Restaurant Review: Bay City Burrito

Location: 4 Shakespeare Grove, St Kilda
Phone: 03 9534 1582
Link: http://www.baycityburrito.com/
Cuisine: Mexican, American, International
Overall Impression: 8/10

Bay City Burrito (BCB) has arrived with the vision of serving the Mission burrito, which traces back to the Mission District in San Francisco. It all started in the 1960s, when San Francisco’s working class were feeling the heat from the economic recession. Burritos were bulked up with beans and rice to satiate people on the cheap. 

Now, BCB is rolling the Mission District Burrito on its tortilla by adding quality produce, grilled marinated chicken and steak, carnitas style pork, and seafood. Sticking to tradition, the burritos are produced on a steam table assembly line, characterised by a large stuffed tortilla and wrapped in aluminium foil. 

Owner Gary Mink was born and bred in San Francisco, and like a true local, Mink always headed to family-owned taquerias in the Mission for his authentic burrito fix. 

When Mink moved to Melbourne, he enlisted the skills of design studio SouthSouthWest and Melbourne designer Dermot Lenaghan to develop the Mission District Burrito concept for all to enjoy. Guided by the knowledge that the family-owned, ethnic eateries are what give the Mission District and its food its soul, the team now serves Melbourne authentic Mission style burritos. 

BCB is an eatery that represents the vibrant culture of San Francisco’s Mission District from the inside out. Like St. Kilda, the Mission District is a melting pot of colour and culture. And like San Francisco’s Mission District, St. Kilda is the perfect first home for BCB this side of the equator. 

BCB’s ultimate goal is simple: to serve the best damn burritos in town. The menu boasts an extensive selection of Mission-style burritos, alongside tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads and Latino-inspired meat and seafood dishes. 

The burritos were excellent. Each had the right proportion of rice, beans and meat. The tortillas tasted fresh and the condiments (i.e. guacamole and salsa) brought a wonderful freshness and moisture to the meat and the tortilla. We tasted a variety of burritos and all the meats were cooked to perfecto. 

We were pleased to hear that everything at BCB is prepared on site each day and made fresh to order while you wait. Patrons can chat with cooks and watch as they grill tortillas on the spot and assemble burritos using a selection of wholesome ingredients, rolled tight and served fresh. 

Fully licensed, BCB offers a selection of beer and signature margaritas to perfectly complement any meal in Bay City's recycled wood and concrete-themed dining room. 

Whether you’re looking for a snack or a meal, Bay City Burrito offers a diverse menu to suit everyone’s taste and dietary requirements (gluten free, vegetarian and vegan). The entire menu is available for dine-in or take-away. With St. Kilda beach a few minutes away, Luna Park across the road and Acland Street around the corner, BCB is ideal for groups of friends out for a hearty feed that is easy on the hip pocket; the time-constrained; families after a fresh, authentic treat; and those longing for the magic of the Mission District. 

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of BCB.