Seemor

Burrito ExpressB-Worth Trying

Name: Burrito Express
Address: 1597 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, Pasadena, United States
Rating: 4.4

1597 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104 · Mexican restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (651 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Beloved neighborhood burrito spot with standout beans, generous portions, and friendly staff, but quality can be inconsistent and a few safety complaints warrant caution.

Why it gets a B- for overall quality

Burrito Express delivers reliable neighborhood comfort with warm, attentive counter service and solid food quality highlighted by beloved beans and breakfast burritos. However, inconsistent meat seasoning and occasional off-days combined with isolated food safety concerns prevent a higher grade. Strong local loyalty and fair pricing make it worth visiting, though quality variation requires some caution.

Restaurant Summary

A tiny corner shop with a couple of tables and a shaded patio, Burrito Express feels like a neighborhood staple where regulars trade smiles with the counter team. One fan put it simply: "They remember us every week and the burritos still hit." Expect hole-in-the-wall charm, quick service, and warm, friendly staff. The cooking leans classic Mexican-American comfort: big burritos, solid breakfast plates, and beloved beans. Highlights include the bean and cheese burrito, chilaquiles, and a playful Smash Burger Taco, though a few diners report bland meats or occasional off-days. Portions are generous and pricing stays friendly even as others in town climb. Families can do well here. Kids tend to gravitate to bean and cheese, quesadillas, fries, and mild tacos. If strict vegetarian, confirm preparation first; one review alleged lard in the beans despite vegetarian tags on the menu. Seating is tight, so consider takeout if arriving with strollers.

At a Glance

Friendly, welcoming counter team remembered by regulars
Big portions and fair prices compared to area competitors
Beans and breakfast items draw raves
Inconsistent meat seasoning and occasional off-temperature reports
A few food safety complaints and a bone-in-meat incident

What Sets It Apart

beloved_beans
giant_burritos
friendly_counter_service

What People Love

Feeling treated like a regular
Huge, shareable burritos
Simple, satisfying beans
Quick, efficient counter flow
Breakfast staples done right

Points of Concern

Quality can be inconsistent, especially meat seasoning and texture
A few illness reports and one bone found in asada; incidents are isolated but serious
Very limited seating and only a couple of parking spots; plan for street parking

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$17-$24 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

For vegetarians: verify bean preparation; choose quesadilla, veggie taco, and fries if avoiding lard
Sharing strategy: split the Ross Perot or Burrito Dinner Plate for better value

Perfect For

Casual weekday lunch
Quick breakfast on the go
Value-seekers sharing a large burrito
Locals craving a nostalgic burrito fix

Location Insights

Area: Residential corridor with small businesses; casual, local foot traffic and drive-ups more than destination dining.

Safety: Generally safe, typical Pasadena streets; some upkeep comments about interior tiles but no neighborhood safety flags.

Nearby: Corner spot near homes, schools, and small shops; convenient for grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches.

East PasadenaEast Pasadena is a primarily residential area with a mix of single-family homes and small businesses. The dining scene here is casual and neighborhood-focused, featuring a variety of ethnic eateries and family-friendly restaurants. It offers a quieter, community-oriented atmosphere compared to downtown Pasadena.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday08:00–20:00 Tuesday08:00–20:00 Wednesday08:00–20:00 Thursday08:00–20:00 Friday08:00–20:00 Saturday08:00–20:00 Sunday

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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