If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through Evanston, Illinois, with a stomach growl that could wake the neighbors, you’ve likely ended up at the corner of Main and Dodge. It’s a nondescript spot. But for anyone who grew up around here—especially the ETHS swim team—The Supreme Burrito #1 isn’t just a restaurant. It is a landmark.
Actually, it’s more like a rite of passage.
Most people see the name and think they're walking into a generic Taco Bell clone or a "supreme" version of a standard menu item. They aren't. While the "Burrito Supreme" is a trademarked staple of the corporate giant down the street, The Supreme Burrito #1 is a fiercely local, independent gem that has been anchoring the Evanston food scene for over a decade.
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Why the Local Hype for The Supreme Burrito #1 is Real
It’s about the salsa. Specifically, the salsa verde.
While the red salsa leans into a smoky, almost overpowering heat that can be a bit much for the uninitiated, the verde is a masterclass in acidity. It has that sharp, jalapeño-driven kick that cuts right through the richness of their beans. Honestly, if you aren't dousing your order in it, you’re doing it wrong.
The restaurant has built a reputation on two things: speed and scale.
You walk in, you order, and before you’ve even picked a table in the tiny seating area, your food is ready. It’s "lightning-fast" in a way that puts national chains to shame. And the portions? They’re huge. A "King" ground beef burrito here is basically the size of a small infant.
For the locals, this is the definition of comfort food. It’s reliable.
The King Ground Beef Burrito Experience
If you're a first-timer, you're probably going to order the King Ground Beef Burrito. It’s the safe bet, but it’s also the soul of the menu.
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The construction is classic:
- A massive flour tortilla
- Seasoned ground beef (picadillo)
- Refried beans that act as the "glue"
- Shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes
- A heavy-handed smear of sour cream
- Melted cheese
The magic isn't in some secret spice found only in the mountains of Oaxaca. It’s in the distribution. Mostly. Sometimes, you’ll get a "guacamole pocket" where three bites are just pure avocado, but that’s part of the charm. It’s human-made. It’s messy. It’s exactly what you want at 10:30 PM on a Tuesday.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Name
There is a weird quirk about the branding here. Because the phrase "Burrito Supreme" is so synonymous with Taco Bell—which launched their version way back in 1972—outsiders often assume this place is a franchise.
It couldn't be further from it.
The Supreme Burrito #1 (the "#1" is crucial) operates with an authenticity that corporate kitchens can't touch. We’re talking about Al Pastor that actually tastes like it spent time near a flame and tamales that sell out so fast you have to plan your day around them.
Interestingly, while the beef and chicken are the best-sellers, the vegetarian options are what really show the kitchen's skill. Most "veggie" burritos are an afterthought—just a pile of lettuce. Here, the vegetarian burrito substitutes the meat for a dense, seasoned mixture of guacamole, rice, and beans that holds its own against any carne asada on the menu.
Comparing the "Supreme" Standard
| Feature | The Supreme Burrito #1 (Evanston) | The "Other" Burrito Supreme (Chain) |
|---|---|---|
| Portion Size | Massive; often enough for two meals | Standardized; 390-400 calories |
| Salsa | House-made verde and smoky red | Packet-based (Mild, Hot, Fire) |
| Protein Options | Steak, Al Pastor, Chorizo, Lengua | Seasoned Beef, Steak, Chicken |
| Vibe | Local community hub; swim team tradition | Fast-food convenience |
The "Hidden" Menu and Customizations
You've got to know how to order.
If you just say "burrito," you're getting the standard build. But the regulars know to ask for the "California Style." This adds green peppers and onions into the mix, giving the whole thing a fajita-like crunch that balances the "mushiness" factor that plagues lesser burritos.
And then there's the Lengua (beef tongue).
It sounds intimidating to the unadventurous, but it is easily the most tender protein in the building. It’s rich, fatty, and melts into the beans. If you’re looking to move past the "number one" basics, that’s your next move.
Is it Actually Healthy?
Let’s be real: nobody goes to a place called The Supreme Burrito #1 for a salad.
A standard beef burrito here is going to run you anywhere from 800 to 1,200 calories depending on how much cheese Mauricio puts on it that day. It’s a carb-heavy, protein-dense fuel source. That’s exactly why the local high school athletes swear by it.
If you are trying to keep it "light," you can ask to hold the sour cream and beans, but honestly? You’re stripping away the texture that makes the experience worthwhile. If you want a health bowl, go to a juice bar. If you want a burrito that makes you want to take a three-hour nap, stay right here.
The Verdict on the Evanston Legend
The Supreme Burrito #1 isn't perfect. The seating is limited. The parking lot at Main and Dodge can be a nightmare during rush hour. Sometimes the guacamole distribution is a bit lopsided.
But none of that matters.
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In an era where every restaurant feels like it was designed by a marketing firm to be "Instagrammable," Supreme is just... a restaurant. It’s a place where the staff remembers your face and the food is consistently, unapologetically good.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you why local business matters. It isn't just about the food; it's about the fact that this specific burrito, in this specific corner of Illinois, belongs to the people who live there.
Your Next Steps at Supreme
If you’re planning a visit, keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your meal:
- Check the Clock: They are closed on Sundays. Don't be the person pulling on a locked door while staring at the menu through the glass.
- Bring Your Appetite: The portions are significantly larger than what you’ll find at Chipotle or Qdoba. If you aren't starving, consider sharing a King burrito.
- The Salsa Test: Grab both the red and the green. Use the red for the first half, then switch to the green when the heat starts to build.
- Try the Tostadas: If you aren't in the mood for a massive wrap, the Ground Beef Tostada offers the same flavor profile with a much more manageable (and crunchy) delivery system.
The Supreme Burrito #1 remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of Dodge Avenue. Whether you're an ETHS student after a meet or a commuter looking for a fast dinner, it’s the one spot that never seems to miss. Just remember to bring napkins. You're going to need them.
Actionable Insight: Visit The Supreme Burrito #1 between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to avoid the lunch and after-school rushes, and always ask for your burrito "California Style" to add extra texture with grilled peppers and onions.