rev:text
| - Everybody loves burritos and if you're on Cleveland's near west side there's no better place to pick one up than Ohio City Burrito on W.25th. To compare OCB to national chain Chipotle is natural; in most aspects OCB reigns supreme.
The main thing you want to know about a burrito is how does it taste. OCB's burritos are very good. The guac, which is tasty though not as chunky as I prefer, is slathered on the tortilla before the toppings are added. This allows for an even distribution of guac throughout the wrapped burrito. Two thumbs up for that!
The rice is where OCB falters a little. They only give you the option of white rice. It's plain with no seasoning or cilantro and it is very salty. The saltiness is particularly pronounced if you order a burrito bowl; I find myself drinking a ton of water during/after eating a bowl from OCB.
The meat options at OCB are winners. The barbacoa and carnitas are my favorite options; each is more flavorful and moist than their Chipotle counterparts. The spiced, shredded chicken here is also very good but I have a slight preference for the diced chicken Chipotle offers.
OCB has five salsa options: three mild - pico de gallo, corn salsa, and "Grandma's Special" salsa; one medium red; and one hot. I usually get all five, as all are delicious. Word to the wise: there is a lot of garlic in "Grandma's" salsa.
Your burrito can be finished off with the typical lettuce, cheese, and sour cream. I can't comment on the dairy options because I'm allergic. The shredded lettuce is about as plain as you can get but at least it's fresh and crisp.
The one area that Chipotle beats OCB is using purportedly hormone free animals to supply their meat. Useful to note if that matters to you (and I know it does for some). If OCB sources their meat from animals that are antibiotic- and artificial hormone-free, they don't advertise that fact.
With an inexpensive price tag for any of the burrito options ($6.45), a friendly staff and efficient service I'll gladly shop local and go to OCB for my burritos any day of the week, except Sunday-- only because OCB is closed on Sundays :)
|