Plaza Garibaldi

Plaza Garibaldi
4302 Indianapolis Boulevard
East Chicago, IN 46312 MAP
(219) 397-2237
Hours:
24/7

January 29th, 2009. 11:45 a.m.

Being open 24 hours is a beautiful thing for those seeking a late night meal from somewhere other than a diner or fast food joint. Other than the nasty Swanel pop, Plaza Garibaldi does not disappoint.



I ordered my burrito to go (while asking for a handful of chips to be thrown in) and received a fairly hefty styrofoam container in short time. The chips had an excellent fresh corn taste, and the salsa was very good if only slightly hot. This was a good burrito that contained only two pieces of fat that were no big deal. Beans, lettuce, and tomato joined the steak party going on inside the tortilla. Also at the party, hanging out in back of the tortilla, was a decent amount of grease. Not as much grease as say, Gomez Tacos & Pizza, but enough to take notice. What may be needed is a burrito tampon to shoot up the bottom or a maple syrup-like tap to drain away excess grease. Hmmm…

I recommend Plaza Garibaldi for its good steak burrito and chips and salsa as well as 24/7 accessability. If possible, ask them to hold the grease.



Weight: 24.7 ounces
Length: 8 inches
Circumference: 11 inches
Price: $6.25 or 25.3¢ an ounce
Beer availability: N/A

Flavor: 8/10 sombreros
Value: 9/10 sombreros

Casa Lupita

Casa Lupita
533 West Columbus Drive
East Chicago, IN 46312 MAP
(219) 398-9334
Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

January 21st, 2009. 1:30 p.m.

Lately I’ve been getting my burritos to go and not getting a chance to munch on chips and salsa before my burrito arrives. I’ll have to change that.

The menu at Casa Lupita, aside from containing hamburgers, hot dogs, and hot wings, is entirely Mexican unlike the last few places I’ve been. There’s plenty to choose from, and you can wash it all down with a cold beer. Corona, Modelo, and Tecate are available for $3.00 each while Miller Lite, MGD, and Budweiser are $2.50.



The steak burrito did its best impression of La Chiquita in Portage. That’s not a compliment. Containing only steak and beans inside with lettuce and tomato on the side, it was at least not as greasy as La Chiquita’s. I did come across 3 pieces of fat/gristle that were spit out from the decently flavored, heavily marinated steak. The hot sauce was quite good and helped out the burrito some.

If you visit Casa Lupita I suggest something different from the menu that doesn’t contain steak.



Weight: 16.2 ounces
Length: 7.5 inches
Circumference: 9.5 inches
Price: $5.49 or 33.9¢ an ounce
Beer availability: Yes
Flavor: 6/10 sombreros
Value: 7/10 sombreros

Vallarta Restaurant

Vallarta Restaurant
3825 Main Street
East Chicago, IN 46312 MAP
(219) 397-3337
Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

January 9th, 2009. 1:00 p.m.

Vallarta’s specialty is tacos al vapor. These steamed tacos are available with cabeza, cachete, or lengua (beef head, cheek, or tongue) served in a steamed corn tortilla and garnished with onions, cilantro, and salsa. In addition to other traditional Mexican fare, Vallarta also offers cheeseburgers, gyros, pizza puffs, BBQ chicken, spaghetti, mostaccioli, and chicken parmigiana. Weird.



My steak burrito arrived cut in half (boo) and contained beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and two pieces of gristle. The steak was a bit dry and not very flavorful. The salsa verde that came along with the burrito was mild and needed for flavor. Overall the burrito was average/decent. I ordered the burrito to go so I can’t comment on the chips and salsa.

There are better options for a steak burrito in the area such as El Ranchero just up the street. I’ll be reviewing that restaurant soon. Until then, check out the New Chicago location review here.



Weight: 15.0 ounces
Length: 7 inches
Circumference: 8 inches
Price: $3.99 or 26.6¢ an ounce
Beer availability: No

Flavor: 6.5/10 sombreros
Value: 9/10 sombreros