THIS WEEK: BURRITO BLOWOUT

Angelenos take their burritos so seriously that discussions about where to get the best tortilla-wrapped creation can devolve into fistfights. Always up for a challenge, The Guide is throwing down the gauntlet in defense of the following five.

The “Papa’s” burrito at this Atwater Village hole-in-the-wall will forever change your thoughts on potatoes. The name is a delicious double-entendre: the burro is named in honor of the owner’s father and filled with papas -- Spanish for spuds. Expertly rolled in a fresh flour tortilla, the potato stuffing is smartly spiced with fire-roasted chiles and cooked to tender perfection. 3185 Glendale Blvd., (323) 661-3458

If you like your burritos smothered in piquant red sauce then this Silver Lake stand is for you. There are plenty of options for filling, but our favorite is the divinely simple bean and cheese. The beans are rich and creamy and the cheese is applied so liberally that it oozes out of the corner folds. 3806 W. Sunset Blvd., (323) 664-2848

TACOS VILLA CORONA

TACOS DELTA

EL TEPEYAC CAFE

Foodies flock to pay homage to this Boyle Heights legend. The “Manuel’s Special” burrito is easily the size of a football and bursts with tender, marinated pork, chili and melted cheese. Not as famous, but wildly unique is the torta de guacamole, which is basically a guacamole-stuffed omelet wrapped in a tortilla. 812 N. Evergeen Ave., (323) 267-8668

EL TARASCO

With only 10 stools and arguably the tastiest burritos in the South Bay, El Tarasco draws an over-capacity crowd. We’d wait an hour for its “Super Deluxe Chicken Burrito.” Packed with spicy, shredded chicken, beans, gooey cheese and creamy guacamole, it could easily feed three people. 316 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, (310) 545-4241

LOTERIA GRILL

The quality of the made-from-scratch burritos at this bustling Farmers Market stand is so dependable that it borders on superhuman. You can get your burrito stuffed with savory shredded meats, but we prefer the fresh veggie options. Particularly the just-chewy-enough mushrooms and succulent zucchini. 6333 W. 3rd St., (323) 930-2211

-- Jessica.Gelt@latimes.com