Review: Blue Coast Burrito in Little Rock, Arkansas

Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants are on every corner in Little Rock, Arkansas, but Blue Coast Burrito is the first restaurant of its kind in the central Arkansas area. They specialize in west coast Mexican food with lighter flavors and no heavy cheeses or sauces that is common in Tex-Mex cuisine. We recently visited the Blue Coast Burrito restaurant on Cantrell Road in West Little Rock and found that the lighter tasting fare made for a nice change.

Blue Coast Burrito is set up much like a Subway Sandwich Shop. The numerous choices are all listed on a large blackboard and orders are taken at the counter. Fillings for the burritos are spread out and each customer selects the filling of their choice. The meals are prepared while you watch and you help yourself to your drink and your choice of salsa from the Salsa bar.

My dining companion chose a small burrito filled with grilled chicken and various toppings including lettuce, tomatoes, and black olives. She completed the meal with chips and a drink. The meal took less than two minutes from the time of order to receive, so service is as speedy as most fast food restaurants, Her total was just under $8. The small burrito was still quite a handful and she couldn't finish it in one sitting.

Instead of a burrito, I chose fish tacos. The fish tacos are served Baja-style, with cabbage and white sauce. The tacos are a bit on the smallish size, but the fish was plump and firm and fried crispy. Even fried, the fish had a light, fresh taste. The corn tortillas were tasty as well, but were somewhat thin,making eating the fish tacos very messy. Forks were available, but the tacos are served in a basket, so it was till difficult to eat without making a mess. Two fish tacos, chips and a drink came to $7.

Drinks included the standard soft drink selection as well as Baja Punch Tea. The tea was robust and tasted strongly of tropical fruit. The Salsa Bar had a selection of four salsas-- mild or hot tomato salsa, tomatillo salsa and pineapple salsa. I chose the pineapple salsa. It was slightly sweet, but had a subtle undercurrent of heat that lingered. My dining companion chose mild tomato salsa, and it also had a bite that lingered instead of overwhelmed.

For the price, Blue Coast Burrito provided a good meal. Service was extremely fast, making it perfect for a quick lunch during the work week.