On a Friday in early May 2022, Neighbor Roy and I went to lunch at the Texas Burrito Company in the Costco center off Kino Parkway. It was a bit of a drive from our homes in NW Tucson in the Tucson Mountains, but what the heck. It was a chance to try a true Tex-Mex experience.
So, what is Tex-Mex, you ask. Good, because I have often wondered myself. According to sources, ie: Google, Tex-Mex is simply Mexican American food. That style of food apparently originated in Texas. Therefore, Tex-Mex. Its ingredients are both Mexican and American, American being, wheat flour, beef, yellow cheese, black beans, and veggies, although I doubt many green veggies are eaten in Texas. At least the Texas Bar-b-que restaurants we have visited in Texas. Oh, and by the way, burritos are Tex-Mex. Nachos and quesadillas are originally Mexican. There, now you don’t have to look it up.
When we first arrived, most parking spaces were occupied, but we found one not too far from the restaurant. Lucky for me ’cause I can’t walk far. We entered and there was a line for ordering. I grabbed the only unoccupied table while Roy ordered for us at the counter. He had not brought his glasses so could not read the menu board. But he finally settled on the Whole Hog Burrito and ordered me the El Tigre Burrito, both with cokes. Editor’s Note: I’m guessing they don’t serve alcohol.
Our orders came up fairly quickly. Boy, were these burritos BIG!!! Roy’s Whole Hog included Pulled Pork, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Texas Twang BBQ Sauce, and Pickled Jalapeños. My El Tigre included Brisket, Mexican Rice, Charro Beans, Cheddar, and Pico De Gallo. Both were HUGE.
I’ll let Roy tell you about his experience.
“Today Jim and I visited the relatively new TEX/MEX restaurant called THE TEXAS BURRITO COMPANY in the Costco shopping center in the southwest area. This restaurant is in a small retail space, its primary business seems Take-0ut. There were some tables, fairly full during our dining experience. I ordered THE WHOLE HOG burrito ( $13) and a coke ($3). What came was a huge tortilla, obviously homemade, chock full of meats and veggies–I could not finish it and took 1/2 home for lunch tomorrow.
It is difficult to rate fast-food restaurants. the food and the large portions would make it a winner. No real fast food restaurant offers much ambiance–just that they are clean and the food is good–The Texas Burrito Company would rate high in both categories, The only problem is the long drive involved. From the Northwest side to the Costco on the Southeast side is simply too long to justify. At one point I thought Jim had lost it and we were going to Mexico.
Again, it would justify a visit if one is on the Southwest part of the city–for the rest of us, it is a bit far unless you are hankering for a TEX-MEX meal.”
My El Tigre was excellent. As was the BBQ sauce. My complaint was the seating. Uncomfortable bar stools and high tables. And no dishes. Just a paper wrapping around our burritos. We award Texas Burrito three and a half saguaros, mostly for the excellent and plentiful food, but there was no service at all except when someone brought our lunch to our table.
Editor’s Note: I am unsure at this point what constitutes Tex-Mex except the sauce, or perhaps the size, but Okay. Is anyone willing to try to educate us on this one? And yes, we have lived in Texas and are aware of Texas Bar-b-que, hard to find here. Isn’t that just the next state over?Â
Texas Burrito Company
1570 E Tucson Marketplace Blvd, Tucson, AZ 8571
520-367-6050
