29) Freebirds World Burrito

515 S. Congress, 462-3512

Sunday-Thursday, 11am-10:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-11pm

www.freebirds.com

Clearly drawing its inspiration from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Freebirds World Burrito is all about making a big, rockin’ eating experience. Stratocaster-sized burritos in a rock & roll environment are the stock-in-trade at this California-based chain that has found its success in Texas. Rather than a run to the border, a trip to Freebirds is more like a walk down an urbanized industrial assembly line, where they’ll build you a mammoth wrap to your specifications with fresh ingredients. Choices involve a variety of tortillas (flour, wheat, cayenne, and spinach, the smallest of which is the size of a hubcap); fillings including chicken, beef, and a variety of beans; plus toppings of the vegetable variety. Then, there are offerings of nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and even some salads. Plus chips, chips, and more chips with salsa, queso, or guacamole. All for a fair price in a place that keeps the rock soundtrack going. The South Congress location features guitars suspended from the ceiling, a motorcycle sculpture that appears to be crashing through the wall, and an assortment of sculptures crafted from the foil that encases the cannon-sized tubular burritos. A walled-off, outdoor patio offers a respite from the traffic of the nearby Riverside intersection.

This article appears in March 3 • 2006.

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