Johnny Burrito

I've worked uptown for many years, and I've walked by this place going to Subway. The line is always long, so I just pass it by. Don't make my mistake. That line moves soooo fast! You pay first, then build your meal. The workers are very nice and helpful for the "Rookies"😉 1st timers are called rookies!! I was there when they opened, and a very nice gentleman treated the rookies to a nice explanation of their services. And the rookies received a cute surprise 🙂 They have a nice variety of very fresh toppings. I chose a bowl. Lettuce on the bottom, chips on the top. The lady that packaged my bowl said the green salsa was fresh! She was not lying. That was the BEST Tomatillo salsa I've ever tasted. It was amazing! That salsa complimented my bowl nicely! I'm definitely returning. 😁

So impressed by this place. As many of said, don’t let the line turn you away. It goes so quickly, like a well oiled machine. Then the manager, friendliest person ever, will chat with you in line and if you’re a “rookie” give you the rundown of how it works. Chipotle BYE!! Had the firecracker chicken, adobo pork in a spinach wrap with zucchini, mushrooms. Absolutely delicious. Crushed it! Will need to eat here again before I leave the area. Again, owner and manager are the BEST and so welcoming. This is a gem and my absolute place so far.

That was the best burrito I have ever had. All of the ingredients were super fresh. They gave us a “rookie” card and explained how to order. All of the staff were very friendly. Loved the beer opener as a first time guest and gum in the bag for afterwards. The owner went to Johnson and Wales in Charleston SC (where we are from), and we were here to drop our daughter off at Johnson and Wales in Charlotte. He made us feel right at home.

This is one of the best locally owned lunch spots in Charlotte. Johnny and team will make you feel welcomed and provide you with great food at a fair price. If you see a line don't worry it will move very fast. Go get yourself a fresh burrito if it is your first time there let them know you might get a gift.

Greatest burritos in Charlotte and super fast service. See a line when you walk up? No worries, you'll have your food in one hot minute. So yummy. Johnny Burrito needs more locations...please, more locations. One near UNCC would be terrific. Charlotte staple for those that want a great lunch in Uptown. Go get your burrito right now.

Quirky little spot - this is the real deal. The food was so good, and the staff were super kind. Can’t beat that!

It's almost as much fun ordering the food as eating it...almost. They can spot a rookie a mile off but go out of their way to help out, they even give you a gift on your first visit. The food is first class; fresh and authentic flavours. The portion sizes are enormous, but the prices are surprisingly reasonable. The line is long and full of locals, which says it all. Best lunch I had while in Charlotte.

I have been a customer for more than 25 years, and I love the food, the people, and the management. I eat there every chance I get. From the fire cracker chicken, the pork adobo, and the tamales, their food is awesome. The staff are fun, friendly, and very skilled at their work. I always enjoy chatting with them as I go through the line. They also stay working there for long periods of times. A reflection of being well treated by management I would assume. In fact, Martha who recently retired, was there from the very beginning back in the 90's. When she did retire, management started a fund to pay off her mortgage, and accomplished that goal. A testament to how much they care for their staff. Cant say enough about the quality of management. Dont worry about the long lines, its well worth it, and they move the line fairly quickly.

Best burritos I've had in North Carolina! Dropped by here while in town for my son's doctor appointment, saw it on here, figured I'd check it out. Ambiance is about to be expected for the location (in the basement of the Wells Fargo building), service is fast and friendly (but expect a line...in our case the line went all the way past the escalators). Pricing is reasonable, but the food is the real seller here. This is basically like Chipotle, but, y'know, actually good. In fact, it reminds me of a place that I used to love back in Texas (Habanero's Grill). If driving here, there's a parking garage across the street, but they charge $10/h to park, and if eating here you'll probably cross I to that second hour. Plan accordingly.

Staff was friendly and welcoming to us as first timers. We got the bell rung for each of us and a complimentary keychain! Accommodating to having kids, by splitting up 1 meal into separate containers. Fast service Clear menu Free guacamole & gum for everyone. Get the Slushie! Long history of business. A local spot for regulars and visitors. *located in the basement food shops of Wells Fargo Businesses Building & connected to public parking garage. Thanks for a great lunch with good portion sizes!

I've heard a lot about Johnny Burrito and I finally had the chance to go. The line was really long, as I've heard it is every day at lunch, but it moved quickly. I was greeted at the door and had the menu explained to me which is always helpful. Everyone on staff was incredibly kind and remembered people as they came through the line. It's small in there, but efficient. A family owned local vibe.

I cannot recommend Johnny Burrito enough! It was my first time going, and I was welcomed with a free newcomer bottle opener. This was the best burrito I've ever had. Highly recommend the firecracker chicken. Also loved the various sauce/salsa options, and free queso on any main entree! Do not be scared of the long line, it moves fast! A++++!

Holy Burrito this place was good! I hated I've waited this long to give it a try. The line was long but boy do they move fast! We were greeted with a man who gave us a keychain and "rookie" card which flagged us as newbies and possibly a little guidance on how to order. We also got to meet the Man himself...Johnny! Super nice and fast! Great spot for lunch while working in uptown, what a gem! Thanks Johnny, can't wait to come back! P.S. they have cherry lemon Sundrop slushies and all burritos come with chiclets!

This place has been on my bucket list since forever and I've finally made it here!! We came right before opening and there was already a line so I knew it had to be good. For new comers, they ask if this is your first time and if so, you get a bottle opener keychain and a spiel on how to order. They're super patient for your first time so don't be intimidated. You can add anything onto your burrito at no extra costs -- yes, even guac!!! There's a couple of salsas that you can ask to get at the end to top off your burrito and you can't go wrong with any of the options. The burrito was super filling, but didn't feel heavy, flavorful, and the service was also top notch. You can tell that they truly care about their customers. Would highly recommend you check this place out as it's definitely a Charlotte staple, you won't be disappointed!

If you have not been to Johnny's, then you're missing out on a great experience! First time here they treat you like the lost cousin and welcome you in with a personal tour of the operations. Meet Johhny - Charlotte's own iconic Mr Burrito. You feel welcome here, and can't wait to come back to see the crew again. The quality of the food is FANTASTIC. Prices are good. It is a take-out only place, and there is usually a long line out the door. Johnny is a real character. A great place in every way.

So anytime the line is out the door with 60 people in it my curiosity is peeked.. usually means a must try. In this case it absolutely does.. it was such a good burrito! It tasted amazing! You pay for the burrito (cash was like 15 bucks) and build it however you want. Guac was not extra, sour cream was not extra, queso was not extra.. the ingredients were fresh and there was so much to pick from. The inside of the restaurant is really cool with lots of interesting and funny things on the wall.. I was asked if I was new and because I was, got a free keychain and jolly rancher.. lol.. guy running the place was genuinely happy and easy to order from. The seasoned ground beef had fantastic flavor and they are very generous with the portions. It takes two hands to eat it and make sure you listen when they say to peel the foil down as you go.. it made everything stay together down to the last bite. The hottest sauce has some kick but it won't kill you.. all in all, every time I'm in Charlotte I will be stopping in.!

Johnny Burrito is an uptown local staple! The decor is filled with local news, old signs, etc. I see something I haven't seen before every time I go. The line is long at lunch hours but it goes by pretty quickly. If you're in a rush, go right when they open or a bit before they close. You'll be greeted here and if you're a first timer, you'll get a walk through of ordering and a bottle opener key chain. All employees I've interacted with are friendly and efficient. Johnny is on the cashier often, and you'll be charmed by his character! There are themed candy days like Fireball Friday and Twizzler Tuesday, where you'll be handed this when ordering. My go to is the regular burrito with firecracker chicken. Don't forget to add in queso and guac - included in your burrito price. I also ask for a side of Johnny's Ranch (chipotle ranch) and Diablo sauce (hot sauce) to put on my burrito every couple of bites. I rarely leave without a "house red" (cherry sundrop) slush. You won't be hungry after this meal and if you haven't visited - go now!

This team is absolutely amazing! Dedicated, and hard-working! They genuinely care about their customer base and you can feel it the moment you walk in the door. I tried it for the first time this week, and i've already returned twice! Team Johnny!!!

I was recommended this place by a coworker since I was visiting from out of town. Great food and the staff takes the time to explain their process to "rookies" while you wait in line. Fun, small environment in the store, definitely can't sit down and eat in the store during lunch but there is plenty of seating on the floor above or in the plaza on Tryon St.

Located in the two Wells Fargo building, take the escalator down to the shops if you're in the main atrium area. There is a huge line around lunch time but it's totally worth it! The line looks long but they are pretty quick, maybe 10/15 mins. Tamales on Tuesday and maybe Thursday I can't remember lol but Tuesday for sure, it's also twizzler Tuesday where you get a free twizzler with your meal. The staff and Johnny are very friendly!! I highly recommend the firecracker chicken. It's yummy, sounds spicy but it's not. It's perfectly seasoned. You can get whatever you want in your burrito, no extra costs. I love this! Yes even queso and guac are included. Skip chipotle and come here for your next burrito, and I forgot they do give you gum with your meal too free canels chiclet. The little extra things Johnny does for his customers shows he actually cares. Next time you're hungry come show your support!

There were 15 people in front of us waiting to order when we stood in line. Let's say the wait was worth it. Johnny is truly the selling point of this restaurant, from the moment you step up to order, his infectious energy takes over and makes up for the fairly average tasting burritos. I ordered a burrito and bowl, and while the ingredients were all very fresh and tasty, the burrito is similar to something you can put together at home. The portion size is plenty and I still had part of my burrito saved for dinner when I came during lunchtime. The owner really sells the food, and he is the reason why I will be coming back! Definitely worth a try!

Great street food for take out only. Always a line but it moves quickly. No frills ambiance as everything is focused on providing fresh hot tasty food. Same employees for more than 20 years. Old school is nice.

Great lunch spot located in 2 Wells. There was a pretty sizable line but it moved by quickly. They have a greeter who provides the newbies with the rundown of how to order. He also lets you know about the specials. On Tuesdays and Fridays they serve tamales. I ordered the large burrito with pork adobo and firecracker chicken. Large portions, fresh and tasty ingredients. Queso and guacamole are options at no extra charge. I also couldn't pass up the tamales so I got a green Chile chicken tamale. The tamale was moist and had a good amount of filling. Check this spot out for a quick and filling lunch!

In town for work so folks in the office brought me here. Tuesday is tamale day so had to try it. Great balance of filling and masa, lovely flavors, nice and moist. You can get all of the usual burrito fillings thrown on top at no cost but I opted for simple. The Diablo sauce was as hot as I was told it would be so dropped it on along with the spicy red salsa. You get a bottle opener if it's your first time so got a local Sun Drop to break it in. Not heavy but definitely filling. Get there early as the line gets long fast. Johnny treats every customer like a friend. Great local spot that's been around for 20 years and will certainly be around for 20 more.

For a relatively cheap fast casual restaurant Johnny Burrito knocks it out of the park. 5/5 I've only been in Charlotte for 2 and a half months, but Johnny makes me feel like a regular. I'm not joking, as early as my third lunch stop here I was being greeted and thanked for coming back in. It's a great atmosphere, and you can tell they've been loyally serving the uptown community for years. Compared to the alternatives in the area Johnny's is slightly more expensive than a chipotle bowl with no premium add ons, but the portions are significantly larger and guac is *not* extra. You'll be able to load your bowl (or burrito, but the bowls here are better despite the name... ironic I know) up with as much protein as you want, and then choose from an extremely wide variety of of toppings. As a spice enthusiast I always appreciate being able to add jalapeño's and "extra hot" hot sauce, and Johnny's absolutely delivers. On top of your food you'll be given the option to take one of their diablo sauces (if you remotely like spicy food you should always say yes to this question, it is AMAZING) and a pack of flavored gum pellets. I know it's silly, and it is, but the gum honestly just puts such a nice bow on the whole experience and leaves you feeling fresh after what is often times a heavy meal. Overall, the price point is moderate, the staff is absurdly nice, and the food is delicious. Just be prepared for a long wait getting in if you come during the lunch rush! My order: A bowl, lettuce on bottom chips on the top, fire cracker chicken, as many toppings as you can fit, and YES to the diablo sauce. 10/10 recommended and approved. Happy eating!

Friendly service, quirky and fun . Very big portions of meat and tasty burritos and salads.Love this place. Lines are long but they move quickly

Johnny Burrito has been an uptown staple for years. I've been coming here for the last 6 years and it never disappoints. The food is fresh, the meat is flavored, the portions are generous and the customer service is outstanding. The place is a little hidden, you have to go downstairs in the Wells Fargo building to find it. It's also only open Monday through Friday for lunch. The trip to Johnny Burrito is worth it so add it to your bucket list for Charlotte!

OMG!!! This place is sooooo goooood! There is a line to order just before lunch rush but if you go a little later the line disappears. They are very helpful when trying to order and first timers get a keychain bottle opener and some candy too. The burrito is so large that you will not need to eat again until the next morning. It is also probably the best most authentic burrito I have ever eaten. Will be trying to stop back here within the next two weeks to try some more options on the menu. This place is really authentic and delicious and they have great customer service too.

Really awesome burrito spot!! A local favorite, Johnny burrito has been around for 23 years and you can catch Johnny still running the shop. Very personable and friendly. The lines tend to be longer so go early and avoid peak lunch periods. The burrito is heavenly and worth every penny, I got the chicken burrito and it was delicious. $10 for the entire thing too! Definitely recommend as a casual lunch grab and go spot. Very convenient for a quick but great meal.

Friendly and good customer service. Good quality food at a reasonable price. I went there for lunch and it was easy to find a very convenient for the hotel that I stayed at.

If you work uptown or are visiting, Johnny Burrito is a must! I can't believe it's taken me so long to visit. It's located in the basement of the Wells Fargo building on College and Third. The line is usually long, but it moves fast. Customer service is amazing! The guy at the counter is super friendly. When it's your first time, he'll give you a keychain bottle opener and explain the menu. You also get a rookie card that follows you through the line. Of course burritos are on the menu, but you can get two sizes and a wheat, regular or spinach tortilla. You can also get it without a wrap. You pay up front for the size and can get any toppings you want, including guac and queso. They also have regular chicken and beef, but also have specials that are specially seasoned. On this trip I went for the firecracker Chicken which was a little spicy, but tasty. So overall, I ended up with a wheat burrito with firecracker chicken, black beans, queso, sauteed mushrooms, Pico, guac, cilantro and spinach. It was one of the best burritos I've had in Charlotte. So much flavor and so filling. In my bag, they also gave me gum and their hot sauce which was a nice touch. The hot sauce is super spicy so use sparingly at first. Overall great service, big portions, low cost and delicious food! I can't wait to go back.

Looking for a place to watch, when a person told us about this place. There is a certain way to order, so if it's your first time they give you a rookie card and the staff helps you with your order. Owner was working the register and very friendly, made you feel welcome there. Food was fantastic and plentiful. Would definitely go back again.

2nd visit - still delicious! Had a regular steak burrito with pinto beans, cheese and lettuce. Queso and sour cream on the side. Super efficient ordering- fast. Owner is so friendly and nice! Eat here!

Great employees. Very welcoming and helpful for the first time. Looking forward to coming back for more. Great burritos and plenty of options. One price which is nice specially with guac and queso even get to choose two meats.

It took me seven years of living in Charlotte until I finally tried Johnny Burrito and now I understand what I was missing. I might even recommend to someone that they quit their job and look for a new role in Uptown just so they can conveniently visit Mr Johnny on a weekly basis. For a lunch spot, they hit it all: Speed: fast, even w/ a line Price: $15 for a burrito with chips and salsa, not the cheapest but what else is in Uncle Donald's America Taste: delicious! better than Moe's, Chipotle, Qdoba, etc. Service: first class as Mr Johnny was at the register, welcomed me, and talked me through everything I need to know

This place was conveniently located around where I was visiting in charlotte uptown. Got their wheat burrito which I thought was fine in taste. I've had better burritos (probably spoiled by so many options in California). The line was long when I was there (around 11.30 am) but it was fast moving so did not really mind - did not take more than 5-10 mins to order. Pros - no extra charges for anything (including guac) one can pick anything/everything from the spread offered and easy to navigate. The owner is very friendly and makes sure you are familiar with their menu and offerings and is very patient addressing any questions one may have!

Great spot to get a quick lunch. The burrito is a little bigger than Chipotle's and it's local so I'll be back

Best Mexican bowl in town. Quick service, wonderful people serving you as many toppings as you want. Impeccably clean, very creative decoration. Recommended for vegetarians. Their beans are cooked in olive oil - NOT in any animal fat unlike other mexican restaurants.

One of the best burrito's, service is good i definitely recommend this place if you want to eat a burrito that is packed with flavor! & the interior looks pretty cool.

WOW - it's been a long time old friend. I love me some Johnny Burrito. This place made burritos or burrito bowls cool long before they were mainstream. The place is tucked away under the Wells atrium and the line is telling... when you see a lunch line THAT long, you better stand in it. There's a guy who helps newbies as it can be intimidating since it moves SUPERFAST once you're up to the front. The little mini moonpies were a nice new touch (and truly adorable) - but the chiclets and twizzlers are also an added perk. Simple gestures like that go a long away. The firecracker chicken in a salad "bowl" is my go-to. The chicken is always tender and well seasoned. The veggies are always fresh and the guac and pico are superfresh/tasty (not uber watery or fake like some of those other tex-mex joints). I love this place and will continue to make it my once-a-week go to when I work uptown. The challenge is the fact that you can't justify eating like that 5-days a week. :) It's $10 for a massive amount of food. (Seriously, the takeout container weighs a TON)!!!! you will eat it all, you will feel semi-miserable being so full.... but it's a happy miserable. I'm so glad it's there. XOXO Johnny B.

First time trying Johnny's since I don't work close by, but wanted to come out and support since Covid has hit these guys hard like many uptown lunch spots. The burritos are a flat price based on meat regardless of topping, which makes guacamole and queso lovers like me rejoice. You definitely get your money's worth (as I sit writing this in my food coma). I got the firecracker chicken burrito and while the burrito is 4 stars, really nice service makes it a 5 star. The guy at the register was very nice as was the man who served me. Props to him because wrapping the 3000 toppings in my tortilla without it breaking is a skill for sure.

Would not take an order before lunch, said they were too busy, will not patronize this business

Such a great hole in the wall. Love the food and the staff, specifically their friendly attitude as the welcome you to the restaurant.

This was my first time here and the staff and service were so friendly! Skip over Chipotle and come here instead!!! There's no extra charge for queso or guac and supporting small businesses is always better! Since it was my first time here, I got some candy and a key chain. They also give you a tiny pack of gum with your meal. The burrito was delicious and I loved their special hot sauce. I will definitely come back here when I'm craving a burrito and will never go to Chipotle in Charlotte again!

Even before I started eating I was very happy with the customer service. They gave me a rookie card and told me how it works. Line was very long but went by fast. Everybody was incredibly nice and efficient. Then there was the food......wow. Why even consider Chipotle when this is just on the other side of the street? I got a burrito with adobo pork and it's quite possibly one of the best burritos I've ever had. I literally just finished eating as I type this and can't wait to go back.

Amazing find. Best burrito ive ever had. Such quality ingredients you can taste and great portions!! The owner is amazing as well. If you are in the area go try it you wont be sorry

If you're from Charlotte, chances are you heard of this place. The lunch rush during the work week is crazy but it's for sure worth it. I don't think anyone can say a single bad thing about this place. They sell make your own burritos, salads, and bowls. The spicy chicken burrito is my favorite item here. From the service to the food, this place is absolutely incredible. It blows Chipotle and Moe's out the water. You can't order online but you can fax in orders if you're in a hurry. If you're uptown and looking for a lunch spot, look no further. I guarantee you'll be coming back weekly.

Stopped by for a quick lunch on the way through Charlotte. Everything was fantastic. Will repeat anytime I am in downtown Charlotte.

Awesome burrito. Hole in the wall type place, can be hard to find if you're not familiar with the area, but worth the hunt. Johnny & staff were very friendly and explained everything since it was my first time here. Would definitely come back!

I've been working in Charlotte for 13 years, and this was my first visit to Johnny Burrito. The food was fantastic, and the service was exceptional. I've previously been put off trying this place because how long the line is out the door and down the hall, but the actual wait was less than 5 minutes from the time I joined the line until I had my lunch in my hand - and the only reason it took that long was because I had so much choice!

What an awesome experience! Start to finish I was explained in detail everything. Firecracker chicken was so delicious with just the right spice. I got the regular burrito and my husband got the big one. The big one looked like a small baby haha! It was big! Bring your appetite. We ended up cutting his in thirds and having it for other meals. Food is fresh and guac and queso are not extra! Will be putting it in the rotation for when we are in the area during the week.

Wow! I've been wanting to try Johnny Burrito for a while and it lives up to the hype! Generous portions with fresh ingredients! Guac and queso come free with any entree! Definitely a better option to chipotle while supporting a small business.

Tucked away downstairs in the Wells Fargo atrium is this popular lunch stop. If you go around noon there will be a large line but don't let that turn you off it usually moves really fast. It'll cost a bit more than your average burrito but you can absolutely load up and the portions are very generous. The fire chicken is bomb!

The best burrito I've had in Uptown. The meat was well seasoned and had plenty of toppings. The staff was very nice and gave me the rundown on how to order and what was available since I was a "Rookie". I would definitely come back but only if it was early in the day, I arrived at 11:03 am and there were already 8 or 9 folks in line. When I left I was probably 25 folks in line.

It's one of those places you're going to immediately fall in love with. The gentleman at the front who welcomes you has unparalleled customer service and knows how to make you feel like you're immediately part of the family. Small, quaint and super tucked away. We found it by accident after we went to see the new BLM art on Tryon. They give you more food than you can handle, trust me! And, to make it even better, the food is absolutely delicious. I had the tamales with pork and red sauce which were delicious. I topped them with beans, rice, mushrooms, and several types of hot sauces. I finished about half and ate the rest for dinner. 100% recommend!!

Try to make it there at exactly 12! However the long line moves fairly quickly. The burritos are HUGE and so filling. The menu it straightforward and they don't charge extra for quest and guacamole (yaaaas).

Oh jeez!! Why has it taken me 17 years to write this review?? Johnny Burrito is an uptown classic with delicious food prepared both fast ~ and EXACTLY how you want it. Spicy, mild, full of meat, vegan, whatever you want. The place is super clean, Johnny and crew are consistently welcoming, AND you get a Twizzler on Tuesday, and free gum every day.