Why Burrito Express is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family

Burrito Express is a beloved Mexican eatery known for its delicious and flavorful menu that includes a variety of tacos, burritos, and more. This casual spot, with locations in Homewood, Chandler, Athens, and Mesa, is a fantastic place for friends and families to gather for a satisfying meal without the formality of upscale dining. The restaurant offers both dine-in and take-out options, making it convenient for a quick bite or a relaxed gathering. Guests appreciate the well-seasoned but not overly salty dishes, with favorites including beef, steak, and pork tacos. Complementary offerings like fresh chips and spicy salsa, as well as popular drinks such as the horchata, enhance the authentic Mexican experience. Burrito Express is also praised for its generous portion sizes and great value, making it an attractive option for those craving comforting Mexican cuisine. The environment is casual and welcoming, suitable for individuals, families, and groups of friends looking to enjoy flavorful meals in a relaxed setting. Friendly staff and efficient service contribute further to its appeal as a local favorite spot to meet, eat, and enjoy time together.

Here's what people think of Burrito Express

As of recent, Burrito Express holds a 4.2-star rating based on 1634 reviews.

Customer reviews of Burrito Express highlight a generally positive dining experience centered on flavorful food and friendly service. Many reviewers have praised the delicious tacos and burritos, noting that the seasoning is well-balanced and the portion sizes satisfying. Dishes like breakfast burritos were also well-received for freshness and quality, with some reviewers appreciating the homemade chips and spicy salsa as excellent complements to their meals. Many customers find the restaurant competitively priced and enjoy the casual, family-friendly atmosphere. However, some reviews pointed out inconsistencies, especially regarding meat portion sizes and occasional fluctuations in food quality. A few customers expressed disappointment with certain menu items like tostadas and tortas for lacking sufficient meat. Additionally, while employee reviews mention a positive work environment with perks like discounts and flexible hours, there are concerns about management, communication, and limited advancement opportunities, which might reflect indirectly on service variability. Overall, the balance of positive feedback about food quality, value, and friendliness outweighs the negative comments, positioning Burrito Express as a favored option for Mexican take-out and casual dining among its patrons.

Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)

Coach Steve Toth

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had the bacon, egg, potato breakfast burrito. It had too much egg not enough potatoes and bacon. Overpriced for the value received. The salsa was just a green liquid not even hot like I have requested. They have no chilie. I will not be returning.

Jake White

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I want to love this place. It was always a hot spot back when I was in high school but the service and quality of the food has really tanked in recent years. You can't call ahead because they won't answer the phone and even if there's only three cars ahead of you in the drive thru you can be stuck waiting for 30+ minutes. They're not rude but never very kind either and more often then not my burrito is cold and the cheese not melted. Now the only times I come here are out of desperation

You dont

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

They keep asking for tips. Squish and ripped my burrito. Usually pretty good. lately not so much.

Alexandria Robb

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We’ve been coming to this Mexican restaurant for a while now because the food is consistently fantastic — and today was no different on that front. The grilled chicken tacos were flavorful, and the chorizo breakfast burrito hit the spot. The kitchen staff deserves 5 stars — they were attentive, and one of the cooks even helped me get a to-go box right away without hesitation. Unfortunately, the service experience completely missed the mark. We arrived on Sunday, July 20, 2025, around 1:40 PM, and were met with an extremely rude cashier — a woman with a bird tattoo on her neck. We stood at the register for a good three minutes without being acknowledged, and after finally placing our order for three grilled chicken tacos, a chorizo breakfast burrito, and three fountain drinks, she just walked away — without handing us our drink cups. I waited at the register for another five minutes, clearly visible to her, before she finally returned. Shockingly, she asked what I wanted to order again, as if I hadn’t just done so. I had to request a receipt, which she only printed from the card machine — meaning no item breakdown. When I asked for our drinks, she acted confused, as if she didn’t remember us ordering them just minutes earlier. To top it off, once our food was ready, it wasn’t called out or brought to us — it sat there until one of us decided to go check. All in all, we give the food 5 stars, but the customer service was a solid 1 star — rude, inattentive, and careless. We were honestly shocked by how poor the front-of-house experience was this time. Hopefully, management addresses it, because the food is too good to be paired with that kind of service.

cleo dog

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Used to love this place. Had the best bacon breakfast burrito. Changed the bacon to really chunky, fatty pieces. Awful. Doesn’t actually taste like bacon. The man who takes the order refused to even ask if they would chop it up to finer bits. He just said no. Because it was “already cooked”. Didn’t seem like a big ask. He was really rude as well. I am a long time customer. Not a customer anymore.

How to reach Burrito Express

Why rally at Burrito Express with your friends?

Gathering your friends together for a casual meal calls for a spot that combines great food, comfortable atmosphere, and accommodating service—and Burrito Express delivers all three. With a solid 4.2-star rating from over 1,600 reviews, this eatery has built a strong reputation for satisfying both picky eaters and burrito aficionados alike. The real draw is the delicious California-style Mexican burritos packed with fresh ingredients like rice, beans, cheese, avocado, and quality meats, making each bite a satisfying experience. This place is known for its friendly, helpful staff who make the experience welcoming, ensuring that your group feels valued whether you’re locals or just stopping by. While Burrito Express may not be a fancy, upscale restaurant, its clean, inviting environment and consistent food quality make it a perfect rally point to share a hearty meal with friends or family. The communal joy of sharing burritos, sampling popular sauces, and enjoying casual dining lends itself to lively conversations and fun catch-ups, making Burrito Express an ideal hub for memorable get-togethers.

What kinds of activities and atmosphere does Burrito Express offer for group meetups?

Burrito Express is more than just a food stop; it’s a social space designed to encourage sharing and relaxing with company. While the seating area may be modest and somewhat limited, the vibe is comfortably casual, perfect for laid-back gatherings where the focus is on conversation and great food. Families with kids find it especially convenient as the menu includes options like taco salads with customizable ingredients, making it easy to accommodate different tastes within a group. Plus, the staff’s patience and willingness to cater to preferences—like serving beans on the side so kids can share without fuss—highlight the group-friendly environment. For larger crowds or those wanting to enjoy the weather, the option for outdoor seating adds a refreshing dimension to meetups. The parking availability supports easy access, decreasing hassle when arriving with friends. Groups can bond over ordering a variety of burritos, trying each other’s favorites, and discovering new sauce combinations together, transforming the dining experience into a shared culinary adventure. Burrito Express’s approach facilitates casual mingling and offers enough flexibility to suit different group dynamics.

Why is the food at Burrito Express ideal for sharing with friends or family?

The menu at Burrito Express is crafted to please diverse palates, which makes it perfect for groups who enjoy mixing and matching flavors. The portions are generous, often more than enough for one person, meaning it’s easy to share bites or save some for later—helpful for groups that want to sample many items without over-ordering. The classic California burrito style here combines staples like rice, beans, cheese, avocado, and a choice of meats, delivering familiar yet satisfying flavors that suit both traditional and adventurous eaters. Many reviewers mention the "JVC burrito" with pork meat as a standout favorite, spotlighting the place's specialty options. Additionally, the variety of accompanying salsas and hot sauces provided by the staff encourages groups to experiment collaboratively, adding a fun interactive layer to the meal. Even picky kids and adults tend to find something delicious, thanks to the adaptable menu and the staff’s attentiveness to requests—this makes Burrito Express reliable for satisfying everyone at your table without drama. Sharing food here naturally sparks conversation and connection.

How does Burrito Express accommodate different group sizes and dining preferences?

Despite its modest size, Burrito Express offers solutions that cater well to different group setups. Although indoor seating is somewhat limited, outdoor dining and takeout options provide flexibility for gathering larger groups or those who prefer dining elsewhere. For families with children, the staff’s thoughtful service in customizing orders—like separating beans or offering kids’ favorite drinks such as Martinelli’s apple juice—stands out as an attentive touch that puts group comfort first. The restaurant’s consistent ability to adapt orders ensures that dietary preferences or restrictions can be met without hassle, reducing stress during group outings. Because the restaurant has been a community staple for over 20 years, many returning groups appreciate the familiar, reliable quality and service that make planning meetups easier. For quick lunches or casual dinners with friends, the efficient service keeps wait times minimal, helping your group maintain a lively pace without long downtime. Parking availability and easy access add a practical edge to its convenience as a meetup location.

What makes Burrito Express distinct from other Mexican eateries for hosting friendly gatherings?

Burrito Express’s unique appeal lies in its balance of neighborhood comfort and quality food without the pretension. Unlike many Mexican restaurants that focus heavily on decor or authenticity extremes, it prioritizes delivering a consistently tasty product shaped by decades of experience. The California-style burritos are a defining feature, differentiated by their fresh, ample fillings that appeal broadly and encourage sharing, rather than formal plated dishes. The friendly, accommodating staff contribute significantly to the welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to linger and enjoy their company alongside their meals. This environment fosters informal, relaxed gatherings rather than rushed dining experiences typical of fast food, making it an enticing location for parties, casual meetups, or family outings. Though a "hole in the wall," its reputation for excellent food and thoughtful service has earned it loyal followings who bring friends and relatives regularly. This blend of accessibility, affordability, and communal spirit sets Burrito Express apart as a prime spot for group dining in Pasadena.

How can groups maximize their experience when dining at Burrito Express?

To get the most out of a meetup at Burrito Express, planning around the casual, cozy setting is key. Arriving early or during off-peak hours can help secure the best seating given the limited indoor space. Groups should consider ordering a variety of burritos and sharing them to sample different flavors, making the meal a shared tasting experience. Taking advantage of the staff’s kindness by asking for sauce samples or advice on customizing orders can enhance enjoyment. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant environment for larger groups or those seeking a laid-back vibe, especially in good weather. For groups with children, customizing dishes and ordering kid-friendly drinks help keep everyone happy and content. Additionally, ordering some items to go can complement the meetup by extending time spent together outside the restaurant. By embracing the informal, community-driven spirit of the place, groups transform their meal into an event of connection and enjoyment.

Why is Burrito Express considered a dependable choice for casual group dining?

With over two decades of service and a strong base of enthusiastic reviews, Burrito Express has proven its dependability as a casual dining spot that consistently satisfies. Despite some isolated critiques, the overwhelming customer feedback highlights its steady quality in food, portion size, and friendliness—qualities essential for group outings. The menu’s versatility ensures various taste preferences and dietary needs are met without compromising flavor or satisfaction. Staff attentiveness further underlines the restaurant’s commitment to a positive dining experience, especially for groups requiring special accommodations. Its reputation as a long-standing local favorite underscores its reliability, making it a safe, comfortable choice that groups can trust repeatedly. This consistency turns Burrito Express into more than a meal stop; it becomes a familiar gathering place where friends and family reconnect over great burritos in a welcoming setting.

Don't just take our word for it. Check out these other websites for more info on the Burrito Express

• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g36145-d4643309-Reviews-Burrito_Express-Homewood_Illinois.html
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g29003-d2090568-Reviews-Burrito_Express-Athens_Alabama.html
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g31190-d4231617-Reviews-Burrito_Express-Chandler_Arizona.html
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g31281-d4973712-Reviews-Burrito_Express-Mesa_Arizona.html