Answer: Grand Rapids, Michigan!
Legend has it that the wet burrito—a dish beloved by many—was invented in 1966 by a cook at the Beltline Bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While it may seem unexpected for such a creation to emerge from West Michigan, the region has had a significant Mexican American population since at least the 1920s, laying the cultural groundwork for this fusion dish.
A wet burrito typically consists of a flour tortilla filled with seasoned meat, beans, and other ingredients, smothered in a flavorful sauce, and topped with melted cheese. Over time, it has become a staple at many restaurants in Grand Rapids and beyond, blending elements of Mexican and American cuisines.
This origin story highlights how food traditions evolve and adapt based on local communities and their unique histories. If you’ve tried a wet burrito or visited the Beltline Bar, what’s your take on this piece of culinary lore?
Top Wet Burritos in Grand Rapids:
The Beltline Bar
The home of the wet burrito! They offer many varieties, but their classic burrito includes shredded beef, lettuce, and tomatoes wrapped in a flour tortilla, topped with burrito sauce and Colby cheese.
The Beltline Bar & Mexican Café has been in operation for over fifty years and has served more than 5.1 million orders of its signature dish. It has also been named Grand Rapids’ Best Burrito for nine consecutive years.
Tamales Mary
Their wet burrito includes a choice of meat, cilantro, onions, tomato, lettuce, cheese, and is topped with mild sauce and sour cream, all wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Tamales Mary has three locations, including one in Grand Rapids (East Town) and one in Wyoming, MI. They also operate a food truck that serves tamales, elotes, tortas, and burritos at events during the spring and summer.
Bud & Stanley’s
Their wet burrito consists of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, lettuce, and tomatoes wrapped in a flour tortilla, then smothered in homemade meat sauce and melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, garnished with tortilla chips.
Bud & Stanley’s has been serving the Grand Rapids north end community since 1999 and is known for its friendly atmosphere and long-time staff members.
Lindo Mexico
Lindo Mexico offers its burritos either wet or dry. Their classic burrito features a giant soft flour tortilla, freshly grilled and lightly spread with refried beans, wrapped around a choice of ground beef, chicken, steak, or marinated pork, along with lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
Lindo Mexico aims to be more than just a restaurant, striving to be a gathering spot where guests can enjoy carefully selected ingredients, unique drinks, and live music.
El Granjero Mexican Grill
El Granjero’s wet burrito contains a choice of meat, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, sour cream, and avocado, smothered in red mild salsa with melted cheese.
The restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican dishes, such as grilled cactus and Jamaica juice made from the Jamaica flower. El Granjero takes pride in offering flavorful, traditional dishes that reflect the owner’s passion for Mexican cuisine.
Conclusion
The wet burrito has a long history in Grand Rapids, and many local spots have made their own take on the dish. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying one for the first time, there’s no shortage of options to enjoy this iconic meal. Have you tried any of these wet burritos? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts below!