Mexican Grab-and-Go Restaurant Opens on Bustling Astoria Corner

Burrito Blvd., located at 36-20 30th Ave, opened Saturday (Photo provided by Robert Matos)

April 28, 2022 By Michael Dorgan

A new eatery offering grab-and-go Mexican fare has opened on the bustling corner of 30th Avenue and 37th Street.

Burrito Blvd, which serves up a wide range of burritos, tacos, quesadillas and bowls, opened Saturday at 36-20 30th Ave. The restaurant has taken over a 500-square-foot space that was previously occupied by Shenny’s jewelry store.

The new establishment marks the company’s third location following on from its flagship restaurant in Mineola, Long Island, and its second spot in Middle Village.

Rob Matos, 51, a Middle Village resident who co-owns the eatery, said the establishment is focusing heavily on a to-go model since there are no seats inside the premises.

“We offer food for people on the move, going to work, or those who don’t have time to sit down and be served by a waiter or waitress,” Matos said.

The eatery’s layout is designed for time-constrained customers. The corner location has doors on both 30th Avenue and 37th Street, allowing customers easy access to the counter, Matos said.

The restaurant features both interior and exterior murals. For instance, there is a large mural depicting characters associated with Mexico’s The Day of the Dead holiday on display.

Matos, who owns the business with Joseph Vetrano, 51, of Long Island, said the pair decided to implement the grab-and-go concept due to the small size of the establishment. Their other two locations come with indoor seating.

“I know Astoria well and we really wanted this location being a corner spot,” Matos said, noting the area is known for having a high level of foot traffic. The venue does have four picnic tables outside, despite lacking indoor seating.

“30th Avenue is a great avenue with a lot of sit-down places and we feel our concept is a perfect complement to them.”

A burrito (L) and a burrito bowl (R) are available at Burrito Blvd (Photo provided by Robert Matos)

Matos recommends his customers try the pulled pork dishes.

“My favorite food in the world is steak and chicken but our pulled pork is delicious. We have authentic pulled pork and we slow cook it every morning,” Matos said.

Burrito Blvd, he said, only uses antibiotic and hormone-free meats. The eatery offers chicken, steak and pulled pork as well shrimp in all of its dishes. There are also vegetarian options.

Matos said that business has been brisk, and the restaurant has been flocked with customers since opening.

“We are glad to be up and running,” Matos said. “The neighborhood has been great and I can’t get over how nice people have been.”

Opening hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.