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ALFONSO'S | PAYSON

If you've ever driven north on the Beeline Highway, you've blown past this place, in beeline fashion, without any notice. It's across the street from the Dairy Queen, which you probably didn't miss. Although DQ is great for Buster Bars, Alfonso's is where you'll want to go for a main course. Despite its outward appearance, this little dive (understatement) serves some of the best burritos in Rim Country. The adobo-bada burrito comes laced with pico and guacamole, and the beanand-cheese is good. Very, very good. In 10 words or fewer: Don't ever drive past this place again. Alfonso's is located at 510 S. Beeline Highway in Payson. For more information, call 928-468-6178.

ANITA STREET MARKET | TUCSON

Barrio Anita is tucked between Interstate 10 and Speedway Boulevard. You won't happen upon this little neighborhood, but you'll want to make it a destination, especially if you appreciate great tortillas (the best in Tucson, according to just about everyone you ask). Everything about Anita's epitomizes "home cooking," and the place itself looks more like Nana's house than a market/restaurant. In fact, you'll think you're at the wrong place when you pull up, but find a place to park, go through the front door and

order anything on the menu. The burritos, which are called burros (same thing), are cheap, filling and delicious. Add some fresh and spicy salsa, and you'll be glad you went out of your way. Anita Street Market is located at 849 N. Anita Avenue in Tucson. For more information, call 520-882-5280.

ASADERO TORO | PHOENIX

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but burrito purists swear by Asadero Toro. This hidden gem, located across the street from the state fairgrounds, is about as authentic as it gets. And no matter what you order, you can't go wrong. That said, if it's your first time, try the carne-asada burrito. No cheese. No beans. Just meat. This huge burrito is a carnivore's delight. The meat is tender and flavorful - by itself, it's a winner, but add some fresh salsa from the salsa bar, and it's another experience entirely.

CHILE PEPPER | YUMA

Talk to almost anyone who's eaten at Chile Pepper, and they'll talk about the bean-and-cheese burrito. This simple-yetsatisfying meal is wrapped in a homemade flour tortilla, and it's the stuff that cravings are made of - days, weeks, even months after you've devoured it. Some loyal patrons will walk in with a cooler in hand, ready to order a favorite burrito in bulk. If you plan on purchasing, say, 300 burritos (don't laugh - one customer made such a purchase), stop by on a Wednesday, when prices are marked down from $2.39 to $1.59. And don't forget your cooler. Chile Pepper is located at 1030 W. 24th Street in Yuma. For more information, call 928-783-4213 or visit www. bgfamilyltdpartnership.com.

EL RANCHERO | WICKENBURG

This brightly colored surprise of a restaurant serves up some of the best Mexican food this side - or either side, really - of the Hassayampa, including a bean-and-cheese burrito that gives new meaning to simple deliciousness. Creamy, slow-cooked refried beans are wrapped in a homemade flour tortilla to create the heavenly tube, and it's served modestly, with just a garnish of lettuce, tomato and black olive. Plus, it's just one of several burrito options on El Ranchero's extensive menu. El Ranchero is located at 683 W. Wickenburg Way in Wickenburg. For more information, call 928-684-5121.

GONZO'S TACNA MARKET | TACNA

You won't find this place on Urbanspoon, Facebook or Foursquare, but it's there, in the tiny town of Tacna, just outside of Yuma. Although there are signs promis-ing food, you might hesitate at first. Getover it. Because once you try the riquisimobean-and-cheese burrito, you'll alwaysstop in Tacna. (Arizona Highways contrib-utor Bruce D. Taubert says the beans are“out of this world.”) Gonzo's also servesup flavorful green-chile andred-chile burritos, givingother burrito joints a run fortheir money. Gonzo's TacnaMarket is located at the intersec-tion of Old Highway 80 and SecondAvenue in Tacna. For more infor-mation, call 928-785-4709.

Asadero Toro is located at 1715 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix. For more information, call 602-340-9310 or visit www.asaderotoro.com.

JUANHIJOS | SELIGMAN

You might not expect much from a Mexican restaurant housed inside a gasstation, but Juanhijos provesthat you shouldn't judge abook by its cover. Or, in thiscase, a comida by its casa. Thetiny, build-your-own burrito jointis home to a l-pound burrito. That's a lotof chow, but it's also great fuel for, say, atrek to Havasu Creek. Just be careful: Oneof the optional ingredients is the infa-mous “ghost pepper.” Ask for too muchof it, and you'll be sweating before youeven hit the trail. Juanhijos is located insidethe Chevron station at 21355 W. Interstate 40in Seligman. For more information, call 928-422-3540.

LA CASITA CAFÉ | GLOBE

Globe is home to several burrito joints,including La Casita Café. La Casita hasbeen in business since 1947, and the placeis still dishing up its homemade burros.The green-chile burro and the chickenburro, enchilada-style, are among customer favorites here. Founders Pedro andSalustia Reynoso probably never imagined that, almost 70 years later, their foodwould still be a hit with locals and visitors alike. La Casita is located at 470 N. BroadStreet in Globe. For more information, call 928-425-5029.

LOS ALTEÑOS | FLAGSTAFF

For a truly south-of-the-border experience, Los Alteños is a must. Inside, you'll find walls covered in art, photographs and a TV playing the latest Spanish soap opera. If you're craving breakfast food, try the (aptly named) breakfast burrito, which is packed with eggs, cheese, potatoes and your choice of meat. This burrito really should be called the breakfast-lunch-and-dinner burrito, because it's that big. Your first instinct might be to save half for later. Forget it. After a few bites, you'll have second thoughts. Los Alteños is located at 1481 S. Milton Road in Flagstaff. For more information, call 928-226-7552.

NICO'S | CASA GRANDE

It can take a while to get your burrito at Nico's, but Casa Grande resident Carmen Garcia-Mena says the wait is worthwhile. “Everything is authentic and cooked fresh,” Garcia-Mena says. “When you do get your order, you know it's going to be good.” The most famous menu item is the breakfast burrito, stuffed full of pota-toes, eggs, bacon and plenty of cheese. It often tips the scales at 1 pound or heavier. Breakfast is the most important meal, after all. Nico's is located at 1226 E. Flor-ence Boulevard in Casa Grande. For more informa-tion, call 520-836-5864.

RITO'S MARKET & MEXICAN TAKE OUT | PHOENIX

There's no parking lot and no sign, but you'll know you've arrived at Rito's when you see the line of people streaming out the door. If this is your first trip to Rito's, take cash and an appetite - you'll need both. The beauty of this place is that you can order your burrito almost any way you like: plain, deep-fried, enchi-lada-style or chimichanga. If you're keeping it simple, go the bean-and-cheese route, but it's the savory green-chile burrito that'll keep you coming back for more. Rito's Market & Mexican Take Out is located at 907 N. 14th Street in Phoenix. For more information, call 602-262-9842 or visit www.ritosmexican food14st.com.

VERDE LEA MARKET | COTTONWOOD

Hands down, firefighters know where to find good food. And the firefighters in Cottonwood are eating at the Verde Lea. This market-cum-burrito shop carries pretty much everything you need in life: wine, beer, fishing tackle, dog food and, of course, burritos. Good burritos. Owner Bill Murray says the Burro de Carne Asada is a must. That's because he prepares his carne asada to order. It's fantastic. So is the salsa bar, which features his signature jalapeños toreados - deep-fried jalapeños topped with sea salt. Verde Lea Market is located at 516 N. Main Street in Cottonwood. For more information, call 928-634-8731 or visit www.verdelea.com.