Burrito Gallery Restaurant Review

Burrito Gallery, a locally-owned Mexican grill, falls into the casual, quick-dining category. Despite its relatively basic menu, it manages to separate itself from the crowd. It could be the restaurant's funky and laid-back atmosphere – or it could be the artsy walls covered with work from local photographers and painters. But most likely, the bulk of Burrito Gallery’s success comes from the most basic premise: The food is good.

Downtown Jacksonville has no shortage of casual, quick-dining spots. Likely the scene evolved to match the nature of Downtown: hustling and bustling during the day; quiet and empty at night. However, few establishments are open for dinner. Burrito Gallery is one of the exceptions.

Unless you live or work within walking distance of Burrito Gallery, you may have trouble finding a place to park; the small lot adjacent to the building is often full during lunch time, and the curbside parking along Adams St. can be tricky. Remember, however, that parking is free in Downtown Jacksonville after 6 p.m. and on weekends. If possible, wait until early afternoon – around 2:00 p.m. – to visit.

The restaurant does not have a hostess or servers. Approach the counter to order your food, take your number (on the receipt), and find a place to sit. In most cases, you can expect your meal to be ready in 10 minutes or less.

Speaking of seating, consider sitting in either the front or rear patio, if the weather’s nice and a table is available. In the evening, don’t be surprised to find a local musician in the rear

Now, back to the important stuff: the food. Chips and BG’s homemade salsa are not served with every order; but at only $1.25, they’re a bargain and a must-have as an appetizer.

The menu items are simple: burritos, tacos, salads, quesadillas, and wraps. The meat choices are shrimp, beef, chicken, fresh fish, carnitas and steak. Ginger-teriyaki tofu is also available, and unlike many other Jacksonville restaurants, Burrito Gallery knows how to properly cook it. BG’s tofu is well-marinated and pan fried. It has a nice, firm, almost meat-like, rather than spongy texture.

Burritos seem to be the most popular menu item, followed by the tacos. The former are overstuffed with rice, your choice of meat, and beans, as well as any of the standard Mexican-food add-ons you’d like. Don’t be surprised if one of BG’s burritos is too much for you to handle, so don’t plan on ordering two. The tacos, on the other hand, are quite small. In most cases, you’ll want to order two or three—or maybe even more.