Matthew Kang
San Diego’s Best French Fry-Packed California Burritos
Here’s where to find this homegrown classic
Updated
Mention adding french fries to a burrito to someone from the Bay Area or Texas — anywhere, really — and their reaction may be one of confusion. But whoever thinks carne asada and french fries don’t belong together forgets that meat and potatoes are a universal duo. Despite raised eyebrows from those not in the know, the California burrito was created in San Diego and is arguably the city’s most famous of all burrito styles, if not our most well-known dish. And just like every real San Diegan knows where to find the best parking spots at the beach and which surface street routes to take to avoid afternoon traffic on the 805, every true local has a favorite spot for California burritos. This list features some of Eater’s favorite California burritos, including a few riffs on the traditional version.
The Taco Stand
This sleek local chain might be best known for its tacos, but it slings some mighty burritos, too. Its rendition of the classic California is notable for the compelling texture of its french fries, which remain crisp alongside the flame-grilled steak and all the usual accompaniments. The Taco Stand has locations dotting all over North County, including an outpost in La Jolla and a newer location in Oceanside, California.
Super Sergio’s
This Convoy area drive-thru has one of the best California burritos north of the 8; pull in for a classic Cali with carne asada, fries cheese, and pico de gallo inside. With window service until 2 a.m., this is also one of the most accessible late-night eats in the area; those who want to eat on-site can dine on the covered front patio. South Bay residents need not make the long trek, as Super Sergios also has a location on Sweetwater Road in National City.
Matthew Kang
JV’s Mexican Food
A Morena Avenue institution, this taco shop keeps the area’s workforce and visitors well-fed with its always-brimming California burritos. As one of the heartier entries on this lineup, JV’s California burrito comes generously sized and includes an impressive amount of guacamole and sour cream to offset the grilled meat and french fries. Expect an eclectic dining room experience with mismatched table chairs and paint in different primary colors on the walls.
Matthew Kang
Mike’s Taco Club
The blistered tortilla on this Cali Burrito (the name on the menu, not our abbreviation) sets it apart from other contenders, although it’s packed with all the classic California burrito components: asada, french fries, Jack cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo. The red awning, beachy location, and pick-up window make this an easy choice for picnic fare or post-beach hang provisions. Wash it all down with an ice-cold Mexican Coke.
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5060 Newport Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92107, US
- +16192233540
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Chuck Cook Photography
Lucha Libre Taco Shop
A California burrito made with juicy steak, thick-cut fries, and a chipotle crema quickly became the original Mission Hills location’s calling card in this restaurant mini-chain’s early days, which has since spawned a slew of spinoffs off the classic California burrito, including a chicken and poblano version as well as a birria-based burrito. Much of the shop’s appeal comes from its quirky Mexican lucha libre-themed decor, with candy pink walls, gold patent leather booths, and wrestling belts and other luchadores ephemera on the walls.
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1810 W. Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
- (619) 296-8226
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Doug Gates
Ortiz’s Taco Shop
The California burrito remains the top seller at this family-owned strip mall shop where regulars know to add guacamole to a mix that comes loaded with glistening carne asada, crispy french fries, and ample melted cheese. If there’s any room after the burrito, diners can add things like crunchy rolled tacos, tostadas, and soups like caldo de res or menudo. The simply adorned interior has a few booths flanking its far wall to complement the bustling to-go business.
Matthew Kang
La Perla #3
Known for its carne asada, this taco shop does a very good traditional California burrito, but one of its specialty burritos, the Oaxacalifornia, ups the ante by using a large cheese quesadilla as an indulgent wrapper for the combination of carne asada, fries, pico, and guacamole. Find under a dozen tables in its small dining room plus communal counter seating in the center of the space; takeout is always a fine option here, too.
Kimberly Motos
Humberto’s Taco Shop
The constant flow of faithful regulars remain a testament to this 25th Street institution’s quality and consistency. Humberto’s Taco Shop offers one of San Diego’s finest California burritos, loading the right ratio of fries, seasoned carne asada, and pico de gallo into a just-blistered-enough flour tortilla. Make the order complete with an icy horchata (and five rolled tacos, if you’re extra hungry). For diners who are east of the Golden Hill area, Humberto’s runs a sister location on 43rd Street near the 805 exit.
Phaedra Cook
Adalberto’s Mexican Food
With 15 locations across the state, Adalberto’s Sherman Heights outpost with a 24-hour drive-thru is the chain’s flagship, where it has been in operation since 1986. Its commendable take on the California burrito comes carne asada, fries, cheese, and fresh pico de gallo, but leaves off the guacamole and sour cream, for a more pared down — but no less flavorful — California burrito experience. There are a few tables inside and outside, but this place works especially well for takeout.
¡Salud!
This Barrio Logan icon slings a California burrito, and a good one at that, although its Califas taco — the tacofied version of the iconic fry-stuffed burrito — is worth trying, too, if your appetite doesn’t allow for the bigger whole shebang. Carne asada or other proteins are nestled into a flour tortilla and topped with french fries, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded cheddar, and crema, allowing for a new way to experience the tried-and-true dish.
Roberto’s Taco Shop
San Diego’s original taco shop endures as the inventor of the California burrito and spawning the ubiquitous “-Berto’s” Mexican food genre. So it’s only natural that Robertos does it right at its several locations around town, made with carne asada, french fries, chopped salsa, and cheddar cheese just like when the recipe was rolled out in the 1980s. The surf-and-turf California burrito, available at some locations, adds shrimp, pico, and a proprietary dressing into the mix to prove the originators can also build on the classic.
Lolita’s Mexican Food
This taco shop empire hailing from the South Bay has some of the best fries in the game, meaning your California burrito will have the golden, crispy-fried goodness that many seek out. The quality of the beef and cheese kicks its rendition a step above the rest. Inside, expect casual wooden tables, tiled floors, and a sign on one wall that reads “Patience is the essence of fine Mexican food.” (Message, taken.)
Phaedra Cook
Asada Mexican Restaurant
This Chula Vista favorite on Main Street features round-the-clock service and a drive-thru, making it easy to sate any possible 4 a.m. rolled taco or California burrito cravings. Asada’s slings a straightforward, no-frills take on the classic California burrito that makes it one of the most consistent choices in the South Bay. The business has been open since 1991 and is proudly woman-owned.
Asada Mexican Restaurant
Don Pancho’s Taco Shop
Quick service and great burritos make this one of Imperial Beach’s best destinations for taco shop fare (think combination plates heaped with beans and rice, soft tacos, crispy tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and loaded nachos and french fries). The California burrito here includes all the usual fixings along with a dab of fatty sour cream. Don Pancho’s house salsas are quite good, so pick up an extra green and red to pair well with your burrito.
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