Picture this: You have a craving for a hearty breakfast. But you’re on the go and can’t sit down for a stack of pancakes and hash browns. The answer? Time to get the breakfast foods you’re jonesing for packed into an oversized tortilla. It’s breakfast burrito time, and these are some of the best in Northern Virginia.
Beeliner Diner
There’s no cutoff for breakfast at this Alexandria diner — the most important meal of the day is served through dinnertime. That extends to the Bfast Burrito, which combines scrambled eggs with sautéed onions and peppers, home fries, and cheddar, plus the protein of your choice and breakfast potatoes. We recommend the well-spiced vegan chorizo. 3648 King St., Alexandria
Ethel’s New York Deli
Now merged with Eugene’s Sausage & Fries, Ethel’s still serves some of the best New York–style sandwiches in NoVA. That urban edge means that, while the menu boasts a classic breakfast burrito, pros will gravitate toward a more unusual offering. The smoked salmon breakfast burrito features lox, cream cheese, capers, red onion, banana peppers, and dill cream, just like it should. 15111 Washington St., Ste. 113, Haymarket
Hidden Julles Café
Another spot in Haymarket? Yes, and this organic café has a whole section on the menu devoted to breakfast burritos. There’s one just for vegans, but our favorite is the vegetarian Haymarket Breakfast Burrito. It includes eggs, spinach, black beans, guacamole, cheddar, and a tangy wash of salsa verde. 14950 Washington St., Haymarket
Lorena’s Deli
This casual Manassas counter is the real deal, evidenced by the sign at the front advertising “comida Hispana” (Hispanic food). But just because you can get your burrito filled with amiably oily chorizo, doesn’t mean that you don’t also have the very North-of-the-Border option of scrapple. 10997 Nokesville Rd., Manassas
SR Coffee Co.
The wrap is the thing at this coffee shop with an under-the-radar menu of well-prepared savory food. Though you could settle for a white flour tortilla, there are also tomato-basil and spinach-herb options for a dash of color and flavor that begins even before you penetrate the center of the burrito. Once inside, we love the healthier option of turkey bacon woven with our eggs. 940 Sycolin Rd., Ste. 145, Leesburg
Uptown Café at Westfields
The salsa is homemade at this cult counter-service restaurant, and the accompanying chipotle sauce drives the pleasant, smoky heat home. What this breakfast burrito lacks in options (it comes with sausage by default, though you can add bacon for $1.99), it more than makes up for in a lean, mean design that includes bold, fresh flavor. 4973 Westcroft Blvd., Chantilly
Feature image courtesy Ethel’s New York Deli
For more like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Food newsletter.
