Massachusetts: Does This Local Burrito Chain Give Chiptole A Run For Their Money?

This past Sunday I was driving home in central Massachusetts when my boys asked if we could stop for lunch. I remembered there was a local burrito chain that my wife loved very close to where our lacrosse tournament was. Oddly enough, my wife was also at a lacrosse tournament with my daughter in Western Mass and she, too, stopped at the same burrito chain post-game. Their original location was in close proximity to their original Amherst spot, where she was first introduced to (and fell in love with) their food.

I'm taking about Bueno Y Sano. They explain their name translates as "good from the start," or "good and healthy." "It means using loving attention to handcraft them into healthy meals for you and your family."

From 1995, they have stuck to every word that makes up their name. We each ordered one of their classic burritos. Two kids sizes and two adult sizes (one for the 12-year-old who just completed six lacrosse games). Each one was a generous portion. In fact, three of the four of us brought some home. However, the amount of food is not the main point here. The quality of food is.

They say that their mission has always been, simply, to make people happy. "Bob Lowry, who still owns and runs the original company, hatched the idea for Bueno Y Sano after having a burrito at a small restaurant on Nantucket Island," they explain. To this day, Lowry and his family members still run each restaurant and the business operations behind them.

They pride themselves on the freshness of each item you order. When you visit their homepage, you will notice a few images of vegetables or bitten into burritos showcasing their vibrant colors.

The first thing I noticed about my burrito was that the peppers in the mix were so fresh. Sure, this sounds silly and should be a standard, but I'm talking about crunchy peppers that were still an inch long and full of flavor. They were not scooped out of a tin where they had become wilted and soggy. They enhanced the rest of this bundle of joy.

You could then tell there was an art to how the burrito was prepared. The guacamole was placed in a certain area that somehow intertwined it with everything stuffed inside and coated the edges without seeping through. The chicken was diced and also incredibly fresh.

Furthermore, there was no burrito hangover. This was important to someone who still had a two-hour Sunday drive ahead of him. When you get tired or lethargic after lunch and it can often mean you ate too heavy, too much, or unhealthy food. Upon finishing my meal, I truly felt like I had eaten something as nutritious as a salad, yet in a hearty burrito form.

The kids loved the chips and Jarritos Mexican Soft Soda is just on another level, especially the fruit punch.

Upon all of us arriving home from our burrito and lacrosse weekend adventures, both cars shared a "We went to the best place for lunch on the way home" stories. Little did we know, it was the same restaurant 70 miles apart. Nonetheless, after almost 30 years, Bueno Y Sano still accomplishes their goal, making all of us quite happy with a local story to tell.

Bueno Y Sano has 7 locations. You can find them all here.

Throughout New England, I've recently noticed the tag of  "Nashville" has been applied to many chicken sandwiches. No matter if I am in a local pub or tavern, barbeque establishment, or really a restaurant of any kind, this menu item is everywhere. Here, I've highlighted four great places to get a tasty Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich in Massachusetts today.

First, what exactly does this term refer to? "Nashville chicken's signature heat comes from a spice blend that usually includes cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other secret ingredients," Main Bird Hot Chicken explains.

So, in short, we are talking about a piece of buttermilk fried chicken sandwiched between a bun (typically, brioche). However, it needs to have the aforementioned spice rub. Then, add in some slaw or pickles to take the sandwich to the next level.

Although it appears to be more on-trend and ubiquitous now in Massachusetts, Mashed explained this style has a history going back over 75 years. In their 2021 story that specifically profiled the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, they say, "This fiery brand of fowl, which originated at a Tennessee institution with a royal name, marries a southern classic with a hit of tongue-tingling heat."

Mashed explains that a historical Nashville establishment named Prince's Hot Chicken can be pointed to for serving up one of the first memorable of these spicy fried chicken sandwiches.

The Massachusetts establishments that have mastered the craft of this sandwich have a few things in common. First, they don't overdo it with the toppings. That can take away from the mixed spice flavor. Next, they pair the sandwich with a side, but not one that takes the attention of the main act. Lastly, they include an option to make it unique. That can be a spicy mayo, ketchup aioli, or fried pickles.

Here are four great places in Massachusetts you need to know about, to get a great Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich.

I'll start with the most recent one I've had. The Buckley Kitchen keeps it perfectly basic. There's a significant crunch, but the chicken is not overly fried. The only challenge is whether you pick the seasoned fries or homemade tater tots to pair with it. The Buckley also has an extensive beer and wine list. The Maine Lunch IPA sounded the part, as a pint that would pair perfectly with their Nashville Hot, and it did not disappoint.

This restaurant now has two locations for you to pick from to grab their mouth-watering Nashville Hot. You have to search for it on the menu. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken "House Special" comes with the option to add Nashville Hot. Then, if you have room, throw in a baked mac and cheese to share, and thank me later for a meal you will be burning to return for. Buttermilk & Bourbon has two restaurant locations in Massachusetts. There's the Boston spot, at 160 Comm. Ave. Then, in Watertown, you can find this establishment in the Arsenal Mall (100 Arsenal Yard Blvd.) Both are open seven days per week.

This establishment is only about two years old, but they have already made quite a name for themselves. Flanders Field not only serves an authentic Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, they also have 100 beers on tap. Each of them is served in the glass or mug that it is meant to pair with. Furthermore, Flanders Field often holds beer pairing events where they take you through some of their items on tap and what they pair well with in the given the season.  They describe their style as, "Farm fresh, locally sourced, in-house prepared food with a Northern European and American influence."

There's a Nashville Hot all over the menu at Lily P's. The "Lower Broadway" is the most traditional Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich item. However, there's also the "Hot N' Honey" which simply adds black pepper honey to the party. Then, you can order your tenders, fried chicken pieces or an entire bucket in a Nashville style. Equally as interesting here, is that Lily P's is also well known for their Oysters. They offer traditional Wellfleet Oysters, or a Roasted and Fried style. Lastly, while you are waiting for your main course, grab their cheddar popcorn app to hold you over.  The only catch here is that in late September they will not be open on the weekends.