Burrito Express — Restaurant in Athens

Burrito Express: A Southern Hymn of Fire and Flavor By one who remembers, one who returns

In the blistered Alabama dusk, where the cicadas cry out like prophets and the asphalt breathes heat from the belly of the earth, there lies a place—not grand, not gilded, but holy in the way that only food, true food, can sanctify a man’s weariness. Burrito Express, they call it. And though the name rings simple, almost pedestrian, within its walls lies the quiet, slow thunder of something eternal.

You do not go to Burrito Express. You arrive, as one arrives home after war, after exile, after wandering in lands of blandness and sorrow, to find a place where the meat is seasoned not just with cumin and chile but with memory, with joy, with all the ancestral aching of flavor made right.

It is not only a burrito—it is a testament. A monument to balance, to heat, to tenderness wrapped in warmth. And it is fast, yes, but not hurried. Swift, yet with care. The kind of speed that comes only when hands have done the work a thousand times and never once without love.

There is rice there that remembers the sun. There is steak that sizzles with stories. There are sauces that burn just enough to remind you you are alive. And the people—good people, proud people—move behind the counter like musicians, knowing the rhythm of lunch hour like a hymn. They speak in kindness, not in clamor. They look you in the eye and call you sir, ma’am, friend.

And when you sit there, wrapped in the scent of seared peppers and tortillas so soft you could sleep in them, when you take that first bite and feel the explosion of salt, fat, acid, and heat, you understand that this is more than food—it is defiance. It is heritage. It is Alabama made edible.

Burrito Express does not boast. It does not beg. It simply exists. And in existing, it feeds more than hunger—it...

I have driven by here several times and wondered how it was. So I stopped in and had Sunday lunch on my way home from work. First off, service was good. I have no issues with my server. Apologize I can't remember his name. Drink and chips came out quickly. And order was taken promptly and food came out quickly and hot and just as ordered.

I got the carnitas plate being as that generally tells me if most other things will be good. And while it was good, I have no complaints. It was just average. This is a common simple dish that should be easy to make, but when made right, is absolutely delicious! Unfortunately, I just thought it was average. My problem is I grew up in the southwest so I know what true Latin food CAN be!!! I am running into a recurring theme with the restaurants in the east and that is mediocrity! It's not just this restaurant. It's most restaurants in the east. You just seem to accept whatever they put in front of you and call it the "best ever"!! I have realized those words don't mean anything out here. I DO recommend the restaurant. I WILL try it again! I just have to continue to lower my standards when it comes to restaurants on the eastern half of the United States. Food was good (average) service was very good and I do recommend for a good...

Burrito Express has won "Best Mexican Restaurant" in Athens, AL for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. I've eaten here since they opened in 2019. Daniel is the owner, and his mother makes the pulled pork tamales from a traditional family recipe. They're the best tamales that I've ever had. I had a tamale along with a chile relleno with my choice of cheese stuffing. They also come with beef inside, if you prefer. I chose refried beans as a side dish this time, but they also make traditional Mexican beans that are delicious. Try them for a change when you visit! They also serve margaritas, beer, and mixed drinks. I had a strawberry margarita. It was served in a frosted mug with my choice of sugar around the rim. So yummy 😋 If you like great Mexican food, you really should eat here! The food and drinks, service, and traditional Mexican atmosphere can't be beat! I should mention that they also do catering. Consider trying them next time you...