Greate Reviews on The Well Dressed Burrito

6.7  food
6.0  service
4.0  ambience

$$$$

City Paper review:

If good things do in fact come to those who wait, the Well Dressed Burrito may very well be the antechamber to infinite patience. This shoe-box-sized oasis remains a well-guarded secret amongst true takeout enthusiasts—the locale is hidden in an alley between 19th and 20th Streets NW above M Street NW and is open only from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Monday through Friday—even though its gargantuan entrees have achieved near-infamy around town. The rustic interior conveys all the warmth and comfort of a prison cell, while the scattershot service makes the trading pits of the New York Stock Exchange seem downright civilized. Still, it’s hard to argue with a place that trots out imaginative daily specials (a delectable shrimp-and-cheese enchilada was available during one recent visit) at prices that are beyond belief (the most expensive item is a stunning grilled-salmon quesadilla that would go for double its $6.50 rate at most area restaurants). Virtually every order can be custom-tailored to include marinated beef, marinated chicken, grilled salmon, beans and cheese, or a grilled vegetable medley (stocked with huge chunks of sliced carrots, zucchini, broccoli, and celery), all of which work well with the bevy of homemade hot sauces. The namesake burrito is always a solid selection, as is its aptly named counterpart, the “El Gordo” Burrito (a bricklike monstrosity of a meal that should require some sort of waiver or possibly a permission slip from your cubicle mates). And for those who prefer Mexican on the run (as opposed to the Mexican runs), the WDB offers a portable Burrito Burger—a whopping half-pound patty loaded into a flour tortilla, then draped in loads of onions, tomatoes, lettuce, chunky salsa, and creamy blue cheese—that’s sure to please.
Warren Rojas (elcuerpo) (8/1/2005)

THE WASHINGTON POST

It seems no local street corner is safe from "Chipotle creep," a phenomenon that has made the burrito chain almost Starbuckian in its ubiquity. But if you'd prefer to get your carb-and-cheese fix from Mom and Pop instead of the Man, don't despair. There are plenty of indie spots in the area serving up fresh, authentic and downright innovative burritos.

Just ask Jonah Feld, who runs Santa Monica-based Burritoblog.com, a compendium of his and his pals' "burrito eating adventures" across the country. Feld went to George Washington University (he loved the Well Dressed Burrito, below) and recommends sussing out local joints in your neighborhood and beyond. Burrito hunting "is a great way to explore," he says. Plus, smaller eateries often offer unusual fillings that you won't find in the corporate chains. (Goat, anyone?) "There are so many varieties, you can have a different burrito every day," Feld says.

THE WELL DRESSED BURRITO. In-the-know lunch crowds have dubbed this spot the "well-hidden burrito" for its near-secretive locale in an alley between 19th and 20th, and M and N streets NW. But for those who make the trek, the rewards are from-scratch burritos prepared by the same people who run C.F. Folks, the eatery across the street. Co-owner Arthur Carlson credits the loyal clientele to Salvadoran chef Dina Hidalgo, who has been whipping up the burritos for the takeout's 19-year history. Why the odd locale? While renovating the kitchen of the CNF Catering Company he and his partner operate, Carlson found some unused space that backed into the alley. After convincing the landlord to rent it to them, the Well Dressed Burrito was born. "We're all about pleasing the masses," Carlson says of popular fillings such as grilled salmon or vegetables. A platter that includes a burrito, salad and refried beans is $5.70-$7. Just be sure to time your visit carefully -- the place opens weekdays only, 11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m. 1120 19th St. NW. 202-293-0515. http://www.welldressedburrito.com/ .

rater comments (5 ratings):

These comments express the opinions of individual Restaurant Raters, not those of the Washington City Paper.

Well-Dressed make a darn tasty burrito, and from what I hear their other dishes--nachos, tacos, salads, etc. are up to snuff as well. I have had the marinated chicken burrito many times and it is always very good--the filling is primarily well-spiced, slow cooked chicken. The marinated beef is also tasty and tender. Love the platter-style burrito, smothered with enchilada sauce--this huge plate makes for 2 lunches. But, the place does have a few drawbacks--it is lunch only, it's in a smelly alley, with ZERO ambiance, and the staff is brusque and sometimes snappish (that's no surprise, however, as it's owned by the CF Folks folks, never known for their charm). And--it can get so busy and hectic that takeout mistakes are a regular occurance. Make sure to check to make sure you got the right food before leaving!

- bguerard (5/20/2005)

This little hole in the wall has the biggest and tastiest burritos in DC. Enough for lunch AND dinner. Awesome little secret burrito place.

- rcain321 (12/3/2004)

The Well Dressed Burrito hides away in an alley between 19th and 20th Sts NW near N St. It's right around the corner from I Ricchi and the Palm. It's only open for lunch and serves large burritos and varied "Mexican" food. It's a great place for takeout lunch. This is one of the better Mexican restaurants in DC, which really isn't saying much.

- badfooddc (5/14/2004)