This New York Breakfast Burrito Outsells Everything Else On The Morning Menu
I’ll be honest — I never expected a breakfast burrito to change my morning routine.
But one chilly day in Brooklyn, I wandered into Ursula Café in Crown Heights, and everything I thought I knew about breakfast was rewritten.
Their Hatch Chile Breakfast Burrito isn’t just good — it’s legendary, outselling every other item on the menu and earning a cult following across New York.
One bite, and you’ll understand why locals line up early just to get their hands on it.
Where New Mexican Flavors Meet Brooklyn Breakfast Bliss
Brooklyn isn’t exactly known for green chile, but Ursula Café has cracked the code. Walking in feels like stepping into a cozy Albuquerque hideaway, complete with turquoise accents and that unmistakable aroma of roasting chiles. The café bridges two worlds—East Coast breakfast culture and Southwest soul food.
Owner-chef Eric See, a New Mexico native, grew up eating his grandmother’s breakfast burritos back home. He wanted to recreate that same warmth and flavor for New Yorkers who’d never experienced authentic Hatch chile magic.
Every morning, the café fills with regulars clutching coffee mugs, chatting about the weather, and waiting eagerly for their burrito fix. It’s not just about food here—it’s about community. Eric has built something rare: a neighborhood spot where everyone feels like family, united by their love for that perfect, spicy-savory breakfast wrap.
Eggs, Bacon, Hash Browns & Hatch Chile — The Signature Inside The Wrap
Cracking open this burrito is like unwrapping a gift. Fluffy scrambled eggs cradle crispy bacon bits, perfectly seasoned hash browns, and a generous helping of roasted Hatch green chile. The chile brings smoky heat without overwhelming your taste buds—it’s the Goldilocks of spice levels.
I remember my first bite vividly. The tortilla was warm and slightly crispy on the edges, giving way to creamy, melty cheese that held everything together. Each ingredient played its part without fighting for attention. Hash browns added crunch, bacon brought saltiness, and those eggs? Cloud-like perfection.
What really sets this burrito apart is the chile itself. Ursula sources authentic Hatch chiles from New Mexico during peak season, roasting them in-house. That dedication to quality shines through in every mouthful. No shortcuts, no substitutes—just honest, delicious breakfast done right.
How Ursula Took A Simple Burrito And Made It A Destination
Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful, but this burrito practically marketed itself. Within months of opening, Ursula became the breakfast destination in Crown Heights. Food bloggers, local news stations, and hungry New Yorkers all came to see what the fuss was about.
Eric never planned for viral fame. He just wanted to serve quality food that reminded him of home. But authenticity resonates, especially in a city saturated with trendy brunch spots serving overpriced avocado toast. People craved something real, hearty, and soul-satisfying.
Now, weekends see lines stretching down the block before 9 AM. Regulars have their ordering strategies—some call ahead, others arrive right when doors open. The burrito has achieved what every restaurant dreams of: becoming not just a meal, but an experience worth planning your morning around. That’s destination dining at its finest.
From Albuquerque Roots To Crown Heights Community Vibes
Eric’s journey from Albuquerque to Brooklyn reads like a love letter to food and family. Growing up, breakfast burritos were his grandmother’s specialty—a Sunday tradition that brought everyone together. When Eric moved to New York for culinary school, he missed that comfort more than anything.
After working in various Manhattan restaurants, he dreamed of opening his own place. Crown Heights felt right—diverse, welcoming, and hungry for something different. He named the café Ursula after his grandmother, whose recipes became the foundation of the menu.
Today, Eric greets customers by name, remembers their usual orders, and occasionally shares stories about his grandmother’s cooking wisdom. The café has become a true neighborhood gem where transplants find comfort food and locals discover flavors they never knew they needed. It’s proof that great food transcends geography when made with heart.
Insider Tips: Best Time To Go, What To Order & How To Customize
Want to beat the crowds? Arrive on weekdays between 7:30 and 8:00 AM—you’ll snag a table and enjoy your burrito without the weekend rush. Pro tip: order the burrito with extra chile on the side. That way, you control the heat level and can drizzle more as you go.
Eric’s team is happy to customize. Vegetarians can swap bacon for black beans and roasted vegetables. Add avocado for extra creaminess, or request crispy potatoes if you prefer extra crunch. Don’t skip the café’s homemade salsa verde—it’s tangy, fresh, and pairs beautifully with the burrito.
My personal hack? Order a side of Ursula’s flaky buttermilk biscuit and use it to scoop up any burrito filling that escapes. Pair everything with their smooth cold brew, and you’ve got breakfast perfection. Trust me, this combination will ruin other breakfast spots for you—in the best possible way.