5 Burritos to Try this Cinco de Mayo
The burrito: a perfect cornucopia of meat, beans, rice, and other accoutrements, all wrapped up in a delicious tortilla. They’re great on the go, but even better savored. Burritos are great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a snack if you’re feeling really hungry. I visited 5 burrito joints around the Chippewa Valley to discover what the area has to offer, and I was not disappointed. The passion for authentic food done with their own twists shines through each of these businesses.
1. Silly Serrano
When you pull up to Silly Serrano, you’re greeted with a playful and colorful mural done by street artist Jaden Flores. It reflects the bursting flavors being crafted inside. There’s an outdoor seating area with equally colorful furniture, and the inside of the restaurant invites you in with enticing smells of coffee and spices. Silly Serrano isn’t your typical Mexican restaurant – if that’s even a thing. They are open for breakfast and lunch, and serve a coffee shop’s array of beverages with their own twist – like the horchata latte, a creamy staple turned morning pick-me-up. They have a drive through, which owner Sheila Arredondo credits for their survival through the pandemic at their previous location, and was a big selling point for buying their current location. I ordered a barbacoa burrito and was not disappointed – it was delicious, bursting with flavor, and accompanied by a mild salsa (don’t judge me). It’s a flour tortilla, with a choice of white or brown rice and black or pinto beans, greens, pico de gallo, and queso fresco cheese.
2. California Tacos
California Tacos is a family operation, whether by blood or not. Familial comfort shines through their dishes. Noe Velasquez has worked in the food industry for most of his life. He catered in California before moving the operation to Wisconsin. He and his family started with one food truck in Whitehall and Arcadia, before acquiring a second one and moving to Eau Claire. They served their unique foods through that truck window year-round, through blustery winter days as well as the typical summer ones. California Tacos then moved to Brackett Avenue, and found that they were busier than they could’ve imagined. Just this year, they moved to their Water Street location. I visited this location and got myself a California burrito, complete with fries inside. I ordered a steak burrito, but it comes with a choice of meat, french fries, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and pico de gallo. I was incredibly impressed by the texture and flavor of the California burrito, and will definitely be paying them more visits as summer nears. I now understand why they served year-round, even out of a truck – everyday is a good day for a California burrito.
3. Manny’s Cocina
If you’re looking for an upscale take on a burrito, Manny’s Cocina has just what you need. Manny’s Cocina opened their first location in Onalaska 24 years ago, and expanded to Eau Claire by Oakwood Mall. Their atmosphere is just one of many unique things about Manny’s. Even from outside you can hear the cheery authentic music, and all of their furniture, fixtures, and decorations are sourced straight from Guadalajara, Mexico. They have a patio with outdoor seating that’s open now, and the whole restaurant is a gorgeous cultural experience, down to the dishes they serve. Lynnae Rivera, owner, is using recipes passed down from her family, as well as their Pacific coast twist through seafood. She’s a wine lover, so Manny’s serves wines from all over the world, including Chile, Argentina, Australia, and many many more. They sell their wines by the bottle for takeout at a discounted rate. I had the El Gordo Burrito with shredded chicken, which was packed with flavor, covered in a ranchero rojo sauce, and impossible not to finish. We also tried their seafood burrito, complete with mahi mahi, shrimp, and scallops, which was also delectable. Try out Manny’s if you’re interested in a complete experience with food that holds up.
4. Taqueria La Poblanita
Taqueria La Poblanita, located on London Road, is a long-standing Eau Claire staple for inexpensive eats. Part grocery store, part restaurant, Taqueria La Poblanita serves a traditional take on Mexican cuisine. They offer burritos with all sorts of fillings, including Mexican sausage, shrimp, or your more traditional options, like carnitas and chicken. They serve an array of affordable drinks, breakfast items, and a full all day dinner menu. I had the chicken burrito, and it came with rice and beans. It was a great way to get a quick lunch in and enjoy a burrito while doing it.
5. Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant
If you’re looking for great portion sizes, delicious food, and cheery music to boot, Tacos Juanita, or Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant, is the place for you. Their brightly colored dining room and optimistic decor invites anyone to enjoy their authentic Mexican food. They have a wide selection of delicious eats with an all day breakfast menu, if you’re craving a breakfast burrito. I had a California burrito here, and it was incredibly tasty. We also tried their seafood burrito with crab and shrimp, which was also delicious. Tacos Juanita boasts a great atmosphere, outdoor seating, great service, and yummy food – what else could you ask for?
