Great food and friendly staff. I used to come here as a child (30 years ago), and I feel like the tortillas are different compared to what I remember, and the cheese was lighter than I remember, but still very good. Things are bound to change over 30 years. I'd def go back. :) read more

LOVE the food! Burritos are good size & will fill you up! I suggest ordering from here and supporting them during COVID

We keep returning for both the food and the people! My young daughters feel comfortable ordering on their own at the window, which says a lot about the warm atmosphere. The place feels like the family-owned taco/burrito places my friends and I would go to after track meets back in the 90's. Very SoCal and quite wholesome. Get some fries in your 'ito. Thank me later. read more

Pasadena born and raised and I used to LOVE this place! Growing up my family would be here at least once a week. After moving away from the area, my boyfriend and I were visiting friends and I told them we just HAD to come here to eat because I missed out the last time we visited because it was closed. Clearly in my 5 year absence things have gone down hill, flavor and price wise. $27 for 4 spicy chicken burritos with no extras/no chips/no drinks is a damn joke. ALSO we got there 30 minutes after they opened, why was the meat in our burritos cold?! Completely unacceptable and I felt embarrassed for the suggestion.When I was coming here the owner used to run the cash register. I'm sure his presence had a big impact on the quality before. That being said, it was a good run but I'll never go out of my way for this place again. read more

This is our local go to for affordable, casual Mexican food for takeout and weeknights. Portions are large, meats are seasoned well and high quality, and the burritos are loaded and delicious. We get bummed on Sundays when we get the BE craving but remember they're closed that day!! Friendly staff, casual atmosphere if you want to sit outside and eat, one of our favorites. read more

This review is not for Burrito Express, but actually for "Shavies", the little shave ice stand connected to it. While Shavies' fare pales in comparison to the shave ice establishments I've visited on Hawaii, it'll definitely satisfy your shave ice Jones and keep you from impulsively maxing out your credit card with a spontaneous flight to the 50th state because you couldn't control yourself. They have a pretty decent selection of flavors, and you can get ice cream on the bottom and sweetened condensed milk on top if you want. A regular size is $4.25 and a large is $5 and change. Cards are accepted, but you have to go around to Burrito Express to pay, so it's easier if you bring cash. I believe Shavies is also only open during the summer months, too. That's a little odd, because summer in Pasadena usually lasts until Halloween. Sometimes Christmas. read more

Burrito Express - The #8, also known as the kb. Guava and mango shave ice on top of coconut-pineapple ice cream with sweetened condensed milk. - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Food is outstanding and well-packed, great prices. Only gave 4 stars due to limited drink options but that's my only complaint if any. read more

Burrito Express - Asada Fries, half order - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I've grown up eating Burrito Express. Maybe it's the nostalgia, but there's absolutely nothing like their chicken burrito or bean and cheese burrito. I crave BEX every time I go to Pasadena! The owners are also incredibly kind and helpful and I appreciate how much they try to help the community, especially during a COVID-19. Support this small, family owned business! read more

Do NOT get any breakfast burrito. They are small without the meat. If you add meat for an extra $2, they will add very little meat and lot more beans. Hence the burrito looks bigger. Only got like 2 bites with me in my $6.00 burrito. Spend your $$ on a good big, filling, and meaty breakfast burrito @ Lucky Boy's. read more

Would put 5 stars. But the JVC burrito has gotten worse. Maybe new ownership? Maybe worse, less quality ingredients? Although service remains impeccable and the crunchy beef tacos are some of the best I've ever had in my life. Wish the JVC burrito (w/ no meat) can return to its former glory. But can't be disappointed. A solid 4 star, if not slightly higher. read more

The staff is always nice and welcoming and their food is GREAT! My go to for fast Mexican food.

Alright. Admittedly, I have a special affinity for this place. I guess you can refer to it as "comfort food" for me. I practically grew up on it. However, even though it's been around since the late 70s, I didn't really become a regular until high school, in the late 80s/early 90s. Nevertheless, I recognize it for what it is - a place that has been serving great tasting food for 20+ years. Any place in business that long has to be doing something right. Honestly. It might sound cliche', but it's not. Quality product sustains longevity. It's just a known fact. First things first. No, this might not be your first choice if you're in search of the most "authentic" of authenticly authentic Mexican foods. My question is - what the hell does it matter if it tastes GREAT? Seriously? I've had cabeza and lengua tacos (brain and tongue) that are served in warm, oiled-up corn tortillas with lime, onions, a radish and some deep red, ridiculously spicy-ass hot sauce, and they were good. So? I've had menudo and albondigas soups that were hearty and tasty. So? I've even had my share of seriously awesome home-made tamales of both green chile and spicy beef varieties. So? Does the fact that I know what great "authentic" Mexican food tastes like alter my perception of a place like "Burrito Express?" Not in the slightest. This place is good - get over it. Every 5-star chef, short-order cook, and roach-coach handler has their own spin on things. Just because they stray away from tradition doesn't necessarily make it worse. If a 5-star chef does it, it's considered "creativity". If a quick-service cook does it, it's considered "not authentic enough." Give me a break. They, like many others, tried to create a product that would appeal to the masses. Being that they are located in Pasadena as opposed to Ciudad Juarez, I have a feeling that their "masses" might not mind slightly "Americanized" Mexican food. I don't know... just a wild guess. Must Have's: Bean and cheese burrito, spicy (which is a green chile sauce). They also have a "mild", which is red, and then an extremely hot that is another shade of red. Also, their taquitos are awesome. Different than the old-school Alberto's taquitos, but still very, very good. read more

The food is so good, BUT Since the old guy has retired, things are getting neglected. One day I went, and they put no sauce on the burrito and none in the bag, and no napkins. The next time, I made sure to ask for sauce. I got a burrito for me, and one for a friend. The new girl put ONE in the bag, For two burritos. The old guy had a nice attention to detail. I hope the new people get it together read more

Burrito express, will you marry me? Forget all the haters below. They say you aren't "real Mexican." But, do you know what? They aren't real "real Mexican." They're just real jerks. Bean and Cheese. Chicken. Keep it simple and keep it real, Pasadena. read more

Had a groupon ($6 for $10) so decided to try- Hubby both decided to go all out and had shredded beef JVC /Vics special Burrito plates I have had a LOT of burritos in my life, and this has to be the biggest disappointment. I was shocked because there were a lot of positive reviews. The JVC says it includes sour cream, guac and cheese- Had these been on the inside of the burrito (and real guac, not squeezable watered down liquid version) it might have helped the dryness of the meat, rice, and beans, all of which were not only dry but completely without flavor. To top it off, all of what little tomato and lettuce that were inside were having a veggies only party at the other end. So distribution of fillings overall was terrible. The 'sauce' that it was smothered in was really dark brown and tasted like burnt- Burnt what I'm not sure, just something that got left at a bottom of a pot. And very bitter. No idea what it was supposed to be. Lastly, the salsa tasted like oily super bitter marinara sauce, with a tomato paste consistency. Yuck. Don't bother paying the extra $2 for a handful of chips and a straight up iceberg and tomato slice "salad", unless you want the moisture to combat the dryness of your burrito. read more

Authentic Burrito at an unbelievably good price! Combined with fantastic customer service. From the outside Burrito Express doesn't necessarily look like one of the best burrito joints around, but looks can be deceiving. This place is the bomb.com you really won't be disappointed with their food. I had the special and it filled my ravenous appetite. read more

Chya buddy! Came here 2 weeks in a row for breakfast on a Saturday morning. the chorizo, egg, and potatoe plate is so good. for just over 5 bucks you get more than enough food. i usually get a side tostada de camarone, man it is good. the last time i went the lime was bad and made the whole thing taste bad but i just doused it with tapatio and i was good to go! lol. Definitely a great breakfast spot, inexpensive, cash only, outside seating, drive through, go. read more

The roja sauce is to DIE FOR! I ordered the Chimichanga and the beef was perfection and so was that wonderful, wonderful salsa! I was a bit disappointed that my chimichanga wasn't deep fried (isn't that what they are all about) so I didn't get the crispy tortilla texture I adore. It seems like this place is the place to be on weekends cause all the tables were taken and everyone looked like they loved their food. I am definitely going to try to tacos next time cause they look delicious and maybe another burrito. Parking is definitely tricky so be prepared to walk a bit. OTher than that, I have a new lunch place close to work! read more

I was always curious about this place as I drive by...always have people waiting around for their orders. So I decided to give this random spot a try. I got the Vic's special (make any burrito a wet burrito) with the JVC burrito. Yes it's true its a bit "gringo style" but it's actually quite tasty. Red sauce isn't the best but it gets the job done and it's nicely chunky. Marinated meat and lots of ingredients that make it very savory. The burrito was huge but I was able to finish it with time lol. It's a flight of stairs above Taco Bell and I would go back if I wanted something not as authentic. read more

I've been going here since it opened in 1978 so yeah, I guess I like it! My mom used to take me there after my Pasadena Youth Symphony rehearsals and I would order a Bean & Cheese Burrito with a side of rice every time. The flavor of the beans is quite unique and the cheese is a tangy compliment. I would always get it Plain, no hot or mild sauce. Now, my kids order a Bean & Cheese, Burrito Plain, every time, although there has been an influx of creativity recently and they have ventured past the venerable Bean & Cheese and on to the Ito Burrito, a high-carb tribute to Ross himself. Of course a side of rice is still mandatory. At some point in the '90's, I, too, ventured past the Bean & Cheese and was stuck on the JVC Meatless Spicy Burrito for a good 10 or so years. This burrito-gigantor has everything, except meat, as you may have deduced if you're a clever reader. Lettuce, guac, sour cream, tomatoes, beans, rice, and a wonderful Spicy sauce that makes it all come together. I was afraid to go Spicy at first and tried the Mild sauce several times but did not care for the taste. Once I went Spicy, there was no turning back. It's definitely not hot hot and it won't have your eyes watering or your nose flowing like the river Nile, but it will add just the right amount of zing so that you know it's not TexMex. All of the JVC Burritos come surrounded by double-wrap tortillas, warm and chewy, but can be ordered single-wrapped, although that is kind of like ordering a Big Mac with a Diet Coke. Sorry to say, but I really can't comment on any other menu items because I am a creature of habit and it might be a few more years before I try something else. Like my dog used to always say, "If it ain't broke, eat it!" Burrito Express is not a place to count calories or a place for those lard-squimish eaters among us. It is a 3-table inside seating, 5 -table outside seating, work-horse of a fast Mexican food stand that perseveres through the years because of great service and addictive food at a good price. I almost cried when it began closing on Sundays and I still drive by every once in awhile on late afternoon Sundays, just to make sure, but it just makes the anticipation of my next visit that much more mouth-watering. read more

I love Burrito Express. Be warned: I've had the tacos, enchiladas, and taquitos, and I have to admit that none of these things are really exceptional. However, if a place has Burrito in the title, that's probably their item of note, and this place does burritos like no other spot in Pasadena. I've had all the main burritos, and the JVC and Ross Perot are great options. My absolute favorite meal here though is a double-whammy: 1 bean-and-cheese burrito and 1 chicken chimichanga. Each of these is about $3, so the total comes out to about the same as a single larger burrito. These two pair really well together, and it really give you a chance to appreciate how good their refried beans are. As an added bonus, double-fisting burritos just feels awesome, especially when you can take the occasional sip from a frosty horchata to wash it down. Besides all this, the service is quick and all the guys are super friendly. You can tell they've been around for a while, and they've got some cool stuff posted up from some of their regulars, including a picture of a guy in a Burrito Express shirt at a Juventus match in Turin... how cool is that?!? read more

This place right here has made its place in history like the infamous days of the ford bronco. If the ingredients don't fit you must acquit. Breakfast as the Angeleños say is Bomb. Chorizo, eggs, cheese, melty and magical all wrapped up in burro but I you skip breakfast the usual go too are the JVC, Ross Perot, or Judge Ito (your heart out). The rice and beans are what you'd expect but they definitely take extra care with their proteins and salas. Be your own judge (queue law and order music) Gong Gong Breakfast is served until 11 Shaved ice in the summer Service with a smile Small change $ read more

Not bad, but not very fresh tasting. Slim vegetarian options. The guacamole was more like a strange green sauce. Again, not fresh. And be forewarned the place only has 3 tables inside and a few outside. This is more of on the go spot. Hence, the "express." On the upside, really nice and friendly staff. read more

Three stars because its OK and I can walk there from my house... But honestly, they are just OK. From the seat outside you can see the kitchen and they had an old crusty plastic jug of "green avocado" sauce.. not very fresh or natural. That killed it for me. So, overall, they are OK, not bad, not great. A plus: their vegetarian options.. The JVC without meat, the Ito without meat.... read more

This place reminds me of Titos Taco's on the west side. The burrito was on the small size and it didn't even come with chips. I ordered the bean, cheese, and pork with green salsa. I found the burrito put together well but I was left wanting something more... in my stomach. Honestly I'm just not a fan of re-fried bean and meat burritos. If you are into that sort of thing, then you will probably love it. I value a whole pinto bean, rice, meat, and salsa burrito. read more

Three meat burrito. SHould have been amazing. A block of tofu could have been as flavorful. I got it extra spicy and used all the hot sauce they gave me...black pepper is spicer. BLAND BLAND BLAND read more

This is my first rating on Yelp Before I go on about the food here, I must mention that some of the comments here really disturbed me.. Burrito Express does not taste like authentic mexican food, because it is its own taste.. and if you know what to get, it will be some of the best tasting mexican food you have ever had!!... Burrito Express has some food that is either Really damn good, or really bland....So You NEED to know what to order from there!!.. Their tacos are nothing special, I agree.. So these are the items I recommend from Burrito Express: -Bean and Cheese Burrito -Chimichanga (by itself or Vics special) I usually get the beef. -and of course the JVC Burrito.. Personally, I really like beef in my food, but the JVC meatless is one of my favorites here! If you have not ordered any of these items, please do not write a review, because you are really missing out on their specialties.. read more

I no longer live in the area, however; I have eaten here many times and started visiting there regularly in the mid '70's, including the opening day, when Vic, the founder, created the concept of Burrito Express. For those of you who grew up in the area, this is at the former location of the old 'Burger Spot'; which I used to frequent when I went to Pasadena High School. The food is excellent and the burritos are superb. Also, I really love their homemade hot sauce, which is thick and flavorful, as well as spicy-hot. The original owner, Vic, is 100% Mexican, as I well recall. I knew him a long time and he is a stand-up kind of guy, who always worked hard to provide a quality product to his customers. All of his recipes came from his 100% Mexican mom, a wonderful woman who ran a successful Mexican restaurant in Highland Park for [many] years before she retired, which was about the same time Vic opened Burrito Express. A few years ago, Vic retired and transferred the business to the older Hispanic man who, from the day he first opened, was his primary cook and manager at this location. Vic's basic family recipes have remained unchanged over the years. I offer up this background info, in response to a few reviews which seem to question how 'authentic' this food is. One item I really miss, as it was removed from the menu in the late 70's, was Vic's Chile Relleno Burrito w/rice & beans. Again, it was his mom's original chile relleno recipe; and I have never encountered a better tasting chile relleno, anywhere. Unfortuanately, they just became too labor intensive to prepare, in the fast-food environment. Even though retired, Vic still stops by and makes sure things are still on track. Whenever, I get back down to SoCal to visit my home town of Pasadena, I always try and stop by for the taste of great Mexican food, at Burrito Express! read more

I've been going to burrito express for years. I stick to one philosophy: Ross Perot, all the time. The burrito has everything you could want, just make sure you get a few containers of hot sauce and ask for it spicy. I've tried the taquitos and some of the other burritos, but the only way to go is Ross Perot. If you're looking for a killer carne asada burrito, this isn't the place. Head across Orange Grove west of Lake Ave and try La Estrella. read more

Deya is the sweetest and most hospitable lady I've ever met. The food was made to order and the flavor exploded in my mouth. I live more than an hour away but I will be back ‍ read more

Burrito Express - This sweet lady helped me, Deya. Great food and phenomenal service! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Having to giving this place even one star isn't worth it. I got a burrito from there with bacon, eggs and potatoes. I could have gotten a burrito from the gaS station and it would have tastes better than this place. My first bite into my burrito had me gagging. The eggs were tasteless, bland and probably out of a package. The meat tasted like it had been sitting in the warmer probably over night it was so greasy, definitely not normal bacon. Wouldn't be surprised if it was fake meat. Not wanting to waste the food I just bought, I put it in my dogs food bowl. MY DOG WOULDN'T EVEN EAT IT!!!!!I would only recommend this place to my worse enemy. Do not go here unless you want to pay for over priced burrito you won't even be able to eat. read more

Good price, kind service, fast and clean. A bit small portion and an average flavor. Local cheaper-Rubio's I'd say. read more

I wish I lived across the street from this place. All you need to know: The food tastes like it was put together by real people. The way the JVC-NoMeat collapes in your mouth is like no other burrito experience. Delicious. Guys behind the counter are no-nonsense but friendly burrito making pro's. JVC's must be drenched in their little plastic cups of salsa for ultimate dining experience. Go to there. read more

Hey people this is not gourmet so don't come here expecting some super awesome Mexican food. Seriously! But if you want some decent priced food that still hits the spot then eat here. Kind of reminds me of my hometown eatery Tito's in Culver City, but a little more elaborate than just the basics. The JVC burrito is good w/carnitas & mild or spicy verde (green) sauce. I have yet try more items, but that's a good burrito! Some people just don't seem to know how to get good cheap eats anymore. Dude! We're in a recession learn to slum it a little you may end up liking it.;-) read more

This place serves great Mexican food. I do like the Ross Perot burrito. The food is always good quality and made fast; you can't beat that.

I ate lunch at Burrito Express in Pasadena, CA on 6/7/2017. It was my 1st time there. I've driven by it several times and always thought it looked intriguing. It's a small place with only three interior tables (I was lucky and got the middle one). There is also some outdoor seating and Burrito Express does some local delivery as well. I got a spicy asada burrito ($5.22), a crispy chicken taco ($1.89) and a medium drink ($1.95). Good food at good prices. Plus, I took a photo. read more

Burrito Express - Photo taken 6/7/2017 - Burrito Express (menu) - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I have to say that when I am in the mood for a bean and cheese burrito, this is my favorite. It is just perfect! It has the perfect ratio of beans to cheese and is just pure joy! read more

On first visit today i enjoyed very much a bean, cheese, and pork burrito...if this place becomes a habit and I try more stuff it may earn a 5 star but it was a good experience for sure read more

An all-around solid burrito, next time, I'm going for the wet version! My work just changed offices, and one of our clients, upon hearing the new location, told us we were right next door to this gem. I completely believe Izio that it's possible to go through quite a few "the usuals" and that they'd all be good... My only concern: I didn't love their hot sauce...hopefully they'll have some other options next time. read more

The wife and I just moved into the neighborhood. We immediately looked to Yelp for local food recommendations. Burrito Express was my first stop due to its 4 star rating... bland, bland, YUCK If the star rating is strictly for quantity of food vs price its an easy 4.5 stars. But if you add in atmosphere and quality of food and flavors Burrito Express is a solid 1.5 star joint. If you're hungry, and broke, go for it! I have given them 3 chances with 3 different menu items and been horribly disappointed 3 times. I won't be trying again. There is MUCH better Mexican food to be had in the greater LA area. read more