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."