Festivus Gastronomicus
Review: Felipe’s
At long last, an authentic taqueria is found in Harvard Square. Thank god, because I have been jonesing for some quality al pastor since I left San Jose. It was getting pretty ugly, until the other day when I had a break from rehearsal and stumbled onto greatness.
Felipe’s
83 Mt Auburn St
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 354-9944
(map)
You can smell the cooking of various meats wafting down the street from Felipe’s about 20 feet before you get to the door. The smell of these fragrant meats instantly activates areas of the brain that demand cilantro, horchata, and cumbia. Were you not to hear the cumbia music bumping when you got in the door, you might start to panic, but the cumbia tells you it’s okay.
That’s necessary because the decor inside Felipe’s looks a little too refined and frankly looks like one of the dozen or so crappy chains of ‘wraps’ around Boston. Inside though, you find real Mexicans and authentic Mexican food.
I didn’t see that there was anything besides burritos until the 3rd time I lined up to order. They do have other things, in fact they offer the full line of fair: quesadillas, tacos, tostadas, even tamales.
But what makes it special is that they actually offer the full line of Mexican meats: al pastor, chicken, chorizo, carnitas, carne asada, etc. This makes all the difference. That, and the fact that you can get a fatty burrito for under $4.
The master tortilla rollers roll them up full of meat, not much rice or beans unless you ask, and roll them tightly. You can make it all the way through to the burrito butt of a juicy al pastor burrito without a single leak.
It’s also nice that you can ask for them to roll up hot sauce right into the burrito. I’m still going to add some more, but it’s a nice touch.
The guacamole they have there is the real deal too. Chunky and not diluted with sour cream, it’s only 65 cents extra. Considering you can’t get a reminder of what guacamole tastes like for under a dollar at most places in Boston, it’s well worth it- especially when your burrito is still under $4.
The finished product is a real beaute. Inside, the distribution of meat and other ingredients is fairly even. Since the burrito is rolled up very tightly and doesn’t easily unfold, people like Jen with Burrito Distribution Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (BDOCD) can rest assured every bite will deliver at Felipe’s.
On your way to sit down, you pass the condiment bar. Right there and then you know Felipe’s cares. Not only do they wrap up a cheap and tasty burrito filled with tasty meats and chunky guacamole, but they offer you a host of condiments and salsas to add to the fiesta of flavor.
Cilantro and onions is a favorite add-on for me as is fresh lime (see Labor Day BBQ) and of course hot salsa. All the ingredients there were very fresh on each visit and the homemade salsas are fantastic. They almost made me forget about Tapatio. Almost.
The magic is in the meats. Look deep into the eyes of the carnitas inside this burrito and tell me you wouldn’t give up your cellphone for a week for a taste.
The taste and value of Felipe’s more than make up for the lame decor or the fact that they don’t sell any beers. A Corona would be the perfect accompaniment to an al pastor burrito. The horchata is pretty good though and they do offer about 6 flavors of Jarritos, but it’s not the same.
Another reason to hit Felipe’s up is the place is open until 2am, thanks to the Cambridge City Council, so you can get your taco fix after a night on the town in Harvard.
October 25th, 2006 at 12:38 pm
It does look a bit too nice in there, but the meat does look deliciosa, and that salsa/cilantro bar is da bomb. glad u were able to find a true taste of cali on the east coast.