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Johnny Burrito
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Tex-Mex Mexican, Tex-Mex [Edit]
301 S Tryon StSte 55
Charlotte, NC 28282
Neighbourhood: Uptown
(704) 371-4448
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Malinda C. said: "I really like this place. It's a Mexican restaurant for Americans. What I mean by that is the food is not too complicated, yet completely delicious and a great place to go when you're looking to fill a "chips and salsa" void. I've been…" read more »
25 reviews for Johnny Burrito
Review Highlights
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"...the month (Pork Adobo and Firecracker Chicken are awesome." In 3 reviews -
"The line moves surprisingly fast and the service is great." In 3 reviews -
"Logistics works like other burrito places." In 3 reviews
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Misha T.
4/4/2012
There's some caveats to this 4 star review so let's air them out. I'm a californian and burritos are an incredibly vital part of my diet. Johnny burrito does not make burritos that would compare to any actual taquerias at home, or in charlotte for that matter.
Still as a workday lunch that doesn't allow for a drive up N Tryon to to Plaza Midwood, Johnny Burrito can still hit the spot. The staff is also super nice and it's great they don't nickel and dime you for guac and the like.
Authentic, no. Good workday lunch? Sure. -
Review from Lauren P.
12/20/2011
Best place to get a burrito or mexican salad in Charlotte, hands-down.
I usually get the mini with lettuce and chips... and a lot of the jalepeno-laden guac! They also offer marinated mushrooms and squash, which is a little different, and really good too. If you haven't tried it, do. The Friday special (hot tamales) is delicious!!!!
If you go during the lunchtime rush, you may be in a long line, but Johnny keeps it movin'.
Also, he doesn't like credit cards. Use cash.Listed in: Lunch Bell, Arriba!
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Review from Mike S.
Updated - 12/12/2011
I'm updating my review b/c I recieved a message from the owner. (Good Customer Serv.)
its good to know owners care enough to reach out to patrons that use Yelp.
I have not been back however, the message that I got from the owner is well worth the additional star. Plus, I've been told what/how to make my next visit more "BANG" for my buck.
thanks again1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/17/2011
The owner is there everyday, which is cool.
The prices are decent if u don't mind basically paying… Read more »
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Review from Angie P.
8/19/2011
I SO miss working downtown & enjoying the ever so delightful Johnny Burrito!
Their burritos are so delicious...but it is filling. (c) Ron Burgandy.
The regular size burrito is the way to go! Picadillo (spicy beef), lettuce, tomato, pico de gallo & cilantro is my weapon of choice.
The chips are always fresh & have just the right amount of crunch, but again...you have to be pretty hungry to eat the burrito & chips!
Mind you the space is small & there will be a line at lunchtime. However, the line moves quickly as long as you know what you want prior to placing your order. Think of it as a "Subway" or "Quiznos" type of order.
I defintely put Johnny's up against Moe's, Qdoba, or Salsarita's. Not to mention, you're supporting a small business owner! -
Review from Jared Y.
7/27/2011
With being in the basement of the Watch-Ova-Ya/Hells-Fargone atrium, I feel like JB is the best unkept secret in Uptown Charlotte. They have been around forever and a day as the yellowed newspaper articles smattered across the walls will tell you. As will the "best burrito in Charlotte - 1999" award. Nothing recently?
The wait can be hit or miss to get grub from JB's, and if it is hit, you have a little of a wait. I have seen it stretch almost back to the escalators before.
The easiest thing is to get a regular (pronounced reg-OO-lar with a tinge of spanish accent). The steak is nicely cooked and the chicken is good as well. Their guac is muy chunky and not too shabby. The rest of the ingredients run along burrito standards.
You can either do one of the tasty cream sodas or birch/root beers or hit the fountain for washing down your meal.
Its just a quick take out, allowing you to find seating upstairs, outside, or back at the office. In and out in only a few minutes with a $7 regular that has knockoff chicklets in the bag to take care of post lunch breath. Oh, and they offer beano at the register to take care of any other olfactory offense you might commit later on... -
Review from chad h.
Cornelius, NC
8/18/2011 23 Check-ins Here
Not only do I love the food here, I'm impressed at Johnny's ability to compete with the big chains. It's not uncommon for there to be a line out the door at this place during lunch time. Varied meat choices, great toppings, local produce, and a great bang for the buck are just a few reasons to come here.
The grande burrito is massive, and a good deal for the price. The regular sized is nothing to take lightly though. Although Johnny doesn't provide as many toppings as Moe's, the quality and taste of the meat is comparable, if not better. It's definitely better than Salsarita's and Qdoba in every way.
I do wish there was more of an effort to offer some more natural, organic, and whole grain options in the meat, toppings, and tortillas. Chipotle and Moe's offer this, so if Johnny wants to make sure the new Moe's in the epicentre doesn't steal his business, he may need to adjust his ingredient options a little.
But overall, I love this place and have it on a 1-2 times a month rotation. I like supporting the small business owner, especially one that can offer a legitimate product that can compete. -
Review from Andy B.
1/12/2011 ROTD 9/4/2011
Felt compelled to write a quick review after having a phenomenal burrito here today. I've been going here for about three years and had some fine meals, but today was over the top.
I usually get the regular size, but this time went for the big, along with the spicy chicken in green chile sauce. Since I was in a hurry, I just told them to load it with "everything". That included, rice, black beans, three kinds of salsa, cilantro, onions, sour cream, guac, chopped jalapenos, lettuce, and tomato - it was monstrously large! Still not sure how they wrapped it but they did.
The taste was perfect - spicy, smooth, crunchy, warm. A lot of different flavors that together were a symphony in my mouth! Utterly and totally hit the spot. Added bonus - local place with local owners just putting out great product.
Thumbs up Johnny B's! -
Review from Lindsay H.
Charlotte, NC
10/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
My boyfriend works uptown so I occasionally meet him for lunch, this time he chose Johnny Burritos. They instantly could tell I was a newbie (I must have had a took of confusion) They were super friendly and helpful.
I had the Chicken Verde burrito which was tasty but missing the kick you'd expect with a salsa verde. It's insanely fast and the regular isn't so huge that you can't reasonably finish it, it's not a behemoth like Chipotle's. You can mix and match all kinds of ingredients to get the burrito you so crave. I think they also change up the base meats and they have a tamale friday special. and as a plus, guac isn't extra!
It's a tad gimicky, they hand out fireball candies on fridays and you get chicket gum with every order and newbies get a bottle opener.
They also have a great selection of old school sodas and a sun drop slushie. -
Review from Brian L.
10/20/2010
4 stars for the service, 2 stars for the taste.
The big wasn't that big, it was normal size to me. Lots of choices for one price, which was awesome. 6 different meats, lots of topping choices. And yea, the service was really good.
The taste? Just not there. The rice wasn't flavorful, the steak had a hint of flavor even though they were generous with it...I didn't put sour cream/cheese on there, but they are generally masking agents - what doesn't taste good with those 2 ingredients????Listed in: I've Been Here Once - Travels!
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Review from Pourina R.
Charlotte, NC
3/9/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Johnny Burrito is A-Okay. Not great, not bad, just Okay. Logistics works like other burrito places. An assembly line of toppings.
Order your meat or veggie, fillers, and sauces. Wrap it up, pack it, rub it down and grub. -
Review from Adrienne G.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2010
I think of this place as more like Meh, OK instead of A-OK
Needed a quick lunch-grab to get back to a meeting so coworker suggested Johnny Burrito. Initially thinking we'll never make it as I see the line out the door but boy, does it move fast
Coworker had his usual chicken burrito & said it was the usual yumminess he expects
I had the veggie burrito & it was super bland. It was absolutely ginormous & filling as all get out, but no real flavor.
There's a huge assembly line of various beans, cheeses, veggies & other fillings you can include so at the end of the day, you've no one to blame for your combo-satisfaction but yourself
No chips included
Don't forget to ask for LOTS of hot sauce -
Review from Greg P.
Charlotte, NC
11/29/2011
This is the best burrito in Charlotte in my opinion. I have been to Phat Burrito too and was unimpressed. They have more meat selections than your typical Moe's, Chipotle, Qdoba, etc. They load the burrito up with toppings and they don't charge extra for guac (YES!!). The hot sauces they have are HOT and I love it! It sucks this place is uptown or else I would be a regular.
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Review from Michael W.
Matthews, NC
7/20/2010
Fantastic Burrito! So much better than any of the other burrito places in Downtown (Uptown?) Charlotte. The line moves surprisingly fast and the service is great. Owner of the place was working the cash register and thanks you for coming in.
Oh...Guacamole is included for free. -
Review from LA O.
Charlotte, NC
2/1/2011 3 Check-ins Here
You cannot do better than Johnny Burrito for good food, fast!
Owner, Johnny Bitten, is a WONDERFUL man and his employees have been there for as long as I can recall and they always seem happy. He has a lot of choices and they are not skimpy with toppings.
I only have one check in here--I need to get better about that--but I eat here several times a month and am quick to recommend it to anyone new in my office.
The line might look long, but they are SUPER QUICK!
You can take it upstairs to the seating either in the Atrium or outside by the fountains as there is no seating at the actual shop, which I consider a plus! -
Review from Tom C.
7/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Good burritos and fast service. Recent visits have brought forth burritos lacking the oomph of burritos past. The firecracker chicken poppin but not crackin, the hot salsa milder than it used to be. Still though, nothing so egregious as to take JB off my Uptown lunch list when I've got burreeter fever...
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Review from Donna B.
8/8/2008
Johnny Burrito is the best burrito in Charlotte, BAR NONE. This guy used to work at one of the Charlotte banking giants, and left to start his own restaurant because no one uptown made a burrito like he wanted.
This is one of the most popular lunch places with the uptown bankers -- by noon the line stretches out the door, down the hall, past the florist to a soda shop that must be jealous of Johnny's business. You can get regular or large burritos or salads, and your choice of meat (or not) and your choice of fresh toppings. Do not be alarmed about the line: even from past the florist, you'll be in and out of Johnny Burrito in 15 minutes.
This guy knows how to make your burrito, and he knows how to move people. -
Review from Chris R.
11/21/2008
This is in the basement of the Wachovia Bank Building in the back by college street and 3rd.
I waited all week to eat here for the Tamales on Friday. They were chicken with red sauce inside.
In your styrofoam container you get 2 Tamales($8) and whatever toppings you want on them from behind the counter. All the standard stuff, rice, beans, sour cream, onions, queso sauce I got put on top, plus some sauteed zuchinni.
I needed more hot sauce on it to make it to my liking, but since I was already outside in the hallway and it was super crowded now I didn't get any. Make sure you get anything you might want on your food before you walk out.
Most of the staff is latino. You can't eat inside and it got pretty busy just after noontime. You can sit outside in the hallway they have 3 tables and there are some more down the hallway in front of another eatery. -
Review from Krishan I.
Charlotte, NC
7/27/2010
Johnny B's! Quickly introduced to this fantastic little place in the basement of the Wachovia building on Tryon. Always the fan of the little guys, it was great to actually meet the owner (takes the orders) and find there were quite a few "quirks" that you won't find in other places. Specials are rotated througout the month (Pork Adobo and Firecracker Chicken are awesome. Still waiting to try their BBQ special). And Fireball Friday's (you get a free fireball candy, remember those?) though not nearly as exciting, are still a fun little treat.
The line gets long, but moves very quickly. The standard options are there (nachos, taco salads, tortilla-less burritos, etc.). Downside is they are only open for weekday lunch, and often take certain holiday's off even when banks are open, but I don't blame the guy (if you can do, why not?).
This place has a loyal following, and it's not hard to see why. Easily heads and tails above the chain gang burrito bars uptown. "Un regulàr, por favor" -
Review from Darci V.
Charlotte, NC
7/18/2011
I always forget about Johnny Burrito, its tucked away in the wachovia atrium building where its not front of mind. But when I do remember I am very excited to go there!
The food here is pretty good. I usu sally get the salad (with chips and lettuce). They have very fresh ingredients to top your burritos and salads. It is a little more expensive than salsariats and qdoba but you get more food for your money and you are helping a small business by going here!
The line looks so long but as others have said it's fast moving! It's another great place when you want to change it up with your lunch options! -
Review from Janelle W.
Detroit, MI
12/19/2007
When I used to work uptown, Johnny Burrito was my favorite place to grab a quick lunch. I knew I had it made when my company ordered Johnny Burrito for a lunch meeting, too.
Don't let the lunchtime line drive you away. It moves surprisingly quickly--this place is efficient! You'll be in and out in a hurry, even though the line might look discouraging.
The assembly-line-style big burritos are a step above any other big-burrito joint I've been to. The uniqueness, freshness, and quality of ingredients at Johnny is unmatched. The Firecracker Chicken, a special that isn't always on the menu, is excellent! The large pieces of grilled chicken are juicy, tender, and covered with spicy and savory seasonings. Just enough spice and burn! -
Review from Laur T.
New York, NY
1/19/2009
3.5 stars.
Tried Johny's Burritos for lunch one day since everyone (local) seems to rave about this place... and the queues are rather crazy I must say. Johnny's is a tiny shop and the queues often extend way long outside.
Unfortunately, they don't serve shrimp so I would opt for the pulled pork burritos. We will often do a group order and get a chulala sauce to go.
Tried it for the fun of it but personally I still like my burritos with shrimp... Salsarita's here I come! -
Review from Angel D.
Wrightsville Beach, NC
9/4/2010
Wade through the Atrium at the Wachovia building and head down the escalator. Hang a right and you will see the line for Johnny's Burritos. Even after 1:00 on a Friday the line was still out the door. However, the line moves quickly and at the end of the burrito building process you walk away with your own custom burrito (or salad).
On my first visit Johnny started my veggie burrito order followed by 'regular size'? After sizing up his customer. He then went on to give me a cinnamon jaw breaker for Fireball Friday and explained that my take away bag would contain napkins and gum and that I should peel the foil and eat as I go. After some encouragement that the first time was the hardest, I was on my way down the line.
You can finish your meal in the heat/air conditioning of the atrium for some extra people watching or on a nice day sit outside in the court yard in the sun or shade. You can't beat that with a yummy burrito stuffed just the way you like it. At the very least, you have to envy this guy for his enthusiasm and creativity. -
Review from Marc K.
Indianapolis, IN
7/13/2009
Tasty, tasty burritos with super friendly service and a great soda selection. The grilled veggies are spot-on. Johnny is always around to make sure you are having a great experience.
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Review from ricky p.
Charlotte, NC
12/13/2009
I stopped in randomly for lunch the other day and it was great. there was a longer line but thought it must be worth it. the line moved pretty fast due to the guy behind the register. he moved the line along with speed and not at the expense of the customer. funny guy. the burrito was perfect and delicious. I will visit Johnny Burrito often when i buy lunch in town.
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Review from Scott F.
Indian Trail, NC
11/15/2009
I felt compelled to give this place 5 stars because there are a bunch of "reviewers" giving it lesser stars for the dumbest reason. Sorry, they don't have shrimp burritos. Sorry, this isn't a sit down resturant. Its a take out place. This doesn't take away from the fact that this place makes the best burritos I've ever had. It is all fresh ingrediants. It is a fantastic place for lunch.
BTW have a brain when you write a review on here.
