butternut squash, scrambled eggs, home fries, and Swiss cheese.

But if you arose at a more civilized hour, prepare for a rainbow of flavor. That's when you can snag The Mayor (or Mayor 2.0) and with it, beef gyro, tomato, cucumber, potato, jalapeño, kalamata olives, onion, tzatziki, sumac, and queso fresco. It's a little Greek, it's a little Mexican, it's L.A., it's Avila, and we love it.

This buzzy outpost in downtown L.A.'s Chinatown is named after the first barrio that ever existed in Los Angeles: Sonoratown, where a community of immigrants from the northern Mexican province of Sonora, set up shop during the Gold Rush. Among other things, they launched a legacy of killer tortilla-making talent.

Brought to life by Teo Diaz-Rodriguez, Jr. and Jennifer Feltham, the pair aimed to dip a toe into the crowded Los Angeles food scene, and fell straight into the deep end ... but, like, if the water were cold hard cash and the pool swimmies were burritos. Turns out, that mesquite grill cranks out some tasty costillas.

We ponder our current craving, as we queue up in a line that's definitely worth the wait. Burritos come with your choice of hot-off-the-grill steak, chicken, tripa, Sonoran-style chorizo, or roasted poblano and beans, rolled up with guac, Monterey Jack, pinto beans, and salsa. As reviewer Tortilla Crusader notes, "The burrito is finished on the grill, resulting in a browned, sturdy tortilla with a savory, smoky taste."

Since its opening in 2014, Cofax has deeply benefitted from its prime location on L.A.'s hip hop Rodeo (like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, but with sneakers): Fairfax Avenue. There, it easily cozied up to stalwart Jewish diners, and pop-up streetwear brands, catering to the starving masses camped out in days-long lines for Supreme's latest drop. The diagnosis is hunger and the only cure is some freakin' tortillas and cheese.

The tiny outpost leans on its sister restaurant, Bludso's Bar and Que, for the smoky potatoes tucked into its iconic Breakfast Burrito, as well as the sausage kicking up the heat in the Hot Link burrito. Available as long as they're stocked with the goods, you also can't go wrong with a Pastrami, Chorizo, Bacon, or Meatless Chorizo burrito. The spot even nabbed Best Breakfast Burrito in L.A., from LAist.

While they've managed to weather the breakfast burrito storm since then, we have a hunch that the winning secret lies in the crushed tortilla chips lining the interior perimeter of the breakfast burritos. That extra crunch hits those next level fillings right out of the park.

If we're talking legit Mexican food in L.A., you better believe there's gonna be a food truck involved. And El Chato has been wheeling and dealing for the nighttime crowd on the corner of Olympic and La Brea for years. There will be a massive line. Bring cash.

While the outpost has been a longtime favorite of chefs and restaurateurs, it's truly trucking for the people. One Redditor recalls, "I had just gotten out of college and moved to WeHo with friends. We ate at this truck almost every other day. The burrito used to be only $4 or $5 and was an essential food group." And a Yelper notes, "It's exactly what I want in a burrito, meat + cilantro + onion. Almost like a carne asada salad. Very generous portions as well."

For late night eats, El Chato takes the crown. And with eight protein options, including lengua, buche and cabeza for the home team, you can drum up the burrito of your dreams, and eat it food truck style. Standing in a parking lot, strangers' napkins stuck to your feet, as the traffic and chatter of the crowd fades away, you and your warm bundle of joy finally begin your lives together.

A Westside hot spot since it opened its first location in 1999, Tacos Por Favor dishes out the Puebloan favs every day thanks to the Sanchez family. The outpost might not be winning awards for its looks — one reviewer calls the flagship location "the ugliest restaurant in Los Angeles. Painted like a prison ..." — but the grilled burrito remains a culinary work of art. And that's what we came for anyway.

Dedicated to serving authentic dishes with a healthy twist, Tacos Por Favor doesn't sacrifice the flavor, even though the kitchen makes it happen sans lard. One Yelp reviewer said it's the best loaded burrito they ever had. 

So what's on the menu? Count on fresh chopped onions and fragrant cilantro on just about everything. And from the 19 burritos to pick from (20 if you count the Burrito Bowl), standouts include the Chimichanga with asada and sour cream, the breaded and grilled Halibut Burrito with chipotle mayo sauce, the California Burrito, a Mole with Chicken Burrito, Potato Burrito, and a Mahi Mahi or Shrimp Burrito. De nada.

Yes, we're still doing burritos. And yes, George's is a burger stand that serves burgers. It's actually an old outpost from the '60s that might have fallen to the wayside if it weren't for a reboot in 2018. That's when the De La Torre family — founders and operators of the famed taco joint Guisados (still no burritos on their menu, but we can hope) — took the reins at George's, trimmed down the menu, amped up the ingredients, and gifted us a really good burrito.

When it comes to the eggy breakfast variety, this low-key spot offers bed-headed loyalists two variations on a theme: The Breakfast Burrito, with eggs, hash browns, Longhorn cheese, and salsa roja, or The Brooklyn Avenue burrito, packed with the same lineup, plus chorizo and pinto beans. For lunch, you'll find the California burrito loaded with carne asada, cream cheese and avocado, Mario's Special which features certified Angus chuck ground beef, and of course other tortilla-wrapped standards. As Los Angeles Magazine notes in a headline, "A Boyle Heights Burgers Stand Is Making the Perfect Nostalgic Bean and Cheese Burrito."

But let's not get hung up on perfection, right? After all, nothing's perfect ... well, nothing without hot sauce is perfect — oh, wait, they have that. Nothing expensive is perfect — hold on, these burritos are under $10. Okay, nothing other than this dreamy, warm, comforting, affordable, bean and cheese burrito that was clearly sent from heaven above is perfect. There. Case closed.

Upscale and higher-priced restaurants may go against the heart and soul of authentic SoCal Mexican cuisine, but we had to include Tacos Tu Madre for those of us who burrito to impress. TTM's outposts in Larchmont, Los Feliz, West Hollywood, and Westwood tell us all we need to know about who they're marketing to. Horchata from the plastic jug is pushed aside in favor of the frozen Horchata Tu Madre, with rum and bitters, as well as an array of top shelf tequila cocktails. But hold onto your pants when it comes to the burritos.

Creative agency, Truffl, notes, "Tu Madre uses its charisma, humor, and fearlessness to get people to look at Mexican food differently." What does charisma taste like? Maybe it tastes like the KBBQ, Spicy Jackfruit Carnitas, Fried Avocado, Bahn-Mi, or Lamb Barbacoa, snuggled up next to turmeric brown rice, black beans, mozzarella and cabbage in a tortilla.

Along with the hordes of Instagram foodie/photographer/models flocking to TTM, one Redditor said it was one of the best Carne Asada burritos they ever had. We can argue all day about what's legit when it comes to a burrito, but you can't mess with good taste.

El Tepeyac's story goes way back to the '40s when the Rojas family opened their first restaurant. A few name changes and relocations later, the Boyle Heights outpost became a favorite thanks to grandson Manuel Rojas. And it's thriving today, nearly four generations later.

But with a menu featuring a whopping 30 burritos, where the heck do you dive in? If you want to take a hint from Man vs. Food, don't waste your time messing around with anything other than Manuel's Special. But maybe bring some friends. As host Adam Richman explains, "The traditional Manuel's Special is filled with El Tepeyac's version of chile verde, a mixture of deep-fried pork shoulder, onions, and green chilis." And that's before everything gets packed into two giant tortillas, with a truckload of rice, guacamole, cheese, and more chile verde.

Portions here are ridiculously huge, even by burrito standards. But it's the kind of place you just have to try at least once. It's an institution and a cherished neighborhood gem that aims to stuff you to bursting with burritos and love.

We have yet to see a crowd here during the day, but once the sun sets, Cactus Taqueria #1 on Vine is booming. It's a '90s hit that kept playing for decades and every time you hear it, you crank it up to an 11. Here, you'll find the meaty, starchy, cheesy nirvana that you had always hoped to achieve.

For a good time, bring cash, and an impossibly empty stomach. Thrillist notes, "The stand is fast, affordable, and way better than it has to be, and it was open until 3 a.m. so it was always a wild scene after the bars and house parties petered out." While the chain caters to midnight heroes and famished boozehounds, it's almost more about the feeling of eating satisfying grub, versus the exact happenings inside the burrito. Quality = solid. Life = good.

Flour tortillas house an assortment of standard proteins (you can also invent your own mix from the menu), but adventurous palates might go for the beef tongue or skirt steak. Your order appears at the window in minutes, at which time you can grab limes, hot sauce, and salsa at the condiment station — oh, and grab a seat if there is one, and chow down like it's the end of the world.

Tucked away in East Hollywood, you'll find possibly the most adorable little "hut" of all: Yuca's on Hillhurst Avenue, in Los Feliz. What started out as a "shoe shine shack" became a tiny hub for Yucatán-style cooking, thanks to "Mama" Socorro Herrera, back in 1976. She's the proud owner of an actual Emmy Award, which was gifted to her after it was awarded to a local TV station for a special which featured the outpost. Mama remains an icon. Even in her 80s, she's still serving up the hits.

The burrito scenario is simple; pick your meat and have it wrapped up with pico de gallo and pinto beans. The protein list features machaca, carne asada, bean and cheese (plus pork fat), carnitas, pollo, cochinita pibil, and chile verde. Wash it down with a Minute Maid lemonade for the full effect.

Yuca's finds its way into your heart, like it did for Los Angeles-based artist Chris Turnham who once illustrated the stand. And as one Yelp reviewer shared, "Coming here since 1985. Yeah really. Carne Asada Burrito. Killer. Grab a beverage from the liquor store next door. No frills. Just a great burrito! Never change. Please never change." For a warm vibe in a city that can feel like everyone's a stranger, you don't want to miss Mama's cooking.

We're heading to Glendale, California for these bomb burritos! Dreamed up by buddies Nick Nshanyan, George Martikyan and Eric Yepiskoposyan — three dudes who seriously love breakfast burritos — the outpost launched in a parking lot in 2019, churning out a killer product wrapped in their signature red tortilla.

Now that Burrito Bomba has an actual door, the menu has expanded to include burritos for all times of the day. First there's the roughly $19 Hangover Burrito, which one reviewer calls "flipping amazing," packed with every known breakfast meat. For lunch, you might try The Cali, loaded with cheese fries, guac, pico de gallo, queso fresco, steak, jalapeño ranch aioli, and Mexican crema. Feeling extra? Get The Cali wrapped in cheese and jalapeños hot off the griddle. They even do chilaquiles as a burrito.

You can be your own viral sensation when it comes to Burrito Bomba. As one Yelper notes, "Oh man! The hangover burrito is a must-have! It's packed with all the good meat and such good flavors! I loved it so much, and I wasn't even hungover." Sounds like a winner any día of the week.

If you're in the mood for comfort food Mexican with a creative twist, CaCao Mexicatessen is your jam. The interior reads like an old school joint, with dark wood chairs, stocked bar, and a buzzing deli counter. As Condé Nast Traveler notes, "The scene here encapsulates what makes a real L.A. neighborhood like Eagle Rock so great. Think Silver Lake in the '90s: a mix of old-timers and young families, a little funky, and a little affordable." You'll see plenty of "Hecho en Eagle Rock" tees buzzing around the place, championing the company slogan.

A large menu of solid choices feels intimidating at first. But you'll soon connect with your burrito spirit animal. On the Grid described the cuisine as "Baja California inspired Mexican dishes with attention to quality ingredients and a more foodie approach," which invites everyone to dig in.

These burritos mean business. They're big, packed to the gills, and bursting with flavor. Choose a locally-made flour or wheat tortilla, add-ons that include wet sauce, Mexican sour cream, eggs, or avocados, and then feast your eyes upon the meat. Duck carnitas, short-rib, duck crackling and nopal, fried pork belly, and cochinita pibil comprise a few of the offerings. Every bite becomes a delicious hug — and every bit of hot sauce, a reminder of this burrito love ... for later.