Hungry Burrito Brooklyn - Famous Burritos and Tacos in NYC
Hungry Burrito Brooklyn is a beloved taco shop bringing authentic Mexican flavors to the borough of Brooklyn. Known for its innovative burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, Hungry Burrito has become a destination for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of great street-style Mexican food in New York City.
The Origins of Hungry Burrito
Hungry Burrito was founded in 2008 by Pedro Sanchez, a Mexican immigrant looking to share his culture and love of food with his new hometown of New York. Pedro came from a family of restaurateurs and street food vendors in Mexico City and brought those decades of family recipes with him to Brooklyn.
Pedro started Hungry Burrito as a small taco cart in Williamsburg, dishing out tacos de lengua (beef tongue), al pastor (marinated pork), and other authentic Mexican proteins. Word spread quickly about Pedro's phenomenal al pastor tacos, cooked on a small vertical rotisserie right on the cart.
Within a year, the Hungry Burrito cart had developed a cult following. In 2009, Pedro moved the business into a small brick-and-mortar location in Bushwick. This allowed him to expand the menu and serve hungry Brooklynites craving a taste of Mexico late into the night.
The Hungry Burrito Menu
The Hungry Burrito menu features classic Mexican street fare like tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and of course, burritos. Corn tortillas are made fresh daily and all salsas and toppings are prepared in-house.
Some customer favorites include:
- Al Pastor Burrito - Marinated pork, pineapple, onions, cilantro
- Barbacoa Burrito - Slow-braised beef, onions, cilantro, salsa verde
- California Burrito - Carne asada, guacamole, pico de gallo, fries
- Carnitas Burrito - Braised shredded pork, salsa roja, guacamole
- Veggie Burrito - Sauteed peppers, onions, mushrooms, rice, beans, cheese
Tacos come on soft corn or crispy flour tortillas with your choice of meat or veggies. Quesadilla options include cheese, chicken, steak, and chorizo.
For breakfast, Hungry Burrito serves up hearty plates of breakfast burritos loaded with eggs, potatoes, beans, and specialties like machaca beef and chorizo con huevos.
Sides like chips and guacamole, Mexican rice and beans, elote corn, and churros round out the offerings. And you can wash it all down with a refreshing horchata or jamaica (hibiscus flower) drink.
Signature Dishes at Hungry Burrito
While the entire Hungry Burrito menu shines, a few special dishes have made this Brooklyn taco shop legendary:
Al Pastor Tacos and Burritos
The al pastor (marinated pork) tacos put Hungry Burrito on the map and remain the most popular order. Thinly sliced pork is melded with caramelized pineapple bits and chopped onions, brought together by the rich al pastor marinade.
The meat is cooked trompo style on a vertical rotisserie called a trompo. Pedro imported his original trompo from Mexico, maintaining ultra-authentic flavor.
California Burrito
This San Diego classic gets a Brooklyn twist at Hungry Burrito, piled high with carne asada, crispy fries, creamy guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo. It's a beefy, crispy, cheesy burrito that tends to convert even the most skeptical East Coast burrito skeptics.
Tacos De Lengua
Braised beef tongue might sound intimidating, but Hungry Burrito's tender lengua tacos are a revelation. The thin slices of tongue meat deliver a richness that beef often lacks. Topped with raw white onion and cilantro, they capture the pure, unadulterated flavor of perfect street tacos.
Hungry Burrito's Brooklyn Vibe
Beyond its celebrated food, Hungry Burrito is known for its festive, welcoming vibe that feels authentic yet perfectly at home in Brooklyn.
The restaurant is decorated in colorful Mexican tiles, strings of festive lights, and clever signage. Mexican pop and hip hop pumped through the speakers completes the down-home yet trendy atmosphere.
Customers can watch their burritos being pressed on the flattop or tacos assembled at the stainless steel bar. Menu items have funny, witty names like the “Not Yo Mama’s” vegan burrito or “This Little Piggy” chorizo taco.
It's the kind of place where you'll see three generations of a Mexican family, hipsters, construction workers, and celebrities rubbing elbows over cheap tacos and killer salsa beats.
Accolades for Hungry Burrito
It did not take long for Hungry Burrito to earn citywide acclaim and become a quintessential Brooklyn experience:
- Featured on Travel Channel's "Best Taco Joints in America" in 2013
- Zagat's Top 5 Taco Spots in NYC for three consecutive years
- TimeOut New York's "Most Life-Changing Burritos" in 2014
- Won Burger Battle's Best Burrito in Brooklyn in 2012
- Thrillist's Best Tacos in NYC 2016
Hungry Burrito has been featured in the New York Times, New Yorker, Eater NY, and countless local best-of roundups. For many New Yorkers, it's THE destination for authentic and creative Mexican fare.
The Future of Hungry Burrito
Over 10 years since opening that first taco cart, Hungry Burrito and owner Pedro Sanchez continue to innovate and expand.
In 2020, Pedro opened a second Hungry Burrito location in the Lower East Side of Manhattan to bring his Brooklyn success to more New Yorkers craving epic burritos.
He plans to eventually open more locations around NYC and bring Hungry Burrito's al pastor, breakfast burritos, and Cali-Mex flair to foodies around the country.
Why Hungry Burrito Stands Out
From authentic family recipes to award-winning fusion, Hungry Burrito stands out in New York's crowded taco scene for the following reasons:
- Mastery of trompo al pastor cooking
- Whimsical yet authentic ambiance
- Perfect melding of classic and Cal-Mex flavors
- Top-notch ingredients and salsas made in-house
- Breakfast and standard menu available all day
- Affordable prices despite insane popularity
Hungry Burrito also stands out for fostering community. Pedro sponsors local events, employs neighborhood residents, and feeds hospital workers. He brings people together through a shared love of tacos, burritos, and embracing new cultures.
Visit Hungry Burrito Brooklyn Today
Hungry Burrito Brooklyn continues to satisfy taco cravings from morning to midnight at its original Bushwick location. The constantly evolving menu means there's always something new to try alongside classic hits.
This family-owned labor of love helped put Brooklyn on the taco map and delivery high quality, affordable Mexican cuisine with a smile. So next time you're in the borough, stop by Hungry Burrito to get your hands on some of the city's most critically acclaimed burritos and tacos.
FAQs
Where is Hungry Burrito located?
The original Hungry Burrito location is in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. There is also a newer Manhattan location in the Lower East Side.
What is Hungry Burrito best known for?
Hungry Burrito is famous for its al pastor tacos cooked on a trompo rotisserie. The California burrito and breakfast burritos are also customer favorites.
When did Hungry Burrito open?
Hungry Burrito was founded in 2008 by owner Pedro Sanchez. It began as a taco cart before moving into a permanent brick-and-mortar location in 2009.
Does Hungry Burrito take reservations?
No, as a casual taco shop, Hungry Burrito does not accept reservations. There is typically a wait during peak dinner hours, but it moves quickly.
Is Hungry Burrito open late?
Yes, Hungry Burrito Brooklyn is open until 2 AM Thursday through Saturday. On other nights it closes at 1 AM, and at midnight on Sundays.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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