The Europaallee is one of the newer neighborhoods in Zurich with many eateries; the offering ranges from student-affordable places to haute cuisine temples. On the one hand, the Pädagogische Hochschule has built its main campus there, on the other hand, banks and the tech industry have moved into offices in the area. This results in a welcoming diverse offering for me and brings the restaurants many customers. While the food industry is not lacking demand, clothing stores and the like seem to be struggling a bit. Tenants seem to be quite frequently changing and one consequence are pop-up stores. It seems like that this area is still in search of its identity. Anyway, I tried the Cartel – Crazy Burrito Shack recently over lunch and was very pleased with the food. It seems to be a favorite among students, so for lunchtime either go there before 12pm noon or after 1pm. Otherwise you might spend your precious lunch break standing in line for a delicious and very filling burrito. The menu is simple: Pick a rice, pick a meat (classic would be beef, but they do also offer pork, chicken and a veggie version) and then decide on the garnish and sauce. If you want it extra hot, they have a “wall of death” with the hotest of the hot sauces on the market. And you’ll get all this for a very reasonable price of CHF 14.90. Some nachos are included, if you want more, you can order them as an extra with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo (for CHF 7.90). In the end, you’ll leave very full and satisfied.
The burrito was so stuffed that I was first afraid it would break (nothing worse than a wrap that doesn’t hold up), but it did not and eating it was trouble-free. The meat was juicy and very flavorful and the ratio meat/rice&beans was perfectly balanced. Everyone is self-responsible for the spiciness. I had chosen the mild version as sauce (pico de gallo) and while it was mild, it was still aromatic. Another plus is that the origin of all meat offered is Switzerland.
The only downside is that this place is really made for take away. They do have a few seats, but they are not comfy enough to sit there longer than it takes to devour the burrito. And then the music is just a bit too loud for a real conversation (yes, I am old as dirt). This place is also suitable for a few after-work drinks and some bites, as their menu includes also tacos and the already mentioned nachos.
Cartel – Crazy Burrito Shack
Militärstrasse 14, 8004 Zurich
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11.30am-1.30pm and 6-9pm, closed on the weekends.
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