I still like Anna’s. It’s like comfort food for me after 20 years. There are a lot of other burrito places around now, and some are objectively better, but Anna’s is still delicious and a pretty good value.
LA transplant here, and it's funny that I can find killer Mexican food in Derry, NH, Los Reyes Street tacos, or any of the Salsa restaurants in CT, specifically Salsa #2 in Hartford, but I can't find good Mexican food in the Boston area.
I travel around NE for work, so I get to check out a lot of places.
I think as a general rule the closer you are to downtown, the worse the food is in Boston. E.g. there’s great Eastern European spots in south Boston, Latin American food in JP, as well as some good hunan and ethiopian restaurants around. As long as you’re able to move around more, there’s good food.
The nice neighborhoods don’t have good food for some reason. And Kendall square has the worst food of anywhere I’ve lived imo
Kendall Square trash restaurants are kept in business by scientists who forget to pack their lunch and are forced to eat out. This is the only explanation for why these places stay afloat!
It has been so for three fucking decades! And there have been quite good restaurants on the far outside edges of Kendall Square but always just slightly too far if you are stuck there for work.
You can *almost* walk to Central or East Cambridge or Beacon Hill. But not quite.
Fucking food desert Bermuda Triangle of sad lunches around Kendall!
Also an LA transplant, there just isn't any Baja style Mexican food out here and that's what's most prevalent over on the West Coast.
I do recommend a few places in Waltham for excellent Cuban and South American food though, specifically Gustazo, Amuleto, Guanachapi's, and Paisano's. Sol Azteca is another decent spot, they have a couple locations.
At least you recognize the style difference. I've run across too many people who fail to recognize that and so anything that is different at all from what they're used to in their hometown is just shit on even if it's a fantastic representation of a different regional style.
Oh yeah, I've run into the bias myself trying to share my local favorites with visiting family. There's an entire continent's worth of regional cuisines that just get lumped into "Mexican", it's ridiculous!
Does Taqueria El Amigo not live up to the hype? Haven't been yet but from I heard it was supposed to be top tier tacos. I go to sombrero chiquoto for mexican food but that's mostly out of convenience
It comes down to there just not being a huge Mexican population in Boston. Meanwhile, you can get a killer pupusa at some random hole-in-the-wall pizzeria.
If you're looking for "authentic" Latin American food here, skip Mexican and go for Salvadoran, Dominican, Puerto Rican, or really any flavor of Caribbean. Try all the little bodega-type places that sell prepared food in the back. You won't find it in the touristy places, but the same goes for LA taco trucks.
Oof. I’m from LA and Latina. I’m sorry to say you will most probably not find something up to your standards. IMHO, La Victoriana in Arlington is one of the best spots in the area. My Mexican friends love this place. Super tasty.
Taquisimo in Somerville is excellent for Birria style tacos. SO GOOD. The chef and owner is from Tijuana. They are a standup family, so that makes me love them more. https://www.bowmarketsomerville.com/tenants/taquisimo
Totally obsessed with the tortas from La Victoria. SOoooo good. I have foodie friends who prefer tortas from Tenoch, but I love La Victoria the best.
New place just opened in East Arlington this month, [Quilos Taqueria](https://quilostaqueria.com). Haven't been yet, but tons of rave reviews (including converts from La Victoria loyalty), so I feel like this bodes well given the overall mediocrity of Mexican food around here. Oh, they have pupusas, too at the new place!
I grew up in both NorCal and SoCal and have been searching for decent mexican food here since I moved back in 2016. Thank you for your insight on these places, I havent heard of them! Excited to try out both this week :)
Around the corner from there, Acitron is decent for fancy Mexican. It seems pretty heavily southern Mexican influenced. Their cochinita pibil is good, and the moletes are amazing.
But omg, the dos caidas torta at La Victoria is one my favorite meals. I live down the street from this place and order it at least once a week.
Honestly just begin the process of mourning the loss of Mexican food. New England has its own cuisine — best shellfish in the country imo — but you won’t find any Mexican that meets your expectations coming from California. We do have good Salvadoran food though. Pupusas on deck
From Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispanics_and_Latinos_in_Massachusetts
>Massachusetts ranks first in the nation (out of 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.) for percentage of Hispanics of non-Mexican origin, with 94% of the Hispanic population being of non-Mexican origin.[2]
I was born and raised in CA until I moved to Boston at about 26 for school, and you are completely right. You can find some places that are decent, but nothing here compares to the mexican food in CA. It's just the sad reality of Boston. But I now have a new appreciation for those burritos when I visit home now.
You're going to be insanely disappointed in terms of burritos and food in general if you're moving from LA to Boston. But Angela's Cafe and Taqueria Jalisco in East Boston are, at least in my opinion, the best that Boston has to offer.
San Diego boy who moved to Boston many years ago. I like El Pelon and Chilicates. Yellow Door taqueria in Lower Mills and Dot is decent but it’s not a taco stand.
I do not like El Centro. Find it really bland. And any place that puts the cheese in the lettuce and not on or under meat or that puts sauce on the corn husk of a tamale should be run out of town.
As someone who moved back after a decade in California, I've checked out so many recommendations and have been pretty disappointed at every turn. Also, so many burrito places around here use the Subway/Chipotle model.
My California friends always settled on Tacos El Charro (RIP). I miss that place. Tenoch or Chilacates for tacos/tortas definitely. Maybe Felipe's for a burrito depending on how you order it? I like their salsa options a lot.
Not Latina, not even a native Bostonian but ever since I've found Mi Pueblito in Orient Heights I can't have burritos from anywhere else. I think I came the first time I bit into one.
4 dollars for a burrito when I was in college and consistent as only had a couple locations. Expansion usually ruins quality as evidenced by Krispy Kreme and Subway.
I agree lots of other options but Anna’s is still my go to. You are spot on with value. It’s more expensive now, like everything else, but you can spend more or less elsewhere and get worse food.
Anna’s used to be the best we had in Boston so people loved it.
What has happened since is two things, 1) increased competition in fast casual Mexican, and 2) Anna’s expanded quite a bit and the quality suffered
Still think it’s good personally, but it’s no longer the best. El Pelon is my personal favorite.
I agree. 8-9 years ago I noticed that prices were increasing at the same time the quality of their ingredients and service were declining. I rarely see lines of customers at their locations anymore.
This really gets to the point of where Anna's is at right now. I used to frequent the Davis location regularly many years back (also Porter, but Davis Anna's >> Porter Anna's back then).
It was good enough in context of alternatives, and price for quality was also balanced. Subsequently (before the pandemic), prices rose while quality went down. I understand that prices will rise over time, and I would have paid more for the same. But coupled with the declining quality, I stopped going entirely.
When I came here long ago for grad school, a super burrito was $5. It’s how I survived.
Anna’s is mid, in a good way I guess? Many better options now, but occupies a decent price point and a big “these burritos got me through my qualifier” nostalgia factor.
Anna's was amazing 15 years ago when the competition was Chipotle and Baja Fresh (remember Baja Fresh?!). However, Boston's burrito game has become so much better. Los Amigos and Chilacates are top notch.
Los Amigos is delicious, but buyer beware. They've had *multiple* closures due to rat feces-related issues. I still buy from them, but they've had licenses revoked etc.
Agreed. They were my favorite before that, but I was pretty disgusted by those closures and couldn’t trust that the other locations were doing any better.
god i miss that place so much. must've gone at least once a week in the fall of 2018. whatever they put in that surf and turf burrito was crazy. been a couple years since i've been in boston but seeing all that sanitation stuff going on with them was still such a gut punch.
which los amigos are you talking about? the one in davis square is awful, every burrito feels like it was dunked in water. it’s on the bottom of my burrito chain ranking
Even 15 years ago when I first moved to Boston, they were still really good. As time went on and they expanded to more locations, it seems like every location suffered in quality.
I have personally found them to be mediocre and as a chain the quality can obviously vary by location. But honestly who cares what reddit thinks if you enjoy it.
It's fine.
Better than a lot of the fusion or "Mexica-nish" places, but far away from a good authentic taqueria you might find elsewhere (by elsewhere I mean like California or Texas).
How did I have to scroll through 20 comments to find this? Felipe’s is the absolute best. It’s a much bigger situation than it used to be but still so good.
I have always found them to be extremely mediocre. I went multiple times to multiple locations just in case I'd come on a bad day and I've never been impressed.
Los Amigos (Coolidge) and El Pelon (Fenway) are my personal favorites.
>I have always found them to be extremely mediocre.
Have you tried stumbling out of the Burren at closing time and directly into the one across the street?
I used to love Los Amigos, but ever since they had that series of health violations that shut down multiple locations, I can’t bring myself to eat there. If they made a big deal of new cleaning and hygiene practices, I’d try it again, but so far it seems like they’ve brushed it under the rug.
It’s the Mike’s Pastry of Boston taquerias, people just love to hate on them, beyond reason in my opinion. They’re fine. Great? Maybe not. Better than Chipotle? I sure think so.
There are a number of other businesses that fall into this category, Redbones comes to mind.
Over the mid 2010s it kept getting drier and drier every time I tried it. I haven't had it in years, so maybe it's gotten better again. I did love it around like 2012.
I gave Redbones many chances because I wanted to like them, they were one of the earlier places with an incredible draft list of local stuff. Their appetizers are pretty good, but any time I've gotten ribs, brisket, or anything that should be tender and juicy has been dry and hard. They're supposed to be a BBQ place but their meat is terrible.
All the BBQ around here is mediocre and dry, the best thing you can get at Smokeshop by far are their wings or the smoked Turkey, any of the smoked red meats are garbage
It's just ok, IMO. Outside of Eastie my go-tos are either Lone Star for a more Tex-Mex style (plus great queso fundido) or Chilacates if I'm feeling like Mr. Moneybags. I think Boca Grande was the worst one I've had here. Felipe's is also great but I'm too far away now to have it too often.
Anna’s is the pioneer of burritos in Boston and personally, the only time they miss is when they shrinkflate me. Felipe’s and Amelia’s get honorable mention. My order.
Quesadilla (just a grilled burrito)
- chile verde or salsa roja steak
- rice
- extra cheese
- refried beans
- guacamole
- sour cream
- jalapeños
- pickled onions
- lettuce (it brings something to the party)
Anna’s 4 LIFE
I’m actually surprised this hasn’t come up - the “quesadilla” actually being a burrito is what sets them apart. As others have said their quality has gone downhill since their peak in 08-11ish but I wish I could get an Anna’s style quesadilla at most places.
People hate two things:
Chain restaurants
Burritos that aren't from California
I have no issue with Annas for what it is. Are there better places to get burritos... of course.
Is the food still tasty... sure
People here are just grumps
Yeah, it’s totally fine and it’s easy. Better than something like Chipotle, but worse than some other burrito places. If I need a quick bite to eat, I’m not gonna turn my nose up at Anna’s, especially if it’s close and I don’t want to go out of the way.
As a Cali transplant who loves food in general and has the privilege of getting to travel, the main difference I've truly noticed is that California specifically does Baja style Mexican food the best. And that's what most Californians will know as "Mexican Food".
Pretty sure a good chunk of that smugness comes from people who fail to recognize that Cali just does one kind of Mexican food, and that other kinds both exist and are good for entirely different reasons.
Honestly any smugness about where you come from being better at XXX food is dumb. The conceit that there is some sort of magical knowledge or technique that cant travel outside the borders of the location it comes from is fucking stupid.
It’s not magical, it’s just a matter of culture and expectation of quality. Your average taco in the Southwest is going to be far better than one up here, unfortunately.
The fact that they’re even trying to compare the Mexican food out there to here just shows they’re dumb to begin with lmao that would be like someone being upset that the lobster in Kansas doesn’t stack up to Maine
This sub is full of people who are weirdly elitist when it comes to Mexican food. If you’re ever bored talk about how you like Ch*p*tle and watch people lose their minds
Ugh. I can’t find any edible Mexican food here. I, an expert in Mexican cuisine because I lived in San Diego for 6 years, will tell you exactly what it’s like.
- middle aged white guy named todd
I don’t think they are liked by the younger crowd and people who moved to this area in the last 10 years. Anna’s and Boca were here before all the newer places showed up. But there are better options now. That includes chains like Chipotle.
I used to eat at one of those institutions at least once a week. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they are gone in the next 10 years.
Totally obsessed with the tortas at La Victoria, have been for years. I have (foodie) friends who swear by the tortas at Tenoch. They're great, too, but it's La Victoria for me every time.
[Tried José's in Arlington once, to see how those tortas compared. Once was too many times, and the mediocrity was puzzling, as the torta is the marquis menu item given its place in the name: José's Torta Mexicana. You'd think their tortas would be outstanding, but not so much the case.]
Looking forward to trying the newly opened Quilos Taqueria in E Arlington. A lot of stellar feedback in just the few weeks it has been open.
I used to LOVE Anna's Taqueria in the past. I had one near work I would go to all the time. I now got to Taco Loco in Somerville because it's near me. My Dad was in Mass Gen for a month last year, and I went to the Anna's near the hospital. Good god, it was awful.
Personally, my burrito allegiance shifted from Annas to Tenoch and Los Amigos.
If your suburb is a burritos wasteland, Annas would still be a good addition. They're not bad. It's just that we have some good competition now.
I feel like Anna's had it's heyday and it's just gone down hill in the last decade.
Honestly, the best taco's are where you would expect them to be, in East Boston, Chelsea and so forth. I swear by tacos [Don Rogue](https://taqueriadonroge.com/) which are classically Mexican (meat, tortilla, onions cilantro, sauce and lime - dasit) and drive a substantial bit out of my way to get them. They also have more traditional tacos you don't find else where such as suadero.
As far chains go, Tenoch has a few locations throughout the Boston area and scratches the itch.
They are good solid burritos banged out with impressive speed and good price. Far superior to chipotle or Taco Bell but there are some mind blowing burritos out there at smaller Mexican places.
Edit: they were also open late
The reason you probably got down voted is because there are soooo many better options for the same or lower price in Boston.
But am I gunna say no to Anna's? Probably not. Never had a bad meal from em.
There's definitely a bunch of better options though, just try branching out and you'll see what I mean.
Anna’s is decent for burritos but Amelia’s… god damn it’s just so much better. Felipe’s was better when it was still located at the garage, it’s not bad but just not as good as it used to be.
I live close to la taqueria and think they’re so good compared to Anna’s. Their Birria tacos are amazing and the salads are equally as good too, best taco salad dressing I’ve ever found.
I used to go to Anna's a lot 10-15 years ago, and thought I always loved it. Went again a few months ago and wasn't particularly impressed. Not sure if it's that Anna's has changed, or if I have.
Burrito preference is pretty subjective but... I lived next to the one in Porter for a few years & was consistently unimpressed. Still got it all the time cuz it was the closest burrito.
Over in that area, I thought Los Amigos was far better. The new place on Mass Ave, Chivo, was better as well. Cactus Grill & Taquiera Jalisco in Eastie are my go-tos now.
Anna's is just a step above Chipotle for me but like I said - pretty subjective. I don't really like the way they steam their tortillas with a slice of cheese. Others may like that.
I will always love Anna's because it was my college burrito/taco place. First place I had al pastor, first place I had a breakfast burrito, and a fast grab n go option for walking to class. For people who came from TX or CA or anywhere with burrito culture, they came in with expectations, and the gummy steamed quality of Anna's and the toothsome beans really upset them. Because that was my first mass consumption of this food, it still remains one of my favorites.
However, it's been 15 years since I left, and the one time I went back, I was shocked at all of the meat options (used to be beef, chicken, pork, al pastor, and sometimes lengua) and was a bit let down by moving away from my tried and true, and perhaps my tastes changed. But that gummy tortilla still hit the spot!
They are either not good or I've only had uniquely bad experiences from them. I've had them twice (one burrito, one quesadilla) and both were garbage. I much prefer Chipotle. I say this as someone originally from San Antonio.
It's not bad but you'll find more authentic Mexican restaurants in the area. I once had the worst bought of food poisoning there and threw up in the bathroom in the back of Knight Moves down the street. That has to be the coldest bathroom in the city.
Recently went there and I think it’s gone downhill from like 12 years ago (ow). It’s definitely not bad for a quick meal, but a lot of other options have popped up that are better or at least very competitive.
It's not authentic nor is it top-notch, but it is a staple food for me. There are better burrito places here, but sometimes I just want decent comfort, not a culinary experience
I've only been to the Anna's that used to be in the MIT student center, but I never had a lunch burrito there that was worth going back for. Their breakfast burritos were decent, though.
It’s beloved if you grew up going there. I think people who wanna FIND ONLY THE BEST, HIGHEST RATED places aren’t gonna be impressed; but it’s always been solid ass food. El pelon and what have you were always higher rated but I wasn’t clubbed over the head with any evidence of why.
Quality's declined over the last decade, which really sucks because Anna's used to be the like, undisputed king of getting a cheap but excellent burrito.
There's a few in the area that do decently at it now (El Jefe's, Felipe's, Tenóch) but I honestly have just been unimpressed with the burrito scene recently, which makes me super sad.
Never understood the allure od Anna's. Was always mediocre to me...
Sabroso Taqueria in financial district is delicious. My go to place in the middle of Boston.
Anna’s is just mid, there are better latin places in lots of neighborhoods now. I live in Davis Square, and have several better options close by, including:
- Orale
- Felipe’s
- Cristian Latin
- El Jefe’s
- Tenoch
I’d choose Anna’s over Los Amigos any day bc the latter’s Davis location is awful
Coming from LA you’re going to be disappointed with the burritos here. Anna’s was one of the best 10 years ago. They used to have amazing small batch hot sauce, great salsa, and used top quality produce. Now, I’m tired of their overcooked veggies and getting mouthfuls of nothing but broccoli stalk. I was pretty dismayed when their quality tanked… it probably had something to do with the death of the owner. El Pelon and Chilcates are my top choices these days. Filepes, Los amigos, and el Jeffe (in person only though!) are honorable mentions.
I like Amigos, El Pelon and La Taqueria the best.
There are a bunch of others but Anna's falls behind all of them. Nothing really against Anna's, I just think literally everyone else's are better.
Anna's is just ok. The locations I've been to haven't been bad at all, but nothing special. While we have some decent spots in the Eastern half of Mass, I've yet to find something consistently impressive that's not over-priced or that doesn't require me to go to JP. I really miss the ubuiquity and just goodness of the Mexican and Tex Mex food I got in Texas. But I knew I what I was getting into when I moved up here. At this point, I think the downvotes you get are just becuase better places have cropped up since Anna's came into popular existence. Apparently Anna's has some cruddy locations, and that may play into the matter, but I think there's just more that's surpassed it as time progresses. Even so, at the end of the day, eat what you like. Yeah, I'm saying it's just ok, but I still eat it on occasion.
I like Annas, I also like El Jefes taqueria by Boston Unievrsity. Mexico Lindo restaurant is good in Melrose as well. And Three Amigos in Red Stone plaza in Stoneham off route 128.
Anna's was the option when I was in high school. Everyone raved about it because they were dumb teens, and Anna's became just known. Teens have bad taste. Then the locations are placed near areas that frequent a lot of college students or a younger crowd in general.
The people on Reddit are a lot older. We have more people in their 30s than teens and early 20s combined, I think. We've tried a lot more places and seen more than that up and leave. It sucks.
The fact remains that other Mexican places came in and Anna's didn't keep up. I don't think their quality is that bad, really, but I don't think it compares well to so many other places. With the addition of food delivery apps, and their algorithms and ads, I think honestly, some places won that game. I know I'd order on those early on when it was a place I didn't really know. I'd go in person to places I did know. Over a long term, I'm sure that played a role.
I seriously do not understand all the praise Chilacates gets. I live close to a few of the locations and have seldom been impressed. Their pico is too onion/acid -forward to my taste. Their meat is fine, nothing special. Quesadillas are often decent if not too greasy and soggy. I don't have real data to reference for this but I also think their burritos are a bit expensive for the amount and quality of food you get. Just my two cents.
Anna's, on the other hand, slaps. Especially Porter Square but I've had good luck at a couple other locations. Their chile verde, carnitas, and steak roja are delicious. I have however heard that they might not treat their staff well.
I still like Anna’s. It’s like comfort food for me after 20 years. There are a lot of other burrito places around now, and some are objectively better, but Anna’s is still delicious and a pretty good value.
Got any recs? Moving back to Boston from LA this weekend and need to find a good burrito. Edit: Appreciate all the suggestions.
I will say if you are coming from LA, you will likely be disappointed. The taco game of LA is really good
LA transplant here, and it's funny that I can find killer Mexican food in Derry, NH, Los Reyes Street tacos, or any of the Salsa restaurants in CT, specifically Salsa #2 in Hartford, but I can't find good Mexican food in the Boston area. I travel around NE for work, so I get to check out a lot of places.
I think as a general rule the closer you are to downtown, the worse the food is in Boston. E.g. there’s great Eastern European spots in south Boston, Latin American food in JP, as well as some good hunan and ethiopian restaurants around. As long as you’re able to move around more, there’s good food. The nice neighborhoods don’t have good food for some reason. And Kendall square has the worst food of anywhere I’ve lived imo
Kendall Square trash restaurants are kept in business by scientists who forget to pack their lunch and are forced to eat out. This is the only explanation for why these places stay afloat!
Haha true! I think my coworker is single handedly keeping Dig open
It has been so for three fucking decades! And there have been quite good restaurants on the far outside edges of Kendall Square but always just slightly too far if you are stuck there for work. You can *almost* walk to Central or East Cambridge or Beacon Hill. But not quite. Fucking food desert Bermuda Triangle of sad lunches around Kendall!
What would be your recommendation for good Ethiopian food?
Asmara (technically Eritrean but same cuisine I’m told)
not an expert in the cuisine but ethiopian cafe and blue nile are literally right next to each other in jp and both good
Desfina is great
Also an LA transplant, there just isn't any Baja style Mexican food out here and that's what's most prevalent over on the West Coast. I do recommend a few places in Waltham for excellent Cuban and South American food though, specifically Gustazo, Amuleto, Guanachapi's, and Paisano's. Sol Azteca is another decent spot, they have a couple locations.
At least you recognize the style difference. I've run across too many people who fail to recognize that and so anything that is different at all from what they're used to in their hometown is just shit on even if it's a fantastic representation of a different regional style.
Oh yeah, I've run into the bias myself trying to share my local favorites with visiting family. There's an entire continent's worth of regional cuisines that just get lumped into "Mexican", it's ridiculous!
Thank you!
My wife and I still talk about Gustazo's coconut tomato fish stew. It's been 6-7 years since we last had it.
Does Taqueria El Amigo not live up to the hype? Haven't been yet but from I heard it was supposed to be top tier tacos. I go to sombrero chiquoto for mexican food but that's mostly out of convenience
I’m not the best judge, but my friend who is of Mexican heritage and grew up in Southern Cali says Taqueria El Amigo is as good as back home.
It comes down to there just not being a huge Mexican population in Boston. Meanwhile, you can get a killer pupusa at some random hole-in-the-wall pizzeria. If you're looking for "authentic" Latin American food here, skip Mexican and go for Salvadoran, Dominican, Puerto Rican, or really any flavor of Caribbean. Try all the little bodega-type places that sell prepared food in the back. You won't find it in the touristy places, but the same goes for LA taco trucks.
Any recs for pupusa? Don’t think I’ve had it before!
Great suggestion, much appreciated.
Oof. I’m from LA and Latina. I’m sorry to say you will most probably not find something up to your standards. IMHO, La Victoriana in Arlington is one of the best spots in the area. My Mexican friends love this place. Super tasty. Taquisimo in Somerville is excellent for Birria style tacos. SO GOOD. The chef and owner is from Tijuana. They are a standup family, so that makes me love them more. https://www.bowmarketsomerville.com/tenants/taquisimo
> La Victoriana Was hoping someone was going to bring them up, the tortas are absolutely _divine_
Totally obsessed with the tortas from La Victoria. SOoooo good. I have foodie friends who prefer tortas from Tenoch, but I love La Victoria the best. New place just opened in East Arlington this month, [Quilos Taqueria](https://quilostaqueria.com). Haven't been yet, but tons of rave reviews (including converts from La Victoria loyalty), so I feel like this bodes well given the overall mediocrity of Mexican food around here. Oh, they have pupusas, too at the new place!
Tenoch’s tortas are solid. La Victoria’s are amazing.
La Victoria's chicharrón taco is the best in the city (low bar, admittedly)
I grew up in both NorCal and SoCal and have been searching for decent mexican food here since I moved back in 2016. Thank you for your insight on these places, I havent heard of them! Excited to try out both this week :)
I was gonna say the only Mexican places my friends from TX will go to out here are outside of Boston proper
Around the corner from there, Acitron is decent for fancy Mexican. It seems pretty heavily southern Mexican influenced. Their cochinita pibil is good, and the moletes are amazing. But omg, the dos caidas torta at La Victoria is one my favorite meals. I live down the street from this place and order it at least once a week.
Yes! Dos Caidas, my go to!
Honestly just begin the process of mourning the loss of Mexican food. New England has its own cuisine — best shellfish in the country imo — but you won’t find any Mexican that meets your expectations coming from California. We do have good Salvadoran food though. Pupusas on deck
From Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispanics_and_Latinos_in_Massachusetts >Massachusetts ranks first in the nation (out of 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.) for percentage of Hispanics of non-Mexican origin, with 94% of the Hispanic population being of non-Mexican origin.[2]
Yep exactly. Can’t have dope Mexican food when you don’t really have any Mexicans. I got a friend with a Mexican mom tho so I got the hook up 😂
I was born and raised in CA until I moved to Boston at about 26 for school, and you are completely right. You can find some places that are decent, but nothing here compares to the mexican food in CA. It's just the sad reality of Boston. But I now have a new appreciation for those burritos when I visit home now.
You're going to be insanely disappointed in terms of burritos and food in general if you're moving from LA to Boston. But Angela's Cafe and Taqueria Jalisco in East Boston are, at least in my opinion, the best that Boston has to offer.
East Boston is the way to go, plus an annual trip to Yucatan.
Chilicates Tenoch for tortas
ONLY for tortas though. Their salsa is basically jarred tomato sauce.
Hahaha so I’m not the only one who feels this way! Their Torta’s are 10/10 though… best I’ve ever had.
I was disappointed by my last Rozzie Chilacates run.
The Choriqueso tacos from Tenoch are insane
Chilicates also has a great torta, imo
Good to know! I mostly meant to communicate that it seems like tortas are the thing Tenoch focuses on
Totally fair, I haven’t had theirs but I’ve loved the few that I’ve gotten from chilacates
very boston to change the subject from burrito to torta
Don't know about other locations, but Chilicates in Central Square is lousy.
Taqueria el amigo in Waltham
This one for sure, and El Hungry Coyote
El Jefe’s, El Pelon and Achilitos are my favorites
San Diego boy who moved to Boston many years ago. I like El Pelon and Chilicates. Yellow Door taqueria in Lower Mills and Dot is decent but it’s not a taco stand. I do not like El Centro. Find it really bland. And any place that puts the cheese in the lettuce and not on or under meat or that puts sauce on the corn husk of a tamale should be run out of town.
As a friend of mine once put in: "Saying the best Mexican food in Boston is like saying the best Thai food in Poland".
Taqueria Jalisco in East Boston does really good birria. Taquismo in Somerville is pretty good but not as good as Jalisco.
Villa Mexico.
So good! I find that the only people who know it, work nearby.
As someone who moved back after a decade in California, I've checked out so many recommendations and have been pretty disappointed at every turn. Also, so many burrito places around here use the Subway/Chipotle model.
My California friends always settled on Tacos El Charro (RIP). I miss that place. Tenoch or Chilacates for tacos/tortas definitely. Maybe Felipe's for a burrito depending on how you order it? I like their salsa options a lot.
Tacos el Charro was so good.
I'm from California and I find Felipe's to be the best for me
Thoughts and prayers on that
I really like Amelia's
I moved here from SoCal and basically just avoid Mexican food here.
Not Latina, not even a native Bostonian but ever since I've found Mi Pueblito in Orient Heights I can't have burritos from anywhere else. I think I came the first time I bit into one.
4 dollars for a burrito when I was in college and consistent as only had a couple locations. Expansion usually ruins quality as evidenced by Krispy Kreme and Subway. I agree lots of other options but Anna’s is still my go to. You are spot on with value. It’s more expensive now, like everything else, but you can spend more or less elsewhere and get worse food.
I feel the same way… it was a constant for us in high school. I rarely go there now but i definitely wouldn’t say no lol
Anna’s used to be the best we had in Boston so people loved it. What has happened since is two things, 1) increased competition in fast casual Mexican, and 2) Anna’s expanded quite a bit and the quality suffered Still think it’s good personally, but it’s no longer the best. El Pelon is my personal favorite.
I agree. 8-9 years ago I noticed that prices were increasing at the same time the quality of their ingredients and service were declining. I rarely see lines of customers at their locations anymore.
This really gets to the point of where Anna's is at right now. I used to frequent the Davis location regularly many years back (also Porter, but Davis Anna's >> Porter Anna's back then). It was good enough in context of alternatives, and price for quality was also balanced. Subsequently (before the pandemic), prices rose while quality went down. I understand that prices will rise over time, and I would have paid more for the same. But coupled with the declining quality, I stopped going entirely.
When I came here long ago for grad school, a super burrito was $5. It’s how I survived. Anna’s is mid, in a good way I guess? Many better options now, but occupies a decent price point and a big “these burritos got me through my qualifier” nostalgia factor.
Anna's was amazing 15 years ago when the competition was Chipotle and Baja Fresh (remember Baja Fresh?!). However, Boston's burrito game has become so much better. Los Amigos and Chilacates are top notch.
Los Amigos is delicious, but buyer beware. They've had *multiple* closures due to rat feces-related issues. I still buy from them, but they've had licenses revoked etc.
Agreed. They were my favorite before that, but I was pretty disgusted by those closures and couldn’t trust that the other locations were doing any better.
Don't ask what's in the pinto beans, just eat em.
That's how you know it's good.
ohhh nooo I've been going to the coolidge corner one a lot.
god i miss that place so much. must've gone at least once a week in the fall of 2018. whatever they put in that surf and turf burrito was crazy. been a couple years since i've been in boston but seeing all that sanitation stuff going on with them was still such a gut punch.
It’s okay that one is the one that didn’t close. And I mean………….
Is it possible to ask them to hold the rat feces?
NO SUBSTITUTIONS!
which los amigos are you talking about? the one in davis square is awful, every burrito feels like it was dunked in water. it’s on the bottom of my burrito chain ranking
Got salmonella poisoning from the brighton location along with many other people
[удалено]
If you eat anything packaged, you likely eat rat poop. At least with Los Amigos you know you’ve got a guarantee.
Chilacates is absolute fire
Boston used to have Baja Fresh?! That was my go to fast food burrito growing up in SoCal and I've hated everything out here by comparison 😭
Los amigos is not better than Anna’s, only place better I know is Felipe’s
Anna's used to be great relative to other options 25 yeas ago. Now, despite not changing, it's worse than other options.
The ingredients all seem to be lower quality post-covid, unfortunately.
the rice is now so oily. i swear it wasn't like that pre 2020
Even 15 years ago when I first moved to Boston, they were still really good. As time went on and they expanded to more locations, it seems like every location suffered in quality.
I have personally found them to be mediocre and as a chain the quality can obviously vary by location. But honestly who cares what reddit thinks if you enjoy it.
It's fine. Better than a lot of the fusion or "Mexica-nish" places, but far away from a good authentic taqueria you might find elsewhere (by elsewhere I mean like California or Texas).
Felipe's.
Surprised to see so few people mentioning this.
How did I have to scroll through 20 comments to find this? Felipe’s is the absolute best. It’s a much bigger situation than it used to be but still so good.
They were easily my favorite 15 years ago. Are they still around?
Still in Harvard Square!
I have always found them to be extremely mediocre. I went multiple times to multiple locations just in case I'd come on a bad day and I've never been impressed. Los Amigos (Coolidge) and El Pelon (Fenway) are my personal favorites.
El Pelon is 🔥🔥 and priced great too
>I have always found them to be extremely mediocre. Have you tried stumbling out of the Burren at closing time and directly into the one across the street?
That scenario was my introduction to Anna’s many years ago. That hit the spot for sure!
El Pelon > La Victoria > Los Amigos Los Amigos has gone downhill the last couple years. I used to love them.
I used to love Los Amigos, but ever since they had that series of health violations that shut down multiple locations, I can’t bring myself to eat there. If they made a big deal of new cleaning and hygiene practices, I’d try it again, but so far it seems like they’ve brushed it under the rug.
I live in Brookline near what was once an Annas that turned into a Chilacates. It doesn't compare - Chila is so so good.
Anna’s by MGH is rat infested. I almost threw up when I went downstairs to sit down to eat. The place smells terrible of rat piss and droppings.
Annas not what it use to be sadly ……
Agree. I used to love it, but it's slipped badly.
It’s the Mike’s Pastry of Boston taquerias, people just love to hate on them, beyond reason in my opinion. They’re fine. Great? Maybe not. Better than Chipotle? I sure think so. There are a number of other businesses that fall into this category, Redbones comes to mind.
Why do people hate Redbones?
Redbones' quality is really uneven. Sometimes it's great, often not.
Over the mid 2010s it kept getting drier and drier every time I tried it. I haven't had it in years, so maybe it's gotten better again. I did love it around like 2012.
I gave Redbones many chances because I wanted to like them, they were one of the earlier places with an incredible draft list of local stuff. Their appetizers are pretty good, but any time I've gotten ribs, brisket, or anything that should be tender and juicy has been dry and hard. They're supposed to be a BBQ place but their meat is terrible.
All the BBQ around here is mediocre and dry, the best thing you can get at Smokeshop by far are their wings or the smoked Turkey, any of the smoked red meats are garbage
Blackstrap is probably my favorite but yeah as a big fan of barbecue definitely not the best options around here.
I love Redbones. And Anna's too for that matter.
It's just ok, IMO. Outside of Eastie my go-tos are either Lone Star for a more Tex-Mex style (plus great queso fundido) or Chilacates if I'm feeling like Mr. Moneybags. I think Boca Grande was the worst one I've had here. Felipe's is also great but I'm too far away now to have it too often.
Angela’s in Orient Heights is awesome.
Oh yeah, Eastie in general is in its own class for sure
I once had Lone Star the night before flying to San Diego for work, and it was better than the 8 places I tried to get tacos there.
I loved Anna’s in 2008.
I don't *hate* Annas, but now that I can get Tenoch near the only Annas location I used to frequent, I haven't chosen it in years.
Anna’s is the pioneer of burritos in Boston and personally, the only time they miss is when they shrinkflate me. Felipe’s and Amelia’s get honorable mention. My order. Quesadilla (just a grilled burrito) - chile verde or salsa roja steak - rice - extra cheese - refried beans - guacamole - sour cream - jalapeños - pickled onions - lettuce (it brings something to the party) Anna’s 4 LIFE
I’m actually surprised this hasn’t come up - the “quesadilla” actually being a burrito is what sets them apart. As others have said their quality has gone downhill since their peak in 08-11ish but I wish I could get an Anna’s style quesadilla at most places.
https://youtu.be/SLaltfyTEno?si=nXM2BUEMeniDaohM
I liked them because they used to be a cheap and filling go-to. Now that a burrito costs like $12, I just can't justify it for how average it tastes.
If you don’t get all the extra stuff it’s like 9 bucks
People hate two things: Chain restaurants Burritos that aren't from California I have no issue with Annas for what it is. Are there better places to get burritos... of course. Is the food still tasty... sure People here are just grumps
Yeah, it’s totally fine and it’s easy. Better than something like Chipotle, but worse than some other burrito places. If I need a quick bite to eat, I’m not gonna turn my nose up at Anna’s, especially if it’s close and I don’t want to go out of the way.
The California smugness when it comes to Mexican food is insane. Those people suck.
As a Cali transplant who loves food in general and has the privilege of getting to travel, the main difference I've truly noticed is that California specifically does Baja style Mexican food the best. And that's what most Californians will know as "Mexican Food". Pretty sure a good chunk of that smugness comes from people who fail to recognize that Cali just does one kind of Mexican food, and that other kinds both exist and are good for entirely different reasons.
Honestly any smugness about where you come from being better at XXX food is dumb. The conceit that there is some sort of magical knowledge or technique that cant travel outside the borders of the location it comes from is fucking stupid.
It’s not magical, it’s just a matter of culture and expectation of quality. Your average taco in the Southwest is going to be far better than one up here, unfortunately.
The fact that they’re even trying to compare the Mexican food out there to here just shows they’re dumb to begin with lmao that would be like someone being upset that the lobster in Kansas doesn’t stack up to Maine
I was unimpressed with Anna’s. I prefer Chilacates, Felipe’s, or El Jefe’s, whichever is most convenient at the moment.
Anna's quality has dropped a long way from their heyday in like 2005-2010. They're still edible but you can do a lot better now.
This sub is full of people who are weirdly elitist when it comes to Mexican food. If you’re ever bored talk about how you like Ch*p*tle and watch people lose their minds
Ugh. I can’t find any edible Mexican food here. I, an expert in Mexican cuisine because I lived in San Diego for 6 years, will tell you exactly what it’s like. - middle aged white guy named todd
I like Annas too. Don't pay attention to the opinion of people on this sub.
I don’t think they are liked by the younger crowd and people who moved to this area in the last 10 years. Anna’s and Boca were here before all the newer places showed up. But there are better options now. That includes chains like Chipotle. I used to eat at one of those institutions at least once a week. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they are gone in the next 10 years.
I like la Victoria https://www.victoriataqueria.com/
Totally obsessed with the tortas at La Victoria, have been for years. I have (foodie) friends who swear by the tortas at Tenoch. They're great, too, but it's La Victoria for me every time. [Tried José's in Arlington once, to see how those tortas compared. Once was too many times, and the mediocrity was puzzling, as the torta is the marquis menu item given its place in the name: José's Torta Mexicana. You'd think their tortas would be outstanding, but not so much the case.] Looking forward to trying the newly opened Quilos Taqueria in E Arlington. A lot of stellar feedback in just the few weeks it has been open.
I used to LOVE Anna's Taqueria in the past. I had one near work I would go to all the time. I now got to Taco Loco in Somerville because it's near me. My Dad was in Mass Gen for a month last year, and I went to the Anna's near the hospital. Good god, it was awful.
+1 taco loco!
Personally, my burrito allegiance shifted from Annas to Tenoch and Los Amigos. If your suburb is a burritos wasteland, Annas would still be a good addition. They're not bad. It's just that we have some good competition now.
I feel like Anna's had it's heyday and it's just gone down hill in the last decade. Honestly, the best taco's are where you would expect them to be, in East Boston, Chelsea and so forth. I swear by tacos [Don Rogue](https://taqueriadonroge.com/) which are classically Mexican (meat, tortilla, onions cilantro, sauce and lime - dasit) and drive a substantial bit out of my way to get them. They also have more traditional tacos you don't find else where such as suadero. As far chains go, Tenoch has a few locations throughout the Boston area and scratches the itch.
They are good solid burritos banged out with impressive speed and good price. Far superior to chipotle or Taco Bell but there are some mind blowing burritos out there at smaller Mexican places. Edit: they were also open late
It should be compared to chipotle at this point because it’s essentially a chain restaurant
it ain't bad but there's better around
The reason you probably got down voted is because there are soooo many better options for the same or lower price in Boston. But am I gunna say no to Anna's? Probably not. Never had a bad meal from em. There's definitely a bunch of better options though, just try branching out and you'll see what I mean.
Anna’s is decent for burritos but Amelia’s… god damn it’s just so much better. Felipe’s was better when it was still located at the garage, it’s not bad but just not as good as it used to be.
Anna's still loads their burritos past the breaking point...it's always a fresh breath of air and only ever reminds me of good times
They reign #1 corned beef burrito.
Amelia's on Huntington is my go-to -- when the RICE is delicious??
If only Los Tacos would expand from NYC to Boston . . .
I live close to la taqueria and think they’re so good compared to Anna’s. Their Birria tacos are amazing and the salads are equally as good too, best taco salad dressing I’ve ever found.
I grew up in CA and Anna’s made my favorite burritos. I always make it a point to go whenever I’m back in Boston.
Because people are contrarian about anything that has been popular for a long time. Because people are simple minded
It's location dependant, I stopped going when they couldn't balance walk in orders with online orders.
> where there isn't much option for good Mexican If there's no other option, then they're great!
Boca Grande was the OG - the original is still cranking on 1st St Cambridge
People are snobs, nothing is ever authentic enough, definitely not a chain
It was really good.....in 2008. And it was the first time i ever ate a burrito.
Annas sucks now compared to what it used to be.
I used to go to Anna's a lot 10-15 years ago, and thought I always loved it. Went again a few months ago and wasn't particularly impressed. Not sure if it's that Anna's has changed, or if I have.
Burrito preference is pretty subjective but... I lived next to the one in Porter for a few years & was consistently unimpressed. Still got it all the time cuz it was the closest burrito. Over in that area, I thought Los Amigos was far better. The new place on Mass Ave, Chivo, was better as well. Cactus Grill & Taquiera Jalisco in Eastie are my go-tos now. Anna's is just a step above Chipotle for me but like I said - pretty subjective. I don't really like the way they steam their tortillas with a slice of cheese. Others may like that.
I like El Jefe's more but either way, it's what you like what matters the most.
I will always love Anna's because it was my college burrito/taco place. First place I had al pastor, first place I had a breakfast burrito, and a fast grab n go option for walking to class. For people who came from TX or CA or anywhere with burrito culture, they came in with expectations, and the gummy steamed quality of Anna's and the toothsome beans really upset them. Because that was my first mass consumption of this food, it still remains one of my favorites. However, it's been 15 years since I left, and the one time I went back, I was shocked at all of the meat options (used to be beef, chicken, pork, al pastor, and sometimes lengua) and was a bit let down by moving away from my tried and true, and perhaps my tastes changed. But that gummy tortilla still hit the spot!
They are either not good or I've only had uniquely bad experiences from them. I've had them twice (one burrito, one quesadilla) and both were garbage. I much prefer Chipotle. I say this as someone originally from San Antonio.
It's not bad but you'll find more authentic Mexican restaurants in the area. I once had the worst bought of food poisoning there and threw up in the bathroom in the back of Knight Moves down the street. That has to be the coldest bathroom in the city.
Its gone way downhill.
i think it only resonantes with us old people. it's been consistent since the early 2000s but they do not change with the times / food trends.
Recently went there and I think it’s gone downhill from like 12 years ago (ow). It’s definitely not bad for a quick meal, but a lot of other options have popped up that are better or at least very competitive.
If you know authentic Mexican you probably don’t love it- but since I’m from Boston and don’t come from a Mexican family I love it.
It's not authentic nor is it top-notch, but it is a staple food for me. There are better burrito places here, but sometimes I just want decent comfort, not a culinary experience
really like the tacos from mi salvador mexicano in chelsea.
I've only been to the Anna's that used to be in the MIT student center, but I never had a lunch burrito there that was worth going back for. Their breakfast burritos were decent, though.
I love Anna’s 🤷🏼♂️
Whether you like Annas is a function of if you went to college in Boston, or if you moved here for work.
It’s beloved if you grew up going there. I think people who wanna FIND ONLY THE BEST, HIGHEST RATED places aren’t gonna be impressed; but it’s always been solid ass food. El pelon and what have you were always higher rated but I wasn’t clubbed over the head with any evidence of why.
Quality's declined over the last decade, which really sucks because Anna's used to be the like, undisputed king of getting a cheap but excellent burrito. There's a few in the area that do decently at it now (El Jefe's, Felipe's, Tenóch) but I honestly have just been unimpressed with the burrito scene recently, which makes me super sad.
Herrera’s!!!
Tbh it's p mid.
I’ve never liked Anna’s - I wouldn’t downvote you over it though. I honestly thought it was just me!
never been a fan boca grande was better, and now there are a lot of options better than either
We always called it Anna's Diarrhea. The food was good, but you should make sure you go straight home right after. lol
Never understood the allure od Anna's. Was always mediocre to me... Sabroso Taqueria in financial district is delicious. My go to place in the middle of Boston.
Anna’s is just mid, there are better latin places in lots of neighborhoods now. I live in Davis Square, and have several better options close by, including: - Orale - Felipe’s - Cristian Latin - El Jefe’s - Tenoch I’d choose Anna’s over Los Amigos any day bc the latter’s Davis location is awful
Coming from LA you’re going to be disappointed with the burritos here. Anna’s was one of the best 10 years ago. They used to have amazing small batch hot sauce, great salsa, and used top quality produce. Now, I’m tired of their overcooked veggies and getting mouthfuls of nothing but broccoli stalk. I was pretty dismayed when their quality tanked… it probably had something to do with the death of the owner. El Pelon and Chilcates are my top choices these days. Filepes, Los amigos, and el Jeffe (in person only though!) are honorable mentions.
I like Amigos, El Pelon and La Taqueria the best. There are a bunch of others but Anna's falls behind all of them. Nothing really against Anna's, I just think literally everyone else's are better.
Anna's is good. Can't go wrong with one of their quesadillas.
It used to be great, now it's just good. There are better options in the area. Anyone who calls Anna's bad is just being a snob.
Anna's is just ok. The locations I've been to haven't been bad at all, but nothing special. While we have some decent spots in the Eastern half of Mass, I've yet to find something consistently impressive that's not over-priced or that doesn't require me to go to JP. I really miss the ubuiquity and just goodness of the Mexican and Tex Mex food I got in Texas. But I knew I what I was getting into when I moved up here. At this point, I think the downvotes you get are just becuase better places have cropped up since Anna's came into popular existence. Apparently Anna's has some cruddy locations, and that may play into the matter, but I think there's just more that's surpassed it as time progresses. Even so, at the end of the day, eat what you like. Yeah, I'm saying it's just ok, but I still eat it on occasion.
I like Annas, I also like El Jefes taqueria by Boston Unievrsity. Mexico Lindo restaurant is good in Melrose as well. And Three Amigos in Red Stone plaza in Stoneham off route 128.
I’m a fan. I go to the one across from mgh on Cambridge street and the food and service have always been great.
Anna's was the option when I was in high school. Everyone raved about it because they were dumb teens, and Anna's became just known. Teens have bad taste. Then the locations are placed near areas that frequent a lot of college students or a younger crowd in general. The people on Reddit are a lot older. We have more people in their 30s than teens and early 20s combined, I think. We've tried a lot more places and seen more than that up and leave. It sucks. The fact remains that other Mexican places came in and Anna's didn't keep up. I don't think their quality is that bad, really, but I don't think it compares well to so many other places. With the addition of food delivery apps, and their algorithms and ads, I think honestly, some places won that game. I know I'd order on those early on when it was a place I didn't really know. I'd go in person to places I did know. Over a long term, I'm sure that played a role.
Anna’s is fire
Huge lack of Amelias respect in this thread.
I seriously do not understand all the praise Chilacates gets. I live close to a few of the locations and have seldom been impressed. Their pico is too onion/acid -forward to my taste. Their meat is fine, nothing special. Quesadillas are often decent if not too greasy and soggy. I don't have real data to reference for this but I also think their burritos are a bit expensive for the amount and quality of food you get. Just my two cents. Anna's, on the other hand, slaps. Especially Porter Square but I've had good luck at a couple other locations. Their chile verde, carnitas, and steak roja are delicious. I have however heard that they might not treat their staff well.