Burrito Trail
On a lively stretch of 23rd Street in Richmond, La Selva Taqueria stands out with a jungle-themed flair that feels part street party, part hidden oasis. Black walls, disco balls, murals, black panther statuary, and a full Lion King scene set the tone inside. Signs announce karaoke nights every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8 p.m., promising a lively, welcoming crowd where the mic and the salsa are always ready.
Even before you step inside, La Selva grabs your attention. A smoky barbecue chicken aroma drifts down the block, impossible to ignore. Through a wrought-iron fence, you can glimpse chickens cooking over open flames in the courtyard. It is a comforting sight, and the use of a full-size shovel to manage coals signals you are about to get something hearty and handmade.
That same rugged, no-nonsense energy carries through to the burrito. The Super Pollo Asado Burrito arrives hefty and tightly wrapped, with a saucy, water-balloon feel that hints at what is inside. Bright orange Spanish rice, a generous helping of refried beans that might be Too Much Beans for some people, but not for us. The beans were in the Goldilock zone between soupy and pasty, which we enjoy so much. The fresh onion, tomato, sour cream, and a good scoop of guacamole fill it out. The guacamole, seldom seen on 23rd Street burritos, is a real treat here and is appreciated.
At 689 grams and priced at $14.21, this slab is close to our ideal 700/15. The flavors deliver on the smoky promise: backyard barbecue chicken vibes wrapped in a tortilla. However, the distribution was uneven. The first half of our burrito had barely any chicken. And not one, but two small rib bones turned up inside a rare slip we might have overlooked had it been just one.
On the side, La Selva's chips are crisp and satisfying, but the real highlight is the sprawling salsa bar, one of the best we have seen lately. Multiple salsas are on offer, including a Salsa de Aguacate, Salsa Verde, a smoky Chipotle Adobo Salsa, and a bold Salsa Roja. The green salsa flecked with charred tomatillo, often mild elsewhere, packs some heat. We ladled the salsa from a massive molcajete.
La Selva is not just about eating; it is about celebrating. Between the smoky courtyard cooking, the punchy salsas, the jungle-disco decor, and the promise of weekend karaoke, it feels like a hidden party tucked into everyday Richmond life.
Let us know where to eat next, and check back next week for another stop on the Richmond Burrito Trail.
The Grandview Independent has been embarking on a culinary adventure to explore every taqueria, food truck, and restaurant in Richmond. This initiative, dubbed the “Richmond Burrito Trail,” aims to showcase our city’s diverse and delectable burritos.
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