A breakfast burrito and latte is a personal imperative for the morning of a road trip. I wish I weren’t like this, but these needs don’t seem like something I can change at this point.
Making to-go breakfast on top of packing for a weekend trip or vacation is just not going to happen. Saving time to eat breakfast at home pre-departure is even more unlikely. Even if either of those things happened, breakfast wouldn’t be as satisfying as someone else making me a burrito with ingredients I am unlikely to have at home, wrapping it up perfectly, and handing it to me, warm with a latte and a smile.
For over a decade, I’ve searched this town for the best spot to grab a breakfast burrito on the go, early. Restaurants are often too slow, so they’re not on my list. Places that don’t open until after 10 a.m. are too late for road trip purposes, and therefore also not on my list (tear, El Green Go’s, Rafelito’s, Xalo’s, and El Jefe.)
Next time you’re leaving early and need cheesy potatoes and eggs wrapped in a warm tortilla, here is where I think you should stop before you hit the highway.
You’re Heading South
- Jerry’s
Open Tues. – Fri. at 6 a.m., Sat. at 7 a.m., closed Sundays
919 E Dimond (inside the Shell at the corner of Old Seward and Dimond)
Price: $7.25 (no meat), $7.50 with meat
Jerry’s is the southside winner because they have crispy potatoes, which is an obvious level-up and surprisingly uncommon. I always order the reindeer sausage. Honestly, aside from the potatoes, this would be a forgettable breakfast burrito, but they offer a homemade salsa, which is delicious, slightly sweet with just the right kick. It totally makes the whole experience. If you go, do not skip the salsa. Downside to Jerry’s: no latte.
- SteamDot on O’Malley, which serves a Serrano’s-made burrito
Open Mon. – Fri. at 6 a.m., weekends at 8 a.m.
10950 O’Malley Centre in the strip mall opposite Alaska Club South
$9 with meat
This burrito is more cohesive and considerably smaller than Jerry’s, quite cheesy, and on the saltier side. It came with Serranos’ delicious pico de gallo, which is chunky and flavorful. This is second on the list because I believe SteamDot has the best coffee in town, so now all my early road trip sustenance dreams have come true.
- South Cafe Coffeehouse
Open daily at 7:30 a.m.
11124 Old Seward Hwy., located within the east side of South Restaurant
Chorizo burrito $12, Veggie burrito $12
This is the slowest and most expensive option on our southside burrito list. It makes the cut because it is large; it has a creamy and smoky ranchero sauce; and there are good coffee options available. (Pro tip: Don’t order the drip there unless you like coffee on the weaker side).
You’re Heading North
- Oscar’s Taco Grande
Sadly, only open Mon. – Fri. Breakfast burritos are served from 7 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
1298 E 3rd Ave, down the hill from 4th Ave. as 3rd turns into Post Rd.
$4.50 – $6.50 (cash only)
Oscar’s is a bargain for a small-sized, but deliciously savory burrito with crispy potatoes and choice of meat. Maybe you’re leaving for the weekend trip on a Friday, but if not, consider grabbing a few and bringing them into the office to earn the goodwill of your coworkers.
- Burrito Factory
Opens daily at 7 a.m.
2801 Boniface Pkwy. inside the Chevron on the east corner of Northern Lights and Boniface
$9.50 – $13.50, depending on meat
Another gas station spot, Burrito Factory breakfast burritos are well-known and loved in Anchorage for their tender meats and seasoned scrambled eggs at a good price. I’ve even made the drive from the west side just to get one on a normal work day.
There are a number of varieties, all of which are highly customizable (you can review all the substitution and addition options on their website). I recommend the chorizo, which isn’t too salty and is bold, rich, and slightly smoky with a touch of spice. By default, their burritos are made with both cheese and sour cream, which I think is too much dairy that detracts from the other flavors. I would recommend choosing one or the other.
- AK Alchemist
Downtown at 103 E 4th Ave
Opens weekdays at 6 a.m., weekends at 8 a.m.
“Half pound” $6, “One pound” $11 (comes with three types of meat!)
Half pound is still a lot of burrito! In my experience, their burritos take a while to come out, but are eventually served hot, with lots of textures, and well balanced spice and flavor. Salsa and sour cream come on the side.
You’re passing through Midtown
- Rush Espresso
Opens daily 7 a.m.
Two locations: 709 W. Northern Lights Blvd. and 1005 E 5th Ave.
$6+, depending on choice of meat
Another burrito with great value. I paid $9 for a downright hearty burrito with reindeer sausage. It had well-seasoned (but not crispy) potatoes, a chunky salsa pre-incorporated (they asked when we ordered), and incredibly friendly service.
- SteamDot on Benson, which serves a Serrano’s-made burrito
600 E Northern Light Blvd, in between Carr’s and REI
See notes above. Can’t pass up coffee that delicious.
- Bema Cafe
Open Mon. – Sat. at 6 a.m.
701 W 36th Ave in the strip mall with Wild Caribou
A la cart at $10
It was fun to pick from their pre-designed burrito varieties, but because of this, they couldn’t be customized. I personally thought these burritos had too much cheese, but a lot of people love the cheese so it makes the list. Also, you’ll leave with expertly-roasted coffee served strong — if that’s your thing!
There you have it. May you never leave for a road trip without a salty, handheld breakfast on the go.
There are some open-early options not featured here. Black Cup on Benson, Kaladi’s (multiple locations), New Sagaya (both the downtown and midtown locations), Carr’s and Fred’s, plus a gaggle of other coffee stands have a hot breakfast burrito before 10 a.m. daily. If you have intel, I would love to know which should make my list next time, especially if any of them feature crunchy potatoes — my personal fave.
Jenny Weis writes for a variety of Alaska nonprofits and causes in between keeping up on Alaska's doughnut scene, sliding on snow, and gawking at cool plants and rocks along local trails.
