The burrito comes with how-to-eat directions. Below, the chips and salsa dip. (Photos by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

By SUSAN ERICSON

From Broad Street to Bridge Avenue, burritos have become a ubiquitous menu staple in Red Bank. Interpretations of the Mexican-style tortilla-wrapped meal are becoming increasingly competitive, with hungry fans reaping the rewards.

Jumping into the scrimmage is the much-anticipated 10th Ave. Burrito Company, open since August on West Front Street. PieHole popped by for lunch this week.
General Katz’s Wings at 10th Ave Burrito Company.  (Photos by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

Owner Brian Katz has brought a Mexi-Cali menu to Red Bank that diverges from the expected Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes that are customary. The chips here are flour tortillas that have been deep fried. This sometimes surprises the customers and not always in a good way.

Dudley Delhagen, bar manager here wants everyone to know that this is what you might get at a restaurant in California. He also wants you to know that if you prefer chips made from corn tortillas that you just have to ask your server to substitute them instead.

With the chips you have a choice of four different salsas varying in degree of heat. We chose the verde which was made with tomatillos and cilantro. It had a snappy bite that sneaks up on your tongue.

A lunch special sandwich board outside read burrito and a beer $8.00. We ordered a shredded pork mole burrito and a beer. The endlessly entertaining atmosphere here tells you not to take anything too seriously and that includes the directional card served with the burrito explaining how to open, hold and commence consumption. The mole sauce added a sharp, savory flavor to the pulled pork.

There was also a separate lunch menu featuring four different options. We decided to try General Katz’s Wings based on the unusual name. A serving of eight chicken wings for $9.00 proved to be a tasty and unexpected treat. With the crispness of wings dipped in the deep fryer, they were then treated to a bath of citrus glaze and sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions. They were served with a creamy avocado scented dipping sauce.

A wall of garage door style windows blew a warm autumn breeze off the Navesink River and into the dining room. The view outside those windows is just breathtaking. Long wooden picnic tables, banquette style seating against the walls, high top tables with bar stools and of course bar seating at two different bars give diners lots of choices.

The menu also includes options galore as they list seventeen different burritos, eight different tacos and many other dishes.

10th Ave Burrito Company is open daily from 11 a.m. for lunch.