Picture of Benito's Hat, W1T 4NB

Historical version 10 of Benito's Hat, W1T 4NB (view current version)

Mexican food on Goodge Street, next to the One Tun.

This cafe is a simple operation aimed primarily at a lunchtime crowd and those looking for quick, tasty food, rather than the full sit-down restaurant experience. There is seating inside, both stools along the window and close-set tables around the back seating around 20 diners, as well as a single larger booth seating 5-6 people.

At the counter, the menu splits into four basic options: burritos (£5), tacos (£4 for two, or £5.50 for three), salad (£5) and soup (£2.50). The first two options have choices of filling (steak, chicken, pork or vegetables), and there are additional fillings (rice, black beans, guacamole, et al.), most of which are included in the price. Finally, there are three sauces with differing levels of hotness (the medium-strength was hardly overwhelming, but the hot has more of a kick to it) photo of menu in June 2009.

Drinks and extras (such as nacho chips) are also available, though they give you a handful of these if you're eating in. They have a short cocktail list, including the ubiquitous margarita and variations, for around £6.50 each.

The food is prepared by an assembly-line, much like at Subway, with different people handling different parts of the process, and it all moves along very quickly. The end result is a fine burrito in a slightly doughy tortilla, with plenty of filling and packed with taste, which goes down easily.

Ewan's verdict: Good value and satisfying lunchtime Mexican food.

Accessibility: Two steps up to get in.

See also:

Last visited by Ewan and Sarah, 3 June 2009. Opening hours and prices taken from website, June 2009.
OS X co-ord: 529385 OS Y co-ord: 181675 (Latitude: 51.518676 Longitude: -0.134990)
This is version 10 (as of 2011-04-11 11:22:14). View current version. List all versions.