The morning commute to Boulder was a monotonous routine until my co-worker and carpooling partner suggested we take the scenic route through Golden. Although the foothills drive was nice, it was La Casa Alba that made the extra distance worthwhile. On our first visit, we were met with a line out the door. Everyone was there for the same thing: the $3 breakfast burritos filled with freshly scrambled eggs, diced potatoes, cheese, green chile, and either sausage, bacon, chorizo, ham, or steak. Each burrito is made to order, but the extra minutes gave us time to sip on hot coffee ($1.50). La Casa Alba quickly became a weekly pilgrimage. Soon those morning trips grew to include evening visits, replete with chips and salsa ($2), margaritas, and pork green chile ($7.50). The hearty stew comes with a side of rice, beans, and tortillas. La Casa Alba might have nabbed me with its a.m. burritos, but now I drive many miles out of my way for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 715 Washington Ave., Golden, 720-289-4647

OUR FAVORITES

Handheld breakfast burrito $3
Chile verde $7.50
Carnitas and bean burrito $7.50
Enchiladas a la Tlaza $8

5280 February 2016
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