In Arcata, burritos are a go-to food, a local phenomenon in part because they are the only affordable option around town. Everybody has their favorite spots, and there is plenty of variety in terms of taste, size, price, and more. I am going over my personal favorites, including their specialties and price-wise.
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Estebans – Estebans is a well-known restaurant. My personal favorite place. I love the super al pastor, because of its big portions and bold flavors, with plenty of other meat options at reasonable prices. Ran by Esteban Gonzalez, who ended up passing during covid time. They have been in business since their location at 1021 I Street in 2012. Their regular burritos are priced around $10-$12 for plain eaters with just meat, rice, beans, and cheese. With their super burritos from around $12-$14. Including all the toppings like lettuce, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
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La Chiquita – La Chiquita is my second favorite, located at 1021 L St. It’s highly similar to my first option, just slightly cheaper. I get the regular asada, and it’s always packed with meat and flavor. A local food truck that began in 1999. It was created by Esteban Gonzalez, the same owner as Estebans, and is now run by his daughter. They are known for their burritos, which feel homemade. They are definitely a cheaper option with simple burritos like steak, chicken, pastor, etc. Their regular options are priced around $7-$8, with their super or wet options priced around $10.
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Chilango’s – I liked this burrito because it had quality food with organic ingredients, with excellent taste. They make all their ingredients, and it’s like no other, definitely on the more expensive side. They are known for their fresh ingredients and very well-balanced portions. They first opened in early 2025, located at 724 7th St in Arcata. They are definitely more on the expensive side, with regular burritos costing around $13-$14 and super burritos costing about $15-$17.
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Carmelas – I think this is an excellent option for a quick burrito, noting their $5 premade burritos during lunchtime. It’s pretty good, but I would say it’s sort of flimsy. Burrito lovers would love Carmela’s other options, as they have plenty of variety. They were first established in the 1990’s by Carmela (a chef who began cooking at age 4), opening their first location in Eureka. They now have locations in Arcata and McKinleyville, with their Arcata location at 1288 G St. They are fairly priced. You can get freshly made options like specialty and sauced-topped versions at $12-$15, and finally their California burrito up to $17-$18 for extra size.
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Hey Juan Burritos – This place was pretty fair. I tried their carnitas burrito, and it was pretty solid. I definitely think there were better options. It was first opened in 1982 by James “Gavin” Embry, who ran it for 33 years. Following a transition under Stormy McMakin, the restaurant is currently owned by Matt Pipis and Scott Henderson. Located at 1642 G St. They have plenty of variety, ranging from basic bean and cheese options at $8 to their specialty (The Juan) steak burrito at $15.
