The Great Burrito Debate: El Famous Burrito
3 Comments Published by Keith on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 6:43 AM.
Yikes, was this a bad burrito. El Famous Burrito is somewhat of a chain in Chicago's suburbs, but I had never had a chance to try them. This past year, however, they opened up a new location in my hometown, Park Ridge. So, I figured it was about time I tried their burritos. Thankfully, I was using a free burrito coupon and didn't have to pay. Because this was an atrocious burrito. So far every burrito I've reviewed has been enjoyable -- even the bottom of the list, Qdoba (Boloco has been moved up, see note at bottom), is still enjoyable to eat. It might not be delactable, it might not be an outstanding explosion of taste, but I don't mind eating it. Well, El Famous Burrito comes in waaaaay below everyone else. This was a bad burrito.I don't even know where to start. This tasted very similar to the burritos I get in my school's cafeteria, although I think I'd venture to say they're worse. Everything about it was below par: we're talking about low grade meat, grungy lettuce, and a weak tortilla. It wasn't wrapped in tin foil, and it fell apart all over itself as I tried to eat it. They're slightly redeemed by the guacamole, which wasn't that bad. But that's just not enough to make up for this mess they called a burrito. Not to mention, the "combo" meal is a burrito, a soft drink, and fries. ?!?!? What is that? I don't want fries with my burrito, I want tortilla chips! Where's the traditionalist in them? Also, someone should really let them know that RC Cola has gone out of style and that it's time to move on to Coke or Pepsi products.
El Famous Burrito has locations throughout Illinois. Full ratings and rankings below:
Overall Burrito Quality: - -
Atmosphere: +
Sauces: - -
Burrito Size: +
Guac: +
Wrapping Job: - -
Efficiency: -
Cost: $4.95/$5.95
Guac Cost: $0.95
Naturally-Raised Beef? ?
Lemon/Lime: NO
Toothpicks: NO
Corporate/Home-style: Corporate
THE VERDICT:
1. Chipotle
2. Anna's
3. El Pelon
4. Felipe's
5. Boca Grande
6. Boloco
7. Baja Betty's
8. Qdoba
9. El Famous Burrito
*You may notice that I have moved Boloco up a bit. After eating there throughout the past year, I have decided that they deserve some more credit. While their classic burrito (which is the heart of this debate) still isn't at the top of the ranks, they are a well-run business, complete with friendly bonuses (such as a free birthday burrito) and environmentally-conscious eating-ware. And their smoothies are delectable.
Labels: Burrito
Dude, your post summed up my experience all too well. >_< I'm so glad I'm five minutes away from a Chipotle.
And I actually thought the RC Cola was the best part. :) "Hey look, novelty soda!"
Wow, That is sad. Not the El Famous Burrito I know and love. I have been to a couple of their other locations, (Glendale Heights, Downers Grove) and they have always excelled. If you get the chance to visit another location, give it a try, I have never seen anything like what you describe...
How can anyone take someone serious when their #1 Burrito on their list is Chipotle, I've had El Famous several times and I do not remember it being bad at all!
Regardless of the fact that both of their salsas (Green/Red) are great tasting the burrito you describe sounds nothing like the ones they prepare.
1. You didn't mention what type of burrito you got from there Steak? Chicken? Pork? Barbacoa?
2. Your #1 choice is a Chipotle burrito owned by McDonalds.
3. Your #1 choice is a Chipotle burrito!
4. I may have mentioned this before but your #1 choice in your ranking ladder is a CHIPOTLE F'n Burrito!!
Stick to Burgers/hotdogs Which i guarantee if you were to rank them you would rank McD's at #1 and Portillo's burger at # 10.
HR.