Here in Bristol, we’re used to weird and wonderful things happening. So, when a Mexican cantina opened in an old bus in the Bearpit underneath the James Barton roundabout, nobody batted an eyelid.
Serving tacos, burritos, breakfasts and tortas, Bearritos is housed within an old green Bristol VR bus: the downstairs taken over by the kitchen and the upstairs turned into a sheltered dining area for over 30 diners, for those who don’t fancy taking their food away or braving the elements with the outside seating…
Eating at Bearritos is definitely a unique experience. Walk up to the counter and you’re presented with the menu, which offers a surprising amount of choice for such a small space.
We headed over on a Saturday lunchtime, and were impressed by the pricing – £5.50 for a burrito, 3 tacos or a torta (Mexican sandwich) is pretty impressive. Simply choose which of the three you’d like, decide on your filling (pork, chicken, halloumi or tofu), pick a mild, medium or hot salsa and you’re done. You can also choose extras to be added to your meal – think Cheddar cheese, pickled onions, soured cream with fresh lime and more.
We both picked a burrito: pork for me, chicken for Chris. Mildly spiced with ancho chilli, cumin and garlic, and with the chicken lovely and tender, he was impressed.
The burritos were beautifully (and nice and tightly) wrapped, and easy to open at one end to keep the fillings contained.
My pork pibil burrito was fantastic: the pork itself slow roasted with achiote, fresh lime and orange juice which gave it a beautifully rich flavour and a lovely juicy consistency. The rice and beans were perfectly cooked, the fillings well-distributed, and the portions incredibly generous for a £5.50 price tag.
I’m definitely keen to go back and try more of the Bearritos menu – the tacos in particular looked fantastic. And those who live or work nearby will also be happy to know that the Bearritos team have a loyalty card scheme in place – rack up 10 stamps, and your next meal is free. Definitely recommended.