As a city, Manchester is changing dramatically, seemingly by the minute. Nevertheless, it feels like some things have always been a constant. For example, the energy you feel when walking down and around what has more recently been dubbed the Oxford Road Corridor. Home to two of the region’s leading universities, more music venues than we can count, and eating and drinking by the pint and plate-load, a table with a view onto this most Mancunian of prestigious thoroughfares is a window on the world. And there are few better places to look out from than Listo Burrito.
A firm fixture on Oxford Street since opening in 2013 as Changos, this 30-cover Mexican restaurant and takeaway occupies an enviable unit at the ground floor of historic St James’s Buildings. Specialising in Mexican and Tex Mex staples, the team at Listo Burrito pride themselves on making all fillings from scratch each morning, while many of the meats are slow cooked for added tenderness. Like chilli con carne, which has been patiently prepared the night before and left to stew and strengthen. Or the beef brisket, which gathers flavours for several hours before it gets to you.
Other options include Smoky BBQ Pork (utilising super-flavoursome shoulder), and the plant-based Moving Mountain No Meat Meatball! and Veggie Chilli. Choose medium or large size, and you can also punt to have your burrito ‘Solo’, which means without the actual flour tortilla. Badass Nachos, meanwhile, take the form of one, two, or three toppings, unless you go fully loaded, which costs a little extra. Throw jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on there, among other things, all of which were made right here at Listo. As were the infamous hot sauces. A selection of bottled beers, imported Mexican Jarrito and other non-alcoholic cans and bottles, are also sold.