Moe's Southwest Grill has won over fans with its burritos, and the restaurant has claimed top spot on our list of Mexican chains. Known for quality and freshness, Moe's has become a reliable favorite for Americans craving quick and tasty Mexican fare. While it might be easy to assume Moe's was named for a founder or a specific character intended to inject some personality into the brand, there is no actual “Moe” behind-the-scenes. The name is an acronym that stands for “Musicians, Outlaws, and Entertainers,” reflecting the kinds of creative, energetic individuals the brand has meant to embody since its inception.
In the 1990s, the diminutive burrito shop Tacos Villa Corona in Atwater Village had an eat-in counter, a bulletproof partition, and Rage Against the Machine's Zack de la Rocha and I were regular customers (usually not together). By the time Anthony Bourdain blew up the spot on The Layover in 2012, the inside seating was long gone, the neighborhood had largely gentrified, and TVC had become beloved by locals, celebrated for its comforting, affordable burritos and a smoky chile de arbol salsa.
Señor Sisig used to be a food truck, and now has a brick-and-mortar in the Mission. The 'Filipino street food' spot has everything from tacos and nachos to loaded fries topped with pork, chicken, or tofu.