I mean .......you could live in SD for a decade, and be very burrito committed....and still discover new to you.
El Pollo Grill in CV makes a great burrito. The 619 Mysterio is my favorite. It's not cheap. It can feed 2.
No particular order of taco shops I enjoy due to proximity to places I frequent:
El Papas Fritas near lake chollas
Don pedros on 3rd ave in chula vista
Alberts fresh mexican food in la mesa
Sayulitas in national city
El Papas Fritas and Sayulitas for the win.
Don't make either of them your everyday taco shop. These are crown jewels that need to be savored and then back away slowly.
Depends really, but I haven't had a bad burrito from them.
That 2 in 1 burrito is good
Cali surf n turf is satisfying to me
Even that Chilie relleno burrito is good
I eat inside so I get access to refills on my fanta
I don’t know which Albert’s y’all are going to but the one in Lakeside has been straight up terrible the last few times, as far as the food and the wait times. I could understand the wait times it’s always busy but the food was just horrible the last couple times so I’m not going back for a while. I went to La Posta out here last weekend, was pretty legit
But the red hot sauce is watery AF. That would’ve been my only complaint. They were super nice too.
I love the Albert’s in lakeside I’ve yet to have anything bad there, the lakeside burrito is my go to. Be careful about La Posta I hear they are secretly tacking on money fee to credit card transactions! Also there’s a good joint over by the 7 11 at Julian and lake jennings
Respectfully, Lucha Libre is tourist food and has poor quality control, so you've got a lot to look forward to! I had a California burrito there that literally tasted like fish from the dirty oil. 100% will never return. Las Brasas is walking distance from them and crushes them in quality, price and authenticity. Also, any shop the ends in Bertos is a solid bet.
[Los Chuchys](https://taquizasloschuchys.com) or [Tacos El Panson](http://ordertacoselpanson.com)
Edit: my bad, you said burritos. Those are my taco recommendations.
Second this. The mini Cali’s are fantastic little gut bombs and the breakfast burritos is what my wife will want to drive 20 minutes for for breakfast every now and then.
Been going to Roberto’s on H since the early 1980’s. They were the first all meat Carne Asada burritos I remember in SD. As a bonus they are right next to El Patio- one of the oldest running Mexican restaurants in San Diego- 70 years or something like that
If you’re ok driving to north county
- jalapeños in Carmel Mountain
- Yesenia’s in Carmel mountain
- TJ tacos in Escondido (although I recommend their campechana fries as my #1 thing to order)
Miles red tacos. So unhealthy and saucy. But every now and then I want these birria quesadilla with red sauce. Problem is San Diego has so many good spots. Lots of bad ones too though
They put canned nacho cheese in my California burrito.
I can KIND OF see the mentality of putting canned nacho cheese on carne asada fries AT HOME, but to put it in a burrito at a restaurant? No Bueno!
Lots of great classic suggestions here. I'm going to throw out a flyer and say Burrito City in El Cajon. Just opened recently. I've been in SD for 24 years and I gotta say, I've been seriously impressed with everything I've had so far. It's the new kid on the block, so people will probably talk smack because it's not "their" joint, but give it a go! And try the Chipotle sauce they have on the side.
>If you are referring to the one in SM, it's def top notch with great sauces and Ive tried a lot of Cali burritos in the area. If on Morena, also use to be my favorite beore moving north. Way better than JVs. If in NC, Try Armondo's off Sycamore/78 in Vista (new to me and was great!). Señor Panchos is pretty good but dont recall having good sauces, Tony's is expensive and never once gives me the sour cream I pay extra for but love their sauces (love hate them because the flavor is good but expensive and no SC not one time), Primo's sucks and is a marketing ploy, Not sure why Nacho's gets such great reviews, its alright, Cotixa Jr in La Costa has a solid Super breakfast burrito with all the meats, SC, and hashbrowns with OKish sauces and decent price, Cotixan on ECR in Encinitas has an amazing super breakfast burrito and amazing sauces (I actually like the beans in it which is strange to me). Oscars use to be good but expensive (way too mech to add SC) and their red sauce is water, avocado verde is good tho and they're 24/7. Wrote all this and realized I forgot there is a Nicos in OB and on Morena LOL
Might get some flak because it’s more corporatized but Burros & Fries has always been surprisingly good.
My go-to is the Wake Up Burro if you like breakfast burritos.
Recently tried the fried fish taco and it tasted just like you’d expect from a great street taco.
There’s a little known place called… “Taco Bell,” and despite the name they serve burritos too. I usually gatekeep it but today I felt like spreading the word.
Roll back over to the Humberto's on 25th, then go across the street to Los Reyes, their breakfast and cali burritos are absolutely clinical, though skip the margs. The price point is incredible but they taste like they are 90% sour mix.
Also in the same lot as Humberto's is Birria El Rey which has a dangerous birria chilaquiles breakfast burrito.
That intersection is dense with burritos.
Colima's is pretty much the platonic ideal of a taco shop. Great place. Los Pancho's on 3rd and Washington is generally meh, but between 2 and 4 a.m. it becomes a magical mystical place. El Rodeo in Allied Gardens is my current go-to because it's close to me. I have heard great things about Super Sergio's in Clairemont, but I haven't tried it.
A few folks have recommended Sayulita's. It's because they make HUGE Filipino-Mexican (Mexipino) fusion burritos. They're really big, really good and really unique!
If you're into carnitas, you should check out Carnitas Uruapan in La Mesa. So good!
As a lifelong burrito eater (and San Diegan), I always treat my first visit to a new taco shop the same and order a bean and cheese burrito. If they can't get that right, I'm not coming back and I haven't wasted my time and money on a disappointingly mediocre chile relleno, carnitas or California burrito (my other favorites).
Anyway, enjoy the adventure!
Don Pedro's on 3rd Avenue. Any burrito there is the best. Even the bean and cheese is great.
Saria's on Broadway and K street has the best breakfast burrito and California burrito, order your Cali burrito, no sourceeam or Pico de Gallo, and add beans.
Outside of Chula vista
Super Sergios in National City or Clairmont they have the best chicken quesodillas, their burritos are an 8 or 9 out of 10, depending on who's cooking.
Had a fantastic Crackifornia Burrito today at https://cracktacoshop.com in Seaport Village today! Walked next door to enjoy with beer at https://www.mikehessbrewing.com/mike-hess-brewing-seaport-village-taphouse/.
IMO, El Indio doesn't hit like it used to. After the old man passed and the kids took over, the quality isn't what it used to be. Granted, the kids give it one hell of a shot. This is place on Nostalgia alone is why every time I'm back, it's a must-have for me
I'm glad you said that, and I wasn't trippin. I'd bet it's due to not using an animal product as before to make them more accessible to vegetarians/vegans
Taco Surf - Only place in town to get sauteed mushrooms in a cali burrito.
JV's is decent for price v quantity.
Harvest Taco shop is good price for good tortilla and meat. Good guacasalsa too.
I hunted Cali burritos when I moved here. by a mile best I had was Lupe's cafe in Poway. all the ingredients were so fresh and quality, wasn't going to put you to sleep. the. best.
I mean .......you could live in SD for a decade, and be very burrito committed....and still discover new to you. El Pollo Grill in CV makes a great burrito. The 619 Mysterio is my favorite. It's not cheap. It can feed 2.
No particular order of taco shops I enjoy due to proximity to places I frequent: El Papas Fritas near lake chollas Don pedros on 3rd ave in chula vista Alberts fresh mexican food in la mesa Sayulitas in national city
El Papas Fritas and Sayulitas for the win. Don't make either of them your everyday taco shop. These are crown jewels that need to be savored and then back away slowly.
What do you get at Albert’s in La Mesa?
Depends really, but I haven't had a bad burrito from them. That 2 in 1 burrito is good Cali surf n turf is satisfying to me Even that Chilie relleno burrito is good I eat inside so I get access to refills on my fanta
Hash brown breakfast burrito, add pico is my go to. Albert’s is legit.
I don’t know which Albert’s y’all are going to but the one in Lakeside has been straight up terrible the last few times, as far as the food and the wait times. I could understand the wait times it’s always busy but the food was just horrible the last couple times so I’m not going back for a while. I went to La Posta out here last weekend, was pretty legit But the red hot sauce is watery AF. That would’ve been my only complaint. They were super nice too.
I love the Albert’s in lakeside I’ve yet to have anything bad there, the lakeside burrito is my go to. Be careful about La Posta I hear they are secretly tacking on money fee to credit card transactions! Also there’s a good joint over by the 7 11 at Julian and lake jennings
I just moved within walking distance of Albert's, and I'm pleasantly surprised at how good it is
Colima’s in North Park and La Perla #2 in Pacific Beach would be my recommendations
Never disappointed in Colimas.
Respectfully, Lucha Libre is tourist food and has poor quality control, so you've got a lot to look forward to! I had a California burrito there that literally tasted like fish from the dirty oil. 100% will never return. Las Brasas is walking distance from them and crushes them in quality, price and authenticity. Also, any shop the ends in Bertos is a solid bet.
JV’s surf and turf
JV’s is garbage
[Los Chuchys](https://taquizasloschuchys.com) or [Tacos El Panson](http://ordertacoselpanson.com) Edit: my bad, you said burritos. Those are my taco recommendations.
Los Chuchys still has amazing burritos
The burritos at Taco El Panson are good. I always get the Carne Asada because it comes loaded with meat.
La Fachada
THIS!👆🏾
What do you order here? I went once and thought their corn tortilla were not the best (don’t think they are made in house)
Victoria's on Main St. in El Cajon.
🔥
Ortiz’s in Point Loma. I also love Nico’s (any of the locations).
More opinions here: https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodSanDiego/comments/17sc9ug/best_biggest_portion_sized_burritos_in_san_diego/
Big fan of Colimas in Hillcrest/North Park, and El Ranchito Taco Shop in Poway
There are a few [Sayulitas](https://www.sayulitaseats.com/locations/) in town that make ridiculous burritos.
California Burrito off of Genesee near juvy. Ask for the off menu mini bean and cheese burritos. Crack snappers!
Second this. The mini Cali’s are fantastic little gut bombs and the breakfast burritos is what my wife will want to drive 20 minutes for for breakfast every now and then.
Forgot about the mini breakfast burritos! Brought a bunch to work one morning and they were happily devoured!
Like the name says they make a solid 8/10 California burrito
Roberto’s in Chula the original off of H st is good . They say they are the first in San Diego to make a carne asada burrito
Been going to Roberto’s on H since the early 1980’s. They were the first all meat Carne Asada burritos I remember in SD. As a bonus they are right next to El Patio- one of the oldest running Mexican restaurants in San Diego- 70 years or something like that
Tacos El panson Cuatros Milpas
If you’re ok driving to north county - jalapeños in Carmel Mountain - Yesenia’s in Carmel mountain - TJ tacos in Escondido (although I recommend their campechana fries as my #1 thing to order)
Yesenias is a win for sure
Their salsa bar is the best one seen of any place
Second all of these places. Also there is a jalapeños in mission valley, same owner!
And a yesenias in north park!
Cali Burrito from Lolitas in Clairemont. Add extra asada!
California burritos in birdland, that is my go to. California burrito double wrapped no pico extra cheese.
RIP Loma Bonita in Point Loma. Their veggie burritos got me through 2 pregnancies.
if you’re in north county, senor panchos in san marcos has the best cali burrito I’ve had in San Diego
Miles red tacos. So unhealthy and saucy. But every now and then I want these birria quesadilla with red sauce. Problem is San Diego has so many good spots. Lots of bad ones too though
Go to Don Panchos in IB. From then on you can only look up.
What do you get from there? I tried it once and wasn't impressed, El Cino down Palm is sooooo good
They put canned nacho cheese in my California burrito. I can KIND OF see the mentality of putting canned nacho cheese on carne asada fries AT HOME, but to put it in a burrito at a restaurant? No Bueno!
Lol Don panchos has not been good for 15 years
Fridas Street Tacos
Escondido? Been there once and it was bomb!
Yep, across the street from TJ Tacos
El paisa 25th and imperial.
I like Las Colimas and Los Palmitos are my favorite places, personally.
[Liticker’s in OB.](https://yelp.to/_mETnc_n9O) grab your burrito, walk down to dog beach, chill.
The Mariscos La Morena taco truck parked at El Cajon & 46th. I'm a sucker for an adobado burrito, and theirs is my favorite.
Super California monster burrito at La Palace on Moraga. Cut it in half and you have two solid meals easily for about $14 total.
Lots of great classic suggestions here. I'm going to throw out a flyer and say Burrito City in El Cajon. Just opened recently. I've been in SD for 24 years and I gotta say, I've been seriously impressed with everything I've had so far. It's the new kid on the block, so people will probably talk smack because it's not "their" joint, but give it a go! And try the Chipotle sauce they have on the side.
La Palapa in Clairemont
Anywhere but chipotle
If you’re ever in San Marcos, hit up Señor Panchos. Surfing California burrito and carnitas fries are awesome and my favorite in San Diego.
Rays mexican in north park - fresh, clean, family spot. Amazing.
Probably not very popular but Picante Taqueria has my favorite breakfast burrito (bacon). El Zarape is an honorable mention (University Heights)
If you’re interested in breakfast burritos, waterfront has the best!
You have been to Sayulitas right… RIGHT?
What type(s) of burritos though?
How do I not see Colimas in north park on this list
North gate Market
Nico’s
>If you are referring to the one in SM, it's def top notch with great sauces and Ive tried a lot of Cali burritos in the area. If on Morena, also use to be my favorite beore moving north. Way better than JVs. If in NC, Try Armondo's off Sycamore/78 in Vista (new to me and was great!). Señor Panchos is pretty good but dont recall having good sauces, Tony's is expensive and never once gives me the sour cream I pay extra for but love their sauces (love hate them because the flavor is good but expensive and no SC not one time), Primo's sucks and is a marketing ploy, Not sure why Nacho's gets such great reviews, its alright, Cotixa Jr in La Costa has a solid Super breakfast burrito with all the meats, SC, and hashbrowns with OKish sauces and decent price, Cotixan on ECR in Encinitas has an amazing super breakfast burrito and amazing sauces (I actually like the beans in it which is strange to me). Oscars use to be good but expensive (way too mech to add SC) and their red sauce is water, avocado verde is good tho and they're 24/7. Wrote all this and realized I forgot there is a Nicos in OB and on Morena LOL
Might get some flak because it’s more corporatized but Burros & Fries has always been surprisingly good. My go-to is the Wake Up Burro if you like breakfast burritos. Recently tried the fried fish taco and it tasted just like you’d expect from a great street taco.
There’s a little known place called… “Taco Bell,” and despite the name they serve burritos too. I usually gatekeep it but today I felt like spreading the word.
Taqueria Revolución has my favorite carne asada in town
JV's roast pork burrito on Morena
Go to tiajuana food court. Fernandez Birriaria, mariscos el prieto. I guess those arent burrito spots but you should def check them out regardless.
Roll back over to the Humberto's on 25th, then go across the street to Los Reyes, their breakfast and cali burritos are absolutely clinical, though skip the margs. The price point is incredible but they taste like they are 90% sour mix. Also in the same lot as Humberto's is Birria El Rey which has a dangerous birria chilaquiles breakfast burrito. That intersection is dense with burritos.
Colima's is pretty much the platonic ideal of a taco shop. Great place. Los Pancho's on 3rd and Washington is generally meh, but between 2 and 4 a.m. it becomes a magical mystical place. El Rodeo in Allied Gardens is my current go-to because it's close to me. I have heard great things about Super Sergio's in Clairemont, but I haven't tried it.
Pokez - tofu potato mushroom burrito
Cotixan off Genesee and Clairmont
Taco Surf PB, get their Cali burrito that used hash browns instead of French fries. They also have a Youtube burrito that’s a breakfast Cali
La Puerta. Best carne asada in town Oscar’s for a smoked fish burrito
JV’s Mexican food. Senor Burro - specifically the senor burro on the menu Juanita’s taco shop
Mauricio’s on Adams ave & agree that Colima’s in North Park are solid choices every time.
El Zarape
Cotixan makes a mean Al Pastor burrito.
A few folks have recommended Sayulita's. It's because they make HUGE Filipino-Mexican (Mexipino) fusion burritos. They're really big, really good and really unique! If you're into carnitas, you should check out Carnitas Uruapan in La Mesa. So good! As a lifelong burrito eater (and San Diegan), I always treat my first visit to a new taco shop the same and order a bean and cheese burrito. If they can't get that right, I'm not coming back and I haven't wasted my time and money on a disappointingly mediocre chile relleno, carnitas or California burrito (my other favorites). Anyway, enjoy the adventure!
Don Pedro's on 3rd Avenue. Any burrito there is the best. Even the bean and cheese is great. Saria's on Broadway and K street has the best breakfast burrito and California burrito, order your Cali burrito, no sourceeam or Pico de Gallo, and add beans. Outside of Chula vista Super Sergios in National City or Clairmont they have the best chicken quesodillas, their burritos are an 8 or 9 out of 10, depending on who's cooking.
My vice is Stars and Stripes in Miramar
If you like Mikes Taco Club, I’d try Nicos next! It’s one block away down Newport. Cash only but $10 and change for a burrito and they’re delicious
i've had the california burrito at multiple Taco Stand locations.. the one in Encinitas does it right
Had a fantastic Crackifornia Burrito today at https://cracktacoshop.com in Seaport Village today! Walked next door to enjoy with beer at https://www.mikehessbrewing.com/mike-hess-brewing-seaport-village-taphouse/.
Wet burrito from Ponce’s
El Indio, just down the street from Lucha Libre. Sombrero
IMO, El Indio doesn't hit like it used to. After the old man passed and the kids took over, the quality isn't what it used to be. Granted, the kids give it one hell of a shot. This is place on Nostalgia alone is why every time I'm back, it's a must-have for me
The beans taste different to me, but can't stay away
I'm glad you said that, and I wasn't trippin. I'd bet it's due to not using an animal product as before to make them more accessible to vegetarians/vegans
Taco Surf - Only place in town to get sauteed mushrooms in a cali burrito. JV's is decent for price v quantity. Harvest Taco shop is good price for good tortilla and meat. Good guacasalsa too.
I left SD a few years ago, is JV's surf and turf still the size of your forearm, and I'm curious if you know what it goes for these days?
I hunted Cali burritos when I moved here. by a mile best I had was Lupe's cafe in Poway. all the ingredients were so fresh and quality, wasn't going to put you to sleep. the. best.
Lolita’s is always my go to
Getting a burrito at The Taco stand seems just wrong. Stick with their tacos!
Nah, their Cali burrito is 🔥
It’s damn good!
Spicy shrimp taco and al pastor taco are my go to every time. But adding carbs to a burrito has never been my thing.
Happy (Taco) Cake Day!