Where to get the best breakfast burritos in Phoenix and Tempe near ASU

Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic
·4 min read

Running late to class or work but desperately in need of a quick morning bite? Tired of the same old breakfast sandwiches and want something new to try on the go? Breakfast burritos are the go-to morning meal for many people in metro Phoenix.

A satisfying breakfast burrito can kick-start your day with energy and focus. Whether it’s a classic egg, bacon and cheese burrito or something different like a machaca burrito, you can eat this tortilla-wrapped delight on the go.

This is your field guide to the best breakfast burritos near Arizona State University campuses in Phoenix and Tempe.

It's a wrap: The results are in for the 2023 Phoenix Burrito Bowl. Here's who won

Breakfast burritos near downtown Phoenix

The Original La Canasta Mexican Food

Open for more than 60 years, La Canasta serves up Mexican family recipes. With its extensive breakfast menu, you can choose from over 20 types of burritos, including vegetarian options like spicy veggies and potatoes, as well as crowd favorites like chorizo.

Details: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. 723 S. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-7295, theoriginallacanasta.com.

Distance to campus: 0.4 mile.

El Norteño

You might have seen this iconic place with a bustling crowd outside when you drive down Seventh Avenue. If you haven’t stopped in, you are missing out. El Norteño has been feeding the Valley for over 40 years now. Machaca is its specialty, so try the machaca breakfast burrito.

Details: 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays. 1002 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-4629, elnortenoaz.com.

Distance to campus: 1.1 miles.

The Original Carolina's Mexican Food

What’s a burrito without a really good and soft tortilla? Local favorite Carolina’s is a hidden gem, known for its famous tortillas. Come by for the popular machaca breakfast burrito.

Details: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; closed Sundays. 1202 E. Mohave St., Phoenix. 602-252-1503, carolinasmex.com.

Distance to campus: 2.4 miles.

PHX Burrito House

As you enter PHX Burrito House, you’ll be greeted with colorful walls and posters of loteria cards. Everything is made in-house at this mom-and-pop cafe that specializes in burritos. Order off the menu or create your own with your favorite meats, veggies and cheese.

PHX Burrito House | The array of burritos is extensive, including your wake-up call of eggs, potatoes and a choice of bacon, ham, sausage or chorizo ($4.75, $5.25 with cheese). Details: 4140 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-265-1274, phxburritohouse.com.
PHX Burrito House | The array of burritos is extensive, including your wake-up call of eggs, potatoes and a choice of bacon, ham, sausage or chorizo ($4.75, $5.25 with cheese). Details: 4140 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-265-1274, phxburritohouse.com.

Details: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays; closed Mondays. 4140 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-265-1274, phxburritohouse.com.

Distance to campus: 3.7 miles.

Dining inspiration: 100 essential restaurants in metro Phoenix

Breakfast burritos in Tempe

Mesquite Fresh Street Mex

Get real street flavor at Mesquite Fresh Street Mex. Food at this homegrown restaurant chain is cooked over open flames using mesquite wood. The steak breakfast burrito delivers smoky Mexican flavors with each bite.

Details: 7 a.m.-2 a.m. Mondays-Wednesdays; 7 a.m.-4 a.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 8 a.m.-4 a.m. Saturdays; 9 a.m.-3 a.m. Sundays. 505 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. 480-550-7052, eatmesquite.com.

Distance to campus: 1 mile.

Burrito Express

This family-run business has multiple locations around metro Phoenix. Put a twist to your burrito by making it chimi-style, which is deep fried and topped with guacamole and sour cream. Or make it enchilada style by dousing it with red or green salsa.

Details: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 933 E. University Drive, #108, Tempe. 480-664-3644, theburritoexpress.com.

Distance to campus: 1.3 miles.

Karla’s Taco Shop

Simple dishes and not messing with the classics is the secret here. Karla's Taco Shop, formerly Los Favoritos, is owned and operated by the same people. This easygoing counter-serve Mexican eatery makes breakfast burritos all day.

Details: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays; 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays. 1340 E. Broadway Road, #105, Tempe. 480-966-0535.

Distance to campus: 1.8 miles.

The Taco Spot

This fun and lively local franchise makes everything in-house, from the fresh tortillas to the spicy salsas. They add their own mashups and twists, such as birria ramen or grilling their burritos so you get a crunch with every crispy bite. Make sure to try the sausage breakfast burritos.

Details: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. 325 W. Elliot Road, #101, Tempe. 480-219-9030, tacospotaz.com.

Distance to campus: 5.4 miles.

Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

Support local journalism and subscribe to azcentral.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best breakfast burritos in Phoenix, Tempe: Start your day off right