Thursday, July 2, 2009

Salsarita's (Huntersville)

Yesterday I was running late.

I had just spent a few hours during the morning at the car dealership, and needed to get home to work on a class project for my online class. Since I had skipped breakfast, I was famished. This lead me to the question: What was on my way home that was also quick and delicious? I was hoping the answer was Salsaritas on Gilead.

I scored 100% on this impromptu quiz.

Though Salsarita's is expanding, this Charlotte-based company doesn't go any father west than Kansas, with most of it's restaurants in the Southeast. Upon first glance, Salsarita's is like any other mass-produced mexican inspired fast food restaurant.

Salsarita's, has more of a Mexican / Spanish flare when it comes to decorating. The floor is tile, and there are wrought iron accents in the restaurant. The interior is OK, but it's nothing special.

They have burritos, tacos, quesadillas, etc. But they have a kids menu (meals come with cookies), and they offer burritos in large and small sizes. This is an option I find quite refreshing. Typically, I have a hard time finishing a burrito from Qdoba or Chipotle. They're just too darn big. In addition, I feel guilty about eating the gazillion calories that are in those monsters. So, when I have a chance to get a burrito that is smaller and cheaper, I'm all over it.

I ordered a small steak burrito to go. As I followed the burrito down the assembly line of extras, I was surprised to see that the rice was Spanish Rice, not the standard white rice. So, I got rice, black beans, mild salsa, pickled jalapenos, cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. This was one packed small burrito!

When I got home I took a bite and was in heaven. Salsarita's makes one good burrito! (Though my favorite burrito ever was made at a place called Taco Joe's in my hometown. That place consisted of a taco trailer on two flat wheels.) The steak didn't have any noticeable fat or gristle, and the Spanish Rice was a nice touch which added flavor. In addition, there was an even distribution of ingredients throughout the burrito. So, I didn't encounter the standard bite of just one or two ingredients. Every bite was filled with flavor, and I LOVED the jalapenos. More burrito places need jalapenos included in the ingredient options. (Chipotle and Qdoba, I'm looking at you!)

Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Food: 4/5
Total: 10/15
Price: $
Kid Friendly: Yes, they have a kids menu, and floors that can take a pounding.

Conclusion: Great burrito, good price, and quick service. I'll be heading back. Fortunately, I drive by this restaurant often, so it's good for a quick burrito fix.

Restaurant Info:
Salsarita's
14230 Reese Blvd W
Huntersville, NC 28078
p) 704-875-7272
www.salsaritas.com

No comments:

Post a Comment