A Tale of Two Burrito Stands

Lately, I have had a huge decision to make around lunchtime. I work right between two good burrito stands, and that means that a decision has to be made when I'm in the mood for Mexican takeout stand goodness. Both stands are vegetarian and feature both black and pinto beans.

One option is Carlos Guardado’s stand on 17th and K Street, on the Farragut North side of K Street. His burritos have a fresh (quality ingredient) taste to them. To me...they are the perfect comfort food. He has three wraps to choose from (spinach, plain, and tomato), and maybe 8 small bottles of hot sauce. These sauces are not of the fruity hot sauce variety. He did have Uncle Brutha's red and green sauces last week...and I do especially like Uncle Brutha's green. Carlos also sells coffee.

The other option is John Ryder’s stand, Pedro and Vinny’s, at 15th and k (on the other side of K), which is all about variety. He has 8 wraps or so (including onion, whole wheat, garlic, and spinach), and 30 or so hot sauces, many of which are fruity (including Georgia Peach, raspberry habanero, pineapple, grapefruit, Jamaican mango). You can even order hot sauce by number and specify whether you want it fruity. Ordering a #7 fruity once yielded his homemade mango hot sauce, which is kept in a vodka bottle. He also has chips and hot sauces at the front of the stand...where you can sample them. You can order three different sizes here, unlike at Carlos' stand.

You make your own change at Pedro and Vinny’s, and bag your own burrito. There is usually a line at this stand, and while on line, John will ask you what kind of tortilla you want, and whether you want cheese.

You need to check his website when the weather is not good...to ensure that the stand is open. In the winter, John will update his site Fridays, letting you know if he will be in be in town the following week.

I like both stands and tend to order the same things at both...small burrito, mixed beans, spinach wraps, and guacamole. But, it is nice that Pedro and Vinny's has tomato salsa and a verger variety of hot sauces. Plus...I like the fruity hot sauces with their burritos, and the crunch of the onions. So...when I want quality comfort food...I go to Carlos, and when I want variety...I go to Pedro and Vinny’s. :) I usually spend $5 or $6 at either stand.

Keep in mind that both stands may be closed in bad weather, especially in the winter. Although, the weather has been nice lately.

Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays to all!