Boca Grande Taqueria

617-739-3900

1294 Beacon St Brookline, MA 02446

www.bocagranderestaurant.com

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Categories:

Catering Companies, Restaurants, Mexican Restaurants

Details:

$, Carry Out, Cheap Eats, Lunch Spot

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Daily 10am-11pm

Message from Boca Grande Taqueria

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Boca Grande Restaurant is a unique Mexican experience. The hallmark of our cooking is fresh, healthful food characterized by distinct but subtle flavors indigenous to the Oaxaca region of Central Mexico. Our time-honored recipes, which combine simple grilled fare with Mexican spices and natural flavors, will keep you coming back for more. We at Boca Grande are committed to serving fresh, healthy food that is well balanced and nutritious as well as flavorful and interesting. None of our dishes or recipes contain any chemical preservatives or processed food items. All of our sauces and marinades, including our hot sauce, are made on the premises with fresh ingredients.

Editorial by Citysearch

The Scene
Hundreds of area office workers and residents call this bright, happy restaurant their second home. During the lunch and dinner hours, tables can be hard to come by, so many patrons take their tacos and quesadillas to go. Speedy counter service ensures that diners get what they want--and fast.

The Food
The kitchen's "time-honored recipes" yield authentic, smoky tamales and hefty burritos filled with tender marinated chicken and steak. Every item on the menu is made daily using fresh ingredients, making Boca Grande a huge step above Taco Bell. An order of enchiladas--fresh corn tortillas filled with cheese and a choice of grilled chicken, pork, steak or vegetables plus refried beans and rice--is truly a meal in itself. Best of all, everything on the menu costs less than $4, including a huge basket of crunchy tortilla chips with freshly mashed guacamole.

Key Points

  • Serving fresh, healthy food
  • Time-honored recipes
  • Catering for up to 1000 people

The Inside Scoop

  1. Know Before You Go - Visitors to Boca Grande's East Cambridge location should know that it is closed on Sunday and closes at 9pm.
  2. The Extras - Satisfy your sweet-tooth and order some homemade flan or cookies, both under $3

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

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Insider Pages Reviews for Boca Grande Taqueria

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Highly recommend!!

by Jennifer F. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 3,791

When I first moved to the Brookline area, Anna's Taqueria was the one I'd heard so much about - but after going to Boca Grande once, I never went back to Anna's! The same burrito that I had gotten at Anna's was much more flavorful at Boca Grande - I think it has something to do with how they cook their chicken. Whatever it is, I was very sad when I moved away from Brookline to leave my burrito place behind. :-(

Posted 10/28/08 | Report Abuse

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Better than Anna's -- and that is not an easy feat.

by Maria D. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 6,799

Although Anna's Taqueria serves up great burritos, Boca Grande makes them even better. The steak meat used at Boca Grande is tender and flavorful. Another must try is the Chicken Colorado - delicious. If you are in the area, definitely stop by for a quick burrito at a reasonable price.

For those from So. California like me, stay away from the gringo Boloco burritos and stick to Anna's or Boca Grande. Although it is not as good as home, it is the closest you will find in Boston.

Posted 10/27/08 | Report Abuse

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Delicious Healthy Food

by Anonymous

Boca Grande is a fabulous find. The food was extremely good, very fresh and a terrific price. The best bargain in town. I had the chicken Colorado burrito---wonderful flavors.The staff was really helpful, service fast and the restaurant really clean. I highly recommend Boca Grande, nothing compares

Posted 07/24/08 | Report Abuse

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Let's talk specifics...carnitas

by Anonymous

I eat burritos. From restaurants to taco trucks. From San Francisco, to NYC, to NC, to San Antonio.

I love Boca Grande's large pork burritos. I love how they melt the cheese onto the burrito skin. I love how if you ask for chicharrn (in this case, a bit of crispy pork fat, which melts away into the rice, and makes your pork burrito extra delicious) your the server's eyes get all misty, and they ask you if you've been to Mexico and gone into the city square's on Saturday afternoons to eat chicharron...

I am surprised by the complaints I read here. I find no gristle or lack of meat in my burritos. They are not light like Anna's, they are very rich, heavy, and filling. Total comfort food, a classic. Perhaps the other posters have not ordered the grande, and it is different from the small ones? That would surprise me, but anyway...

Let me tell you in detail about my favorite burrito:

The "carnitas burrito grande" with black beans, all the toppings, AND an extra slice of cheese.

For those of you who have not been there, this means:

One huge burrito (which i eat in two sittings if I am trying to exercise restraint), which has contained within it - cheese, flavorful pork, dirty rice, black beans (not red beans, they don't do it for me in a burrito), sour cream, guacamole, finely chopped tomatoes and stuff, and green hot sauce ("hots?" they ask you - Go for it, it's not that hot).

If you are feeling adventurous: 1) Right after identifying what type of burrito you want, ask for extra cheese, so it can be melted into the burrito skin, and 2) ask for a bit of chicharrn for extra flavor.

Good luck and enjoy!

Posted 06/09/08 | Report Abuse

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Susan L

by Susan L.

I thought the food was very good. I went to the Mass Ave/ Porter Square restaurant and found it to be quite tasty and good. The place became crowded quite quickly, but the staff was nice and fast and there was no waiting. The restaurant was clean and an overall pleasing environment. And the price was right, so I'll go back to this restaurant.

Posted 03/03/08 | Report Abuse

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Just OK

by Benjamin S. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 102

big burritos and average selection. While some like to compare this place to Boloco, i feel that boloco is a higer-quality burrito. Don't get me wrong -- if you are craving a burrito and are near this place, go! You wont be disappointed and will say it "hit the spot"

Posted 01/29/08 | Report Abuse

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not as good as annas

by Carl W. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 3,332

The burritos are good but not as good as annas taqueria. There's more spicy ingredients. They have pretty good meat. I like this place for burritos and would recommend after annas. Not a bad place at alll.

Posted 08/15/05 | Report Abuse

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

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Let's talk specifics...carnitas

by Citysearch User

I eat burritos. From restaurants to taco trucks. From San Francisco, to NYC, to NC, to San Antonio.

I love Boca Grande's large pork burritos. I love how they melt the cheese onto the burrito skin. I love how if you ask for chicharr????n (in this case, a bit of crispy pork fat, which melts away into the rice, and makes your pork burrito extra delicious) your the server's eyes get all misty, and they ask you if you've been to Mexico and gone into the city square's on Saturday afternoons to eat chicharron...

I am surprised by the complaints I read here. I find no gristle or lack of meat in my burritos. They are not light like Anna's, they are very rich, heavy, and filling. Total comfort food, a classic. Perhaps the other posters have not ordered the grande, and it is different from the small ones? That would surprise me, but anyway...

Let me tell you in detail about my favorite burrito:

The carnitas burrito grande with black beans, all the toppings, AND an extra slice of cheese.

For those of you who have not been there, this means:

One huge burrito (which i eat in two sittings if I am trying to exercise restraint), which has contained within it - cheese, flavorful pork, dirty rice, black beans (not red beans, they don't do it for me in a burrito), sour cream, guacamole, finely chopped tomatoes and stuff, and green hot sauce (hots? they ask you - Go for it, it's not that hot).

If you are feeling adventurous: 1) Right after identifying what type of burrito you want, ask for extra cheese, so it can be melted into the burrito skin, and 2) ask for a bit of chicharr????n for extra flavor.

Good luck and enjoy!

Posted 06/08/08

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If you love fat, grizzle and hunting for your meat - it's Boca Grande!!!

by Hbeachbum

This place has the worst burritos I have ever ad. I tried them 4 times because I love Mexican food and it's hard to find in Boston (well.... good Mexican anyway). I tried the carnitas, beef (2x) and chicken. Every time I was amazed at the lack of meat and the meat that was there usually had a huge chunk of fat or grizzle hanging from it. Just low quality food... and not cheap. AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS!!! The lady that owns this chain has a brother that owns Anna's Taqueria...(who she does not spek to) and I have to say I have never been disappointed by them... not the best I ever had, but probably the best in Boston. She should put her differences aside and get some cooking lessons from her bro.

Posted 04/10/08

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Best Taqueria in Boston... if you know your mexican food.

by lcresuello

Being originally from San Francisco, I am very easily disappointed with the food that I find over here in Boston. And might I add that I love food... and I am usually not picky. I've been to Anna's Taqueria where I find the food and service to be the worst ever when going to a taqueria. However, in finally going to Boca Grande, I've found mexican food good enough to be compared to that of the taquerias from back home.

Just as I have discovered at Boca Grande, it is expected that all taquerias:
1) Have reasonable prices
2) Serve mexican sodas and other traditional drinks (my favorite is horchata)
3) Expect to put every indgredient on your order (you shouldn't be telling the worker what to put, you should be telling them what NOT to put)

... AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...
You should have to hold the burrito in two hands, noting its size, which makes it a mess to eat and will actually fill you.

All I really have to say is that Boca Grande is a taqueria with great food and service.

Pros: Food, Service

Posted 11/09/06

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Surprisingly good.

by saturnbabi

My husband and I had heard raves about another taqueria in the area and were really disappointed with it. We tried Boca next and were pleasantly surprised. You could actually see the real meat being grilled and used on the burrittos as opposed to mystery meat being scooped out of a bin. The steak burrito was very tasty. Even if the burritos cost 50 cents more than some others, they are most definately worth it!

Pros: tasty, inexpensive, large portions

Posted 02/19/05

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Avoid it...

by farrelli

I waited in line for 20 minutes to for, literally, a small strip of cheese, some generally unflavored rice, a few pinto beans straight out of the Goya can, and a splash of hot sauce which supposedly qualified as a Burito Grande! What with the line out the door, even at off peak hours, I thought it was going to be good. Oh, how wrong I was. I mean, Boston isn't exactly the Mexican food capital of the world, but I figured that people would surely know enough to avoid a place like this. I miss Chicago. Boston has a few places that are moderately to fairly good, but this place is worse than Taco Bell. It was realtively cheap food, but you could make THAT burito for under fifty cents, easy.

Cons: , the price, the wait

Posted 08/30/04

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This place is great!

by tommytrojan2004

People complain about being rushed through the line, ingredients being put on before you say anything, but that's how the Mexican restaurants all are in Texas and California! Speak up quickly, and get over it. Now, as for the food, it's awesome. I think people getting Mexican food in Boston assume that it can't be good just because it's in New England. I don't have to qualify this place and say "it's good for New England." This place has some of the best Mexican food I've ever tasted!! And I've lived in both CA and TX. I love their totally fresh guac (squashed avocado with some spices), and their Colorado chicken is delicious.

Pros: Great grilled meat, Amazing guac, Top 10 of all time

Posted 08/16/04

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It's OK

by mackoz

I've tried the tamales, and wouldn't recommend them as they are dry and tasteless. The grilled chicken tacos and burritos are good, and I agree with the other recommendations that they are far better than Anna's. Besides that, the service is very poor. Even if the place isn't crowded, you are rushed through your order and sometimes they'll already be throwing in ingredients that you had hoped to leave out. Then you go the cashier, who is always glowering at her post and is not helpful or patient whatsoever.

Pros: OK parking, Inexpensive, Quick

Cons: , poor service

Posted 06/25/04

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More satisfying that Anna's

by sandyandjim

With well-know Anna's just down the street, Boca Grande has to give something better to get the customers, and I think it does. The menu is far more inclusive than just burritos, with most of the favorites you would expect. And while it doesn't quite remind me of being back in San Antonio, it's very fresh and satisfying. Burritos are better than Anna's, too. The grilled steak tastes like it really is grilled, which I can't say about lots of places in Boston. Glad I live close by!

Pros: Variety, Value, Delicious

Posted 04/05/03

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good food cheap

by brooklineguy

very nice tex mex, often overlooked for ana's taqueria, at the expense of more seating, cleaner surroundings, better parking and fresher and cleaner food. My only complaint is no credit cards accepted (no credit cards at ana's either though).
The decor is comfortable, the service is quick, and they have perhaps the best enchiladas and quesedillas in boston, especially for 4 dollars a platter w/o guac and sour creme. Ample seating, and the tables are cleaned frequently, making it a good place to sit and eat, as well as a great take out joint.

Pros: cheap, fast, good parking

Cons: can get crowded, no credit cards

Posted 01/11/03

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