Photo: Generous Chicken Britto wrap with black beans, crisp mixed salad and a perfectly toasted, pliable tortilla
Unpretentious Mexican Street Food
El Loco Burrito offers bright, unpretentious Mexican street food in Crouch End; a buzzy, friendly spot where a well-seasoned Chicken Britto wrap balances beans, crisp salad, and measured sauces perfectly
El Loco Burrito Mexican Kitchen sits on Crouch End Hill in Hornsey, London — a busy, well-connected stretch that mixes independent shops, cafés and a steady stream of pedestrians. Tucked into a street-food cluster rather than a formal restaurant row, it’s easy to spot from the pavement and convenient for people arriving on foot or by the frequent local buses. The immediate area has a neighbourhood feel: plenty of passersby, nearby high-street amenities, and enough foot traffic to keep the place lively at peak times.
The kitchen leans into a relaxed, street-food vibe: bright, informal and unpretentious. Expect an open counter or hatch where orders are taken and dishes are assembled, splashes of colourful artwork or Mexican-inspired motifs, and simple communal seating. Lighting is warm and practical rather than fussy; the decor emphasises rustic, functional materials that suit quick, casual dining. Staff tend to be friendly and brisk, matching the pace of the concept.
The overall atmosphere of the spot is buzzy and sociable — lively without being loud — with the smells of grilled meat, toasted tortillas, citrus and spices hanging in the air. It attracts a mixed crowd: locals grabbing a quick, flavourful lunch, friends sharing tacos after work, and families stopping by for a straightforward dinner. Service moves quickly, so turn-over keeps energy high; it’s the kind of spot that feels informal and welcoming, perfect for a casual bite rather than a long, formal meal.
I tasted Chicken Britto that presented with the option of wrap or bowl, the Chicken Britto is most convincing as a wrap. I chose the chicken with black beans and a mix of salads, and found it to be a well-judged, unfussy lunchtime offering.
The chicken is neatly seasoned — savoury with a gentle warmth that never overshadows the rest of the ingredients. The black beans add an earthy, creamy note that deepens the overall profile without making the filling heavy.
The mixed salad is crisp and bright, bringing necessary lift and contrast to the warm components. Texturally the wrap hits the sweet spot: a soft, pliable tortilla, yielding chicken and beans, with the occasional crunchy bite from the salad. Crucially, it stayed cohesive and avoided becoming soggy.
Sauces and seasoning are measured and competent; nothing jars. A hint more acidity — a squeeze of lime or a sharper salsa — would sharpen the dish further, and those who favour heat should request an extra drizzle of chilli or jalapeños.
Neat enough to eat on the go, the wrap’s appearance is inviting and unpretentious. Portion size is generous without feeling wasteful.
A reliably tasty, well-balanced wrap that’s ideal for a quick, satisfying meal. Minor tweaks (a touch more acidity or optional extra spice) would elevate it from very good to memorable.
