Lucky Boy — Restaurant in Pasadena

Background: I grew up in SD and been eating burritos all my life. So when I came across the sign: “Home of the famous breakfast burrito”, I just had to try. I’ll be upfront, the first time I had the breakfast burrito I was extremely disappointed - I didn’t even finish it. The tortilla tasted stale and everything in it seem bland and cold. I was tempted to give this place a bad review immediately, but maybe it was an off-day and I always give a place a second shot. The second visit was a much better experience. With that said, there was nothing spectacular about it. Hear me out first. One key difference is they use hash browns instead of potato wedges/fries like I’m use to in SD. The plus side is that the hash browns were cooked well - soft and lightly crisped and the thickness of the bacon was perfect, but personally overcooked for my tastes. The eggs were cooked similar to an omelette style and folded into the burrito, not scrambled- different to what I’m used to. Because the layering of different ingredients in a uniform way, you’re almost enjoying it like you would eating a sandwich. Imho, the scrambled way, offers a better fiesta for your taste buds because of texture and explosion of a variety of flavors all at once. And might I add, sour cream was extra. All in all, this burrito was good but I wouldn’t go out of my way or wait in line for it- and yes there’s always seems to be a line here (goes by quick though). My mind wasn’t blown, and that’s totally okay. For many like myself, the burrito is a comfort food that doesn’t necessarily have to blow minds. If you’re in town, this place is still worth the visit. A+ for efficient and...

Where the Breakfast Burrito is Built Like a Tank but Handles Like a Minivan

Stepping into Lucky Boy in Pasadena, I had one mission: take down their legendary breakfast burrito. I ordered it two ways—sausage and bacon because why not double the protein and my morning existential crisis?

First impressions... This burrito is HEFTY. If I had to choose between using it as a meal or a makeshift dumbbell, I’d struggle. It’s a commitment, a relationship, a life choice.

Now, let’s talk taste. The bacon loaded version has more bacon bites than a piggy bank, offering a firm bite but not quite the crispy crunch my heart desired. The hashbrown/potatoes, sadly, missed its crispy potential, like a high school overachiever who decided to coast senior year. A bit more crunch could have taken this from “solid” to “legendary.”

But then the salsa. Oh boy. It showed up like an understudy ready to steal the show. It should have been a background dancer, adding a little kick and zing, but instead, it practically elbowed the burrito filling aside and yelled, “Look at me! I am the flavor now.”

Overall, Lucky Boy delivers a breakfast burrito that’s big, satisfying, and perfect for those who believe breakfast should be a workout. It won’t blow your mind with bold flavors, but it’s reliable, filling, and best enjoyed with extra salsa and a dream of...

I walk in the modest restaurant. The window and counter are accented by a menu befitting of a 1970s burger joint. The waiter is no different, short, to the point, and here to make business happen. Being a vegan, I ordered the avocado burrito. I'm in sure to get a side of fries to reach the minimum $10 limit for credit cards. It was a short wait and a short walk back to the counter to grab my food. I will say this, props to them for even offering options like an avocado burrito or veggie options across the menu. The burrito? Not that great. Perhaps some beans or rice or thicker veggies like bell peppers or onions would have made it hearty. Instead, the over abundance of cheese left my burrito mainly unfinished.

I will say this though: the fries were amazing. Perfect crunch and crisp factor, and the taste told you these potatoes or fresh.

Judging on the number of visitors at 8 p.m. on a Tuesday night and the awards adorning their walls, Lucky Boy is a mainstay in Pasadena. If you're vegan, go up the street to Whole Foods. If you're not, like I guess most are not, I heard a lot of people ordering the world famous pastrami sandwich. Give that a try.

And For the Love of All That is Holy,...