Tequila Sunrise and Taco Dreams: My Burlington Bliss at El Cortijo

Okay, y'all, I have to tell you about my spontaneous adventure to Burlington! I was up there visiting my college bestie, Sarah, who finally convinced me to escape the city for a weekend. After a stroll through Waterfront Park soaking in the lake views and that sweet Vermont air, my stomach started rumbling.

That's when I spotted it: El Cortijo Taqueria. Seriously, this place is adorable. It's like a vintage diner that got a super cool Mexican makeover. Think 1950s charm meets a tequila bar - yes, please!

I immediately knew I was in for a treat. The menu is packed with area-sourced Mexican staples, and the margaritas looked *amazing*. Since it was brunch time I went for the Huevos Rancheros Tortas ($12), and Sarah got the Breakfast Burrito ($13). Mine was this glorious sandwich of eggs, beans, onions, and salsa roja. Perfection! Sarah raved about the Breakfast Burrito which was loaded with scrambled eggs, rice, beans, and cheddar cheese. I snagged a bite and I'm getting that next time. We also split a side of the Fried Plantains ($4). So good!

They have such a unique and interesting menu, though! They have Omelets such as the Plain Omelet ($11) and even the Chorizo Omelet ($14). If Omelets aren't your style, then they have Breakfast Plates such as the Silver Plate #1 ($13), Pancakes ($8), and Huevos Divorciados ($16). They have a taco plate section too, with options like the Two Taco Plate ($18) and the Three Taco Plate ($22). There are so many options!

What makes El Cortijo special, besides the delicious food, is the vibe. It's just so welcoming and authentic. You can tell they put a lot of love into their dishes and their space. I’m also a big fan of spots that commit to sourcing locally, so El Cortijo earned major points with me there.

After stuffing ourselves silly, we decided to walk it off. We drove over to Oakledge Park to check out the Forever Young Treehouse, which Sarah said was a must-see. It was so cool! Definitely brought out my inner child. Then we decided to go to The Dome which was nearby, and it was a great spot to explore some local stores.

My Burlington day trip was exactly what I needed. Between the stunning scenery, the fun with Sarah, and that incredible meal at El Cortijo Taqueria, it was a weekend I won’t soon forget.

If you're ever in Burlington, skip the chain restaurants and head straight to El Cortijo. Seriously, do it! Grab a Tortas, maybe one of their clever margaritas, and soak up the good vibes. You won't regret it. Tell them I sent you!