Seemor
El Burrito BoxB-Worth Trying
885 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
· Tex-Mex restaurant, Delivery Restaurant, Mexican restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1192 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Compact Tex-Mex counter spot with reliably tasty burritos for many regulars, free chips and salsa, but inconsistent execution and service lapses; best for quick, affordable bites, not a sit-down meal.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
El Burrito Box delivers solid food quality with flavorful burritos and free chips-and-salsa value, earning respect among long-time regulars. However, inconsistent seasoning and occasional dry meats combined with cramped seating and service hiccups prevent higher marks. Best suited for grab-and-go convenience rather than destination dining.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels tiny and bustling, a classic Midtown counter where lines move fast and burritos move faster. Expect a friendly-enough exchange at the register, free chips and salsa tucked in the bag, and a crowd that skews grab-and-go. Many regulars rave that the carne asada still has that grill-kissed bite, though a few recent diners felt the magic fade with bland fillings and occasional service hiccups. The cooking sticks to Tex-Mex comfort over fireworks: burritos, tacos, and quesadillas with familiar fillings, plus a standout vegan seitan option. The culinary approach leans classic and portion-driven: straightforward flavors, hearty wraps, and value boosted by the chip-and-salsa bonus rather than chefly twists. For families, this is a kid-easy menu: beans and rice, cheese quesadillas, mild tacos, and customizable burritos. Seating is scarce, so plan for takeout with kids. If little ones dislike spice or texture surprises, stick to cheese quesadillas, chicken tacos, or a simple bean-and-cheese burrito; adventurous options are limited but the basics land well.
At a Glance
- Hefty burritos with free chips and salsa
- Strong vegan option (seitan burrito)
- Very limited seating and cramped waits
- Inconsistent seasoning and occasional dry meats
- Order accuracy issues on custom requests
What Sets It Apart
- free_chips_and_salsa_with_orders
- cult_favorite_vegan_seitan_burrito
- fast_post_event_option_near_lincoln_center
What People Love
- Grill-charred steak flavor in carne asada
- Free chips and fresh-tasting salsa
- Reliable, fast service cadence
- Vegan seitan burrito that feels craveable
Points of Concern
- Recent reports of bland fillings or dry meats suggest variability
- Very limited seating; space can feel crowded at peak times
- Order accuracy lapses, particularly with modifications like no beans
- Nachos use liquid cheese, which disappointed several diners
- Review patterns show normal variance without manipulation indicators; still weigh recent negative trend mentions
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$22-$30 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For kids: beans and cheese quesadilla ($10.00) or chicken tacos ($11.00)
- Value pick: vegetarian burrito with black or pinto beans ($10.95)
- Upgrade flavor with $2.00 guacamole or mixed veggies $1.90
Perfect For
- Quick pre or post-event meal near Lincoln Center
- Casual lunch on the go
- Affordable Midtown bite with decent portions
- Vegan diners seeking a seitan burrito
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Midtown West corridor drawing office workers, theatergoers, and residents; fast-casual heavy.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked avenues; generally safe with typical Midtown crowds and lighting.
Nearby: Near Lincoln Center and theaters; many takeout spots; limited seating common.
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a bustling dining environment with a wide range of restaurants from casual eateries to upscale dining. The area is popular for its diverse food options, energetic nightlife, and accessibility to Broadway theaters, attracting both locals and tourists.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–23:00
Tuesday11:00–23:00
Wednesday11:00–23:00
Thursday11:00–23:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–22:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →