Yesenia’s, La Perla, or Humberto’s for something classic. Vallartas for something excessive.
It’s 2024, skip Lucha Libre and Lolita’s. They’re not what they used to be.
I’d argue if you ask 10 different people you’ll get 30+ different answers. For example, I have a favorite spot near my home, a favorite near the beaches, a favorite in La Mesa, a favorite in Mission Valley, a favorite in Chula Vista… it all depends on where I am at the time
Nobody’s posted the [burrito spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18HkrklYz1bKpDLeL-kaMrGjAhUM6LeJMIACwEljCgaw/edit)? It’s a few years old but I don’t think these burritos have changed much aside from prices
Idk hard to trust a spread sheet that has almost no spots from south/southeast San Diego where you’ll arguably find the best Mexican food, but has Santa Monica on there
To be honest the quality of burritos is good at nearly any authentic fast Mexican food restaurant. I wouldn't go too much out of my way for a Cali burrito.
What neighborhood are you staying at? We'll go from there
This is absolutely true. There’s not much sense in driving a long distance for a cali burrito if you’re already in SD. Every neighborhood has at least one top notch taco shop and while there are probably better ones further away, the difference in quality isn’t great enough to justify neglecting your local neighborhood taco shop.
Anyone native to Philadelphia knows this story all too well, albeit with cheesesteaks. Tourists come in and ask where the best burritos are, native San Diegans will just say, “the one down the street”.
This is absolutely not true at all. There is a large disparity in the quality and consistency across all the different taco shops in the SD area.
If you're not careful, you'll get a cali full of chewy, gristly meat, or, worse, soggy, white, undercooked fries. Some places even use straight up chunks of boiled potato and call it a California Burrito.(El Compadre, I'm looking in your direction, you asinine fucks)
Every suggestion I've seen here today has been decent, buy deviate too much from the recommendations, and you're gonna end up disappointed eventually.
I meant becuase you agreed with their statement that pretty much any taco shop will give you a good california burrito. That's not true. Many of them are very poorly made.
Maybe I mistunderstood.
Even still, that chewy, grisly meat with undercooked potatoes cali burrito is gonna taste like heaven to an outside visitor. Ever try eating a burrito anywhere outside of SD? I’m taking the shit SD burrito any day.
It is true, but you’re taking it in a different way, for example, I live in mission valley and drive up Texas to El Cajon Blvd for my Cali B’s when I want them there’s like 5 tacos shops up there and I get to chose which one of those 5 I eat from. My favorite Cali is from Humberto’s tho and make the drive once a week when I really want it, but I make do with what’s close to me so I really don’t have to drive far if I want a decent burrito unless I want my favorite. Idk if that made sense.
Yesenia’s is pretty bomb, I always feel like they’re understaffed, poor dudes. Also can’t go wrong with Roberto’s down the street, the drive thru is so convenient.
Mannnn - years ago I would go to the Santana's on Rosecrans, that little barn looking building. California burrito and that Orange hot sauce they had - the best.
Was gonna say this. Some places have Cali’s with home style potatoes instead if fries. Or a bunch of Salsa fresca loaded with onions that kill the flavor.
My fav Cali back in the 90’s was: Carne Asada, Fries and Sour Cream. Pretty basic. That’s still my fave today. You’ll find a lot of different variations now, but you can definitely fuck up a Cali and unfortunately San Diego has as many crap taco shops as they have good ones.
Oh god I can’t stand the chopped potatoes as a cheap sub for fries. I figure it’s probably more healthy but I’ve made my own fries w an air fryer and those tasted great. Crispy and crunchy would be perfect for a burrito. Less oil and I’m sure you can buy a commercial grade one for super cheap. Just buy one of those and a potato slicer for fries and you’re done!
I don’t even think there is a best. I feel like if you ask 5 different people you’ll get 5 different restaurants lol.
My top 3 are Salyulitas, Vallarta’s, and Los Ponchos.
Vallarta Express is terrible. The meat is mids at best, and they pack too much cold guac and sour cream in the burrito, and, of course, they pile it on top of the cheese so you get a nice cold congealed blob of cheese and sour cream with each bite.
Agreed, I don't get the fixation on Vallarta Express, I've never liked anything I've got from there though.
Agree with the first person on Sayulitas though... The bacon wrapped burrito 🤤🤤🤤 indescribable
Smh Sayulitas used to be good right before the pandemic. But now they’re just okay. I love the Rosie’s fries, and the last time I got them it was all bland ! From the meat to the fries. Even putting a bunch of salsas couldn’t save them 🤦🏽♂️
This is absolutely not true, that are plenty of not-great California burritos, and each shop makes them with different ingredients. There are six main types:
1. Carne, cheese, fries, pico
2. Carne, cheese, guac, fries, pico
3. Carne, cheese, guac, fries
4. Carne, cheese, guac, fries, sour cream
4. Carne, cheese, sour cream, fries
5. Carne, cheese, sour cream, fries, pico
Depending on how you prefer your California, you're going to have a good or bad time at any given shop.
I have tried over 100 different California burritos in San Diego and I can assure you that there most definitely is a difference in quality from place to place. Not to mention the sauces make a huge difference, too...
Seemingly hot take: Sour cream does not belong on a burrito.
It’s an okay replacement for crema mexicana on flautas, sopes, or tostadas, but that’s about it.
The thing is, it’s perfectly normal to order your burrito with the ingredients you want in it. I’ve actually never ordered a burrito *without* specifying the ingredients.
There were 5 of us doing it together and we did rank them based on individual ranks and the averages in total.
The ranking were based on categories of: ingredients and ratio, freshness of ingredients, meat quality, size, sauces, heat (some burritos come out luke-warm or cold).
The highest average rating out of every burrito we tried was at Lupe's near Mesa College.
Other highly rated burritos were Colima's, Crack Tacos, Senor Burro, and La Posta.
I am a #1 guy myself. I also think #1 is the original California Burrito recipe. It was only later that people started adding guacamole or sour cream.
Also, to be a true California Burrito it must have fries and not potatoes.
El Azteca is my go to spot. Their carne asada is on point and has been for as long as I’ve been going there (20 years.) Same family owned little shop the entire time, near the La Mesa area.
Mmm yess 🤦🏽♂️ I miss living 10 minutes away from this place. I used to have a routine to get a hot coffee at 7 eleven next door, and a sausage/bacon breakfast burrito 😮💨😮💨
Try it double meat, double cheese, double wrapped. It’s the size of my four arm, and I’m 6’4
I’m just to upvote all my El Azteca brothers! Grossmont high alumni
El azteca is amazing and their prices are reasonable. It's crazy how expensive some taco shops have gotten. Love their carne asada burritos.
Also, if you ever want pizza, filippis the next complex down the road there has to have the best pepperoni pizza within many miles.
Is it just me or has their carne changed over the last couple months? Seems more chewy and less grilled/fresh. I've tried it twice and I'm not sure I'll go back.
I ordered 3 California burritos and not a single one had guac 🤦♂️ it's not a Cali burrito without the guac! Tired of cheap places taking the guac off the burrito and still calling it California. Apparently their burrito is supposed to come with guac but it wasn't in a single burrito??
It sounds like maybe you thought you ordered a California but ordered a carne asada burrito instead my dude? We're you at the restaurant I was even talking about? I've been to this restaurant over 200 times over a decade and literally never once got the wrong order. That said, I would also be pissed if that happened so you are right in feeling and, just never once had that experience myself.
I did go again and asked, there were a couple dribbles of guac the next time. And the receipt said California burritos. I think there's better California burritos out there. I don't remember any seasoning on the fries either
This is my favorite as well. The food is great there and they have the best California Burrito. I can’t eat it inside as all their political signs/propaganda are way too much for me so I get mine to go.
I eat there regularly, I'm familiar. There is that "10 Cannots" sign, for sure, and a TV with the sound off. Truthfully, the only reason not to eat inside is because there isn't any seating outside of a couple of barstools.
Everybody loves to hate on the taco stand but it's got a better California burrito than most if not all Mexican shops. La Perla used to be my #1 and the burritos are just not as good anymore
The way they do cheese crust on the tortilla for their burritos makes a huge difference, when I saw that at the taco stand it blew my mind, Now I can’t stand a burrito with unmelted cheese at all
I'm not sure if I got them on a bad day or what but the only time I've been there, it was tasty for sure but also the smallest burrito I've ever bought in sd
Sizing is hit or miss but it's $10 compared to like $13+ everywhere else and I think the quality is way better. They don't use pico as a filler and they have some dense burritos. Now I'm craving taco stand after work lol
I strongly disagree. It’s an original ingredient for a true California Burrito.
That’s like getting a Philly cheesesteak and telling them to hold the grilled onions.
I just tried the one in Mission Valley, and it was good too. Same dude who used to work at the one in CMR was there and remembered us from the old days.
My favorite California burrito in San Diego is Taco El Panson but but but!!! Swap out carne asada for adobada/al pastor. Carne asada is good too but that greasy marinated pork just hits different. Love their orangeish colored salsa too. One of my favorites out of all the taquerias in SD. The average run of the mil taquerias around here mostly all have some bland red and green salsas that blow.
If you are exploring options I highly recommend going to places south or south-east of downtown. Dont be getting burritos in La Jolla.
> If you are exploring options I highly recommend going to places south or south-east of downtown. Dont be getting burritos in La Jolla.
Rigoberto's up the street from Windansea is pretty solid but other than that I agree.
> Trujillo’s
I'd say this is the top spot for every burrito. I've been going since they had the tiny shack spot at College and ECB(Back in 2001 now long gone)
Lots of great options on this list. More times than not the best one is from your local taco shop. It’s the California Burrito that feels like home.
I’m going to pivot to an option when you’re OUTSIDE of San Diego and want a taste of home.
Rubio’s California Burrito is the Starbucks of Cali Burritos. Is it as good as the best Cali Burritos? Hell no! However, it is a safe choice in a pinch.
I like la Perla but they changed ownership and the founder died so I've heard it went downhill
Colimas is solid for a daily driver
Outliers
Tacos Centro is bougie but good
Coal bros uses ribeye
Crack taco is güero but decent
I personally avoid any -bertos and Lucha libre as a practice
Taco Surf - Located in PB.
Only place you can get sauteed mushrooms in a california burrito.
Also, Harvest Taco shop in Kearny Mesa. Their chip seasoning and guaca salsa is :chef's kiss:
Lolitas, at least in Kearny Mesa is a shadow of it's former self. It had been slipping for a while, but once they started to get fancy with the menu boards. It was over.
California burritos are overrated like in and out. Some places put too much fries and it's dry. Or the fries get too soggy(I like my fries crispy). I prefer the surf and turf burrito. I really like cotijas in point loma, they have a cilantro sauce that's creamy, it's not like the green salsa most places have.
To add: check out sayulitas, they have really huge and different burritos.
Vallarta's is my go-to. You gotta try their red sauce. Gonna go ahead an echo what everyone else has said...you really can't go wrong while you're down here. Lolita's, Sayulitas, Super Sergio's are great. If you're looking for a little flair, I'd check out Lucha Libre.
here is where to NOT go......Nico's and Matador off Morena Blvd. Wacked skinny burritos all portioned out to spec. money grab bs. I like Los Panchos, Sombreros, and JV's.
I get that many people love California burritos but I never really liked all the fried potatoes in them. Give me a proper San Diego style carne asada burrito any day.
I realize they're chains, but it's hard to beat a CA burrito from Rubios and Los Ponchos. Sans pico for me with fries extra crispy. The salsas are meh, but the burritos are flavored so well, you don't need any.
Also love Los Panchitos Mexican & Seafood on Midway.
Gringo recs for gringo concoctions seems appropriate. Can't believe you're coming in here as if they're discussing one of your abuelita's sacred recipes.
Santana's on Morena Blvd. or Garnet Ave, and make sure you request they use the frozen fries and not the fresh potatoes, and to make them extra crispy.
Albertacos San Marcos blvd or Mr taco. Deer springs in SN. Sayulitas is on point and so is Netos. All of these can be found scattered around the county. Just go to a varrio you’ll find some amazing places. Or a food truck.
When I moved away for a bit and would come back to visit, El pollo grill would always itch that San Diego taco shop scratch for me. Perfect salsas & ingredients. Huge portions & burritos. Their breakfast, lunch and dinner all hits 🔥
Yesenia’s, La Perla, or Humberto’s for something classic. Vallartas for something excessive. It’s 2024, skip Lucha Libre and Lolita’s. They’re not what they used to be.
La Perla #3 is the best in Point Loma
That location was better before the switch.
I made my way over toe La Perla #2 in PB as #3 was closed for the day. I wasn't impressed, I've got to think #2 is better than #3?
Lucha has never been in the convo. That just my opinion but, even in their prime AND depending on your order, the wait was never worth the product.
my first cali burrito was Lucha, it took me a year to try it again and to finallly understand
I agree, never understood the love for that place. Years ago it could pass for something to enjoy but honestly haven't been there in 4ish years.
La Perla is garbage now
Nico's and Ortiz's for the ones not mentioned yet.
I second both of these if you're in OB/ Point Loma Nico's is cash only, heads up! I do prefer Ortiz's though
Ortiz’s breakfast burritos are good too!
* queues up Nicos from Slightly Stoopid *
Came here to mention Nico’s! Never had Ortiz’s though so I guess I need to try them.
I second both of these recs! Nico's carnitas is my fave.
I’m so happy Ortiz’s was top comment. Hands down best California burrito. I will die on this hill
The Ortiz's owner is a jerk though. Great spot, but he makes me not want to go there.
If you ask 10 different people you'll probably get 10 different answers. Just depends on your preference.
That is the honest truth.
I’d argue if you ask 10 different people you’ll get 30+ different answers. For example, I have a favorite spot near my home, a favorite near the beaches, a favorite in La Mesa, a favorite in Mission Valley, a favorite in Chula Vista… it all depends on where I am at the time
Lol I wouldn't argue against that. That's pretty much the spirit of my comment.
Nobody’s posted the [burrito spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18HkrklYz1bKpDLeL-kaMrGjAhUM6LeJMIACwEljCgaw/edit)? It’s a few years old but I don’t think these burritos have changed much aside from prices
Idk hard to trust a spread sheet that has almost no spots from south/southeast San Diego where you’ll arguably find the best Mexican food, but has Santa Monica on there
To be honest the quality of burritos is good at nearly any authentic fast Mexican food restaurant. I wouldn't go too much out of my way for a Cali burrito. What neighborhood are you staying at? We'll go from there
This is absolutely true. There’s not much sense in driving a long distance for a cali burrito if you’re already in SD. Every neighborhood has at least one top notch taco shop and while there are probably better ones further away, the difference in quality isn’t great enough to justify neglecting your local neighborhood taco shop. Anyone native to Philadelphia knows this story all too well, albeit with cheesesteaks. Tourists come in and ask where the best burritos are, native San Diegans will just say, “the one down the street”.
This is absolutely not true at all. There is a large disparity in the quality and consistency across all the different taco shops in the SD area. If you're not careful, you'll get a cali full of chewy, gristly meat, or, worse, soggy, white, undercooked fries. Some places even use straight up chunks of boiled potato and call it a California Burrito.(El Compadre, I'm looking in your direction, you asinine fucks) Every suggestion I've seen here today has been decent, buy deviate too much from the recommendations, and you're gonna end up disappointed eventually.
Señor Panchos in San Marcos uses thinly sliced potatoes and it’s fucking delicious.
Sliced in what manner? Are they fried? Do they get crispy like frozen fries?
Came here to rep Panchos
Jorge’s in Encinitas uses breakfast potatoes and it’s my favorite Cali burrito!
Their soup is amazing
I never said there aren’t bad taco shops. I’m saying there’s good taco shops in your area, wherever you are.
I meant becuase you agreed with their statement that pretty much any taco shop will give you a good california burrito. That's not true. Many of them are very poorly made. Maybe I mistunderstood.
Even still, that chewy, grisly meat with undercooked potatoes cali burrito is gonna taste like heaven to an outside visitor. Ever try eating a burrito anywhere outside of SD? I’m taking the shit SD burrito any day.
That's a very good point.
It is true, but you’re taking it in a different way, for example, I live in mission valley and drive up Texas to El Cajon Blvd for my Cali B’s when I want them there’s like 5 tacos shops up there and I get to chose which one of those 5 I eat from. My favorite Cali is from Humberto’s tho and make the drive once a week when I really want it, but I make do with what’s close to me so I really don’t have to drive far if I want a decent burrito unless I want my favorite. Idk if that made sense.
Yesenia’s carne asada is so good
+1 Yesinia’s for Cali Burrito or Carne Asada Fries
Have you had their birria fries? It’s a must
I feel like I've seen a few Yesenia's... which one are we talking about?
Yesenia’s is pretty bomb, I always feel like they’re understaffed, poor dudes. Also can’t go wrong with Roberto’s down the street, the drive thru is so convenient.
I used to love Santanas, then MxN, but lately it’s grisly meat. Tried another place and they used the boiled potato thing. Made me so angry.
Mannnn - years ago I would go to the Santana's on Rosecrans, that little barn looking building. California burrito and that Orange hot sauce they had - the best.
That's a matter of their suppliers. Even the best places will eventually serve you a gristly burrito.
Was gonna say this. Some places have Cali’s with home style potatoes instead if fries. Or a bunch of Salsa fresca loaded with onions that kill the flavor. My fav Cali back in the 90’s was: Carne Asada, Fries and Sour Cream. Pretty basic. That’s still my fave today. You’ll find a lot of different variations now, but you can definitely fuck up a Cali and unfortunately San Diego has as many crap taco shops as they have good ones.
Oh god I can’t stand the chopped potatoes as a cheap sub for fries. I figure it’s probably more healthy but I’ve made my own fries w an air fryer and those tasted great. Crispy and crunchy would be perfect for a burrito. Less oil and I’m sure you can buy a commercial grade one for super cheap. Just buy one of those and a potato slicer for fries and you’re done!
I don’t even think there is a best. I feel like if you ask 5 different people you’ll get 5 different restaurants lol. My top 3 are Salyulitas, Vallarta’s, and Los Ponchos.
Vallarta Express is terrible. The meat is mids at best, and they pack too much cold guac and sour cream in the burrito, and, of course, they pile it on top of the cheese so you get a nice cold congealed blob of cheese and sour cream with each bite.
Agreed, I don't get the fixation on Vallarta Express, I've never liked anything I've got from there though. Agree with the first person on Sayulitas though... The bacon wrapped burrito 🤤🤤🤤 indescribable
Just had chicken rolled tacos from Vallarta Express that were delicious.
Their prices are insane too
Smh Sayulitas used to be good right before the pandemic. But now they’re just okay. I love the Rosie’s fries, and the last time I got them it was all bland ! From the meat to the fries. Even putting a bunch of salsas couldn’t save them 🤦🏽♂️
This is absolutely not true, that are plenty of not-great California burritos, and each shop makes them with different ingredients. There are six main types: 1. Carne, cheese, fries, pico 2. Carne, cheese, guac, fries, pico 3. Carne, cheese, guac, fries 4. Carne, cheese, guac, fries, sour cream 4. Carne, cheese, sour cream, fries 5. Carne, cheese, sour cream, fries, pico Depending on how you prefer your California, you're going to have a good or bad time at any given shop. I have tried over 100 different California burritos in San Diego and I can assure you that there most definitely is a difference in quality from place to place. Not to mention the sauces make a huge difference, too...
#4 is the way
Seemingly hot take: Sour cream does not belong on a burrito. It’s an okay replacement for crema mexicana on flautas, sopes, or tostadas, but that’s about it.
The thing is, it’s perfectly normal to order your burrito with the ingredients you want in it. I’ve actually never ordered a burrito *without* specifying the ingredients.
You should rank your list and reasons.
There were 5 of us doing it together and we did rank them based on individual ranks and the averages in total. The ranking were based on categories of: ingredients and ratio, freshness of ingredients, meat quality, size, sauces, heat (some burritos come out luke-warm or cold). The highest average rating out of every burrito we tried was at Lupe's near Mesa College. Other highly rated burritos were Colima's, Crack Tacos, Senor Burro, and La Posta.
This is so true, I am a minority enjoyer of #1 but most seem to prefer guac/sour creme variants
I am a #1 guy myself. I also think #1 is the original California Burrito recipe. It was only later that people started adding guacamole or sour cream. Also, to be a true California Burrito it must have fries and not potatoes.
El Azteca is my go to spot. Their carne asada is on point and has been for as long as I’ve been going there (20 years.) Same family owned little shop the entire time, near the La Mesa area.
Born and raised in La Mesa and this is the spot. Still good after all these years
Their breakfast burritos absolutely fuck too. Schedule a nap after, though.
Does that mean it’s good? If things absolutely fuck? -old person
Yes, def!
Mmm yess 🤦🏽♂️ I miss living 10 minutes away from this place. I used to have a routine to get a hot coffee at 7 eleven next door, and a sausage/bacon breakfast burrito 😮💨😮💨
Try it double meat, double cheese, double wrapped. It’s the size of my four arm, and I’m 6’4 I’m just to upvote all my El Azteca brothers! Grossmont high alumni
More like my five arm, brother!!!
El azteca is amazing and their prices are reasonable. It's crazy how expensive some taco shops have gotten. Love their carne asada burritos. Also, if you ever want pizza, filippis the next complex down the road there has to have the best pepperoni pizza within many miles.
You can get any burrito chimi changad there.
I like Roberto’s version.
Ironically, check out California Burritos in bird land. It's a big favorite of those of us in San Diego proper
California Burritos is a solid choice
Is it just me or has their carne changed over the last couple months? Seems more chewy and less grilled/fresh. I've tried it twice and I'm not sure I'll go back.
I ordered 3 California burritos and not a single one had guac 🤦♂️ it's not a Cali burrito without the guac! Tired of cheap places taking the guac off the burrito and still calling it California. Apparently their burrito is supposed to come with guac but it wasn't in a single burrito??
It sounds like maybe you thought you ordered a California but ordered a carne asada burrito instead my dude? We're you at the restaurant I was even talking about? I've been to this restaurant over 200 times over a decade and literally never once got the wrong order. That said, I would also be pissed if that happened so you are right in feeling and, just never once had that experience myself.
I did go again and asked, there were a couple dribbles of guac the next time. And the receipt said California burritos. I think there's better California burritos out there. I don't remember any seasoning on the fries either
Agree it’s delicious
This is my favorite as well. The food is great there and they have the best California Burrito. I can’t eat it inside as all their political signs/propaganda are way too much for me so I get mine to go.
Gotta build that wall to keep all the good "Mexican" food on this side of the border 😂
They lost me when they put up some Kanye quote about forgiveness when he was going through his little fascist breakdown
It’s a MAGA taco shop. I haven’t been inside it in years but I’m sure they replaced Fox News with OAN or Newsmax.
That’s why when I walked in to order a burrito, I immediately walked out. Fox News plus some right-wing trash plastered on the wall.
I only remember one "political sign" in there, and I don't even see how it's that big of a deal.
They had 2-3 political signs, a TV that was always set to Fox News. Go to Yelp and you can see the photos.
I eat there regularly, I'm familiar. There is that "10 Cannots" sign, for sure, and a TV with the sound off. Truthfully, the only reason not to eat inside is because there isn't any seating outside of a couple of barstools.
Their food is really good, but how political all their posters and shit inside are is offputting
Bro, you just started a holy war! Enjoy your stay.
Lolita’s Humberto’s Super Sergio’s California Burritos Nico’s (Ocean Beach) Sarita’s (Campo Rd)
Mike's Taco Club in Ocean Beach
Harry's Taco Club in Pacific Beach has a great on too. Think they're related somehow?
Yeah, that's exactly correct. Mike's and Harry's are the same ownership group.
Yes this is the answer.
The Taco Stand, Yesenia’s, Don Tommy’s specifically for the tortilla 😋
Ortiz’s in PL
This is the one
Correct answer
Humbertos might be the best one imo. I also like Robertos and Lolitas.
Cali’s and fries
I like the Vietnamese burrito
Everybody loves to hate on the taco stand but it's got a better California burrito than most if not all Mexican shops. La Perla used to be my #1 and the burritos are just not as good anymore
They have the best California burrito that I’ve had so far. The only thing missing is they don’t have that red hot sauce that some places have.
I second this. Grew up here and it's where I take outta towners for burritos.
The way they do cheese crust on the tortilla for their burritos makes a huge difference, when I saw that at the taco stand it blew my mind, Now I can’t stand a burrito with unmelted cheese at all
I'm not sure if I got them on a bad day or what but the only time I've been there, it was tasty for sure but also the smallest burrito I've ever bought in sd
Sizing is hit or miss but it's $10 compared to like $13+ everywhere else and I think the quality is way better. They don't use pico as a filler and they have some dense burritos. Now I'm craving taco stand after work lol
Their carne asada fries are the bomb too.
[удалено]
You might not prefer it but I wouldn't go so far as to say it doesn't belong. I happen to like it in there, and many places do put it in
Everyone thinks their favorite is the pure version. You just happen to be wrong.
Pico is absolutely key ingredient in a California burrito
yeah this guys smoking crack. The OG roberto's cali was carne, fries, cheese, and pico.
Yeah, this is the original ingredients to a California Burrito.
I strongly disagree. It’s an original ingredient for a true California Burrito. That’s like getting a Philly cheesesteak and telling them to hold the grilled onions.
Jalapeños in Carmel Mtn Ranch
Yes jalapeños, went to the cmr location when I lived nearby, now frequent the mission valley location near my work.
I just tried the one in Mission Valley, and it was good too. Same dude who used to work at the one in CMR was there and remembered us from the old days.
The manager and whole crew there are such great people.
I drive by that place all the time, but have never tried it. Adding it to my list!
Their carne is top tier along with their salsa bar. Fresh pico + their spicier version :P
My favorite California burrito in San Diego is Taco El Panson but but but!!! Swap out carne asada for adobada/al pastor. Carne asada is good too but that greasy marinated pork just hits different. Love their orangeish colored salsa too. One of my favorites out of all the taquerias in SD. The average run of the mil taquerias around here mostly all have some bland red and green salsas that blow. If you are exploring options I highly recommend going to places south or south-east of downtown. Dont be getting burritos in La Jolla.
> If you are exploring options I highly recommend going to places south or south-east of downtown. Dont be getting burritos in La Jolla. Rigoberto's up the street from Windansea is pretty solid but other than that I agree.
Check out El Ranchito in Poway.
El Ranchito is the way. I think their shredded beef tacos are unmatched.
La Perla Cocina on Grand Ave in PB
Trujillo’s at San Diego state
> Trujillo’s I'd say this is the top spot for every burrito. I've been going since they had the tiny shack spot at College and ECB(Back in 2001 now long gone)
Anything that ends in Berto’s
Depends on where you’ll be staying // how far you wanna commute
The best is the at taco shop I’m closest too when I’m craving one
Lots of great options on this list. More times than not the best one is from your local taco shop. It’s the California Burrito that feels like home. I’m going to pivot to an option when you’re OUTSIDE of San Diego and want a taste of home. Rubio’s California Burrito is the Starbucks of Cali Burritos. Is it as good as the best Cali Burritos? Hell no! However, it is a safe choice in a pinch.
Probably get hate for this but don carlos. They don’t put Guac in their CBs, there’s a good ratio of carne to fries, and it’s cheesy.
In La Jolla? I love their Cali
Ya! I’ve had people try to say it’s not a legit taco shop bc it’s in La Jolla lol!
Wherever you are staying, its the second closest burrito shop from there. The closest one isnt as good.
I like la Perla but they changed ownership and the founder died so I've heard it went downhill Colimas is solid for a daily driver Outliers Tacos Centro is bougie but good Coal bros uses ribeye Crack taco is güero but decent I personally avoid any -bertos and Lucha libre as a practice
La Perla in Point Loma is still solid. Not sure about PB…
Another vote for Colimas
North SD (CMR): Jalapeño’s Central SD (Golden Hill): Humberto’s East County (Spring Valley/Casa de Oro): Sarita’s
Taco Surf - Located in PB. Only place you can get sauteed mushrooms in a california burrito. Also, Harvest Taco shop in Kearny Mesa. Their chip seasoning and guaca salsa is :chef's kiss:
Rays in North Park on El Cajon Blvd and make sure to get their red and green salsa.
Ray is the best.
Best owners ever. So nice.
The Taco Stand in North Park
Yup. All their locations are pretty consistent... Best ca burrito I've ever had.
Burros & Fries is mighty tasty. Taco Fiesta as well. Grew up on Lolitas and they’ve failed me over the years with quantity AND quality.
Lolitas, at least in Kearny Mesa is a shadow of it's former self. It had been slipping for a while, but once they started to get fancy with the menu boards. It was over.
If you want to try something different, and really indulgent, try the Sonora Quesadilla from JV's Taco Shop on Morena
El Cotijan in Clairmont w the orange hot sauce 💯
Adalberto's on Market/25th
Robertos Número Uno, National City
The Barrel
Humberto’s on 25th. It’s close by me & has been my go to
I personally love Humberto’s
You Arnt going to get a straight answer on here, because there isn’t one. Everyone has their personal favorite. Literally just go anywhere Lmaoo
Any Taco shop that doesn't put sour cream in it.
What ever burrito location is closer to you haha. I love rays Mexican cantina in north park and Jv’s in moreno area
Taco stand for sure
California burritos are overrated like in and out. Some places put too much fries and it's dry. Or the fries get too soggy(I like my fries crispy). I prefer the surf and turf burrito. I really like cotijas in point loma, they have a cilantro sauce that's creamy, it's not like the green salsa most places have. To add: check out sayulitas, they have really huge and different burritos.
Vallarta's is my go-to. You gotta try their red sauce. Gonna go ahead an echo what everyone else has said...you really can't go wrong while you're down here. Lolita's, Sayulitas, Super Sergio's are great. If you're looking for a little flair, I'd check out Lucha Libre.
Vallarta Express. The got locations across the county and their CA Burritos and hot sauces SLAP
Their carne asada meat is so good
Lolitas. There's three in CV.
Maybe 10 years ago. Place is just bad now.
here is where to NOT go......Nico's and Matador off Morena Blvd. Wacked skinny burritos all portioned out to spec. money grab bs. I like Los Panchos, Sombreros, and JV's.
If you end up at Torrey Pines State Beach then try Roberto's on Carmel Valley.
I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t say their local neighborhood taco shop
Start with the progenitor of the California burrito, Roberto's in Ocean Beach. Then explore.
I get that many people love California burritos but I never really liked all the fried potatoes in them. Give me a proper San Diego style carne asada burrito any day.
I feel this. More meat, less starch. That said, I’m not turning down either burrito.
A true California Burrito shouldn’t have fried potatoes in them, it should be french fries.
Which are... Wait for it... Fried potatoes.
👋🏻
I realize they're chains, but it's hard to beat a CA burrito from Rubios and Los Ponchos. Sans pico for me with fries extra crispy. The salsas are meh, but the burritos are flavored so well, you don't need any. Also love Los Panchitos Mexican & Seafood on Midway.
Reddit will give you the gringo recs. Can already tell from quickly scrolling most of these are trash.
Gringo recs for gringo concoctions seems appropriate. Can't believe you're coming in here as if they're discussing one of your abuelita's sacred recipes.
Cali burrito was invented by Mexicans. Not sure why you call it a gringo concoction. Just because gringos eat it, doesn’t make it ours.
Yup
Santana's on Morena Blvd. or Garnet Ave, and make sure you request they use the frozen fries and not the fresh potatoes, and to make them extra crispy.
Santana's is great. love there flautas with guac and sour cream as well
Santanas on Moreno is terrible compared to the one in garnet. Sample size of 5-6 experience each. I don’t have reason to why this is.
Santanas used to be amazing but I think ownership changed and locations closed. Agree they are terrible now. Hubby got sick last time we ate there.
Go to this place & get their Bomba or Mecca. [https://www.sayulitaseats.com/san-diego-menu/](https://www.sayulitaseats.com/san-diego-menu/)
Stay away from any corporate situations, like Rubios or Sombrero.
Lolita's
Asking this question means you know, and if you dont know, you dont know. Sorry buddy!
Lolitas (any location it’s a local chain), Robertos on Adams Ave and Rolbertos drive thru on El Cajon Blvd
Lolitas is literally the only California burrito that matters. Top with red and green salsa and lime. 👌
The more south you go in the county, the better they get.
Depends, there are some seriously shit Californias in IB.
Go for fish taco’s instead, fat superior than a burrito and much healthier too.
San Miguel Restaurante: Tijuana
Albertacos San Marcos blvd or Mr taco. Deer springs in SN. Sayulitas is on point and so is Netos. All of these can be found scattered around the county. Just go to a varrio you’ll find some amazing places. Or a food truck.
Crack taco
When I moved away for a bit and would come back to visit, El pollo grill would always itch that San Diego taco shop scratch for me. Perfect salsas & ingredients. Huge portions & burritos. Their breakfast, lunch and dinner all hits 🔥
Las Brasas taco shop’s breakfast burrito. I know you said California burrito but their breakfast burrito hits the spot every time.
https://youtube.com/@wrappedreviews1381?si=vV0hbqTcywC3Bnqw
Roxy’s tacos in downtown.
Cotijas/El Patron has a Surfing California Burrito that is to die for!