You know that feeling when you're wandering around Lake View in Chicago, maybe just left a show at Beat Kitchen, and your stomach starts doing that annoying growl? It's specific. It's the "I need a pound of steak and cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla" kind of hunger. Most people end up at a chain, but if you're actually paying attention to the corner of Belmont and Damen, you've probably seen the sign with the donkey. That's Tony's Burrito Méx.
Honestly, it's one of those "if you know, you know" spots. It isn't trying to be a fancy downtown bistro with $20 margaritas and tiny portions of artisanal foam. It's a no-nonsense, late-night-saving, breakfast-all-day sanctuary. The Tony's Burrito Méx menu is basically a love letter to the massive, calorie-dense burritos that Chicagoans have relied on for decades.
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The Breakfast Burrito Lockdown
Breakfast here is a big deal. Most places stop serving eggs at 10:30 AM, which is a tragedy if you didn't roll out of bed until noon. At Tony's, they don't judge. They serve the breakfast menu all day.
If you're staring at the board and can't decide, just go for the Supreme Breakfast Burrito. It's a behemoth. You've got eggs, bacon, ham, chorizo, potatoes, and cheese all fighting for space inside. It usually costs around $13.99, but it's easily two meals. If you want something a bit more "West Coast," the Golden Egg Burrito is the sleeper hit. It has two eggs over easy, carne asada, jack cheese, rice, and a chipotle sauce that actually has a bit of a kick.
For the traditionalists, the Machaca Burrito is the way to go. It’s shredded beef mixed with eggs and veggies. It's salty, savory, and exactly what you need after a long Friday night.
What Really Happens with the Main Tony's Burrito Méx Menu
When you move past the breakfast stuff, the menu opens up into a massive list of combinations. The Tony's Mix Burrito is probably their most famous "everything but the kitchen sink" option. You’re looking at carne asada, grilled chicken, shrimp, and bacon. Yes, shrimp and bacon in the same wrap. It’s wild, but the creamy tomatillo sauce they put on it actually ties the whole thing together.
The Heavy Hitters
- Carne Asada Burrito: Simple. Classic. Just steak, guacamole, and Mexican salsa.
- La Paz Burrito: This one feels a bit more upscale for a corner joint. It’s got grilled shrimp and carne asada with a white tomatillo sauce and cotija cheese.
- 1 lb. California Burrito: This is the one that causes arguments. Real San Diegans will tell you it shouldn't have rice, but Tony's version is about the fries. It’s packed with steak, potatoes, and cheddar.
Then there’s the Chimichanga. Most people forget about the chimichanga until they see someone else get one. At Tony's, it’s served on a bed of lettuce and topped with so much cheddar and cotija that you can barely see the fried tortilla underneath. It's a mess. A delicious, cheesy mess.
It Isn't Just About the Wraps
While the name says "burrito," the tortas are the secret MVP of the whole operation. They use a solid bolillo roll that actually holds up to the grease. The Achiote Chicken Torta is surprisingly light compared to the steak options. It comes with fajita veggies, romaine, and guacamole. If you're feeling particularly hungry, any torta can be turned into a "combination" which adds a side of fries for a few extra bucks.
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Speaking of sides, do not sleep on the Carne Asada Fries. It’s a mountain of fries topped with steak, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. It’s the kind of dish you share with three friends, or one very ambitious person.
A Few Things People Get Wrong
There's a lot of confusion online because there are several "Tony's" in the Mexican food world. You've got Tony's Tacos in New York (which is an Italian-Mexican fusion place) and Tony's Mexican Grill in Houston. Those are totally different vibes. The Tony's Burrito Méx on Belmont is its own thing.
Another thing? The spice levels. Some people complain that the standard salsa isn't hot enough. If you’re a heat seeker, you have to ask for the "hot" stuff specifically. The creamy green sauce is delicious, but it’s more tangy than fiery.
Dietary Realities
If you're a vegetarian, you actually have decent luck here. The 1 lb. Veggie Burrito is customizable. You can pick four ingredients from a list that includes mushrooms, grilled jack cheese, rice, beans, and avocado. It’s not just a sad wrap with lettuce and onions.
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However, a quick heads-up: the venue at 1957 W Belmont Ave isn't wheelchair accessible. It's a small, older building, which is part of the charm but a definite limitation for some.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
In a world where every new restaurant feels like it was designed specifically for an Instagram feed, Tony's feels real. It’s stayed remarkably consistent. The prices have crept up a bit over the years—most burritos now sit between $14 and $17—but the portion sizes haven't shrunk.
You go there because you want a meal that feels like it was made by someone who actually wants you to be full. It’s fast, it’s reliable, and the horchata is always cold.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Order the La Paz if you want to try their best sauce—the creamy white tomatillo is the highlight of the menu.
- Always ask for extra napkins before you leave the counter; these burritos are notoriously structural hazards.
- Check the daily specials written near the register; sometimes they have Pozole or special Enchilada plates that aren't on the main printed menu.
- Park on the side streets because Damen and Belmont is a nightmare for a quick "in and out" stop.
The legacy of this place is built on the fact that they don't try to reinvent the wheel. They just make the wheel out of flour, fill it with marinated meat, and serve it with a smile.