As our restaurant review week continues. I decided today to review a quick service casual restaurant along the same lines of Cafe Crepe,which was reviewed a few weeks ago by yours truly. However, unlike Cafe Crepe, Steamrollers is far superior in every category. This is something that most can afford on a daily basis.
For those of you that have not heard of Steamrollers it’s a burrito, wrap and salad place. However, this is not your traditional Mexican burrito place. For one thing the ingredients are all steamed to lock in the freshness. Another tidbit, there is absolutely no grease in these burritos. One way to describe Steamrollers would be a west coast burrito place as opposed to more traditional places like Red Burrito and Taco Time.
The Urban Dweller likes to venture there for lunch occasionally, usually when pressed for time. The Robson Street location is my first choice for obvious reasons, even though the Hornby Street location is just a minute away from my office (the other two locations are Yaletown on Davie Street and Fairview by Broadway and Heather). Lets just say the clientèle is more visually appealing, it is Robson Street after all. On a side note, the Robson street manager told me that Jennifer Love Hewitt was in just a few months ago and that celebs pop in from time to time. It would have been sweet to Miss Hewitt. Jessica Alba is apparently a huge fan as well.
Anyways, back to Steamrollers, normally around lunch time you will encounter long line-ups, but the staff is usually good at moving it along quickly. The service is quick and efficient. Further, if you are a first timer at Steamrollers the staff is educated and more than willing to educate you on the numerous burritos they sell.
My favourite burritos are The Frisco, The Tommy and #5. They also have some kick ass breakfast burritos for $4.95. The Frisco is the most expensive item on the menu and also the best. It consists of a flour tortilla, spanish rice, tortilla chips, your choice beef or chicken, pinto beans, jack cheese, lettuce, salsa, guacamole and hot sauce. This burrito a gargantuan just as advertised. As with all items on the menu you can add and subtract items which I find to be a neat option. For example, instead of a flour tortilla you can substitute it for a whole wheat or spinach tortilla etc… During Thanksgiving their turkey burrito is a must, the turkey burrito promo occurs again during Christmas time.
Depending on the location the atmosphere varies, but for the most part it is appropriate for a fast food place. The prices are in line with Quizno’s and Subway. One thing is for sure, you will get more bang for your buck at Steamrollers than at the crappy crepe place.
Steamrollers Restaurants
1195 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC
604.893-8607
Food: A
Atmosphere: C
Price: B
Service: A
(photo courtesy of Wesley Fryer @ flickr)
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