Globe Corner Blogs

Okay, so some people blog about things of greater consequence — vacations or…beer — but unfortunately I lead a relatively boring life, so here are some of the places in Boston to get that ultimate cheap street food: the humble burrito. This is more for the newcomer or visitor to Boston than a resident, so I will not be listing any of the national chains (eat local folks). A further note, if you’re from the West Coast or elsewhere you may have the idea that Mexican food on the East Coast is terrible, which might or might not be true, you’re just going to have to deal either way. Also be warned, these are my picks, no one else’s.

1) El Pelon: El Pelon Taqueria, 92 Peterborough St. (between Jersey and Kilmarnock Sts.), in the Fenway is one of my all-time favorite burrito places outside of the West Coast or Southwest. Nothing is better on a summer afternoon than hitting up El Pelon before heading over to Fenway Park to watch the Sox. Lines can be long, especially on game days, but they move fast, and if you move faster you can snag a seat. Very good salsa and fresh ingredients. I’ve been told the fish tacos are very good, and they’re on my list for next time. Pelon has the added benefit of being significantly cheaper (and more filling) than anything comparable you’ll find inside the Park or on the nearby Yawkey Way, so you have more cash for beer and peanuts.

2) Anna’s Taqueria: Anna’s, at various locations throughout the city, is right behind Fenway Park on the list of places I consider my church.

I’ve been frequenting Anna’s since I was a young’un and it will always taste like home. Not the healthiest place in the world, as they use a lot of lard in the rice and the wraps, but the ingredients are fresh, good, and above all, CHEAP. My personal favorite is the chile verde: succulent pork marinated in a green chile sauce for hours until it melts in your mouth. I’ve been told by a source I trust that this is the most authentic chile verde this side of Santa Fe, but I’ll let you judge that for yourself. An important note about Anna’s: location counts, as the staff at some Anna’s are more skilled than others. The best two are without a doubt the Harvard Avenue spot just across the Brookline town line from Allston and the Porter Square location. A note for the meat lover, ask for extra meat as it’s definitely worth the money.

3) Boca Grande: Boca is another local chain with branches spread throughout the city’s neighborhoods. For a long time I regarded this as a poor cousin (and slightly more expensive, to boot) of Anna’s, but recently I’ve warmed a bit to the place. They have an edge over some other establishments because they offer perhaps the largest variety of fillings anywhere in the city: multiple types of chicken and beef of varying levels of spiciness — and they’re some of the biggest burritos. The size of Boca’s burritos can be a problem if you’re trying eat on the go, and I’d generally recommend eating these sitting down, with a knife and fork at the ready if you’re on the OCD side. I don’t have a favorite branch, but I’ve always been impressed wit the friendliness of the staff at the Brighton Center branch.

4) Felipe’s Taqueria: Our neighbor across Mt. Auburn St., Felipe’s is a really popular place for a quick cheap bite here in Harvard Square. Very popular with our staff, Felipe’s is the source for our Saturday afternoon guacamole — which is full of tasty, buttery goodness — and our chips fix. The vegetarians on staff really rave about the grilled veggies. I’m a fan of the mini quesadilla, which for under $2 bucks, can’t be beat. Lines can be to the door but they move fast, especially if you realize there are actually TWO lines and that the one to the left is usually much faster since few people know it’s there.

5) Tacos El Churro: On Center St. in Jamaica Plain’s Jackson Square, this joint has what is generally hailed as some of the best, most authentic Mexican food in Boston, and I’d heartily agree. Marked by the neon cowboy, it doesn’t necessarily look like much, and the sit-down dining atmosphere could use an upgrade, but look beyond that ’cause the food absolutely rocks, especially the mole. Its authenticity (and the fact that strictly speaking it’s not a burrito place) means that, paradoxically, the burritos are merely decent, but if you make the trek, and you should, expand your horizons. You won’t regret it.

6) Pupusa Guanica: A block and a half further down Center Street from El Churro, this tiny (two tables and a couple of high window seats) Salvadoran place is also not strictly a burrito place, though it does serve them. The real stars here are traditional Salvadoran foods, especially the pupusas, little corn empanada-like creations stuffed with meats or beans. Fried and definitely not healthy, they’re dirt cheap — $1.50 a piece, last time I checked — and a great snack. The nice older women who work the counter don’t always speak much English but the menu is simple and they’re really friendly so it doesn’t really matter. They don’t have a bathroom so you’ll just have to hold it if you buy one of the Salvadoran fruit juices or sodas from the refrigerator case.

Read more: Boston, Food & Wine, Mexico, News, Travel Advice, Travel Tips and Resources, Will's Top Six


Will is a politics junkie, the only native born Bostonian on the staff (do not ask him for directions if you are driving, his guess is as good as yours), a rabid Boston sports fan who hearts Kevin Garnett in a totally non-creepy way, a terrible surfer, a bon vivant, and a burrito connoisseur. He dreams of the beach at Punta Uva and is often hit by Lisa for ill-advised remarks about her hair.

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