It's Mexican meets vegan hipster at this trendy NoHo staple! I have only tried their burritos, but my goodness are they good! And gigantic! Each diverse burrito can come with your choice of chicken, steak, tofu, or seitan. You can also substitute brown rice for white rice. It's Mexican food you can eat without worrying if you're going to ruin either your coronary arteries or your septic system. It might seem no frills because each burrito comes a la carte, but trust me you will leave full! I personally recommend either the Thai special burrito or the East/west burrito. Enjoy!
(5)
Jenny P.
This may be my favorite casual dining restaurant of all time. My favorites and the BBQ chicken quesadillas and the steak tacos. My family loves the generous portions of beans and rice. We love to sit in the window or outside, weather permitting. Great prices, quality food, and pretty darned quick unless absolutely swarmed.
(5)
David G.
The thing I like about this place is that they are not shy with the cilantro, a vital ingredient in this cuisine. It's reasonably priced and the portions are generous.
(5)
Ryan M.
Stinks. If you like and actually know Mexican or even Tex Mex there's no way you could like this food. The only good thing are the grilled jalapeños filled with cream cheese and I don't know how you could mess them up. I just can't believe people think this is any good. For real, good Mexican drive to Enfield and try Sarape's.
(2)
Nick C.
bueno y sano is my favorite place to get burritos, tacos, etc. the prices are good, the food is good, the staff is normal, the place is clean. the real problem with bueno y sano is in people's expectations. below this review you will find a number of others that site it's lack of 'authenticity' as a negative. news flash, you nerds, bueno y sano doesn't claim to be authentic mexican. it was founded by a white guy and is run primarily by a family from el salvador. just go to their website and show me where it says authentic, anywhere, i dare you. they know who they are, they're not trying to pull the wool over anyone's eyes, and maybe you should quit trying to kid yourself as well. they only claim to be bueno and sano and they are those two things.
(5)
Alex H.
Ok so I love Bueno y Sano. I love the Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork burrito with sour cream. It's DELICIOUS and a super awesome combo of sweet and spicy. If I was reviewing just the Spicy BBQ burrito, I would give it five stars. However, since I have to review the whole place, I have to go with 3-stars and a-okay as my review. Other than the BBQ burrito, this place is just ok. They have quesadillas and tacos. The regular stuff is fine, but nothing wow-able. ...get the spicy pulled pork burrito...it weighs 16lbs...
(3)
Marc R.
Hands down one of the best fast vegetarian-friendly restaurants around.
(5)
Epi A.
Bueno is god, tightly wrapped in a flour tortilla and oozing with guac and sour cream. I recommend them to anyone out for a quick bite!
(5)
Stephen O.
I go to Amherst quite a bit, first time in Northampton Bueno, nice setting, burritos is great. Haven't tried anything else yet.
(4)
Christopher D.
Always consistent with their food quality. Lots of food for the money. Many interesting menu options I have yet to experience. Line can be long at times, but certainly well worth the wait.
(5)
Ethan D.
I have yet to be disappointed by this Bueno Y Sano. Located in the center of Northampton, stopping here is much more pleasant than the chain experience of Chipotle or Moe's on route 9. Prices here are comparable to most other chains as well, but the food is fresher. Salsas taste as if they had just been made rather than poured from a container. Their chips are also of much higher quality. I will note that on occasion your burrito can come out with cold spots. The location is usually populated by the standard Noho crowd, mostly college students. As a result it can get crowded but come early and you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Zach B.
Best burritos in Northampton!! I'm going to sound like a fatass but there are times when I average one a week. The loyalty program is worth it (buy 10 tacos or burritos and you get 1 free). Quesadillas here are also excellent. A meal by themselves.
(5)
Sherry D.
When my boyfriend and I are in the mood for Mexican we always come here and split a grande Portabello Burrito. It's fresh, local, and way better than Chipotle. They have lots of different salsas and hot sauces. Ask for the extra hot when you order!
(5)
Caroline L.
Bueno y Sano is my go-to restaurant. We eat here or take out at least once a month - often more frequently than that! Their fresh and often locally grown ingredients make all the difference. There is something really special in the rice that they use for their burritos. It is so full of flavor. I highly recommend the Grilled Zucchini burrito, the East West burrito or the Chicken BBQ burrito. We've never had something we didn't love! Strangely, even though they have several locations, the Northampton one is my favorite. All of them are great but the Noho location is just perfection.
(5)
Jenny J.
I grew up in the southwest and have spent a lot of time in Mexico, so I'm not going to try to tell you that Bueno burritos are the real deal...but they're really, really good for what they are. Innovative, fresh ingredient combinations with a subtle nod towards the border. I'll be honest and tell you that I winced at the inauthenticity the first time I read the menu, but I threw caution to the wind and ordered like a yankee and it worked out pretty well. Just trust me and try the sauteed spinach & garlic burrito with mushrooms...I've been eating it for years and it is heaven and completely crave-worthy. So is the barbequed chicken burrito. I know...it sounds weird, gross, and definitely not Mexican...but it's great! Adjust your expectations and I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.
(4)
C M.
Went got the buffalo chicken quesadilla at Bueno today, amazing. Don't order if you think you're going for a "lighter" option because this quesadilla is loaded with chicken, cheese, and hot sauce served with a side of rice, beans, and pico de gallo. Another amazing meal at bueno.
(5)
Susan M.
This place was a favorite of my husband's back back when he was in college, so recently when passing through, we stopped with the kids. The burritos were huge and satisfying. The kids menu was filling for our two hungry kids. I got the chicken burritos and was filled ( and I am not normally filled!). The kids got chicken tacos and enchilada, also delicious and fresh!
(4)
Paula P.
One of my favs! "Americanized" Mexican. Definitely not authentic, but very tasty nonetheless. BBQ Pork Quesadilla is amazing! Prices are very reasonable. Clean and charming atmosphere.
(5)
Satoru I.
I tried to give this place a chance, but it's really just not even close to being as good as the burritos I had in California. The food is certainly not terrible; if you don't have weirdly high expectations of burritos, then it's probably fine. But for me, salsas are usually too watery, the meats are just OK, and the flavors don't combine well. It appears that they are run by Salvadorans, and I wish they had more of their own dishes on the menu.
(2)
Gray S.
For better or worse, I find it difficult to go more than a month without having a Bueno y Sano burrito. I visit the Amherst and Northampton locations frequently to get one. Spicy BBQ chicken is a favorite. Just try one. It will probably be up there with the best burrito you have ever had.
(5)
Stephen P.
Frankly, and very subjectively, these are the best burritos on the East Coast. I only limit it to the East Coast for fear of the calls of blasphemy if I extended it much beyond. But yeah, I've been coming here for years, starting at the Amherst location. I was sad when Cha Cha Cha closed, but very excited when I heard that Bueno would be opening in it's stead. The workers are very nice, the food is excellent, and where else can you get a seitan burrito? Related to that, as someone who doesn't eat dairy, they have not once fucked up my order. That says a lot, as even spots in town that have far more vegan-centered menus regularly forget and give me cheese. Actually, the one time I did get cheese in my burrito was purely my fault in the ordering process, and they still replaced it at no extra cost to me. Well, you know, except for the double-digit tip that I put in the jar for going above and beyond like that.
(5)
H N.
The burritos here are good (not great). I get an occasional craving for the thai burrito and it's tasty and totally affordable. I've only had one bad experience here and it wasn't related to the food. As my friend and I ate at a table inside, a woman walked in and began asking for the food off the plates of diners. After she tried to take the meal I was currently eating, I mentioned the situation to the owners and they just stared at me in silence, completely disinterested. One of the most bizarre dining out experiences I've ever had.
(3)
Tara L.
Good burritos but fairly rude service...practically threw the tray at me and then treated me like an idiot because the person at the register hadn't given us our drink cups and I asked about them.
(3)
Emma S.
Ordered two burritos from here tonight, explicitly said no cheese on both multiple times, they never entered it into the register, and they gave me cheese on both of them. I'm lactose intolerant, but I ate it anyway. My partner was upset and didn't eat hers and didn't want to complain, but still wanted a burrito, so she went to the one in Amherst, where she was even more explicit about not wanting cheese, and they definitely put it on the receipt this time, and they still gave her cheese. Won't be eating here again anytime soon.
(1)
Warren I.
I had high expectation when we came here. A traveled about 50 minutes just for Bueno Y Sano, and it was a bit of a bummer. First, I must have come at a bad time because there was no-where to sit, and it was very noisy. The meal(s) were mediocre and we've had much better. Perhaps we caught them on a bad day. Maybe next time.
(2)
Matt P.
Best bbq chicken burritos out there. I highly recommend yogurt over sour cream.
(5)
Kate V.
Just for a forewarning on honesty level, I used to work at Bueno back in the days of high school. So I was completely and utterly addicted to the food there. The owner is probably one of the best people I have ever worked for, and the staff of Salvadorans is one of the best family's I have ever worked with. The Amherst location always had great 90's tunes on, and a line out the door every single night. My Bueno days will be fond memories. Now on to the food. First they are not a MEXICAN restaurant. They don't claim to be! Bueno is it's own entity, and has never claimed to be authentic Mexican, in fact not one person who works there is Mexican. Second nothing is from a can, reheated, or frozen. There is no microwave in existence. The salsa is my least favorite menu item, personally I think it leaves a lot to be desired and is boring but is handmade every morning regardless. The ranchero sauce is free, and I have seen people literally fill up a cup (8 oz.) of it to bring home with their burritos! The Seitan is cooked separately from the beef & chicken so Vegan's can rest easy. My personal favorites are the sauteed spinach and garlic burrito with Portabello mushrooms added. Most popular item is the chicken, or bbq'd chicken burrito. The quesadillas are the best I've had in town. You can fill them with huge slices of chicken, spinach, or anything really. Super cheesy, and filling! I feel like they have switched chip vendors and they aren't salty or crunchy enough, but I still order them with a heaping side of guac. because the guac is so darn good! The thai chicken burrito is spicy, and really good as well. Salad lovers will rejoice in the huge spinach salads with peppers, onions, and balsamic on the side. All in all I like to support Bueno for the fact alone that it is a good quality, affordable place to eat and the people who run the kitchen are wonderful souls. :)
(4)
Nicolas B.
The price is reasonable, but that's about it. My wife and I went there recently and had a steak burrito each. The little lumps of meat tasted awful, the wrap was cold and the inside of the burrito was barely warm. The beans, and sauces were fairly tasteless. We both left more than half on our plate, and wished we had gone down the street to Veracruzana. Or even Chipotle. I will say the Burrito was HUGE -- I would have easily sacrificed a third of the size for a bit more quality in the meat, better flavors of beans and veggies, warmer innards, and warming/softening the wrap. Maybe it's Sano, but it's not Bueno.
(1)
Madeleine H.
Any place that offers seitan on the menu as a burrito/quesadilla filler gets my vote. Pricey? Yes, but one quesadilla is enough to feed me for two meals. Besides, there's something so fantastic and satisfying about being able to watch the kitchen staff cook your meal! I'm generally not a fan of mexican, but this place definitely has my vote. I'm only sorry it took me almost three years to finally give it a try.
(4)
Brian S.
Bland, poorly wrapped burritos with pilaf-style rice. Its a good thing Bueno y Sano is selling their psuedo-Mexican food in Northampton, because they'd never be able to compete in an area with more authentic offerings.
(2)
Hillary H.
I had on of the top 5 the grossest moments of my life here, and I've been in a lot of gross situations. I'd been enjoying my veggie burrito--it WAS pretty yummy--when I got to the awesome carby part at the end and bit into a CLUMP OF HAIR. Not like a single hair fell out of someone's head when they were folding my burrito--we're talking a MOUND, like someone decided to clean out their hairbrush and mistook my lunch for the trashcan. Somehow, I managed not to vomit, and quietly approached the woman working the register to discretely share my shock. She looked at me deadpan and said, "So, did you, like, want your money back or something?" I actually gave this place a second chance when my father-in-law came to visit, toting a bag full of Thai Chicken burritos for the whole fam (which were pretty tasty, I must say). That time, the grossness didn't set in until the next morning--let's just say the bathroom in our house got a whole week's worth of business in a single day. To be fair, both of these bad, bad experiences happened nearly a year ago--summer/fall of 2011--so hopefully they've made some improvements in the hygiene and customer service departments since then.
(1)
John B.
Ummmm...pretty good, food comes out in like 2 minutes...not complicated stuff. Shredded beef is a welcomed upgrade to hamburger for sure. Lunch still cost me 10 bucks, and 2.50 for a tiny amount of guac and sour cream...where I live, that's included with the lunch.
(3)
Marcus H.
Fast, healthy, and cheap. The burritos are great, the service couldn't get faster, and their vegetables are extremely fresh. Try the salad with the balsamic.
(5)
chris J.
This is a good lunch spot in Northampton. Salvadoran Burrito with Roasted Garlic to Go. $6.75... your number is 48... Two - four minutes later "Number 48" Good: Quick, Flavorful, Filling, Cheap, Clean. Bad: I always get a pile of cold cheese at the bottom, somehow it doesn't melt by the time I get it back to the office. The roasted garlic is worth the $0.50, and Tuesday is Free Upgrade to Grande.
(4)
Veggie P.
Super tasty food and lots of veggie choices. The spinach and mushroom additions to the veg burrito were spectacular. Really. The kiddos were delighted with the chicken tacos. It's right off of I-91 and makes for a delicious, speedy and affordable lunch and dinner stop. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
J S.
Bueno Y Sano has really grown on me. I really appreciate how fresh and light their dishes are. The grilled jalapenos are one of my favorite things on the menu. Service leaves a bit to be desired at times. Similar to La Veracruzana, the staff can have a bit of an attitude. Sometimes it feels like I'm burdening them by placing an order.
(4)
Ruby R.
My daughter and I LOVE this place! Best tacos in the Pioneer valley!
(5)
Dock P.
An awesome, cheap and frill free mexican restaurant. They make a BBQ pork burrito that's just INSANELY GOOD! Their casa-dillas and BBQ chicken offering are also super as is their rice! It's a favorite lunch spot for those who work in the city as their prices are dirt cheap and there's never much of a waiting line. They get the food out quick and it's consistently good. If you need to pick up lunch on the run it would be a good choice...
(5)
Angela S.
The burritos are huge here I cant even finish one alone. You can even share them. They stuff them with whatever ingredients you want. The chips are delicious and I love all the dipping sauces. Plus the prices are good for the food that you get!
(4)
Erik B.
You can gauge the quality of a Mexican eatery by its chips and salsa. Freshly made chips and rough chopped tomatoes, chiles and onions: probably good food all around. Sadly, Bueno y Sano falls on the opposite end of the spectrum. Chips are served from plastic bucket and are 100% factory-made. Salsa comes straight from a can and is nearly flavorless. This is the kind of place that can persist in a college town. A transient population keeps new customers coming in over the years. Plus, there's little competition in a town the size of Noho, so this place can skate by offering dreary, bland and occasionally gross food. For anyone who has ever had anything approaching authentic Mexican or Mexican-American food, this place will come as a shock. Beyond the awful chips and salsa you can expect to find burrito fillings that are either totally bland (pulled pork, sauteed tomatoes and garlic, "salvadoran rice") or sickeningly sweet (bbq pulled pork, seitan). It's as if they've designed the menu for the worst American palate: terrified of flavor and spice and addicted to sugar. Oh, and when we were there this week we watched as the cook kept eating chips from the aforementioned chip bucket with his bare hands. Gross.
(1)
Zoe P.
I always mis-translate the name of this place in my head as "Bland and Sanitary" since that's the impression the food leaves. I'm not claiming this is the cleanest burrito joint in the world (tho' it may be the cleanest burrito joint in Northampton - Veracruzana has a fly problem). Rather, the food-by-the-numbers menu, and the actual food that emerges, both have a kind of antiseptic quality to them. I go here when I want large amounts of colon cleansing fiber. And I want it cheap, and fast and spicy. If you order right, you can get a burrito with a lot of heat, even it's not a particularly sophisticated culinary experience. If you order wrong, you can get a big lukewarm tube of bland. And if you order on Tuesday evenings, you can get a grande for regular price.
(2)
Stephanie S.
Favorite burrito OF ALL TIME!! Hands down best!! But most of the time I order a burrito variation - the salad. This isn't a nancy boy salad. This is all the goods that go into a burrito on a bed of lettuce WITH a delicious balsamic dressing. YUM!! It's huge too, if that's a measure of good - and I think it is. Pro Tip: get the BBQ chicken with sauteed onions and mushrooms added to anything. I also love a place with free Diet Coke refills and this place doesn't disappoint.
(5)
D. B.
Today was my first visit to the Northampton Bueno y Sano, though I've eaten at the Bueno y Sano in Amherst before. The restaurant was clean and moderately busy at lunchtime on a Tuesday. The staff was friendly and our order was made quickly. My friend and I both had burritos. I ordered a chicken and grilled red pepper burrito and it was delicious, fresh, and filling. My friend ordered a barbecue chicken burrito and enjoyed it. The restaurant's seating is a little awkward, as the food is prepared on one side of the restaurant and the seating is primarily in one long row opposite the order/prep area. It's not a place I'd hit on a date or when I was hoping for intimate conversation, but it's a great place to grab lunch. Any place that prepares real, fresh food quickly gets a good review in my book!
(4)
Tim M.
Let me start off by saying the burritos are amazing. They have a plethora of options and the one I received was very tasty. The reason I am giving them 3 stars is because it was not the one I ordered. I went with a group of my friends and two of us had our orders either messed up or mixed up. They called my number and I went up and grabbed the plate. They didnt have a slip identifying the order, and when they were asked what order this was they turned away ignoring me and my friend. Turns out they forgot to make mine and then called my number for my friends burrito. It was close to what I ordered but it was still disappointing. So bottom line, great food, terrible service. Hopefully my next trip up will be a better one.
(2)
Shawn A.
Bueno had been hyped to my girlfriend and I as the best burrito on the planet since before we started dating. Since before Facebook existed. Since before I even LIKED burritos. Since 2002. It was pitched in a context that said it was a superior college town burrito to Syracuse's Alto Cinco - a place that to this day is ranked in the upper echelons of Mexican goodness. So when I finally got to partake in the joys of Bueno, I knew full well that there was no way this place was going to live up to eight-year-old hype. Even if my sister was praising its greatness that day. So I ate it. And it was good. Not amazing. Not quite very good. Definitely not bad. I would eat there again with no reservations. Even though they don't serve booze, which is a head scratcher. I was going to chalk this up to hype ruining yet another restaurant for me, but really, I think it's just that these poor people don't know any better.
(3)
Chris W.
I'm a regular Bueno burrito eater here and at their Amherst location. They may slowly be driving the price up over the years, but they are still a great deal for an excellent burrito. The new editions to the special burrito's are great, the spicey bbq chicken is great. They also have their own salsa, which is pretty good, however La Veracruzana is probably the best locally. Dining in isnt bad, but it can get loud with the high ceilings, kids and line. i like the bar seating and something about the stainless steel plates gets my attention. Overall this is one my top 3 choices for lunch and to grab something quick and filling.
(4)
K C.
Fantastic place, love the spinach and chicken quesadillas. My daughter loves their tacos. Seating is both indoors and outdoors, but we prefer to sit at the counter and watch the cooks to their thang...
(4)
Jenn X.
Itis good for what it is intended to be, better than fast food. There is high turnover as it is usually busy, but quick. It is on the verge of Tex-Mex, but not close to a taqueria.
(3)
A B L.
Every now and then I stop through Northampton (primarily to shop at 'Cooks Shop Here'). I'm always up for a burrito, so I've stopped by this place a few times. Not entirely sure why I keep going back...it's okay - not terribly good, though. The burritos are enormous, but are horribly bland (not sure if it's the lack of seasoning or the type of seasoning...). I can see why some people might like it, but I'm hoping that I remember to try somewhere else the next time I'm in the area.
(2)
David P.
Bueno y Sano has sadly gone significantly downhill in recent years. Reducing the portion sizes for the burrito sides, eliminating great menu items, etc. You're way better off with La Veracruzana in Northampton, or driving on Route 9 to Amherst to Mission Cantina.
(3)
Quade F.
Coming from Southern California, I had been warned that the Mexican food I would be getting in Western Mass might not compare. Bueno gets points for effort, and there are some bright spots to their menu. The quesadilla was good, but c'mon, it's a quesadilla. order it with meat if you like, and it'll be that much better. The burrito was alright, pinto beans, meat, cheese, pico; a little bland for my tastes. Also, the salsa wasn't very hot, which is always a downer. Ok if you're desperate for some Mexican foods.
(1)
Tapan P.
Good food though a little on the expensive side.
(4)
Jason L.
This place is awesome. If you are looking for a place to have a romantic dinner, this is not for you. If you are looking for a cheap place to go with great food, then look no further. I ordered the steak and mushroom quesadilla and it was fantastic. It was very large and came with black beans and yellow rice for about 7 bucks. If you've been out on the town all night and find yourself craving Mexican food, I would recommend this Bueno.
(4)
Cordelia N.
It's been a while since I've had a really good taco (I moved to Northampton last year and only had dining hall and taco bell mexican food), but I had a craving yesterday and decided to try this place. It was incredible. I love spicy food, I asked for jalepenos in my tacos, they did not charge me extra for them and I probably got one whole pepper in each taco. It was one of the hottest dishes I've had in a long time: I felt like my lips were going to fall off. Also, they meet and veggies were fresh and good. I highly recommend these tacos.
(5)
Mike Y.
This place was ok. It did it's job in a pinch. I had a chicken taco and a 'grande' steak burrito. The chicken taco was pretty good. The chicken was still juicy and the tomatoes were nice and ripe. The burrito came with rice and black beans which were very average. The burrito itself wasn't too bad but the steak was kinda dry and tasteless. I thought there flour tortillas were pretty good. Oddly, there home made hot sauce was about as hot as iced milk...a big disappointment for someone who loves a little heat. In fact, even the stuffed jalapeno that came with my burrito wasn't hot. How'd they do that? I didn't know that you could have a mild jalapeno!
(2)
Sameer N.
Anyone who fronts and says this isn't a contender for the best burrito in the world is a LIAR! This place rules. The burrito is a standard setter. The only things that come close in Boston are El Pelon and Olecito. Don't even act like these burritos aren't amazing. I will say that the Northampton Bueno is not as good quality as the Amherst one. Back in the day, the Amherst burrito was flawless. There are occassional quality issues but 90 percent of the time this burrito is the JAM. They have their own special ranchero sauce which you can apply liberally. The chicken quesadilla is amazing. They have seitan burritos for the vegans and plenty of delicious vegetarian options. Every thing is spectacular. My ideal burrito from here: BBQ chicken, pinto beans, hots, lettuce, pico, guac, sour cream. TOO ILL. GET THIS, YOU'LL THANK ME HOMIE.
(4)
Molly M.
Oh my f-ing god. There was a period of time when I think I was actually addicted to Bueno Y Sano, no joke. Sometimes immediately after I eat Bueno Y Sano food, it's all I can talk about. Really. The beans, the cheese, the rice...it's always so fresh and delicious. The tortillas have this deliciously wonderful stretchy quality that allows them to solidly hold in a great deal of food, and the taste that they have compliments the fillings, it in no way detracts or overwhelms. You can't beat their bean and cheese tacos for $1.75. They are seriously good soft tortilla bean and cheese meals, I get two or three of them and call it a day. Of course, I liberally consume as much of the beautifully spicy hot sauce as my mouth will allow. The hot sause is the huge selling point here...it is delicious. If I could buy it by the gallon I would. I would pour it all over my body. I was with my Mexican friend in Northampton over the summer and she was floored by how good this place is. From then on I felt even more justified in my highly stellar opinion of this place. I had a lot of good times while I was in college in the valley and believe me, talking culinary stuff, Bueno Y Sano is up there. Up and beyond. Also, fun note, the bathroom walls are covered with what appears to be sanctioned vandalism...you can pick up a piece of chalk while you do your business and pen a nice little note for those who come after you. Just a weird little quirk.
(5)
Nick M.
These burritos are meant to be eaten with your hands, not a fork and knife. They are fucking huge and if you finish one that's a statement and a personal accomplishment. I lived across from Bueno in college and have to say it was healthy and cheap, but not really that satisfying on the culinary gamut. The salsa is extremely watery and comes in mild and burn-your-ass hot. That being said, I would frequently get these after a long bike ride. Post-college days when I'm in town I get the soft tacos. Salvadorean (vegetarian) and steak are my favorite. They're more than enough food unless you require 5,000 calories per day. If that's the case, get the Grande burrito. I like the chicken burrito for an all-around classic, the shrimp burrito or the quesadillas. One final word: this Mexican food is east coast style. Having tried real Mexican food, you cannot make any real comparisons. If you're not from Massachusetts, set your standard for Mexican food very low or you'll be disappointed.
(3)
Adventurous J.
Want a delicious, quick, cheap meal? Bueno y Sano is your place. Everything you need to know about this place is in the name ("good and healthy"). A lot of the other reviews are referring to this place as Mexican, but it's actually Salvadorean. They have these tacos (bean, chicken, or steak) that are only about $2. One taco is the perfect meal for me. Get a punch card. If you buy 10 tacos, you get one free. Similarly, they have a punch card for burritos. If I want to splurge- I'm a big fan of the steak and mushroom quesadilla. It's a good sized portion so I usually save half for lunch the next day.
(5)
Jane P.
Bordering on 2.5 stars. Not excited about this place, but nothing horribly bad to report either. I only tried it once during my visit to Northampton, and my friend who lives there swears by their burritos. I thought things were kinda pricey, and to be honest - I like the vegetarian burrito from Chipotle better. And I'm not usually a chain restaurant kinda girl. There were so many combos of fillings on the menu, but if you wanted to add anything extra the prices really started to climb. Huge portions. Ok service.
(3)
Taryn L.
This place is the worst! Ive never had good luck here. They clearly do not listen to your order! I had to return two tacos because they made them incorrectly and then the next one was still not right! They never apologized!!!!! I had to ask for my money back because they couldnt make a simple taco!!!!!! WOW customer service!
(1)
lauren u.
LOVE the seitan and BBQ seitan burritos. We always eat here when we go to Northampton, including when we've already eaten somewhere else. Their seitan is really just very good.
(5)
Chris M.
The ingredients here seem fresher than most Mexican places. Sometimes it's the little things that tip you off to the quality of a place. They put fresh corn in my burrito, and they used Mexican yellow rice. This may not seem like a big deal. These ingredients aren't expensive, but most places wouldn't have even bothered. This place did bother, and that's why I think they deserve 5 stars. The salsa isn't the hottest I've ever had, but who needs stomach cancer. I don't.
(5)
Nikki G.
If you want a big, quick, affordable, consistent lunch, this is my go-to place. It ain't gonna blow your mind. This is fill yer belly food. Get a burrito, add something you like, it needs it, but maybe just one thing if trying to keep cost reasonable. I usually get Sauteed Spinach or Roasted Red Peppers. It is what it is. Just gotta have the right expectations.
(4)
Nikki C.
I love Bueno y Sano!!! Their portabella burritos are amazing so I rarely venture from that, but they've got lots of other vegetarian options for people like me, and lots of meaty options for the carnivores out there. The ambiance is very chill, where you seat yourself and bus your own dishes. It can get a little chaotic and messy during busy lunch or dinner hours, but the staff work hard to keep the tables and salsa area clean.
(4)
mundania h.
I really miss this place! I would work late and always go here after my shift was over. My burrito of choice was their Chickpea Curry and sourcream with their hot salsa on the side. It was so big and tasty that I would usually have left overs. It wasn't very spicy but just right for me. They have a great selection of other burritos and tacos at really great prices. Their bean burritos are good if you need something quick and small to hold you over. I recommend stopping in and check them out!
(5)
Derick F.
The quest for a SF-style burrito continues....I was a big Bueno y Sano fan about five years ago when they had a store on Commonwealth Ave. in Boston--it was a sad day when the location got taken over by yet another Thai restaurant. (It's not a chain -- they have a store in Amherst, maybe one or two others). The Northampton location replaces Cha Cha Cha & the menu seems largely unchanged. It's definitely at home in Noho, with lots of veggie options and some strange stuff (Thai Chicken burrito...) but the straight up chicken burrito (with guacamole & their hot sauce) is pretty solid -- the meat was tender & freshly cooked -- it was a bit overwhelmed by everything else in the burrito the combination worked well. I would like to see some more marinated meat dishes on the menu -- carnitas, carne asada, chile verde -- & the option for a wet burrito -- but for the E coast this is good.
(4)
william d.
A place I enjoy a quick meal. The ingredients they use are fresh and the quality is good. I definitely recommend this place.
(3)
Tiffany W.
I've only eaten here once and I hated it. I ordered a super vegetarian burrito, which had undercooked beans, not enough cheese, and odd vegetables thrown in that definitely did not belong. YUCK.
(1)
EvaClaire A.
This is probably the best that you will find in Northampton but its far from anything that you will get back home in Texas. Good, but if this is your idea of good Mexican food you are in for a real treat a little farther south.
(2)
Erik P.
Love this place! Great stop on the way home from a day skiing in western Mass or Vermont. They have seitan as an option for filling your burrito and they are in fact, as Nick M. state "f'ing huge" They come with chips and salsa and will feed you twice.
(4)
James D.
Chipotle = better. Bueno = not too bad! I'm a fan. So far the best Mexican place in the area. Lots of choices for fillings and lots of combinations to be made. Service is super fast and a great value for a silver torpedo of happy full tummy.
(4)
Julian W.
This place was very "eh" to me. Maybe I was just expecting more but my burrito was kind of bland. The people that were with me felt the same way. The food was in no way bad...it just wasn't all that good either.
(3)
Daniel K.
If you came here looking for Mexican food, you've made a wrong turn. This is not a Mexican restaurant, but an American burrito house. That means you get a big flour tortilla stuffed with beans, rice, and the filling of your choice. Not innovative cuisine, not a revelation in flavor. The food here is fresh, hot, and generally tasty. Not all the fillings are good--I prefer red onion and mushroom, or spinach and garlic. A good value that is consistent--and I can say that because I have eaten here at least once a month for the past 5 years.
(4)
Greg C.
You must go here if your a fan of burritos or quesadillas. The regular size burritos are huge. If you have never been here just get the normal size. Only other suggestion is don't get the shrimp. Not only are they like $6 extra, they taste funny and were almost frozen. Other then that the food is great and somewhat cheap.
(4)
Keith B.
Bueno has been a burrito staple in my life for more than a decade. In addition to burritos, they offer: salads, tacos and quesadillas. Remarkably, there have been no noticeable culinary changes over the years - likely due to the lack of staff turnover. This is a great thing; it's nice to get the same great burrito I enjoyed at the end of the 20th century.
(4)
D L.
Really good burritos. I wish I went more than the couple of times that I did! I liked the atmosphere of the place. Some interesting mixes they had for burritos!
(4)
Dori S.
Delicious burritos with many exciting options for additions to the traditional rice/beans/cheese - even awesome ingredients like fresh spinach, mushrooms, and seitan (!!!) for vegetarians. Can opt for whole wheat wrap and fat free yogurt instead of sour cream. Definitely recommend this place for a quick, but filling and satisfying, meal!
(4)
Dana S.
This was one of my favorite places to eat in Northampton/Amherst. I have frequent daydreams about their BBQ chicken quesadillas since I've moved away. A great and reasonable place for a quick lunch or dinner. Sure, it doesn't seem as authentic as you'd get at Veracruzana, but I always preferred good ol' Bueno.
(5)
N R.
The service was horrible and every order that came out while I was standing in line was incorrect. I wasn't exactly thrilled to walk a mile in the rain to find that I'd gone home with a curry burrito.
(1)
Jessica C.
Fresh, cheap, delicious. In terms of western mass, probably one of the best burritos you'll find.
(4)
Alexis E.
haven't tried the famous burritos, but i always get a consistently tasty/fabulous quesadilla. the last one i had with chicken and fresh spinach was delicious!
(5)
Joshua M.
I will pretty much go to the mat for Bueno, as I eat here every fat Tuesday. (The Grande upgrade at lunch is free!) While it is not athuentic Mexican it doesn't pretend to be. The food is healthy, well priced, has good portions and I swear the burritos are getting tastier. The chicken tacos are also surprisingly good. I consider it an eatery rather than a restaurant and in that respect it is superb. My bean burrito tends to arrive almost before I even finish ordering.
(5)
Jessica N.
I'm a big fan. This was the first burritto I ever had, as a college student. Fresh, tasty, and well made. I wish you were in Boston!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Carolyn K.
It's Mexican meets vegan hipster at this trendy NoHo staple! I have only tried their burritos, but my goodness are they good! And gigantic! Each diverse burrito can come with your choice of chicken, steak, tofu, or seitan. You can also substitute brown rice for white rice. It's Mexican food you can eat without worrying if you're going to ruin either your coronary arteries or your septic system. It might seem no frills because each burrito comes a la carte, but trust me you will leave full! I personally recommend either the Thai special burrito or the East/west burrito. Enjoy!
(5)Jenny P.
This may be my favorite casual dining restaurant of all time. My favorites and the BBQ chicken quesadillas and the steak tacos. My family loves the generous portions of beans and rice. We love to sit in the window or outside, weather permitting. Great prices, quality food, and pretty darned quick unless absolutely swarmed.
(5)David G.
The thing I like about this place is that they are not shy with the cilantro, a vital ingredient in this cuisine. It's reasonably priced and the portions are generous.
(5)Ryan M.
Stinks. If you like and actually know Mexican or even Tex Mex there's no way you could like this food. The only good thing are the grilled jalapeños filled with cream cheese and I don't know how you could mess them up. I just can't believe people think this is any good. For real, good Mexican drive to Enfield and try Sarape's.
(2)Nick C.
bueno y sano is my favorite place to get burritos, tacos, etc. the prices are good, the food is good, the staff is normal, the place is clean. the real problem with bueno y sano is in people's expectations. below this review you will find a number of others that site it's lack of 'authenticity' as a negative. news flash, you nerds, bueno y sano doesn't claim to be authentic mexican. it was founded by a white guy and is run primarily by a family from el salvador. just go to their website and show me where it says authentic, anywhere, i dare you. they know who they are, they're not trying to pull the wool over anyone's eyes, and maybe you should quit trying to kid yourself as well. they only claim to be bueno and sano and they are those two things.
(5)Alex H.
Ok so I love Bueno y Sano. I love the Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork burrito with sour cream. It's DELICIOUS and a super awesome combo of sweet and spicy. If I was reviewing just the Spicy BBQ burrito, I would give it five stars. However, since I have to review the whole place, I have to go with 3-stars and a-okay as my review. Other than the BBQ burrito, this place is just ok. They have quesadillas and tacos. The regular stuff is fine, but nothing wow-able. ...get the spicy pulled pork burrito...it weighs 16lbs...
(3)Marc R.
Hands down one of the best fast vegetarian-friendly restaurants around.
(5)Epi A.
Bueno is god, tightly wrapped in a flour tortilla and oozing with guac and sour cream. I recommend them to anyone out for a quick bite!
(5)Stephen O.
I go to Amherst quite a bit, first time in Northampton Bueno, nice setting, burritos is great. Haven't tried anything else yet.
(4)Christopher D.
Always consistent with their food quality. Lots of food for the money. Many interesting menu options I have yet to experience. Line can be long at times, but certainly well worth the wait.
(5)Ethan D.
I have yet to be disappointed by this Bueno Y Sano. Located in the center of Northampton, stopping here is much more pleasant than the chain experience of Chipotle or Moe's on route 9. Prices here are comparable to most other chains as well, but the food is fresher. Salsas taste as if they had just been made rather than poured from a container. Their chips are also of much higher quality. I will note that on occasion your burrito can come out with cold spots. The location is usually populated by the standard Noho crowd, mostly college students. As a result it can get crowded but come early and you won't be disappointed.
(4)Zach B.
Best burritos in Northampton!! I'm going to sound like a fatass but there are times when I average one a week. The loyalty program is worth it (buy 10 tacos or burritos and you get 1 free). Quesadillas here are also excellent. A meal by themselves.
(5)Sherry D.
When my boyfriend and I are in the mood for Mexican we always come here and split a grande Portabello Burrito. It's fresh, local, and way better than Chipotle. They have lots of different salsas and hot sauces. Ask for the extra hot when you order!
(5)Caroline L.
Bueno y Sano is my go-to restaurant. We eat here or take out at least once a month - often more frequently than that! Their fresh and often locally grown ingredients make all the difference. There is something really special in the rice that they use for their burritos. It is so full of flavor. I highly recommend the Grilled Zucchini burrito, the East West burrito or the Chicken BBQ burrito. We've never had something we didn't love! Strangely, even though they have several locations, the Northampton one is my favorite. All of them are great but the Noho location is just perfection.
(5)Jenny J.
I grew up in the southwest and have spent a lot of time in Mexico, so I'm not going to try to tell you that Bueno burritos are the real deal...but they're really, really good for what they are. Innovative, fresh ingredient combinations with a subtle nod towards the border. I'll be honest and tell you that I winced at the inauthenticity the first time I read the menu, but I threw caution to the wind and ordered like a yankee and it worked out pretty well. Just trust me and try the sauteed spinach & garlic burrito with mushrooms...I've been eating it for years and it is heaven and completely crave-worthy. So is the barbequed chicken burrito. I know...it sounds weird, gross, and definitely not Mexican...but it's great! Adjust your expectations and I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.
(4)C M.
Went got the buffalo chicken quesadilla at Bueno today, amazing. Don't order if you think you're going for a "lighter" option because this quesadilla is loaded with chicken, cheese, and hot sauce served with a side of rice, beans, and pico de gallo. Another amazing meal at bueno.
(5)Susan M.
This place was a favorite of my husband's back back when he was in college, so recently when passing through, we stopped with the kids. The burritos were huge and satisfying. The kids menu was filling for our two hungry kids. I got the chicken burritos and was filled ( and I am not normally filled!). The kids got chicken tacos and enchilada, also delicious and fresh!
(4)Paula P.
One of my favs! "Americanized" Mexican. Definitely not authentic, but very tasty nonetheless. BBQ Pork Quesadilla is amazing! Prices are very reasonable. Clean and charming atmosphere.
(5)Satoru I.
I tried to give this place a chance, but it's really just not even close to being as good as the burritos I had in California. The food is certainly not terrible; if you don't have weirdly high expectations of burritos, then it's probably fine. But for me, salsas are usually too watery, the meats are just OK, and the flavors don't combine well. It appears that they are run by Salvadorans, and I wish they had more of their own dishes on the menu.
(2)Gray S.
For better or worse, I find it difficult to go more than a month without having a Bueno y Sano burrito. I visit the Amherst and Northampton locations frequently to get one. Spicy BBQ chicken is a favorite. Just try one. It will probably be up there with the best burrito you have ever had.
(5)Stephen P.
Frankly, and very subjectively, these are the best burritos on the East Coast. I only limit it to the East Coast for fear of the calls of blasphemy if I extended it much beyond. But yeah, I've been coming here for years, starting at the Amherst location. I was sad when Cha Cha Cha closed, but very excited when I heard that Bueno would be opening in it's stead. The workers are very nice, the food is excellent, and where else can you get a seitan burrito? Related to that, as someone who doesn't eat dairy, they have not once fucked up my order. That says a lot, as even spots in town that have far more vegan-centered menus regularly forget and give me cheese. Actually, the one time I did get cheese in my burrito was purely my fault in the ordering process, and they still replaced it at no extra cost to me. Well, you know, except for the double-digit tip that I put in the jar for going above and beyond like that.
(5)H N.
The burritos here are good (not great). I get an occasional craving for the thai burrito and it's tasty and totally affordable. I've only had one bad experience here and it wasn't related to the food. As my friend and I ate at a table inside, a woman walked in and began asking for the food off the plates of diners. After she tried to take the meal I was currently eating, I mentioned the situation to the owners and they just stared at me in silence, completely disinterested. One of the most bizarre dining out experiences I've ever had.
(3)Tara L.
Good burritos but fairly rude service...practically threw the tray at me and then treated me like an idiot because the person at the register hadn't given us our drink cups and I asked about them.
(3)Emma S.
Ordered two burritos from here tonight, explicitly said no cheese on both multiple times, they never entered it into the register, and they gave me cheese on both of them. I'm lactose intolerant, but I ate it anyway. My partner was upset and didn't eat hers and didn't want to complain, but still wanted a burrito, so she went to the one in Amherst, where she was even more explicit about not wanting cheese, and they definitely put it on the receipt this time, and they still gave her cheese. Won't be eating here again anytime soon.
(1)Warren I.
I had high expectation when we came here. A traveled about 50 minutes just for Bueno Y Sano, and it was a bit of a bummer. First, I must have come at a bad time because there was no-where to sit, and it was very noisy. The meal(s) were mediocre and we've had much better. Perhaps we caught them on a bad day. Maybe next time.
(2)Matt P.
Best bbq chicken burritos out there. I highly recommend yogurt over sour cream.
(5)Kate V.
Just for a forewarning on honesty level, I used to work at Bueno back in the days of high school. So I was completely and utterly addicted to the food there. The owner is probably one of the best people I have ever worked for, and the staff of Salvadorans is one of the best family's I have ever worked with. The Amherst location always had great 90's tunes on, and a line out the door every single night. My Bueno days will be fond memories. Now on to the food. First they are not a MEXICAN restaurant. They don't claim to be! Bueno is it's own entity, and has never claimed to be authentic Mexican, in fact not one person who works there is Mexican. Second nothing is from a can, reheated, or frozen. There is no microwave in existence. The salsa is my least favorite menu item, personally I think it leaves a lot to be desired and is boring but is handmade every morning regardless. The ranchero sauce is free, and I have seen people literally fill up a cup (8 oz.) of it to bring home with their burritos! The Seitan is cooked separately from the beef & chicken so Vegan's can rest easy. My personal favorites are the sauteed spinach and garlic burrito with Portabello mushrooms added. Most popular item is the chicken, or bbq'd chicken burrito. The quesadillas are the best I've had in town. You can fill them with huge slices of chicken, spinach, or anything really. Super cheesy, and filling! I feel like they have switched chip vendors and they aren't salty or crunchy enough, but I still order them with a heaping side of guac. because the guac is so darn good! The thai chicken burrito is spicy, and really good as well. Salad lovers will rejoice in the huge spinach salads with peppers, onions, and balsamic on the side. All in all I like to support Bueno for the fact alone that it is a good quality, affordable place to eat and the people who run the kitchen are wonderful souls. :)
(4)Nicolas B.
The price is reasonable, but that's about it. My wife and I went there recently and had a steak burrito each. The little lumps of meat tasted awful, the wrap was cold and the inside of the burrito was barely warm. The beans, and sauces were fairly tasteless. We both left more than half on our plate, and wished we had gone down the street to Veracruzana. Or even Chipotle. I will say the Burrito was HUGE -- I would have easily sacrificed a third of the size for a bit more quality in the meat, better flavors of beans and veggies, warmer innards, and warming/softening the wrap. Maybe it's Sano, but it's not Bueno.
(1)Madeleine H.
Any place that offers seitan on the menu as a burrito/quesadilla filler gets my vote. Pricey? Yes, but one quesadilla is enough to feed me for two meals. Besides, there's something so fantastic and satisfying about being able to watch the kitchen staff cook your meal! I'm generally not a fan of mexican, but this place definitely has my vote. I'm only sorry it took me almost three years to finally give it a try.
(4)Brian S.
Bland, poorly wrapped burritos with pilaf-style rice. Its a good thing Bueno y Sano is selling their psuedo-Mexican food in Northampton, because they'd never be able to compete in an area with more authentic offerings.
(2)Hillary H.
I had on of the top 5 the grossest moments of my life here, and I've been in a lot of gross situations. I'd been enjoying my veggie burrito--it WAS pretty yummy--when I got to the awesome carby part at the end and bit into a CLUMP OF HAIR. Not like a single hair fell out of someone's head when they were folding my burrito--we're talking a MOUND, like someone decided to clean out their hairbrush and mistook my lunch for the trashcan. Somehow, I managed not to vomit, and quietly approached the woman working the register to discretely share my shock. She looked at me deadpan and said, "So, did you, like, want your money back or something?" I actually gave this place a second chance when my father-in-law came to visit, toting a bag full of Thai Chicken burritos for the whole fam (which were pretty tasty, I must say). That time, the grossness didn't set in until the next morning--let's just say the bathroom in our house got a whole week's worth of business in a single day. To be fair, both of these bad, bad experiences happened nearly a year ago--summer/fall of 2011--so hopefully they've made some improvements in the hygiene and customer service departments since then.
(1)John B.
Ummmm...pretty good, food comes out in like 2 minutes...not complicated stuff. Shredded beef is a welcomed upgrade to hamburger for sure. Lunch still cost me 10 bucks, and 2.50 for a tiny amount of guac and sour cream...where I live, that's included with the lunch.
(3)Marcus H.
Fast, healthy, and cheap. The burritos are great, the service couldn't get faster, and their vegetables are extremely fresh. Try the salad with the balsamic.
(5)chris J.
This is a good lunch spot in Northampton. Salvadoran Burrito with Roasted Garlic to Go. $6.75... your number is 48... Two - four minutes later "Number 48" Good: Quick, Flavorful, Filling, Cheap, Clean. Bad: I always get a pile of cold cheese at the bottom, somehow it doesn't melt by the time I get it back to the office. The roasted garlic is worth the $0.50, and Tuesday is Free Upgrade to Grande.
(4)Veggie P.
Super tasty food and lots of veggie choices. The spinach and mushroom additions to the veg burrito were spectacular. Really. The kiddos were delighted with the chicken tacos. It's right off of I-91 and makes for a delicious, speedy and affordable lunch and dinner stop. We'll definitely be back.
(4)J S.
Bueno Y Sano has really grown on me. I really appreciate how fresh and light their dishes are. The grilled jalapenos are one of my favorite things on the menu. Service leaves a bit to be desired at times. Similar to La Veracruzana, the staff can have a bit of an attitude. Sometimes it feels like I'm burdening them by placing an order.
(4)Ruby R.
My daughter and I LOVE this place! Best tacos in the Pioneer valley!
(5)Dock P.
An awesome, cheap and frill free mexican restaurant. They make a BBQ pork burrito that's just INSANELY GOOD! Their casa-dillas and BBQ chicken offering are also super as is their rice! It's a favorite lunch spot for those who work in the city as their prices are dirt cheap and there's never much of a waiting line. They get the food out quick and it's consistently good. If you need to pick up lunch on the run it would be a good choice...
(5)Angela S.
The burritos are huge here I cant even finish one alone. You can even share them. They stuff them with whatever ingredients you want. The chips are delicious and I love all the dipping sauces. Plus the prices are good for the food that you get!
(4)Erik B.
You can gauge the quality of a Mexican eatery by its chips and salsa. Freshly made chips and rough chopped tomatoes, chiles and onions: probably good food all around. Sadly, Bueno y Sano falls on the opposite end of the spectrum. Chips are served from plastic bucket and are 100% factory-made. Salsa comes straight from a can and is nearly flavorless. This is the kind of place that can persist in a college town. A transient population keeps new customers coming in over the years. Plus, there's little competition in a town the size of Noho, so this place can skate by offering dreary, bland and occasionally gross food. For anyone who has ever had anything approaching authentic Mexican or Mexican-American food, this place will come as a shock. Beyond the awful chips and salsa you can expect to find burrito fillings that are either totally bland (pulled pork, sauteed tomatoes and garlic, "salvadoran rice") or sickeningly sweet (bbq pulled pork, seitan). It's as if they've designed the menu for the worst American palate: terrified of flavor and spice and addicted to sugar. Oh, and when we were there this week we watched as the cook kept eating chips from the aforementioned chip bucket with his bare hands. Gross.
(1)Zoe P.
I always mis-translate the name of this place in my head as "Bland and Sanitary" since that's the impression the food leaves. I'm not claiming this is the cleanest burrito joint in the world (tho' it may be the cleanest burrito joint in Northampton - Veracruzana has a fly problem). Rather, the food-by-the-numbers menu, and the actual food that emerges, both have a kind of antiseptic quality to them. I go here when I want large amounts of colon cleansing fiber. And I want it cheap, and fast and spicy. If you order right, you can get a burrito with a lot of heat, even it's not a particularly sophisticated culinary experience. If you order wrong, you can get a big lukewarm tube of bland. And if you order on Tuesday evenings, you can get a grande for regular price.
(2)Stephanie S.
Favorite burrito OF ALL TIME!! Hands down best!! But most of the time I order a burrito variation - the salad. This isn't a nancy boy salad. This is all the goods that go into a burrito on a bed of lettuce WITH a delicious balsamic dressing. YUM!! It's huge too, if that's a measure of good - and I think it is. Pro Tip: get the BBQ chicken with sauteed onions and mushrooms added to anything. I also love a place with free Diet Coke refills and this place doesn't disappoint.
(5)D. B.
Today was my first visit to the Northampton Bueno y Sano, though I've eaten at the Bueno y Sano in Amherst before. The restaurant was clean and moderately busy at lunchtime on a Tuesday. The staff was friendly and our order was made quickly. My friend and I both had burritos. I ordered a chicken and grilled red pepper burrito and it was delicious, fresh, and filling. My friend ordered a barbecue chicken burrito and enjoyed it. The restaurant's seating is a little awkward, as the food is prepared on one side of the restaurant and the seating is primarily in one long row opposite the order/prep area. It's not a place I'd hit on a date or when I was hoping for intimate conversation, but it's a great place to grab lunch. Any place that prepares real, fresh food quickly gets a good review in my book!
(4)Tim M.
Let me start off by saying the burritos are amazing. They have a plethora of options and the one I received was very tasty. The reason I am giving them 3 stars is because it was not the one I ordered. I went with a group of my friends and two of us had our orders either messed up or mixed up. They called my number and I went up and grabbed the plate. They didnt have a slip identifying the order, and when they were asked what order this was they turned away ignoring me and my friend. Turns out they forgot to make mine and then called my number for my friends burrito. It was close to what I ordered but it was still disappointing. So bottom line, great food, terrible service. Hopefully my next trip up will be a better one.
(2)Shawn A.
Bueno had been hyped to my girlfriend and I as the best burrito on the planet since before we started dating. Since before Facebook existed. Since before I even LIKED burritos. Since 2002. It was pitched in a context that said it was a superior college town burrito to Syracuse's Alto Cinco - a place that to this day is ranked in the upper echelons of Mexican goodness. So when I finally got to partake in the joys of Bueno, I knew full well that there was no way this place was going to live up to eight-year-old hype. Even if my sister was praising its greatness that day. So I ate it. And it was good. Not amazing. Not quite very good. Definitely not bad. I would eat there again with no reservations. Even though they don't serve booze, which is a head scratcher. I was going to chalk this up to hype ruining yet another restaurant for me, but really, I think it's just that these poor people don't know any better.
(3)Chris W.
I'm a regular Bueno burrito eater here and at their Amherst location. They may slowly be driving the price up over the years, but they are still a great deal for an excellent burrito. The new editions to the special burrito's are great, the spicey bbq chicken is great. They also have their own salsa, which is pretty good, however La Veracruzana is probably the best locally. Dining in isnt bad, but it can get loud with the high ceilings, kids and line. i like the bar seating and something about the stainless steel plates gets my attention. Overall this is one my top 3 choices for lunch and to grab something quick and filling.
(4)K C.
Fantastic place, love the spinach and chicken quesadillas. My daughter loves their tacos. Seating is both indoors and outdoors, but we prefer to sit at the counter and watch the cooks to their thang...
(4)Jenn X.
Itis good for what it is intended to be, better than fast food. There is high turnover as it is usually busy, but quick. It is on the verge of Tex-Mex, but not close to a taqueria.
(3)A B L.
Every now and then I stop through Northampton (primarily to shop at 'Cooks Shop Here'). I'm always up for a burrito, so I've stopped by this place a few times. Not entirely sure why I keep going back...it's okay - not terribly good, though. The burritos are enormous, but are horribly bland (not sure if it's the lack of seasoning or the type of seasoning...). I can see why some people might like it, but I'm hoping that I remember to try somewhere else the next time I'm in the area.
(2)David P.
Bueno y Sano has sadly gone significantly downhill in recent years. Reducing the portion sizes for the burrito sides, eliminating great menu items, etc. You're way better off with La Veracruzana in Northampton, or driving on Route 9 to Amherst to Mission Cantina.
(3)Quade F.
Coming from Southern California, I had been warned that the Mexican food I would be getting in Western Mass might not compare. Bueno gets points for effort, and there are some bright spots to their menu. The quesadilla was good, but c'mon, it's a quesadilla. order it with meat if you like, and it'll be that much better. The burrito was alright, pinto beans, meat, cheese, pico; a little bland for my tastes. Also, the salsa wasn't very hot, which is always a downer. Ok if you're desperate for some Mexican foods.
(1)Tapan P.
Good food though a little on the expensive side.
(4)Jason L.
This place is awesome. If you are looking for a place to have a romantic dinner, this is not for you. If you are looking for a cheap place to go with great food, then look no further. I ordered the steak and mushroom quesadilla and it was fantastic. It was very large and came with black beans and yellow rice for about 7 bucks. If you've been out on the town all night and find yourself craving Mexican food, I would recommend this Bueno.
(4)Cordelia N.
It's been a while since I've had a really good taco (I moved to Northampton last year and only had dining hall and taco bell mexican food), but I had a craving yesterday and decided to try this place. It was incredible. I love spicy food, I asked for jalepenos in my tacos, they did not charge me extra for them and I probably got one whole pepper in each taco. It was one of the hottest dishes I've had in a long time: I felt like my lips were going to fall off. Also, they meet and veggies were fresh and good. I highly recommend these tacos.
(5)Mike Y.
This place was ok. It did it's job in a pinch. I had a chicken taco and a 'grande' steak burrito. The chicken taco was pretty good. The chicken was still juicy and the tomatoes were nice and ripe. The burrito came with rice and black beans which were very average. The burrito itself wasn't too bad but the steak was kinda dry and tasteless. I thought there flour tortillas were pretty good. Oddly, there home made hot sauce was about as hot as iced milk...a big disappointment for someone who loves a little heat. In fact, even the stuffed jalapeno that came with my burrito wasn't hot. How'd they do that? I didn't know that you could have a mild jalapeno!
(2)Sameer N.
Anyone who fronts and says this isn't a contender for the best burrito in the world is a LIAR! This place rules. The burrito is a standard setter. The only things that come close in Boston are El Pelon and Olecito. Don't even act like these burritos aren't amazing. I will say that the Northampton Bueno is not as good quality as the Amherst one. Back in the day, the Amherst burrito was flawless. There are occassional quality issues but 90 percent of the time this burrito is the JAM. They have their own special ranchero sauce which you can apply liberally. The chicken quesadilla is amazing. They have seitan burritos for the vegans and plenty of delicious vegetarian options. Every thing is spectacular. My ideal burrito from here: BBQ chicken, pinto beans, hots, lettuce, pico, guac, sour cream. TOO ILL. GET THIS, YOU'LL THANK ME HOMIE.
(4)Molly M.
Oh my f-ing god. There was a period of time when I think I was actually addicted to Bueno Y Sano, no joke. Sometimes immediately after I eat Bueno Y Sano food, it's all I can talk about. Really. The beans, the cheese, the rice...it's always so fresh and delicious. The tortillas have this deliciously wonderful stretchy quality that allows them to solidly hold in a great deal of food, and the taste that they have compliments the fillings, it in no way detracts or overwhelms. You can't beat their bean and cheese tacos for $1.75. They are seriously good soft tortilla bean and cheese meals, I get two or three of them and call it a day. Of course, I liberally consume as much of the beautifully spicy hot sauce as my mouth will allow. The hot sause is the huge selling point here...it is delicious. If I could buy it by the gallon I would. I would pour it all over my body. I was with my Mexican friend in Northampton over the summer and she was floored by how good this place is. From then on I felt even more justified in my highly stellar opinion of this place. I had a lot of good times while I was in college in the valley and believe me, talking culinary stuff, Bueno Y Sano is up there. Up and beyond. Also, fun note, the bathroom walls are covered with what appears to be sanctioned vandalism...you can pick up a piece of chalk while you do your business and pen a nice little note for those who come after you. Just a weird little quirk.
(5)Nick M.
These burritos are meant to be eaten with your hands, not a fork and knife. They are fucking huge and if you finish one that's a statement and a personal accomplishment. I lived across from Bueno in college and have to say it was healthy and cheap, but not really that satisfying on the culinary gamut. The salsa is extremely watery and comes in mild and burn-your-ass hot. That being said, I would frequently get these after a long bike ride. Post-college days when I'm in town I get the soft tacos. Salvadorean (vegetarian) and steak are my favorite. They're more than enough food unless you require 5,000 calories per day. If that's the case, get the Grande burrito. I like the chicken burrito for an all-around classic, the shrimp burrito or the quesadillas. One final word: this Mexican food is east coast style. Having tried real Mexican food, you cannot make any real comparisons. If you're not from Massachusetts, set your standard for Mexican food very low or you'll be disappointed.
(3)Adventurous J.
Want a delicious, quick, cheap meal? Bueno y Sano is your place. Everything you need to know about this place is in the name ("good and healthy"). A lot of the other reviews are referring to this place as Mexican, but it's actually Salvadorean. They have these tacos (bean, chicken, or steak) that are only about $2. One taco is the perfect meal for me. Get a punch card. If you buy 10 tacos, you get one free. Similarly, they have a punch card for burritos. If I want to splurge- I'm a big fan of the steak and mushroom quesadilla. It's a good sized portion so I usually save half for lunch the next day.
(5)Jane P.
Bordering on 2.5 stars. Not excited about this place, but nothing horribly bad to report either. I only tried it once during my visit to Northampton, and my friend who lives there swears by their burritos. I thought things were kinda pricey, and to be honest - I like the vegetarian burrito from Chipotle better. And I'm not usually a chain restaurant kinda girl. There were so many combos of fillings on the menu, but if you wanted to add anything extra the prices really started to climb. Huge portions. Ok service.
(3)Taryn L.
This place is the worst! Ive never had good luck here. They clearly do not listen to your order! I had to return two tacos because they made them incorrectly and then the next one was still not right! They never apologized!!!!! I had to ask for my money back because they couldnt make a simple taco!!!!!! WOW customer service!
(1)lauren u.
LOVE the seitan and BBQ seitan burritos. We always eat here when we go to Northampton, including when we've already eaten somewhere else. Their seitan is really just very good.
(5)Chris M.
The ingredients here seem fresher than most Mexican places. Sometimes it's the little things that tip you off to the quality of a place. They put fresh corn in my burrito, and they used Mexican yellow rice. This may not seem like a big deal. These ingredients aren't expensive, but most places wouldn't have even bothered. This place did bother, and that's why I think they deserve 5 stars. The salsa isn't the hottest I've ever had, but who needs stomach cancer. I don't.
(5)Nikki G.
If you want a big, quick, affordable, consistent lunch, this is my go-to place. It ain't gonna blow your mind. This is fill yer belly food. Get a burrito, add something you like, it needs it, but maybe just one thing if trying to keep cost reasonable. I usually get Sauteed Spinach or Roasted Red Peppers. It is what it is. Just gotta have the right expectations.
(4)Nikki C.
I love Bueno y Sano!!! Their portabella burritos are amazing so I rarely venture from that, but they've got lots of other vegetarian options for people like me, and lots of meaty options for the carnivores out there. The ambiance is very chill, where you seat yourself and bus your own dishes. It can get a little chaotic and messy during busy lunch or dinner hours, but the staff work hard to keep the tables and salsa area clean.
(4)mundania h.
I really miss this place! I would work late and always go here after my shift was over. My burrito of choice was their Chickpea Curry and sourcream with their hot salsa on the side. It was so big and tasty that I would usually have left overs. It wasn't very spicy but just right for me. They have a great selection of other burritos and tacos at really great prices. Their bean burritos are good if you need something quick and small to hold you over. I recommend stopping in and check them out!
(5)Derick F.
The quest for a SF-style burrito continues....I was a big Bueno y Sano fan about five years ago when they had a store on Commonwealth Ave. in Boston--it was a sad day when the location got taken over by yet another Thai restaurant. (It's not a chain -- they have a store in Amherst, maybe one or two others). The Northampton location replaces Cha Cha Cha & the menu seems largely unchanged. It's definitely at home in Noho, with lots of veggie options and some strange stuff (Thai Chicken burrito...) but the straight up chicken burrito (with guacamole & their hot sauce) is pretty solid -- the meat was tender & freshly cooked -- it was a bit overwhelmed by everything else in the burrito the combination worked well. I would like to see some more marinated meat dishes on the menu -- carnitas, carne asada, chile verde -- & the option for a wet burrito -- but for the E coast this is good.
(4)william d.
A place I enjoy a quick meal. The ingredients they use are fresh and the quality is good. I definitely recommend this place.
(3)Tiffany W.
I've only eaten here once and I hated it. I ordered a super vegetarian burrito, which had undercooked beans, not enough cheese, and odd vegetables thrown in that definitely did not belong. YUCK.
(1)EvaClaire A.
This is probably the best that you will find in Northampton but its far from anything that you will get back home in Texas. Good, but if this is your idea of good Mexican food you are in for a real treat a little farther south.
(2)Erik P.
Love this place! Great stop on the way home from a day skiing in western Mass or Vermont. They have seitan as an option for filling your burrito and they are in fact, as Nick M. state "f'ing huge" They come with chips and salsa and will feed you twice.
(4)James D.
Chipotle = better. Bueno = not too bad! I'm a fan. So far the best Mexican place in the area. Lots of choices for fillings and lots of combinations to be made. Service is super fast and a great value for a silver torpedo of happy full tummy.
(4)Julian W.
This place was very "eh" to me. Maybe I was just expecting more but my burrito was kind of bland. The people that were with me felt the same way. The food was in no way bad...it just wasn't all that good either.
(3)Daniel K.
If you came here looking for Mexican food, you've made a wrong turn. This is not a Mexican restaurant, but an American burrito house. That means you get a big flour tortilla stuffed with beans, rice, and the filling of your choice. Not innovative cuisine, not a revelation in flavor. The food here is fresh, hot, and generally tasty. Not all the fillings are good--I prefer red onion and mushroom, or spinach and garlic. A good value that is consistent--and I can say that because I have eaten here at least once a month for the past 5 years.
(4)Greg C.
You must go here if your a fan of burritos or quesadillas. The regular size burritos are huge. If you have never been here just get the normal size. Only other suggestion is don't get the shrimp. Not only are they like $6 extra, they taste funny and were almost frozen. Other then that the food is great and somewhat cheap.
(4)Keith B.
Bueno has been a burrito staple in my life for more than a decade. In addition to burritos, they offer: salads, tacos and quesadillas. Remarkably, there have been no noticeable culinary changes over the years - likely due to the lack of staff turnover. This is a great thing; it's nice to get the same great burrito I enjoyed at the end of the 20th century.
(4)D L.
Really good burritos. I wish I went more than the couple of times that I did! I liked the atmosphere of the place. Some interesting mixes they had for burritos!
(4)Dori S.
Delicious burritos with many exciting options for additions to the traditional rice/beans/cheese - even awesome ingredients like fresh spinach, mushrooms, and seitan (!!!) for vegetarians. Can opt for whole wheat wrap and fat free yogurt instead of sour cream. Definitely recommend this place for a quick, but filling and satisfying, meal!
(4)Dana S.
This was one of my favorite places to eat in Northampton/Amherst. I have frequent daydreams about their BBQ chicken quesadillas since I've moved away. A great and reasonable place for a quick lunch or dinner. Sure, it doesn't seem as authentic as you'd get at Veracruzana, but I always preferred good ol' Bueno.
(5)N R.
The service was horrible and every order that came out while I was standing in line was incorrect. I wasn't exactly thrilled to walk a mile in the rain to find that I'd gone home with a curry burrito.
(1)Jessica C.
Fresh, cheap, delicious. In terms of western mass, probably one of the best burritos you'll find.
(4)Alexis E.
haven't tried the famous burritos, but i always get a consistently tasty/fabulous quesadilla. the last one i had with chicken and fresh spinach was delicious!
(5)Joshua M.
I will pretty much go to the mat for Bueno, as I eat here every fat Tuesday. (The Grande upgrade at lunch is free!) While it is not athuentic Mexican it doesn't pretend to be. The food is healthy, well priced, has good portions and I swear the burritos are getting tastier. The chicken tacos are also surprisingly good. I consider it an eatery rather than a restaurant and in that respect it is superb. My bean burrito tends to arrive almost before I even finish ordering.
(5)Jessica N.
I'm a big fan. This was the first burritto I ever had, as a college student. Fresh, tasty, and well made. I wish you were in Boston!
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