86 This!

Don't want to sit down for table service? Don't want to cook for yourself? Don't want to eat processed fast food? In Ellsworth? You are in LUCK. In it's third year of business, 86 This! fits the bill perfectly. Housed at the intersection of Main and State Streets in Ellsworth, this owner-operated eatery (read more about the owners here) serves made-to-order burritos and wraps (and salads and sides) from scratch using wholesome, largely locally sourced ingredients. 

The Boss Hog Burrito at 86 This!

It's when those ingredients come together that gustatory magic happens, as it did today when I went in and ordered my favorite, though it's hardly magic, I suppose, when they consistently create excellent food. What is this deliciousness? Well, it's called "Boss Hog." Take a look at it, will ya? It's pictured here with one of the many types of hot sauce they offer at 86 This!.  

So, what is this burrito? A perfect balance of chipotle citrus pulled pork, black beans, rice, pico de gallo, red cabbage slaw, chipotle creme, and cheddar/jack cheese in a warm, soft tortilla. Oh, the tangy crunch of the slaw! The sweetness of the tomatoes! The tender beans and rice! The spicy "porky goodness" to quote a friend. The first half is enough to fill my belly and satisfy my taste buds, but I haven't been able to save the other half for later. Hmm...

Ah, now where was I? Oh, so this is my favorite, but everything I've tried is fantastic, like the "Yam I Am" burrito with it's spicy roasted sweet potatoes, beans, rice, chimmichurri, chipotle creme, and cheese, and like the wrap which goes by the name "The Clash," a tortilla filled with roast beef, roasted onions, cheddar, horseradish mayonnaise, and greens. Even their specials are a treat. Last year, I went in one day and saw a tuna special on the blackboard. I didn't notice that it didn't say "tuna salad," and I was blown away with, that's right, seared tuna steak. You can even get a vegan or vegetarian wrap, like the "Beet Knick," beets in creamy dill dressing, cucumbers, walnuts, ricotta salata, and greens. 

Fresh, wholesome, delicious, local food prepared to order, a view of the street, and cool tunes in the background. What's not to love? For some, perhaps that they accept checks and cash only, but don't let that stop you. They are, after all, across the street from a bank with an ATM. 

Food: ★★★★☆ Ambience: ★★★☆☆ Service: ★★★☆☆

Check, please: $

86 This!

2 State Street,
Ellsworth, Maine, 04605

(207) 610-1777