Alfredo's Mexican Food — Restaurant in Burbank

In the tortilla paradise that characterizes LA‘s south-of-the-border food scene, hungry diners are left with many choices. Somewhere between the crowded gringo-magnet margarita cantinas, and the treasurable family-owned hole in the walls where immigrants are striving to cultivate their native pride, every once in a while we are blessed that true food magic occasionally does happen. Upon this crowded stage of opportunity, Alfredo‘s in Burbank emerges as the real deal. Boasting San Diego style food in Los Angeles, it’s made-to-order fast food constantly delivers quality. An attentive kitchen staff can be seen constantly slicing up fresh meats and vegetables and making their own salsas. The sounds of knives chopping against cutting boards ring like music across the dining tables in the lobby during mornings. Freshly made orders are then promptly and properly assembled while busy customers are often out the door within minutes.

Having lived in San Diego myself at various times over the past fifty years, and missing its bountifully meaty burritos, I have learned that San Diego style Mexican food is an “it.” It is a “thing.” And Alfredo's has it. The carne asada is lean and generously stuffed into warm tortillas that ooze with the comfort of home. Their seafood burrito offers chunks of deep-fried fish with cabbage and a creamy sauce that simply confounds the taste buds. Crunchy and soft tacos also headline the menu and can be filled with carnitas and chicken, as well as beef. And the taquitos crunch in heavenly bliss as the warm beef in the center emerges to massage the tongue. Breakfast burritos come with machaca and chorizo steaming inside huge warm tortillas. The machaca is made with real shredded beef marinated in green peppers and onions. The chorizo burritos burst with the spiciness that characterizes this Mexican specialty. Accents include freshly made sauces and servings of spicy carrots marinated and softened in jalapeños and onion juices. Corn chips are freshly homemade, crunchy and mildly salted. Customers more glutinous than I are fond of ordering their chili relleno plates, as well as nacho platters doused in cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. And I constantly see the taco platters that look like large crescent ships bursting with cheese and sour cream while sailing upon seas of rice and beans.

Another part of the success of Alfredo's is customer service. Behind the counter often stands Griselda, the quietly charismatic “mama,” whose gentle, affectionate aura subtly intones the connection between serving food and caring for people. She greets her customers with prompt efficiency and sees to it that every detail of every request is fulfilled quickly and supportively, while somehow always keeping her calm among throngs of demanding customers. And Griselda’s example shows in the service of other team members, who are also attentive to patron needs.

As a regular, I’ve come to enjoy conversations with other customers that have had similar long-term relationships with Alfredo’s. The longevity of Alfredo’s in LA’s crowded Mexican food scene is testimony enough in itself. The streams of frequent customers and patrons of many ethnic backgrounds are a strong and resounding vote for the quality of this special little gem at the intersection of San Fernando and Burbank Boulevard. Architecturally, the building is shaped half like a taco stand, and half like a restaurant. Perhaps this metaphorically summarizes Alfredo’s special balance between fast food made-to-order and the quality of restaurant food prepared from scratch. And this is part of the magic that makes Alfredo's the “little taco stand that could.” I tell friends from all over the city that whenever they’re in Burbank that they should stop by Alfredo’s for a taste of Mexican comfort. For while there may be some things in life that will occasionally disappoint us - Mexican food never will. And Alfredo's is one of the reasons. Alfredo's is a star in...

I loved the fact that it was open early. My friend really wanted the rolled tacos. She loves them. She's from San Diego & the rolled tacos reminds her of the ones from home.

I ordered 3 carne asada tacos, refried beans & Jamaica juice. My carne asada looked like they were boiled. It wasn't even the typical asada meat. The tacos were actually really gross. I tried to eat it by doctoring it up with sauces. I normally save my left overs for my bf, but I ended up throwing away an entire taco. The beans were simi warm. They didn't really have taste either. I ended up throwing that away and wasting my money. I didn't even really care for the juice.

The only reason why I gave this restaurant a 3 star is because my friend absolutely loved her meal. I just wouldn't order the carne asada tacos anymore. As a matter of fact, I remember the cashier's family came in to eat. Im noisy so I was looking at their meals. Someone ordered a carne asada plate and I remember the meat looking really good. I thought oh boy this is going to be great! Welp, I guess they gave me the rejected meat perhaps because they thought I would not realize it. I wish I remembered then because I would of made them change the entire order.

They had quite a few customers, so their food must be pretty decent. I just must be...

This is my first time here, it won't be the last, I'm looking forward to trying out other dishes based on the breakfast I ordered today, one of my favorite Mexican bassists - the machaca. It was plentiful and really good. If you're not familiar with this dish, it is a protein lovers dream. An egg scramble with shredded beef, sauteed onions, bell peppers and tomatoes. It comes with rice, beans, and your choice of one flour or 3 corn tortillas. If you're watching your carbs ask for double beans and skip the tortillas. The beans were well salted and creamy, the rice was fluffy and separated which tells me the cook takes care of details. My meal without a drink came to only $10.80, making this restaurant very affordable to boot. The cashier was polite and answered my questions, I greeted the cook and he smiled back, the restaurant and patio area are clean and they have an A rating hanging from the window, parking is free. They take all major credit cards but I prefer to cut Visa out and pay cash. Not crowded but a steady stream of customers. I posted pictures of the menu and my meal. Hope you...