Herrera's Mexican Grill

New home for a street fave

by Jessika Bella Mura

on the cheap

The Seasonal Table, August 17 Giordani's Muffin Shoppe, August 10 Jimmaize Café, August 3 Mr. Crêpe, July 27

After years of operating a lunch cart in the thick of Downtown Crossing, the folks at Herrera's Mexican Grill know how to give the people what they want -- and fast. At their new storefront location, on a quiet block near their old spot, it's the same deal, right down to prices that are calculated so that your change comes out in quarters.

The new facility lets them stretch out, in more ways than one. A considerably expanded menu blends convenience and authenticity. That means garden wraps ($3.10), Buffalo wings ($4.05), and even breakfast for those not in full burrito-snarfing mode. And there's more room to play with daily specials such as enchiladas in mole poblano ($5.48), a good balance of peppery and chocolate flavors with rice and black beans on the side, and pescado Veracruzano (fish fillet in a chili-tomato salsa, $6.19).

The tried-and-true offerings -- burritos, Mexican sandwiches, and soft or crispy tacos filled with grilled meats, fish, or good old beans and cheese -- are top-notch, hefty, and noticeably low on the sludge scale. Credit either the high lunchtime turnover or an insane dedication to quality, but the ingredients are so fresh they could slap you -- that is, if everyone and everything here weren't so nice.

Herrera's Mexican Grill, located at 11 Temple Place, in Boston, is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (617) 426-2350.

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