Lunch Like A Local: Mexica Burrito Grill In Tewksbury

TEWKSBURY, MA -- The staff at Mexica Burrito Grill wear black t-shirts with big, white lettering reading "Burritos Make Me Happy" taking up the entire front of the shirt. We agree, or at least Mexica's burritos make us happy.

Yes, the set-up might look a little like those chain burrito places where you pick your protein and shuffle down the line a sneeze guard away from your lunch as you pick and choose the rest of your fillings. Black beans or pinto beans, white rice or Spanish rice, pico de gallo or salsa, guacamole or sour cream, or maybe all of the above. But you'll know you're not in one of those chains with the first bite.

Because here's the big difference between Mexica and the chain restaurants: Mexica makes everything from scratch on site. They use local ingredients. No pre-sliced lettuce, no picante sauces from a jar. The slow-roasted carnitas we had in our burrito Friday was more in line with was in line with what we'd expect from a sitdown Mexican restaurant than a fast food counter.

One more key factor separating Mexica from fast food chains: a liquor license. The restaurant has beer and fresh-mixed margaritas, not to mention authentic Mexican music playing in the colorfully-painted dining room. Mexica is located at 759 Main Street in Tewksbury and open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.

Lunch Like A Local is an occasional series exploring unique, one-of-a-kind and locally-owned eateries. To nominate a restaurant, email [email protected].

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Photo by Dave Copeland/Patch.

Dave Copeland can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).