Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The Painted Burro in Davis Square

Ever since the Boston Brunchers held a brunch at The Painted Burro months ago, I've been dying to check this place out. One of the newer additions to Davis Square, this restaurant - whose menu showcases the diverse flavors of Latin America - has been buzzed about since it opened its doors.

Z and I tried on a previous occasion to get table here on a Friday night, and we were told there was a two-hour wait. This time, we planned ahead and made reservations on OpenTable

As soon as we were seated in the busy restaurant (they originally sat us right next to the kitchen doors, so we asked if we could relocate, which they accommodated), we were given complimentary chips and salsa. (Side note: Please excuse the heinous photos throughout this post. Got to love dim lighting!).


Z and I both adored the salsa. It was fresh, flavorful, and had just the right kick of spice.

I washed my chips and salsa down with a Night Shift Viva Habanera ($7).


The Painted Burro doesn't have a ton of vegetarian-friendly options, but they do have some - and I can wholeheartedly appreciate their devotion to seasonal and local ingredients. I ended up ordering the Squash Tacos (two for $12 - the menu only lists one for $6), and Z went with the El Campenchano Torta ($11).



My tacos were filled with roasted local squash and collard greens, an inventive and healthy combination I appreciated. Atop the vegetables were spiced pepitas and cotija, and on the side was a zesty coleslaw that was studded with minced jalapenos.

Z's torta was our favorite of the evening. Piled high with grilled portabello, red peppers, charred onions, black bean puree, Oaxaca cheese, and roasted garlic mayo, this was one flavorful and filling sandwich. I also loved how the crispy roll held all of those ingredients together well, so you weren't left with a mess on your lap after one bite.

Overall, we had a great meal at The Painted Burro, and I do plan to return to try one of their margaritas (the restaurant offers over 100 craft tequilas). I am also excited to check them out for brunch - I've been told their Iced Coffee Horchata ($6) is incredible.

Have you checked out any new (to you) restaurants lately?

The Painted Burro on Urbanspoon


7 comments:

  1. haven't made it there, but i'm going to have to! that torta sounds like a meal for two :)

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    1. It was really filling! So good, though.

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  2. That torta does sound really tasty. We haven't been out to eat in a while. I think the last new-to-me restaurants I went to were Steel & Rye and Harvest.

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    1. I've been wanting to try Steel & Rye! And I just went to Harvest the other night for the first time and really liked it.

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  3. Good to hear they had a couple veg options for you guys - the squash tacos sound intriguing! I often ask to be reseated if I'm in front of a kitchen or know I'm just going to grumble about the location the whole meal - I'm glad I'm not the only one!

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    1. Yeah, I could tell Z was going to make it a long night if we didn't move haha. But I also can't stand that - especially when there are other seats to be seated at!

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  4. I love their tacos but haven't tried their tortas yet. Sounds like I need to go back soon!

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