In recent years burritos (or when they're filled with non-Mexican food, "wraps") have become extremely popular, especially in Houston. Of all of the burrito shops in town, Mission Burritos remains my favorite, even if they did close the Westchase location close to where I used to live (although now I'm not too far from the West Alabama store!). This is the best place in town to go for huge burritos freshly made as you watch. Or, if you prefer something other than a burrito, tacos, quesadillas, salads, and soups are also available.
If you've ever been to another burrito place the format here will be familiar. Step up to the counter at one end and place your order. Burritos come in two sizes, regular and large. The regular is huge so I can't imagine how enormous the large must be, and I don't think in nearly five years of eating here I've ever seen someone actually order one. After your whole wheat or white flour tortilla is warmed, pick your meat (char grilled chicken breast, fajita beef, grilled shrimp or fish, beer battered catfish, or grilled vegetables), beans (pinto or black), rice, salsa (roasted tomato, serrano cilantro ranch, tomatillo, chile arbol, or habanero), and top it off with a selection of vegetables, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and other goodies. Side orders of chips with guacamole, salsa, and queso are available, but trust me, you don't need these as your burrito will probably be more than you can eat unless you are really hungry. A burrito or a couple of tacos and a soft drink will set you back less than $8 here, but despite the low prices the quality food is quite good.
Mission Burritos has sangria, beer, and wine available in addition to non-alcholic beverages at both locations; margaritas and frozen sangria (my favorite) are available at the West Alabama location only. Both locations have a fun, southwestern atmosphere and outdoor dining areas, although I prefer the West Alabama location for its nicer patio and more spacious indoor dining area. One last hint - grab a fork. If you're a slow eater and the tortilia gets soft, or get a burrito assembler who's not very skilled in rolling the burrito properly, these huge burritos tend to fall apart as you get down the last half. But with a fork and knife you can eat the rest of it and it's just as good.
Additional Information:
- Durham (West End/Heights) Location: 1609 Durham, (713) 426-6634.
- Website: www.missionburritos.com
- METRO Routes: 78 Alabama/Irvington (West Alabama); 26/27 Outer/Inner Loop Crosstown (Durham); for route maps and schedules, see the METRO website.