World Famous Burritos
Have you been to La Costeña before? If you’ve lived here for any time at all you already know that they are famous for their burritos and the huge selection of ingredients behind the glass window. I would even go so far as to say that they are the prototype that Chipotle used when they created their burrito-bar style restaurant chain (but don’t quote me on that!). La Costeña is actually a hole-in-the-wall Mexican grocery store and the burrito bar is in the back. Walk through the store to get to the burrito area.
You’ll be expected to tell them everything that you want on your massive burrito creation as you move along the line. It’s cool that they have brown rice and whole wheat tortillas and that the cooks actually grill your meat right in front of you. If you have trouble deciding what to put on it, just tell them you want the Mountain View Special. It’s already figured out for you and it eliminates that whole pesky decision-making-process. That makes it a low pressure burrito purchase…
You’ll pay for your burrito at the cash register in the store, but first you should swing by the refrigerator and grab a Pineapple Jarritos to wash it down. Mexican soda just goes so perfectly with Mexican food after all.
Keep in mind that you should go there just before or just after the peek lunch-time rush.
An interesting point to mention about La Costeña is that they hold the world record for the largest burrito. It’s true. They made it in Rengstroff Park in 1997 and it was 4,456.3 pounds and was 3,578 feet long. Check out their website for photos of it. They have also been voted “Best Burrito in Mountain View” for many years. La Costeña is just another reason that I love Mountain View.
Amazing as always :)
…and as long as you’re in the neighborhood, and in the spirit of all good things to do with Mexican culture (i.e. food), stop in at MiPueblo grocery on the corner of Rengstorff and Central (at the railroad tracks). What a delicious treasure trove that is!! And if you’re a gringo (a) like me and try out some of your spotty Spanish you’re sure to get a good response (and a few giggles, too!!).
I can not explain how much I love La Costena, its such a great place for lunch or dinner, there burrito are so big and juicy, its just amazing how many choices you can chose from. The last time I went to La Costena I had a steak burrito with rice, beans, bellpepers, salsa, sour cream and so much more you can chose from. Oh wait the best part is that if you want some junk food the grocery store is there 2 in 1 you have to love it!