There are few places my wife and I love visiting more than San Diego. Its long, golden beaches and clear, sunny skies make it the perfect vacation destination for these Pacific Northwest natives. And while we love San Diego for its beaches, it's also known for something else I love: California burritos!
In 2018, my wife and I spent a weekend soaking up the sun in Pacific Beach. During this trip, I made an effort eat as many California burritos as possible!
Since then, a lot has changed: we now have a beautiful daughter, I've changed jobs twice, and we've been navigating a global pandemic. However, one thing never changed: my love for California burritos.
Since then, a lot has changed: we now have a beautiful daughter, I've changed jobs twice, and we've been navigating a global pandemic. However, one thing never changed: my love for California burritos.
This year, we took a week-long vacation to San Diego. Unsurprisingly, I went on another quest to eat as many burritos as I could fit. This is a summary of my 2021 California burrito quest!
The Hit List
Roberto's Taco Shop Bay Park
El Rey Moro Taco Shop
Harry's Taco Club
La Perla Cocina #2
Colima's Mexican Food
California Burritos
The Taco Stand
Ortiz's Taco Shop
La Playa Taco Shop
El Rey Moro Taco Shop
Harry's Taco Club
La Perla Cocina #2
Colima's Mexican Food
California Burritos
The Taco Stand
Ortiz's Taco Shop
La Playa Taco Shop
Roberto's Taco Shop Bay Park
Quick Summary
- Slightly stale, generous portion of thin-cut fries
- Tender, lightly salted, thin slices of carne asada
We touched down in San Diego around midnight. After a 2-hour flight, I was hungry for any open food joint. A quick Google search led me to Roberto's Taco
Shop, which was a quick detour off I-5 on the way to our Airbnb in Pacific Beach.
The California burrito here is pretty basic, but it gets the job done. The fries were a bit stale, probably from sitting during the day (it was midnight, after all). Nothing else about the burrito really stands out.
In a pinch, I'd visit Roberto's again, but it's not a California burrito I'd seek out.
El Rey Moro Taco Shop
Harry's Taco Club
Quick Summary
- Crispy, well-seasoned fries
- Tender, salty, marinated carne asada
- Very onion-y pico de gallo
Later in the evening, we walked along Ocean-Front Walk towards the pier. On the loop back to our Airbnb, we picked up dinner at Harry's Taco Club. It's better known for tacos, but I decided to try the California burrito.
The pico de gallo in this burrito has a lot of onion in it. It isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it overtakes the rest of the flavors. The meat and fries, though on the saltier side, helps cut down the sharp flavor of the onions.
If I happen to return to Harry's, I'll get tacos instead. For a much better California burrito, I recommend heading two blocks west to Taco Surf PB.
La Perla Cocina #2
Quick Summary
- Salty, tender carne asada, with a sweet finish
- Plenty of melted, stringy cheese
- Cilantro in pico de gallo blends very well the meat
In 2018, I visited La Perla Cocina on Emerald St, down near the beach. Although it appears on many top-ten lists, it ended up being one of my least favorite California burritos.
Colima's Mexican Food
In addition to a great California burrito, we also loved the rolled tacos! It's no wonder why Colima's is so busy, and we'll be sure to eat here again!
California Burritos
California Burritos
Quick Summary
- Small cut, almost shredded carne asada
- Skinny-cut fries, a bit on the dry side
Even on vacation, I get the occasional late-night craving. Despite having already eaten two burritos earlier in the day, I drove out to Linda Vista to a popular spot named California Burritos.
The Taco Stand
Quick Summary
- Huge serving of tender, well-marinated, high-quality carne asada
- Crispy, melted cheese along the inside of the tortilla
- Flaky, yet strong and chewy, well-toasted tortilla
In 2018, after exploring the La Jolla Tide Pools, my wife and I tried grabbing lunch at The Taco Stand. Unfortunately, the line was out the door and around the block! Unwilling to wait, we went to Don Carlos Taco Shop instead (a worthy alternative).
Well, three whole years later, I finally got my chance to eat the California burrito at The Taco Stand. And it's one of the best California burritos I've ever had!
It comes with a generous heap of extremely tender beef. I'm convinced it's well-marbled, rib-eye steak! On the inside of the perfectly-toasted tortilla is a crispy layer of melted cheese, which is something I had never seen in a California burrito before.
Looking back to 2018, it makes perfect sense why the line at The Taco Stand was around the block. And the next time I'm in San Diego, I'll definitely make the drive out to La Jolla to get this burrito again!
Ortiz's Taco Shop
Quick Summary
- Nicely seared, thin slices of carne asada
- Thin-cut, very lightly-seasoned fries
- Sour cream and cheese adds a very rich, creamy taste
Just a quick drive from Pacific Beach, I made a post-dinner run to Ortiz's Taco Shop. It's a popular spot right next to Point Loma Highschool.
The burrito is very simple: fries, meat, sour cream, and cheese. It reminds me of a Lolita's burrito, but a bit better. The sour cream and cheese provides a rich and creamy texture, which complements the crunchiness of the thin-cut beef and fries.
The California burrito at Ortiz's is an example of simplicity paired with great execution. The result is a delicious burrito, one I gladly eat again!
La Playa Taco Shop
Quick Summary
- Thin, but strong tortilla
- Well-marinated, salty carne asada
- Crispy, very thick, crinkle-cut fries
On the final night of our trip, we drove down to Mission Beach for one last California burrito. Right along Mission Boulevard, there's a small place named La Playa Taco Shop. I've driven by many times, but never bothered to stop in. It felt like a good time to finally give it a try!
The California burrito at La Playa has a relatively thin, toasted tortilla. It's packed tightly with well-seasoned meat, a generous serving of guacamole, and really thick, crinkle-cut fries. Despite being filled to the brim, the tortilla held everything together without breaking!
If I ever find myself in Mission Beach craving a California burrito, I'd be glad to grab one at La Playa!
Conclusion
There are many, many options for great California burritos all over San Diego, it's almost impossible to try them all in a week! The great thing is, no matter you are, there's likely to be a great burrito nearby.
Here's some resources for anyone else on the hunt:
I can't wait to head back to San Diego and try more!
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