I’ve been holding out on you…the best burrito revealed…

Last night, after some much needed retail therapy (a girl’s gotta do something to lift her spirits in this crappy weather), I decided I was too tired to cook. Though I generally have a healthy sense of adventure, I wanted something reliably delicious, so I stopped into Cactus in Maverick Square (in Eastie – one T stop on the blue line from Aquarium). Honestly, I should have written this review from the start. The fact is I’ve secretly been comparing all burritos to my favorite burrito in the city this whole time. It gets a 10 in my book and I’ll do my best to explain why.

Cactus is a little hole-in-the-wall with maybe 3-4 tables and some counters with stools against the wall. My mouth starts watering every time I walk in from the sight and smell of the most delicious looking Mexican food, freshly prepared and waiting for me behind the counter. Though I typically stick to my order of a small chicken burrito (and there’s nothing small about it), I would venture to say that Cactus can do no wrong. I’m just too in love with this particular burrito to ever choose something new. These people know how to make good food, that’s all it comes down to.

So as I stand there waiting, they throw together some shredded chicken, guac, beans, hot sauce, sour cream, pico, cilantro, tons of cheese….I know none of this sounds particularly out of the ordinary for a burrito. But when they wrap that bad boy up and throw it on the grill for a minute, the end result is heaven. Perfectly melted, perfect balance of flavors…I honestly can’t praise it enough. And grab some Jarritos (soda) at the counter for the full experience.

I know my typical Mexican restaurant review consists of burritos, guac, and margaritas…but really, when you’re the best at one thing…best to just stick with that one thing. No margaritas here, and I’ve only had the guac IN a burrito, but trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

My apologies for holding out on you for so long…maybe I was just being selfish? Anywho, now you have it - my absolute favorite burrito. I dare you, Beantown, to find one better.

Feels good to be honest, doesn’t it?
Little B

Border Cafe may be the place to beat...

Since announcing my quest for the best Mexican food in the city, numerous people have recommended checking out Border Café in Harvard Square. It immediately scored points with me just for being super conveniently located, and I was anxious to try what everyone had been raving about.

I met up with Packie, DD, and Jensky around 6:30 and there was still plenty of room in the restaurant so we got a table downstairs right away. Apparently they don’t take reservations, and I did notice that the place filled up while we were there, so unless you want to wait in line, I would try to get there by 7.

It’s actually a really big restaurant, with some funky art smattering the walls, and a fun “margaritaville” style vibe. Definitely the kind of place you head to with a big group for a night of Mexican madness.

First things first, the service was excellent. DD and Jensky were the first two there and already had chips & salsa, waters, and margaritas by the time Packie and I showed up. Moments after joining them, we had the same. This is going to sound picky, but the free salsa at the beginning left something to be desired, chips were delish though. As per usual, we ordered some guac (homemade) right off the bat. I have to say…it was really good! Nice consistency, lots of garlic and other spices…maybe could have used a little more tomato and onion...but maybe I’m just looking for flaws. Overall, I give it an 8.5.

The margaritas were not too shabby either – good size, and great price (ranged from $6.50-$7.75). And of course, the most important test…I was feeling pretty good after two! Can’t beat that. I will say I found them a little sweet, which I originally blamed on the Contreau in my first one, but my second didn’t have any so I think their mix is on the sweeter side. But with size, price, and buzz-capability combined – these margs get an 8.5 as well.

Now on to the menu…I looked and looked, but where were the burritos?! Turns out, they offer an alternative called a “burro”, which is basically a big version of an enchilada. Smothered in cheesy goodness, and filled with chicken…there was nothing dry or un-tasty about this meal. The rice it came with was spiced up with some veggies and the girls agreed it was probably our favorite part! I will say that after a few bites, the enchilada sauce began to overtake the other flavors, but overall…very good! I give this pseudo-burrito meal an 8 (but at least one point of that is for the yummy rice). Couple of the girls tried the fajitas, which they both rated highly...but said they wished the onions had been cooked longer, and that they had been accompanied by some peppers.

Border Café did not disappoint. It’s definitely on the high end for Mexican food in the city with regard to taste…and didn’t break the bank either. I would definitely recommend this for a group night out - great vibe to get the party started!

¡Arriba!

Little B

PS - Per request, I’d also like to mention that the chairs are kind of weird and have a wooden slat that pushes your back forward a bit…it’s the little things worth mentioning, you know? So bring a pillow if you’re sensitive…

Jose's: Out of the Way, Yes. Cheap Margaritas, again...Yes.

So I think its about time to start my quest for the "Best of" in mexican food. My big 3 are always the same: Guac, Margaritas, and Burritos, baby. So some lady friends of mine (namely Jensky, Packie and DD) have agreed to help me in my search across the city, and we started where the deals led us: Jose's Mexican Restaurant near Porter Square in Cambridge.

If you haven't heard of it yet, check out http://www.buywithme.com/ref/KPEP44PZ. We got $40 worth of food and drink at Jose's for $20. Love me some coupons...but enough of that, on to the good stuff:

Guac: I'm a bit of a stickler here...but I must say, it was pretty good! Good sized portion and pretty good consistency (though I like a little more chunk). Could use a little more "sass" though - maybe some more garlic, salt, cumin? Just needed something to spunk up the blandness of avocado. But overall pretty darn good - I'd give it a 7 (out of 10).

Margaritas: We were originally going to order a pitcher of the "flor de jamaica" but the waitress was kind enough suggest we give it a taste first. Look at this cute little display (and no charge!). Turns out - not the best flavor.


So in the end we went with La Especial. A $30 pitcher went a long way: I'd say about 10-12 glasses? Not too shabby! Margs weren't tooo strong, but I'm gonna give some points here for quantity - sooo also 7.

Burritos: Ehhh, not the best. Shredded chicken was dry and I had to ask for some sour cream to fix up the consistency. I don't have much else to say here...4.

Other things to note - this place is probably only worth your trip if you live or work in the area. It's almost a mile walk from Porter Square, so head over if you have a car after work sometime and grab a pitcher of margaritas and some guac.

Also, want to give props to this place for their wait staff - our waitress was great with the margarita samples, snappy with the food, and when she screwed up our bill (swiped our cards for someone else's bill, then had to ask for them back to do it again), she offered us 20% off our bill to make up for the inconvenience. Her sincerity and responsiveness got her the total price of the bill anyway - since the 20% was obviously coming out of her tip otherwise.

Hasta luego,
Little B