Jando S.
Yelp
I'm all for a gimmick and as someone who has indulged often in the Bay Area style super burritos, I couldn't pass up the chance to enjoy something in the same realm as King Burrito. This place is exactly what I'm looking for in a no pretense eatery, fair prices, good service, and hearty, tasty food. Portland local dives don't get much better than this.
Located in North Portland just outside of Arbor Lodge Park, King Burrito is a small eatery with handful of tables and chairs with the classic open kitchen with the above-counter wall menu (#1). A majority of the folks coming through are coming for takeout and unless it's bad timing, I've never really seen this place full. The fluorescent lighting and semi-shoddy bathrooms aren't major reasons to dine-in but the food most certainly is.
As of right now, all burritos are in the $8-9 range. The famed king burrito is really a chile relleno with refried beans, steak picado in their in-house avocado sauce in an oversized flour tortilla. The carne asada and carnitas have been my go-tos but I think their cabeza (head) and lengua is an outstanding option. Their breakfast burritos should be considered, especially the chorizo con papas and the machaca. Every burrito is going to be littered with onions, so for folks who aren't all about the cebolla life, be sure to mention it ahead of time. Overall, the burrito is an absolute gut bomb and will trigger an immediate food coma post consumption.
Anything in a burrito can also be done in taco form. Most of the tacos are in the $3-4 range at this point but similarly to the burritos, quite sizable and served with good portions. They also have non-taco options, such as hot dogs, burgers, taquitos, and quesadillas. The latter is the only thing I'd order, but to each his or her own.
The service is quick and the staff is mainly Spanish speaking. There is usually a young man who is handling food orders in the front and on the phone. A majority of their parking is in the back and they're no longer open past 11pm on any day of the week.
Lastly to management: I realize prices are fluctuating everywhere, but none of the prices from the outdated website (#2) or the counter menus (slightly outdated) match the wall menu prices (current). This will cause some confusion for new customers and maybe disappointment for many others.
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(#1) A common theme amongst many ethnic takeout eateries.
(#2) Beware of their severely outdated website menu prices, which are at $5.50 a burrito and $1.50 a taco.