Burrito Brothers, Reston

Bob W. wrote:
> To shamelessly steal from Jon Landau, "I have seen the future of quick,
> inexpensivem, healthy dining, and it's name is Burrito Brothers."
>
> On Friday night I rushed from work to the just-opened Burrito Brothers in
> Plaza America, Reston, right between Primo Italiano (good pizza and
> subs) and Champps. I ordered a super-size spinach burrito with black bean
> (the other choices are refried and pinto) in a jalapeno-achiote tortilla
> (there are four other choices), and a drink with unlimited refills. Total
> cost: $6.35.
>
> The burrito was delicious. Fresh spinach, rice, loads of beans, and some
> kind of white cheese, which I'd skip next time just to make the thing
> even healthier. And I don't think the choice of tortilla matters, because
> of the place's best feature: the salsa bar, which offers about six kinds
> of homemade salsa - from wimpy to macho heat - plus chopped onions,
> cilantro, jalapenos, as well as a good variety of hot sauces in bottles.
> You put the salsas in little cups and bring it back to your table to dump
> on your burrito or dip pieces in.
>
> Friendly young ladies come around and get you refills on drinks.
>
> The place is spotless. And another bonus, if you are weak like me and eat
> too many chips at Mexican restaurants, here the cost extra so they are
> easily avoided. And with the size of the super burrito, I didn't even
> miss them.
>
> To borrow from Aaah-nold, "I'll be back!"
>
> Bob Wells
I stopped in the place the 1st or 2nd day it opened.  There was a hoard of people (employees) trying to see that everyone was satisfied, milling about the dining area, opening the door to let someone in or out, or offering a suggestion on the salsas.  While it showed concern for the patrons, I don't know how cost effective it is. As for the burritos, they are certainly "stuffed" but seemingly mostly with the "rice and beans" filler, not so much the meat.  I have to say the burrito was tasty (I got the meat with rice & black beans), but I was a bit surprised at the packaging.  I expected a meat burrito with the salsa, jalapenos, etc on one part of the plate, and the rice and beans on another part of the plate. All I got was one item rolled up in a pouch of aluminum foil.  When I asked where the rice and beans were, I was told "it's all inside. you'll like it". This "presentation" was not made clear by their menu board, or the order taker. I guess it takes a little getting used to. This also makes it difficult to eat like a regular burrito.  You more or less are stuck eating it with a knife and fork on a plate. The salsa bar is quite good, with a variety of fresh choices.  However, the ala carte prices can be annoying as well.  Personally, I like the tons of chips and and salsa to munch on.  And 65cents more for cheese on the "regular" sixe burrito seems a little high, too. I haven't totally decided on the place yet.  I'll probably go back (especially since I work across the street from the place), but I won't be turning in my discount card at Tortilla Factory either.  At 4.75 (retail) for a lunch platter of 3 beef enchilladas, with rice and beans on the side, plus frequently getting chips, salsa, queso, and sometimes nachos in the take out waiting area, the Tortilla Factory still will get a lot of my business.  (the 10% discount doesn't hurt either!). But I do like having more options to choose from!

Bob W. wrote:
>
> To shamelessly steal from Jon Landau, "I have seen the future of quick,
> inexpensivem, healthy dining, and it's name is Burrito Brothers."
>
> On Friday night I rushed from work to the just-opened Burrito Brothers in
> Plaza America, Reston, right between Primo Italiano (good pizza and
> subs) and Champps. I ordered a super-size spinach burrito with black bean
> (the other choices are refried and pinto) in a jalapeno-achiote tortilla
> (there are four other choices), and a drink with unlimited refills. Total
> cost: $6.35.
>
> The burrito was delicious. Fresh spinach, rice, loads of beans, and some
> kind of white cheese, which I'd skip next time just to make the thing
> even healthier. And I don't think the choice of tortilla matters, because
> of the place's best feature: the salsa bar, which offers about six kinds
> of homemade salsa - from wimpy to macho heat - plus chopped onions,
> cilantro, jalapenos, as well as a good variety of hot sauces in bottles.
> You put the salsas in little cups and bring it back to your table to dump
> on your burrito or dip pieces in.
>
> Friendly young ladies come around and get you refills on drinks.
>
> The place is spotless. And another bonus, if you are weak like me and eat
> too many chips at Mexican restaurants, here the cost extra so they are
> easily avoided. And with the size of the super burrito, I didn't even
> miss them.
>
> To borrow from Aaah-nold, "I'll be back!"
>
> Bob Wells

I went to BB on the 21st.  I got a super sized chicken burrito with black beans and sour cream added.  The super size comes with cheese. The sour creme was $.65 extra.  I was expecting it to be wrapped up in foil like the ones in Georgetown but it was served on an oval paper plate with paprika on top.  It was a monster, it felt like 2 pounds. Since it was without foil, I was forced to eat it witha knife and a fork.  It was very heavy on the beans and rice.  I wish it was mixed together better.  All the sour creme was on one side and all the cheese on the other.  All in all it tasted good and quite a hearty meal for the price.  My dining partner got a platter which resembles an order of fajitas.  It contained a scoop of shredded chicken, salsa, rice, and beans served with 3 shells.

A place I like in Reston which is inexpensive and a good value is the Tortilla Grill.  It is located in the plaza along with Boston Market and Burger King.  The best part about it is they make their own shells and everything is fresh.  Give it a try.

Eric