Friday, November 9, 2012

Freebirds World Burrito (San Jose, CA): Small Nachos with Carnitas

Welcome to Mondo Burrito and Chipotle's worst nightmare...


Freebirds World Burrito is a new chain of made-to-order taquerias with a rock 'n roll edge and some darn good food.  A friend at work tipped me off to this place and after hearing about it I had to go.  Why is it Mondo Burrito and Chipotle's worst nightmare?  The food is better, the staff is friendlier, and the prices are lower.

Loud Rock Music playing inside and out plus some unique decor give this place an unusual feel for a taqueria.

Thank goodness I tend to go to lunch a little early, too.  When we got there just before noon, the ordering counter was moderately busy and plenty of seating was still available, but by the time we were eating our food just after noon the line was almost out the door and most of the tables were taken.  Word is apparently getting around.


I ordered the Small nachos ($5.00) and the friendly dude behind the ordering counter walked me down the line, asking what I'd like to add.  This is a similar setup to Mondo Burrito and Chipotle, but I personally think that Freebirds' choices of ingredients are better.  I went with the following:
- Carnitas
- Shredded cheddar and Jack cheese
- Pico de gallo
- Onions
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Queso (not out of a can - this is the good stuff, made in-house - tasty!)
- "Bad A** BBQ" sauce

Yes, you read that last ingredient correctly - barbecue sauce.  I would normally never put BBQ sauce on my nachos, but my friend highly recommended it.  Great suggestion!  A tip - try a nacho with BBQ sauce and their tasty green salsa together.  Great combo!

Rating: 4½ out of 5
Rating Notes:  Great selection of ingredients, moist, flavorful carnitas.  5 bucks!  These nachos would have been 5 stars, but the chips, while light and crispy were not the home-made type and they don't melt the shredded cheese.  These are no-cook nachos - amazing that they taste so good!
Map to Location: http://mapq.st/TQ6BdZ