Healthy Burritos in the Heart of Hoboken

They say location is everything. For El Barrio Burritos, location has been at the very least, a solid business partner.

Located at the corner of Newark and Washington Streets—quite possibly one of the most highly trafficked corners of Hoboken—El Barrio Burritos has the good fortune of desirable geography.

Of course, this would all be a moot point if the food didn't deliver, but it does.  The menu is large, varied and reasonably priced.

The interior of El Barrio is compact and thus, the majority of its business comes from takeout and delivery.  It may be a small restaurant, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in personality, heart and taste.

"I know many of my customers by name," said owner Adriana Puga.  "I see them walk in and I know their usual order.  Many of them stop by regularly on their way home from working in the city and pick up dinner."

Puga and her husband Robert Descailleaux opened El Barrio 11 years ago. The menu touts that  the food is "healthy gourmet Mexican" and I found this to be an apt description.

I began my meal with the Tortilla Chips Soup ($2.75).  The soup was delicious and consisted of a salty chicken and tomato broth with mixed vegetables, avocado, corn, tortilla chips and melted cheese.  The broth was hot and hearty and I devoured the entire bowl after planning to eat only half.

Next up was a burrito, of course.  I chose a basic, vegetarian option: the Mission Burrito ($5.75).  The Mission Burrito comes stuffed with mexican rice, black beans, sour cream and guacamole and is wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla.  I slathered a delightful salsa verde on top and went to town.  The ingredients tasted fresh and healthful and I was completely satisfied.

"Everything at El Barrio is homestyle and made right here on the premises," Puga said. 

In addition to burritos, El Barrio serves tacos, quesadillas, chili, salads, flautas and much more.  There are daily lunch and dinner specials.

Bottom line: I ate a lot of food for under $10, it was healthy and it was located a stones throw from the PATH train.  What else could you possibly need?

El Barrios Burritos is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  They deliver to Hoboken, Jersey City, Union City and Weehawken.