Week Four of the Quest: Torchy's Tacos

Torchy's Tacos

In week four of the quest to find Waco's best burrito, we find ourselves deep in the heart of Waco's notorious "Grease Pit" (area directly across the highway from Baylor University filled with fast food restaurants). This week the lucky subject of review is Torchy's Tacos, which is located just off I-35 on 5 St near Wendy's, McAllisters, In-N-Out and several other chain restaurants. During week four, we sought to return to a beloved Baylor student favorite after a not so satisfying week three Ninfa's experience.

This week I am again solely accompanied by Griffin. However, this "Bro Date" was far more casual in comparison to last week's edition of the quest.

Griffin mid-chew

As I previously said, Torchy's Tacos is a local favorite and generally filled with hungry college students in the mood for a unique taste and dining experience. That being said, 2:30 p.m. on a Thursday proved to be a very different experience as we were part of just a handful of people in the restaurant. In general, a customer would likely have to wait in a line that is through the front door; however, on this occasion we merely walked to the counter and placed our orders. After paying, we received our cups and order numbers then proceeded to fill our drinks and find a cosy seat to await our foods arrival.

After a few minutes pass, I notice an employee making their way towards our table. My "burrito senses" began tingling as they neared and ultimately handed me my burrito, which would prove to have a very short lifespan. Within my "Grande Burrito" was black beans, rice, pico de gallo, cheese, chicken fajita and guacamole. I somehow remained courteous and waited for Griffin's food to arrive moments later before biting into the lovely burrito. But alas, the time came and upon biting into the burrito a variety of delicious flavors filled my mouth. The burrito was of premier taste and quality, which was very evident as I quickly finished it in a matter of a couple of minutes.

Prior to this week, "Taco Z" (Taqueria Zacatecas) was sitting comfortably atop Waco's "Burrito Throne." But after the fine offerings of Torchy's Tacos, there is a new crown holder in town. Competition for Waco's best burrito is now heating up as two very worthy opponents have now entered the playing field. As of this moment, if you are in Waco and desiring a burrito I would fully recommend that you make your way on over to Torchy's Tacos.

Week Three of the Quest: An Unexpected Turn

Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant

During week three of the quest to find Waco's premier burrito, we experience a dramatic change of pace. Per the suggestion of others, we decided to give Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant, located at the intersection of Franklin Ave. and S 3rd St., an opportunity to see where its burritos rank among the others. This being said, those who suggested Ninfa's should have also accompanied their suggestion with a warning about the less casual, more formal vibe.

One mere man cannot attempt to consume Waco's burrito offerings alone. Therefore, tagging along this week is the familiar face of my roommate, Griffin.

Griffin

As I said, we walked into the restaurant not knowing what to expect. We were shocked by the more formal atmosphere and quickly realized that we had to embrace the moment and declared it a "Bro Date." The restaurant's interior is beautiful and filled with interesting paintings and other decorations. It is a nice restaurant; however, it is not what our oblivious, t-shirt and short bearing selves were expecting.

The less casual vibe is quickly confirmed by a glance at the menu's high prices. Now I am thinking that if they value their food this much, it must be extraordinary. So we place our order for our $12 burritos and are then brought chips and salsa. The salsa is served warm which generally isn't my preference but the flavor is good. While it was not the greatest salsa, I felt obligated to eat a "healthy portion" of it to potentially make up for the financial investment of eating here.

Optimistic anticipation surrounding the burrito quickly dissipates when our meals arrive. I am devastated. No burrito should require the use of a fork for consumption. I sadly grab my fork and proceed with my meal after taking another punch to the gut. The "burrito" is really just a large beef enchilada with refried beans mixed within. The flavor is average, it is nothing extraordinary but it is good. I was hoping for something much greater, given the price relative to other surrounding competition.

"Burrito"

Disappointed Me

While the taste and quality were fine, Ninfa's proud offering was nothing special. The mediocrity coupled with the inflated prices easily disqualify this from the very serious competition for Waco's best burrito. I cannot with a pure heart recommend Ninfa's to another burrito lover, particularly to those not wanting to spend a lot of money.

Week Two of the Quest: Taco Z

Taqueria Zacatecas ("Taco Z")

Unlike week one of my quest for burrito excellence, this week I went to a well known and popular restaurant. Taqueria Zacatecas, more commonly referred to as "Taco Z" by locals and students, is located just minutes away from campus. The restaurant is positioned on La Salle Ave between S 23 St and S 25 St, just a couple blocks off of the circle.

As per usual, fellow burrito connoisseurs joined me in my search for the Waco's finest burrito. This week I am joined by Griffin, Brandon and Jeremy as seen in the photos below. These gentlemen became overjoyed at the mere thought of savoring a burrito from Taqueria Zacatecas.

Griffin

Jeremy

Brandon

We arrive to restaurant, as we have many times in the past, and are surprised to find it not overwhelmingly busy. Generally the restaurant is filled to the brim throughout the day with other Baylor students craving a quality meal at a reasonable price.  The building has an open design and the eating area is basically a covered patio. It might be preferable to get your order to go or to utilize the drive-thru window on days with adverse weather or severe heat.


Not long after arriving, we wait in a short line and then place our orders. In less than ten minutes we are summoned by order number to the window to grab our food. It is now the moment of truth as I struggle to maintain self-control while walking my precious burrito back to our table.

The burrito, in all of its beauty, is simple. Within its delectable flour tortilla shell lies chicken fajita meat, rice, beans, lettuce and tomatoes. The ingredients are fresh and generously served as they stumble out of their tortilla cage upon consumption. This being said, the best part of the meal is easily the restaurant's green salsa. How can something so simple taste so delicious? It is what sets this burrito apart from being a tasty and filling treat to being a true competitor for the throne of "Waco's Best Burrito."


Taqueria Zacatecas lives up to the hype surrounding it. The taste, quality, and quantity of food make the restaurant a location worthy of frequenting. After this particular visit as well as the other times I have eaten at "Taco Z," I strongly recommend a burrito or taco lover to give it a try.


It is only week two of my quest and a fierce competitor has already entered the game. It will be exciting to see what other burritos attempt to snatch the elusive crown and honor of "Waco's Best Burrito."

The Quest Begins: I Will Find You My Dear Burrito

Taqueria El Mexicano Grill #9









Week one of our search for Waco's best burrito is underway and the first location is Taqueria El Mexicano Grill #9. This fine establishment is located on Valley Mills Drive between the intersections of Bosque Blvd. and Lake Air Drive. The building's exterior does not cause anyone to do a double take or drop any jaws. But so often is the case of a unknown treasure being hidden in a "hole in wall."









As will always be the case, I was accompanied by a fellow Mexican food and burrito enthusiast. My special guest this week is the lovely Brooke (seen below inhaling chips and queso).









The atmosphere is electric and few empty seats are available; however, we walk in and are instantly seated. The restaurant's decoration and color scheme screams authenticity. A customer does not feel like they are off the side of Valley Mills, but rather as they found a secret route to the center of Mexico. We are waited on by a very responsive staff. Our drinks arrive along side a healthy portion of chips, salsa and a side order of mouth-watering white queso.









Not long after, the main course is brought to the table. The star of the show, a shredded chicken burrito, is no longer a mere image in my mind. The burrito seductively stares me down as its inevitable fate awaits it. The wait is over and I can contain myself no longer.












The burrito was graciously filled with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and beans. The ingredients were fresh and the contents of the burrito could not be contained within the delicate structural integrity of the tortilla. Upon eating, it is highly recommended to have excess napkins in the area, lest you desire to look like a burrito yourself.









The taste and overall enjoyment of the burrito was honestly average. I do not boldly proclaim my quest for greatness complete after this burrito. While the burrito was delicious and I have no regrets after eating it, I firmly believe that the best burrito in Waco is still eluding me. This being said, the true highlights of the meal were the white queso and the relatively low prices.




I recommend Taqueria El Mexicano Grill #9; however, this recommendation is not accompanied by the award of "Waco's Best Burrito."