30 Best Bean And Cheese Burritos In LA And How The Burrito (Almost) Saved My Marriage
If you’re looking for the best bean and cheese burritos Los Angeles has to offer, you’ve come to the right place: I hereby present the people of LA with the list of 30 (that’s right, thirty) best bean and cheese burritos in the city.
This is the first of a three part burrito series. Look out for the best vegan burritos and best veggie breakfast burritos lists coming soon. I might make a dedicated entry for the best chile relleno burritos in LA too, if there is enough interest. Leave a comment below this post or DM @eightyflavors.
Want to explore Los Angeles food scene with a local expert? Book highly in-demand LA Food Tour: Exploring America’s Culinary Frontier or Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour
How The Burrito (Almost) Saved My Marriage
This might be the most personal post yet at Around the World in 80 Flavors. And an emotional one to write, for sure. But hey, they say a good bean and cheese burrito is like a warm hug wrapped in a tortilla. I’ll be needing those…
You see, this post has been 7 years in the making. Coincidentally (?), that was also the duration of my marriage. We both admitted that we would’ve separated way sooner if it wasn’t for the burritos. And we were only half joking. No amount of couples therapy did for us as much as bonding over bean and cheese burritos did. And trust me – we’d tried it all.
This is where I take a moment to dedicate this post to Tony – my ex husband, best friend and the best burrito buddy I could have asked for. Get acquainted as you’ll see him appear in many of the pictures, along with our rescue chihuahua Sushi.
He bravely traversed the streets of Los Angeles with me, Sushi in tow. Followed me to neighborhoods he (born and raised here) didn’t know existed. He took burrito pictures, posed for burrito pictures, stood in lines while I took burrito pictures.
He reluctantly took many a burrito back when the cheese wasn’t melted properly. Refilled the salsa from the salsa bar and brought us extra chips. And yes he also patiently taste tested each burrito with me.
Not too sound too dramatic but I could not have done it without him.
Who knew a burrito can make you so emotional. But that’s coming from someone who’s been known to call the burrito her spirit animal and to wear a burrito Halloween costume… (Check out my 16 reasons not leave LA).
Origins and Evolution of the Bean and Cheese Burrito
The BC acronym just took on a whole new meaning. Not sure the bean and cheese burrito existed in Biblical times, but it sure holds a near-religious status in the City of Angels today. A seemingly simple yet profoundly significant dish, holds a special place in LA’s culinary and cultural landscape.
This humble creation, a staple of Mexican-American cuisine, has a rich history and cultural importance that reflects themes of migration, adaptation, and innovation.
The bean and cheese burrito’s origins can be traced to Mexican cuisine, where beans and cheese are traditional staples. Burritos themselves, meaning “little donkey” in Spanish, originated in northern Mexico, specifically the states of Chihuahua and Sonora. They were initially created as a portable meal for farm workers and travelers, packed with simple, hearty ingredients.
In the early 20th century, Mexican immigrants began to settle in the United States, particularly in California. They brought with them their culinary traditions, including the burrito. As Mexican food began to gain popularity in the US, the burrito evolved to suit local tastes and available ingredients. The bean and cheese burrito emerged as a particularly appealing option due to its simplicity, affordability, and satisfying nature.
You might also like: SoCal’s Best Kept Taco Secret: Arturo’s Puffy Tacos
The Californian Twist
The bean and cheese burrito became especially popular in California in the mid-to-late 20th century. As Mexican-American communities grew and thrived, they adapted their traditional recipes to meet the new preferences. This gave rise to variations that incorporate ingredients like different types of beans, various cheeses, avocado, salsa, and even rice, contributing to the bean and cheese burrito’s ongoing evolution.
The bean and cheese burrito holds substantial cultural significance in Los Angeles, where it represents more than just a meal. It embodies the fusion of Mexican and American culinary traditions and showcases the adaptability and resilience of immigrant communities. For many, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of home, a symbol of comfort and sustenance.
Moreover, the bean and cheese burrito has become a cultural icon in its own right. It is a staple in many Californian fast-food chains, taquerias and grocery store freezers alike, illustrating its broad appeal, accessibility and affordability.
Best Bean and Cheese Burritos in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a sprawling city where food culture is as diverse as its neighborhoods. With so many spots to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the best burrito that hits all the right notes. Fear not, as I’ve taken on the delicious challenge of sampling bean and cheese burritos from some of LA’s most beloved spots. Plus some you’ve never heard of before.
The roundup of our findings from across the city includes many from this 2015 Eater list. Most recommendations were on point, except two which we’ll call out at the end.
With that said, here is the ultimate bean and cheese burrito showdown. The following are what we believe to be the 30 best bean and cheese burritos in LA:
1. Al and Bea’s Mexican Food – East LA
Al and Bea’s is a classic, often touted as a quintessential East LA spot. Their bean and cheese burrito is a nostalgic delight, featuring a hearty, well-seasoned bean filling with a generous amount of melted cheese. The only place in LA where you can get the bean and cheese burrito as a chimichanga.
2. Lupe’s Burritos – East LA
Lupe’s burrito is another classic. The beans are flavorful, and the cheese is nicely melted. Be sure to get a side of guac fries. It’s a solid choice pre or post a Dodgers game.
3. Tito’s Tacos – Culver City
Tito’s Tacos is famous for its crispy tacos, but their bean and cheese burrito (a secret menu item!) also deserves attention. The beans are seasoned perfectly, and the cheese is melted to gooey perfection. The burrito is wrapped in a slightly charred tortilla, giving it a nice texture. Expect long lines around lunch and dinner peak hours.
4. Tere’s Mexican Grill – Melrose Avenue
Tere’s Mexican Grill serves up a well-balanced bean and cheese burrito. The beans are flavorful, and the cheese is creamy without being overwhelming. The burrito is wrapped tightly, ensuring that each bite has a good ratio of ingredients. A dependable choice near Melrose.
5. Ramona’s Mexican Food – Gardena, South LA and more
Ramona’s offers a fantastic bean and cheese burrito with perfectly seasoned beans and a generous amount of cheese. This place is basically a tortilla and burrito factory. Feels like the Willy Wonka of burritos. A true hidden gem in LA, serving the community since 1947.
You might also like: El Salvador Corridor: Best Pupusas in Los Angeles, Beyond Veggie Dogs: Vegan Food At Dodger Stadium
6. Taco Nazo – Bellflower and more
Taco Nazo might be best known for their fish tacos, shrimp cocktails and ceviches. But the humble bean and cheese burrito is definitely not an afterthought. It’s grilled to perfection and their chipotle salsa is some of the best anywhere. Don’t forget a side of their famous grilled peppers.
7. La Azteca Tortilleria – East LA
The list of best bean and cheese burritos in LA wouldn’t be complete without La Azteca. The tortillas are hand made on site (!), adding to the burrito’s overall excellence. It’s a must-try for any burrito aficionado. Also try their famous chile relleno burrito. Another spot with hand made flour burrito tortillas worth noting is The Burrito Exchange.
Edit: La Azteca doe not have the bean and cheese burrito on the menu anymore. It’s still worth the trip for the chile relleno or breakfast burritos. Read more in La Azteca Tortilleria: Best Chile Relleno Burritos in LA?
Want to explore Los Angeles food scene with a local expert? Book highly in-demand LA Food Tour: Exploring America’s Culinary Frontier or Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour
8. The Gardens of Taxco – West Hollywood
The Gardens of Taxco is more like a Mexican speak easy. You really need to know where to look. Their bean and cheese burrito is unique in that it’s made with black beans and just a small amount of perfectly melted cheese. Definitely your best bet in WeHo.
9. Don Ruben – Hawaiian Gardens
Don Ruben is old fashioned in the best possible way. Their bean and cheese burrito is old fashioned, too. Simple and done right. They also do killer breakfast burritos.
10. Lucy’s Drive Thru – Pico Union
Good old Lucy’s is open 24 hours a day and quite an institution in this part of town. The menu and ordering can take some getting used to, but it’s worth it. Cash only.
11. El Abajeño – Culver City
El Abajeno’s bean and cheese burrito is one of the biggest in town. I don’t like that post covid they serve every order in to go containers even if eating in, but the bean and cheese burrito is still a standout. Great salsa bar.
12. Taqueria El Otro Amigo – Torrance
Taqueria El Otro Amigo delivers a hearty bean and cheese burrito made with a lot of love – and cilantro! Even though it’s one of the biggest B&C burritos in LA, the tortilla holds everything together perfectly. It’s totally worth a trip to Torrance.
13. Taco Plus – West LA
Taco Plus provides a solid bean, rice and cheese burrito with excellent house made salsas. It’s a dependable choice for a quick BRC burrito fix on the West Side.
You might also like: Best Date Shake In Coachella Valley: The Sweet Legacy Of Shields Date Gardens
14. Sonoritas – Sawtelle and DTLA
Sonoritas offers an elevated bean and cheese burrito which is served cut half way, sort of open faced. Possibly the most pricey B&C burrito in LA but the whole experience makes it worth it. If you eat fish their salmon burrito is another standout, though they’re best known for the surf and turf.
15. Holy Guacamole – Santa Monica
Holy Guacamole’s burrito is your best options near the beach in Santa Monica. They use whole black beans and we loved the fresco style painting – points for creativity. Good chips and salsa.
16. Burrito Express – Pasadena
Burrito Express serves a tasty bean and cheese burrito and they are in a good location to grab a meal after hiking in Angeles National Forest. Their breakfast burritos are well known, too, as are their taquitos.
17. Casitas Taco Al Carbon – Burbank
Casitas Taco Al Carbon offers a decent bean and cheese burrito with lots of history to match. It’s one of the oldest Mexican family-run spots in Burbank. They certainly know their B&C burritos, everything is always perfectly balance and perfectly melted.
18. El Huero Drive Thru – University Park
El Huero’s Drive Thru bean and cheese burrito features well-seasoned refried beans and a nice amount of cheese. They have an entire veggie menu section which I didn’t expect to find in this part of town. Also their prices can’t be beat.
You might also like: Brooklyn Bagel Bakery: 70 Years of New York Bagels in Los Angeles, OC Vegan Gem: Review of Bo De Tinh Tâm Chay in Little Saigon
19. Poquito Mas – San Fernando Valley
Poquito Mas serves up a satisfying albeit tiny bean and cheese burrito with a choice of black or pinto beans. Their house salsas are great. And you might spot a celebrity or two given the proximity to the nearby studios. It’s in the top 3 in the Valley.
20. Charly’s Restaurant – Inglewood
Charly’s Restaurant offers a killer bean and cheese burrito which you can have served wet. This was actually my first time having a wet B&C burrito and I’m a convert.
21. Sr. Cliff’s Texas Style Burritos – Compton
Sr. Cliff’s bean and cheese burrito is one of the best in Los Angeles. The place doesn’t look that promising from the outside but more than makes up for it in flavor. I love their murals in the outdoor area and the overall vibe is just so welcoming. Highly recommended.
22. La Carreta Taqueria – Vernon
La Carreta’s burrito is decent but doesn’t stand out. The beans and cheese are fine, but the tortilla was a bit too chewy. It’s an average option if you’re in the area.
23. Tony’s Mexican Grill – Sherman Oaks
Tony’s Mexican Grill delivers a tasty bean and cheese burrito with added avocado and pico. It’s another great choice in the Valley. Don’t miss their excellent breakfast burritos, too. Very homey, family vibe.
24. Dante’s Mexicatessen – Monterey Park
Dante’s Mexicatessen offers a flavorful bean and cheese burrito with a good ratio of ingredients. The beans are well-seasoned, and the cheese is nicely melted. The tortilla is soft and holds everything together well despite its generous size. This is another one of my top choices.
You might also like: Sustainable Luxury at 1 Hotels: A Review of Our Stay in West Hollywood
25. Tacos Tu Madre – Various Locations
Tacos Tu Madre provides a bean and cheese burrito with a slightly more refined twist. Small but mighty, their bean and cheese burritos always come just the right level of crispy on the outside. Various locations around LA but I find the one in Westwood/Tehrangeles has perfected their bean and cheese burritos craft the most.
26. Bronco Burrito – Tarzana
Bronco Burrito serves up a solid bean and cheese burrito with well-seasoned beans and perfectly melted cheese. It’s slightly on the smaller side but still very satisfying. Like Taco Plus, they also understand their bean, rice and cheese burritos.
27. George’s Burger Stand – Boyle Heights
George’s Burger Stand is more known for its burgers, but their bean and cheese burrito is more than decent. I love that they add salsa to their burrito. Just look at those perfectly blended chunks of tomato. If you’re in Boyle Heights – do not miss it.
28. J&S – Montebello
J&S should be higher up on the list (though it’s no particular order). Their bean and cheese burrito is one of the best in Los Angeles, for sure. Also try their crispy potato tacos and their home made horchata.
29. Tacos Delta – Silverlake
In the sea of hipster eateries, Tacos Delta serves a comforting classic bean and cheese burrito. Though the cheese could be melted better, it’s your best choice in Silverlake. And they are open (very) late.
30. El Tarrasco – Manhattan Beach
Wrapping up the list of best bean and cheese burritos in LA is El Tarrasco. They’ve been serving up burritos to the Manhattan Beach neighborhood since the 70s. They know what they are doing. Pro tip: take your burrito to the nearby Bruce’s Beach for a sunset picnic.
You might also like: 23 Mindful Gifts for Food Travelers: The Ultimate Idea Guide
Honorable mentions:
Burritos La Palma, Campos Burritos, Tacos Por Favor, Brothers Burritos in Hermosa. What else should make it to the list of best bean and cheese burritos in LA? Add your favorites in the comments section!
Honorable mentions RIP:
Sanchos Tacos in Long Beach and Pura Vida in Carson. Both were truly one of the best bean and cheese burritos in LA.
Lastly, calling out a few spots which did not live up to the fame. They were really not enjoyable at all. Just look at this completely unmelted cheese (biggest no-no!) at Fiesta Martin and others. These B&C burritos definitely deserve more TLC:
Question is, why even bother offering the bean and cheese burrito on your menu if you son’t know how to at the very least melt the cheese throughout? Did you have any disappointing B&C burritos in LA? Comment below.
Best Bean and Cheese Burrito in Los Angeles?
The bean and cheese burrito is more than just a popular cheap and filling lunch or late night snack. It is a testament to LA’s rich cultural heritage. Its history reflects the blending of Mexican and American influences, and its evolution demonstrates the ways in which food can bridge cultural divides.
As you enjoy a bean and cheese burrito, you’re not just savoring a delicious meal but also participating in a shared cultural story that continues to unfold. Whether enjoyed from a food truck, a local taqueria, or a gourmet restaurant, the bean and cheese burrito remains a beloved and enduring symbol of LA’s food legacy.
And who knows, it might even save your marriage. Buen provecho!
Would you add anything else to the list of best bean and cheese burritos in LA? Let us know in the comments or tag @eightyflavors on socials!
OUR TRIED AND TESTED FOOD TRAVEL RESOURCES: Book a hotel with Booking.com. Search for the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Find the best local food tours on Viator. Browse curated conscious group trips with GAdventures. Get your travel insurance with World Nomads.
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. We’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through the link provided, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support in running this blog!
