If you are more inclined towards the straight up burrito offerings of the Mexican tradition than there is always the good ‘ol reliable offering of the Upper West Side. Harry’s Burrito is the place (which, to my great surprise, the Internet is calling Harry’s Burrito Junction, for some reason; I’ve been going here for years, I even worked here! Am I crazy?!) Anyway, after orienting myself from this slight of name, I recalled my last visit to Harry’s just a couple of days ago and I was reminded why this place both lives large in it’s fame and infamy as both a place people love and a place people loath.
It was no real surprise to learn of other people’s wildly divergent comments about this little Columbus Avenue gem; there are definitely the good and the bad in this place. If you’re looking for a restaurant, for example, that has been, sprawling areas of seating then you’re not going to be looking at Harry’s burrito. If you are looking for a bar that has luxurious amenities and plenty of legroom, then you’re not going to be looking for the bar at Harry’s burrito.
How goes it Harry’s burrito is you walk in on the main floor and there is the cash register and the to-go area and a place for people to sit as they are waiting. If you go down the steps that are directly to your left and you’ll be in a very small bar area which sits out in front of the kitchen. If you go up the steps then you’ll be in the seating area. While there are tables for two or four and there is some bench seating along one wall, my fiancée and my favorite places to sit is all the way over to the left against the railing that overlooks the bar where you can see out the window. There is outdoor seating as well but this is definitely a place where you have to make your own affair and choose your own adventure to fully appreciate the experience at Harry’s burrito.
When you’re talking about the food it is all pretty standard in terms of its presentation. You have your tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and salads. That is pretty well it. Add your chicken, beef, fish, or vegetable presentation and that is your meal. But when you’re talking about the food at Harry’s Burrito is absolutely decadent. The burritos are large and plentiful, the nachos are fantastic, the quesadillas come with all sorts of interesting innards like artichoke or spinach-feta cheese or even barbecue shrimp and there are all sorts of other things to be enjoyed like some of the staff creations or their very own “best bulk buys” which includes bags of chips, grilled beef, jalapenos, or pints of sour cream and rice just to name a few.
So if you are looking for decadent burritos in cramped quarters with cheap margaritas and spotty service that has an authentic atmosphere all its own then you are looking for the frenetic pacing at a place like Harry’s burrito.
