Editor’s Pick: Burrito Box

Do not get me wrong: I love Chipotle as much as the next bro/college student. In fact, I have been known, on occasion, to venture into the city with the sole purpose of procuring some of this chain’s signature Mexican delights. 

That said, however, there are times when I do not necessarily want my Mexican food to come from a corporate conglomerate that is also part-owned by McDonalds. On such occasions, one has many options in the to satisfy a craving for Mexican food. Generally, though, when one wants authentic Mexican cuisine, the rule of thumb is the less English spoken, the better; moreover, another rule of eateries is the better the food, the longer the wait. Unfortunately, if one does not speak a word of Spanish or is in a hurry, such unwritten rules of restaurant eating can easily frustrate one’s quest for great food on the fly.At Ninth Avenue between 57th and 58th streets, however, one can find the exception to both of these rules. Here, the aptly named Burrito Box sits nestled next to Teriyaki Boy and Arrow Pharmacy, and frankly, it would be quite easy for unacquainted passers-by to miss. Inside, one finds a quaint, albeit cramped, Mexican eatery with an überfast, friendly staff and food good enough to give Chipotle a run for its money. Try, for instance, the salsa. Whereas Chipotle sports only four different varieties of their homemade stuff, Burrito Box sports five different types of sauces to add to a meal. Don’t like paying for chips? Burrito Box offers all-you-can-eat chips; just fill a plate, and grab any one of their delicious fresh-made sauces for dipping, and you’ll wonder why you ever shelled out nearly $2 for limited portions at Chipotle. The entrees, too, are all tasty treats. My personal favorite, the beef burrito, solidifies Burrito Box’s rank among some of the best Mexican joints in the city.Better still are the prices. At Chipotle or Qdoba, one can expect to pay more than $10 or $11 for a meal with chips and a drink, but Burrito Box allows one to get a great on-the-go meal for just $8 or $9.For me, a meal at Burrito Box also carries with it a hint of nostalgia. On the two occasions when I visited New York prior to matriculating to Fordham – August 2006 and April 2007 – I happened upon Burrito Box, and each time I was quite thankful for providence guiding my steps to this virtual hole in the wall.These days, I still consider a trip to Burrito Box a treat. On those days when my Lincoln Center class gets out early, and I do not have to rush, a nice leisurely lunch at Burrito Box cannot be beaten. When I was a Ram Van driver, I used to run down to Burrito Box and have enough time to get back to the van and leave on time, allowing for a quick lunch when I got back to Rose Hill.Either way, whether you want a nice, quick Mexican treat or a great meal in a hurry, Burrito Box at 885A Ninth Avenue has great prices, great food and great people to help feed your craving.