7 Solid Fast-Food Burrito Spots In North Carolina And 7 Locals Recommend
North Carolina’s fast-food burrito scene is full of flavor, offering everything from reliable, satisfying meals to standout creations that locals can’t stop recommending.
Some spots serve classic combinations with perfect balance, while others bring inventive twists that surprise and delight the taste buds.
Exploring these restaurants highlights the state’s love for bold flavors and quick, crave-worthy eats.
Every bite proves that whether you stick to the familiar or try something new, North Carolina delivers burrito satisfaction.
1. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Nobody builds a burrito quite like you do at Chipotle. Their assembly-line approach lets you customize every inch of your foil-wrapped masterpiece.
The freshly grilled meats, especially that lime-kissed chicken, pair perfectly with their famous cilantro-lime rice.
Health-conscious eaters appreciate their commitment to responsibly sourced ingredients, while college students love the generous portions that often become two meals for the price of one.
2. Moe’s Southwest Grill
“Welcome to Moe’s!” rings out every time you walk through the door, and that friendly vibe extends to their burritos. Their signature Homewrecker burrito packs enough flavor to justify its cheeky name.
Free chips with every order? Yes please! The queso here deserves special mention, creamy, slightly spicy, and perfect for dipping or adding inside your burrito.
With locations scattered throughout North Carolina, Moe’s has become a reliable go-to for quick Mexican-inspired meals.
3. QDOBA Mexican Eats
Free guacamole and queso? QDOBA wins hearts before you even take your first bite. Their Knockout Tacos might get the spotlight, but the burritos deserve your full attention.
Flavor-packed rice forms the foundation of these hefty handheld meals. The slow-simmered beans and flame-grilled meats create a symphony of textures worth experiencing.
Their Carolina locations maintain consistent quality, making this chain a reliable choice when burrito cravings strike unexpectedly.
4. Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill
Born in Charlotte, Salsarita’s proudly represents North Carolina’s contribution to the fast-casual Mexican scene. Their burritos come packed with surprising attention to detail. The rice actually tastes like something!
Meat options here shine brightly, particularly the shredded beef that practically melts in your mouth. What sets them apart?
Their house-made salsas range from mild to “please sign this waiver” hot, letting you customize your heat level precisely. The grilled vegetables deserve special mention for non-meat eaters.
5. Barberitos Southwestern Grille & Cantina
Farm-fresh ingredients make Barberitos stand out in the crowded burrito marketplace. Their made-from-scratch guacamole might be the best thing that ever happened to a flour tortilla.
The proteins here receive special treatment, marinated overnight and grilled to perfection. Health-conscious diners appreciate their transparent nutrition information and lighter options.
With multiple NC locations, this Georgia-born chain has firmly established itself as a worthy contender in the Tar Heel burrito scene.
6. Tijuana Flats (Cary)
Psychedelic murals and irreverent attitude make Tijuana Flats the rebel of NC’s burrito scene. Their Cary location serves up burritos with a side of personality you won’t find at more corporate chains.
The “Megajuana” burrito challenges even the most dedicated eaters with its sheer size.
What truly distinguishes this spot is their hot sauce bar, featuring over a dozen house-made sauces ranging from mild to potentially illegal.
Their fresh-fried tortilla chips provide the perfect vehicle for sampling them all.
7. Taco Bell
Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. Taco Bell’s burritos have earned their place in North Carolina’s fast-food landscape through sheer innovation and late-night dependability.
Their Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito might be the best value in fast food. College students across NC campuses swear by the Beefy 5-Layer as the perfect study fuel.
The Crunchwrap technically isn’t a burrito, but it scratches the same itch with its hexagonal genius. When it’s midnight and options are limited, Taco Bell’s drive-thru becomes a beacon of hope.
8. Cosmic Cantina (Chapel Hill & Durham)
Students whisper about this place like it’s a secret society. Tucked away in Chapel Hill and Durham, Cosmic Cantina serves burritos that somehow taste better after midnight, though they’re excellent at any hour.
Massive portions at student-friendly prices explain the perpetual line of hungry Tar Heels. The simplicity is refreshing, no fancy marketing, just quality ingredients wrapped in a tortilla the size of your face.
Their vegetarian burrito has converted many a dedicated carnivore with its perfectly seasoned beans and grilled vegetables.
9. Carrburritos (Carrboro & Davidson)
With a name that practically demands excellence in the burrito department, Carrburritos delivers with locally-sourced ingredients and flavors that transport you straight to coastal Mexico. Their fish burrito deserves its own fan club.
Vegetarians rave about the plantain burrito, a sweet and savory masterpiece. The salsa bar features freshly made options that change seasonally based on local produce availability.
The colorful interior and friendly staff create an atmosphere that makes you want to linger long after your plate is clean.
10. Burrito Shak (multiple NC locations)
Coastal-inspired burritos might sound unusual, but Burrito Shak makes it work brilliantly. Their seafood options, particularly the blackened shrimp burrito, bring something unique to North Carolina’s burrito landscape.
Founded in Hampstead, this growing chain maintains quality even as they expand. The signature “Shak sauce” adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that ties everything together perfectly.
Their commitment to fresh ingredients shines through in every bite, making this a worthy detour from standard burrito fare.
11. Bandito Bodega (Greensboro)
Greensboro’s best-kept secret serves burritos with punk rock attitude and chef-driven precision. Bandito Bodega’s tiny kitchen produces flavor combinations that would make larger restaurants jealous.
Their breakfast burrito, available all day, cures hangovers you haven’t even earned yet.
The Korean BBQ burrito fuses cuisines with surprisingly delicious results. Local craft beers on tap make this the perfect spot to start a night out or recover from the previous one.
12. Johnny Burrito (Charlotte)
Uptown Charlotte’s business crowd forms daily lines for Johnny Burrito’s no-nonsense approach to lunch.
Operating from a tiny storefront, Johnny has been wrapping some of Charlotte’s best burritos for over two decades.
The “Big Daddy” burrito challenges even the heartiest appetites with its heft. Everything is made fresh daily, you can literally see them cooking in the compact open kitchen.
The homemade hot sauces range from mild to “call-your-insurance-provider” hot, adding customizable heat to your midday meal.
13. Sabor Latin Street Grill (Charlotte area)
Charlotte’s homegrown success story has expanded across the region without losing its soul. Sabor Latin Street Grill brings Dominican and Venezuelan influences to the burrito world, creating something truly distinctive.
Their “Bandera Burrito” wraps Dominican-style chicken, rice, and beans in a way that would make both Latin American and Tex-Mex traditions proud.
The street food vibe remains authentic despite their growth. Don’t skip their empanadas as a side. They’re the perfect burrito companion.
14. Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill (Raleigh area)
Raleigh locals protect their Salsa Fresh loyalty like a family secret. This regional mini-chain balances fast-casual convenience with surprisingly authentic flavors that keep regulars coming back weekly.
Their California-style burritos come stuffed with unexpected additions like French fries, sounds strange, tastes amazing!
The fish burrito showcases perfectly seasoned tilapia that puts many seafood restaurants to shame. Their commitment to freshness isn’t just in the name. You can taste the difference in every ingredient.