Well Dressed Burrito, quirky yet tasty

Well Dressed Burrito
19th Street, in the alley between M and N Streets, NW

The Well Dressed Burrito is an interesting place in the sense that it's vaguely anti-establishment. The place borders on "hole in the wall," and the hours are limited and subject to change daily. Although the sign on the door claims that the WDB is open from 11.45 am to 2.15 pm, I was in line and ordering by 11.30 am on Tuesday. But today, we were knocking on the door at 11.55 am. People were inside, we could see them, but they callously ignored our impassioned pleas for them to open somewhat on time. They finally unlocked the door by 12 pm.

So why would we go to all that trouble for some burritos? Well, the WDB serves them up Southwestern-style. The burritos are enormous (Chipotle, you're completely outclassed here), and the meat is house-marinated. Everything tastes homemade, and everything is put together with care. I love the marinated chicken burrito. Chunks of chicken marinated in tomatoes and onions, then scooped into a huge soft tortilla along with black or refried beans, Mexican rice, shredded cheese and sour cream. All that for only $5.50, plus an additional $0.50 for spinach. Total for lunch, with DC 10% food tax = $6.60. Success!

The WDB also offers fajitas, flautas, quesadillas and other Mexican tastiness. Plus they have daily specials, such as Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas, two corn-filled tortillas with marinated chicken and cheese, baked with homemade enchilada sauce, served over rice with beans and salad ($5.95). Or try some steak chimichurri, served with roasted potatoes, black beans and salad ($8.50).

So although the WDB hours are vague and vulnerable to the will and whim of its employees, the food is delicious, sizeable, and cheap.