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Bolillo Tortas
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican
417 4th Ave(between Island Ave & J St)
San Diego, CA 92101
Neighbourhoods: Gaslamp, East Village
(619) 255-6268
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 11 am - 12 am
Thu-Sat 11 am - 3 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street, Validated
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
66 reviews for Bolillo Tortas
Review Highlights
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"...meal- complete with yummy salad and a bacon wrapped pepper." In 2 reviews -
"It came with a small corn on the cob Mexican style and a..." In 3 reviews -
"...the BEST in its kind, Cuban Torta is my personal Favorite..." In 3 reviews
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66 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer N.
San Diego, CA
5/18/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This was the perfect late-night solution to the post-meetup hunger my three friends and I were facing after an evening at a nearby wine bar.
Bolillo Tortas is affordable (not cheap though) and its menu appears to be be stock full of high-quality food. And it is REALLY delicious, so if you ask me, paying $11 including tax for a super-delish torta is NBD.
On my first visit, I ordered the Milanesa de Res (Beef Milanesa). The stuffed jalapeño on the side was wrapped in bacon... and if you know me, I don't love bacon - but when it's done well, it's amazing. And this was totally amazing. I picked the house salad as my side, but I really wish I had gotten the corn because my fellow first-timers loved the corn on the cob.
Next time, I really don't know which torta to pick. They all seemed so good. And I liked the Milanesa de Res. There was one gigantic torta on the menu which cost $29 (feeds three grown men, apparently!) to which one of my friends exclaimed, "It looks like a meat orgasm!"
Well, I would believe it!
There's beer here and more than tortas, too. Salads, soups, a kids' menu, and from what I can tell (but haven't yet tried), a ridiculous menu of desserts. Oh yeah, and horchata. Just enough options for everybody and bonus points for being open reasonably late (until midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 3 AM Thursday through Saturday!).
Seriously, I can't wait to go back! -
Review from Erica A.
San Diego, CA
I would actually like to give Bolillo Torta a 3.5. As I am not quite a fan yet but this place is great and I think as I try more sandwiches I will like it even more!
First off, as far as downtown eateries, this place is definitely affordable. It is also brand new and has unique decor. The service is very friendly and attentive.
I ordered the ham and cheese croissant torta (as I wasn't too hungry that evening) and It was just ok. I loved the bacon wrapped jalapeno it came with and Bolillo's food presentation is amazing! They are truly sandwich artists! I also ordered a pistachio frappucino which was just ok too. However, a friend of mine had the cubana torta with the seasoned corn and it looked so scrumptious and he loved it!
Great service and Bolillo offers free delivery downtown which is fantastic. I will be back to try more on the menu! -
Review from David K.
5/8/2012 4 Check-ins Here
I am a devout Yelp Check-Inner, and it finally paid off. I claimed my first San Diego Dukedom at Bolillo Tortas - the first establishment to fall to the onslaught of David K check-ins. Sure I have some manors and Dukedoms in Virginia, but San Diego is the big-time. And I couldn't have claimed a better place than Bolillo.
It seems like tortas are getting to be the new it Mexican food to get. Bolillo offers a low-key, classy fast casual type atmosphere to enjoy a variety of delicious tortas. Located in a non-descript, some would say less than optimal, location, it never seems to be too crowded, although I'd assume it does good lunch business, and they also deliver throughout downtown with their three wheeled bicycle. For me, it works because I feel fine showing up alone, sitting at the bar, playing with my phone, and enjoying a tasty torta.
At this point, I've tried a good range of their offerings. The ahogada torta is bathed in chile sauce with tender carnitas between a sourdough roll. The chile sauce is tasty, but not spicy. I wouldn't mind if it upped the hotness a bit/a lot. The chicken milanesa, which was profiled on Serious Eats, was a perfect blend of chicken milanesa, beans, and avocado, with a soft torta roll. The shrimp torta is tasty, bathed in red chile sauce with some tasty cheese. The cubano is a gut bomb to the 1st degree with it's multiple meats, beans, avocado - just a perfect blend of wonderfulness. Each torta comes with a side and a bacon wrapped cheese stuffed jalapeno. The jalapeno is OK, it sounds better than it is, and it is mighty spicy - for me, a good sweat is a good way to cap off the meal - for others, not so much. I've only tried the elota corn which has the typical mayo and cheese spread on it. It's sour at first and then tasty throughout.
As a frequent Yelper, I was pleased to see them offering the Yelp Groupony deal through the iPhone app. The staff is nice, and seems truly passionate about their product. The owner or manager (not sure) spoke to me for a while about what went into the tortas - nice guy. If you can't tell, I am a fan of this place. The food is good, it's easy to get a table, they have a patio I can bring my dog to - one of my Gaslamp hidden gems. -
Review from C K.
Sarasota, FL
5/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
The corn on the cob was fantastic and the whole meal was good. Staff was also top notch. We ate lunch on the patio in the sunshine - great experience all around.
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Review from Conor B.
Toluca Lake, CA
I was visiting San Diego and wanted something to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and I stumbled upon Bolillo Tortas and stepped on in. Boy am I glad I did! The staff was beyond friendly and helpful and the food was out of this world. They kept forgetting to bring out our soup, but it's ok because it gave us plenty of time to enjoy our amazing sandwiches. Just bring some napkins because some of these sandwiches are quite messy!
I heard they're going to expand so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they make their way north to Los Angeles so I can enjoy some great sandwiches in my hometown. -
Review from Jefe P.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 5/20/2012 1 photo
I hate doing this, I really do, but I went back and quality is going down. I really hope it was just that one time, because this place has a lot to offer.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/4/2011
Finally San Diego has a good example of central mexican tradition. Torterias, which are a close… Read more »
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Review from Anna H.
San Diego, CA
5/3/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal 3 Check-ins Here
Wow. Best sandwich I've had in a long time. First torta, true convert.
The Torta Cubana was layers of awesome (minus the sad lettuce & raw white onions) & it wasn't until after i finished the whole torta that I realized here was a special sauce, but I don't care! Freshest bread, the size of both my hands (I do have small hands). The smear of pinto beans was unexpected & delicious. Lovely sour, salty, seasoned goodness on sweet sweet corn on a stick. And to top it all off, a sweet roasted jalapeño, stuffed with cheese & wrapped in bacon. The mexican flan is better than some cheesecakes I've had, though I've had more delicate flans. I am going back & bringing everyone I know. Very cool interior with patio seating. && you can order online for pick up or delivery. I'm holding off on the last star because I know I'm not an expert on any of the above items. -
Review from Julio G.
La Jolla, CA
5/21/2012
If you never had a cuban sandwich u might think this one is good. I had too many in NYC to find this one tasty. The pepper wrapped in bacon was good though. The corn Mexico City style was too tart and not creamy enough. This place would be great if u are drunk and need a torta but otherwise I was underwhelmed. My Korean friend liked the carne asada but when I tried it I was like, meh.
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Review from Shy A.
4/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Funny....I was at work minding my own business when I came across this hilarious man....He told me he owned this torta shop called Bolillo in Gaslamp....I'm a food hog and love anything new....he raved about his joint....I made a promise to this hilarious man to visit....I bookmarked Bolillo on my handy Yelp app and went on with my day.
But, I couldn't get the thought of those tortas he so vividly described....
Within a couple of hours, this hilarious man came back..turkey torta in hand. He was so excited to share with me how delicious their tortas were, he brought me one....
Was I dreaming? When does this ever happen? How did I become so lucky, that as I sat at work staring out at the sunny San Diego sky and practically salivating for the wonderful tortas this hilarious man had described that it would materialize before me?
I had to share my torta with my employees...but the little bite I had was deeeleeesh.
I had to return....I didn't want to go alone, in fear that I would order a handful of tortas and gorge on a beautiful Sunday. KR saved me from becoming a torta glutton alone. We ordered the Cuban and Chiliquiles....
Holy Cow....This hilarious man wasn't just funny and quirky-he spoke the gospel....the delicious torta gospel.
And the meal came with a pepper stuffed with cheese and wrapped with bacon! Like three of my most favorite things in the world!
He was my new hero.
The service was outstanding, my belly was full and I have just fallen in love with Bolillo.
Park at Horton and take the walk...parking maids in the area can be maniacs and you'll need a bit of a stretch after you eat here....Listed in: San Diego's…
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Review from Cynthia G.
San Diego, CA
5/23/2012
i routinely walk past this shop and was glad i stopped in.. very fresh, very tasty!
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Review from Frank R.
Imperial Beach, CA
4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love Tortas, they are by far one of my favorite things to eat! So when I was at the Padres/Dodgers game last week and wanted something to eat that wasn't going to rape my wallet I decided to try this place.
As soon as I walked in I noticed that the prices for a Torta where a lot higher than I am use to paying, but I was already here and hungry. I guess that since it is close to the ball park they have to charge higher prices so for me I was ok with it.
Anyway, I ordered the Torta cubana which is like the biggest one on the menu (Go big or go home right???). This thing was a awesome! I loved everything about it from the pork to the fried egg and avocado all in a nice torta bread. It was just plain good. The Torta also comes with a side and I chose the corn. I love mexican style corn on the cob and this was one of the best I have ever tried! Also they give you a bacon wrapped cheese stuffed jalapeno with your meal that goes great with everything!!
Definitely coming back!!! -
Review from serina c.
San Diego, CA
4/25/2012
OK but not great. I had the carne asada and the cubana. The cubana was not as big as the server made it seem to be. He said it was gonna be huge but it was a normal size sandwich. The corn would have been better without the sauce they put on it. It made it very sour but it was suppose to be a mayo base?? Didn't make sense to me but hey you can't please everyone. Maybe I'll be back one day but I don't for see any cravings for Tortas in the near future. Oh and the bean soup was no bueno
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Review from Doug C.
Sandy, UT
3/19/2012
I took a group of about 8 here after finding it on yelp. All I can say is the carne asada torta was amazing. The meat was tender and perfectly seasoned, the bread was perfectly soft but not too soft and the corn on the cob was very interesting. Definitely a new taste I've never had, full of spice and butter but it was delicious. The bacon wrapped jalapeno topped it all off and while it was too hot for me I definitely loved the bacon. I also tried their horchata, which was a tad on the sweet side for me but good nevertheless to combat the spiciness of the jalapeno.
The cashier/waiter was very friendly and came around with two different salsas to try. The chipotle was amazing. It was sweet and a little spicy and then had a definite kick afterwards. I put it all over my torta and it was delicious. It was also very reasonably priced. If you are in San Diego, I would definitely hit up this place. -
Review from Sharon L.
3/14/2012
I tried the lomo de cerdo and carne asada tortas.
Lomo de cerdo (pork) was dry, sort of tasteless. Carne asada was pretty good. -
Review from Chris S.
Watsonville, CA
Great food! I got the asada torta and it was bomb!!! They give you your meal with a bacon wrapped pepper that is fire hot but good.
Will come here again next time i'm in San Diego. A must eat stop from now on. -
Review from Alex A.
San Diego, CA
2/23/2012
BEST TORTAS I HAVE FOUND IN SAN DIEGO!!! Believe me when I tell you that these are very good. My wife is from Guadalajara the home of Tortas and she has spent the last 5 years in San Diego complaining that there are no good Tortas in San Diego.
If you're looking for an excellent torta ahogada and you don't want to fly to Guadalajara then give Bolillo a try! They are excellent! I had the Cubana and that was also excellent. -
Review from Lindsay B.
San Diego, CA
5/3/2012
Never even got to try the food. Second time... Yes the second time the bike delivery guy never showed up even after talking to him numerous times that he was almost there. It has now been and hour and a half and still no food. Lousy business!!!
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Review from Shannon K.
San Diego, CA
3/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The first time I went here I thought the tortas we had were pretty good (although I can't remember whether I had the egg and chorizo or the carne asada, hmmm). Plus, I thought the roasted corn and the cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped jalepeno were nice touches.
I ate here again over the weekend, though, and I was less than impressed. The tortas had a strange texture and consistency that is hard to describe, but nontheless disconcerting. The corn was overcooked and the jalepeno was undercooked. Were they just having a bad day or is this a sign of things to come? Not sure. I'll give them another go because they are super convenient for me, but if I have another experience like this weekend, I'll probably start skipping them in favor of somewhere else. -
Review from vic f.
Oakland, CA
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Off the beaten track but super yummy, trendy Mexican joint (read a few bucks not really a joint). The soup and jalapeño was GOOD, those two are a must.
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Review from Wendy T.
San Diego, CA
2/19/2012
This place was great. We were downtown for an appointment. We were looking for a not-too-expensive place for dinner. While the fancy sit-down restaurants in the Gaslamp are fun, we didn't want to spend a ton for dinner that night. I found this place on Yelp, and decided to give it a go.
My husband had the Torta Cubana. He loved it. I had a torta with chicken (forgot the name). It was also very good. I loved all the avocado in it! I ate half at the restaurant, and had the other half for lunch the next day. My coworkers had lunch envy....:)
I also loved the decor. Very casual, but with a cool, urban vibe.
We aren't downtown often, but if we were in the area again, we'd definitely come back.Listed in: Hungry?
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Review from Far East M.
Paterson, NJ
This place may have the next food craze. It may start replacing chipotles.
The tortas are very tasty. They take their time in making the sandwiches. I was very glad that they served horchata to help cool the bacon wrapped jalopeno. The rice milk thing is not overly sweet and has a nice hint of cinnimon. We had lunch earlier in our visit here. I had the Al pastor and i forgot the others I've tried. The cheese corn is different and good. I'm not really a fan of sharp cheeses but the taaste was good to me.
Co-workers and I ended had our last dinner here. Out of all the nice places in the Gaslamp we ended it here. -
Review from Joseph A.
Chula Vista, CA
5/16/2012
Awesome Tortas that are reasonably priced and come with your choice of very tasty sides.
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Review from Joel R.
4/4/2012
Bolillo brings the Chipotle approach to tortas. I mean this in the best way possible. The Gaslamp is still kind of desolate, and Bolillo is something of a food oasis. I can be boring sometimes, so I went with the carne asada. It was very tasty. I loved the included jicama salad, simple but a nice touch. Prices are about what you'd expect. The semi-waitservice works, too.
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Review from Jen Z.
San Diego, CA
1/4/2012 3 Check-ins Here
This place is absolutely flawless! Where do I start? With the immaculate, gorgeous, classy joint or the absolutely down to earth legit Mexican food they have? This place has it all. Great food, an amazing recipe or "sason", a great variety and selection, excellent customer service and the place is really nice.
The sides are the bomb!!! They all come with Jalapeño poppers and a side. Choose the Corn. It's legit! Just how they prepare it in TJ. Every torta here is great. I've yet to try one I didn't like. I couldn't have the bean soup cause I'm allergic to dairy and it has cream but I'm told it's incredible. It's more of a Crema de frijol.
I love that it's open late.
My only complaint, it's a bit Pricey.
But other than that go now, you're not going to regret it! -
Review from Stacey L.
Pittsburgh, PA
3/29/2012
First time trying tortas. I had the turkey/cranberry sauce one, with corn. The corn was delicious! I thought the turkey torta was pretty good but not very memorable. The cranberry sauce was from a can (the ridges were still visible) -- I actually like canned cranberry sauce so this was fine, but if you're super picky about your cranberries and/or expect some whole berries, perhaps that might cause some grumbling.
Update: Would be 3 stars for the food, but I had to mark this place down because I noticed that I went in for lunch and forgot to tip on the credit card receipt, but they added tip on themselves, which is ethically wrong. -
Review from Laurel T.
1/12/2012
I love tortas and this place doesn't disappoint. I ordered the bacon and egg torta with corn on the side. I was expecting just bacon and egg on a roll with some mayo but this was a spectacular sandwich! Fried eggs, bacon, lettuce, tomato, refried beans, mayo, cheese, onions..the works. My amigo got the Cubana which was a combination of most every meat on the menu.
We had our order delivered to our office building and everything arrived hot and fresh. Delivery is free and the corn is so good!
This will definitely join the rotation of our work day lunch spots! -
Review from Matt D.
Boulder, CO
1/19/2012
I was in town on business and found this place on Yelp. It had great reviews. When I found it right about lunch time there was not a single other soul in the place which was a little off-putting. So I skipped it. That night I noticed the place was full, so the next day I hit it for lunch.
SO friggin good! I had the Jamon y Queso and the sandwich was so much better than the sum of its parts. Ham, melted Oaxaca cheese, beans, avacado, lettuce, tomato and onion with a little mustard. Sounds liek nothing special, but it was one of the most flavorful juicy sandwiches I have ever had!
Only two small complaints: One of the pieces of brocolli with my steamed veggie side was a little dirty. The stuffed, bacon wrapped jalapeno is right up my alley, but the bacon looked a tad undercooked on one side for my taste. I have been burned by undercooked bacon before and was not taking a chance.
Otherwise I highly recommend! -
Review from Jaron H.
Alexandria, VA
5/6/2012
Carne asada was delicious!
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Review from Julia C.
12/16/2011
Wow! I was completely blown away by this place. I'm not huge on tortas...but this place made me think otherwise.
I had Carne Asada Torta with a Side Salad and it was absolutely delicious. THe meat was so flavorful and the bread was heavenly. The side salad was fresh and tasty. The meal can come either with a side salad or corn on a cob....which looked so good. Next time I would like to try corn.
I highly recommend this place! The selection of tortas is very extensive - can't wait to try Shrimp Torta. -
Review from Ricardo O.
San Diego, CA
3/2/2012
There is nothing worse than a restaurant gone bad after such a great start. I was visiting bolillo at least once a week for quite some time after the doors opened.
The tortas were delicious, well made and as authentic as it gets for a torta on this side of the border... Fast forward to today and expect to get a half-ass put together sandwich on stale tasting bread pretending to be a pretend torta. Yes. that's how many levels the quality of a once great torta went down. "Cold sandwiches" is what should be advertised. There is no sense of pride in the food at Bolillo.
Now don't get me wrong.-- I have given bolillo 4 chances after their downfall and everytime bolillo managed to screw up. I find it quite sad. I wanted nothing more but for bolillo to succeed. Bolillo was on its way to being my go-to place for a decent quick bite to eat in the gaslamp-- now it's just another over-priced sub-standard gaslamp eatery.
Hopefully, the owner comes to his senses and manages to turn around bolillo to what it once was. Until then, I will keep pretending like I'm going to make that trip to Tijuana for a real torta (and tacos, of course)-- just like the good'ol days.
Btw-- if I had more time to write I would go on about the poor quality of their once great tasting soups and corn on the cob. Sad but true-- Not only are the tortas lousy, but mostly all else being served as well.
The endComment from Stefano P. of Bolillo Tortas 3/13/2012
Ricardo, First of all we would like to thank you for coming… More » -
Review from Frank K.
Woodinville, WA
2/25/2012
Unique and full taste. Some items have too much flavor. Must have bacon warped jalapeno...... wow!
Fast and friendly service. -
Review from Danny W.
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Never had Mexican food like this before, but it was tortally awesome! Although would have never thought a place that specializes in these South of the border sandos would be as fancy looking on the inside they certainly serve up a pretty darn good stack for a decent price.
There's lots of menu items of which I tried the Cubana. It had ham, bacon, a fried egg, lettuce and tomato and was toasted just perfectly to the point that all the flavors fused together. Definitely gonna be back soon to try a few of the others, as well as their soups. Only thing I advise against is a side order of the seasonal vegetables. It was literally about 3 of those dumb spicy carrots which they give out for free at almost every other taco shop in town.
They have a pedi cab that does free delivery to the downtown area so I'm sure I'll be seeing them again soon. Just remember to tip the guy folks, cause some of those hills can be a beotch.Listed in: Sammiches, Mexican not Mexicant, Eating in the Lamp
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Review from Nina L.
San Diego, CA
3/19/2012
We decided to try it out after having heard a couple of rave reviews. I would come back if someone else wanted to but other than that it was definitely a one time deal for me. I had the milanesa de pollo and bf had the cubano. He thought his was ok but nothing to write home about. Mine had so much sauce on it that all you could taste was bread and sauce. I was actually fishing around in the thing to make sure there was chicken. There was so much sauce that I had to use a fork and knife to eat a sandwich because every time I took a bite the sauce was coming out of the cracks in the bread. And my stuffed jalapeno? It was definitely wrapped in bacon but I don't know what it was stuffed with cause that sucker was definitely empty inside. His was probably a 3 but mine was a 1 so I'll average it out to a 2.
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Review from Nazy P.
San Diego, CA
3/6/2012
YUM! great Mexican restaurant in East Village. Lovely outside patio (that needs umbrellas...hint) and easy on the pocket book. Authentic dishes, Mexico city style for the chilangos place with healthy and organic options. This is where you can grab a fresh salad with jicama and a bowl of delicious soup.
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Review from Alessandro F.
San Diego, CA
3/19/2012
Great tortas! I had the torta ahogada and its very good! I even gave a try to the pistacchio frappucino, pistacchio being my favorite icecream and I wasnt disappointed I loved it!
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Review from David C.
Chicago, IL
2/24/2012
The tortas are very good here... what I love even more is the mexican corn on the cob! Yum... love it! The Cubana is great.
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Review from Matthew M.
San Diego, CA
3/13/2012
You'll have to go to Mexico City to find a better torta. The Bolillo torta is amazing. They use high quality ingredients (e.g., pork chop meat), fresh vegetables, and great bread. If you feel like a great sandwich or sub, come here instead. You won't be disappointed.
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Review from Ivan R.
Chula Vista, CA
3/2/2012
Excellent service, the Torta Ahogada really has the authentic flavor of Mexico... congratulations, I really enjoy it. Prices are good/fair.
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Review from Jennifer P.
San Diego, CA
11/22/2011
Cool atmosphere, great location and really good food. I absolutely love the jalapenos filled with cheese and wrapped in bacon. You can get a free torta on their website....
Definitely worth a trip! -
Review from Melissa K.
San Diego, CA
4/6/2012
The BF & I stopped at Bolillo Tortas in Gaslamp on a Thursday night on our way to Fluxx. The first thing I thought when I walked in - buji tortas! I ordered the Carne Asada - Steak Asada which came with very well sliced avocado, red onion, and the carne asada was SO delicious! I've never had carne asada in that type of sauce before... it was like a well-seasoned slightly spicy hearty sloppy joe sauce almost. Mmm... delish! I decided to go with the side salad as my side dish. I've never had a side salad like that at a place before. It was topped with sliced almonds, apples, and dried cranberries. The bacon wrapped jalapeno popper was so good. Made from just fresh ingredients, and good ingredients! Fairly well priced for the quality of food they are using here. My BF decided to get the corn on the cob for his side, and it was REALLY good. I don't even usually like corn. Even the architecture of the place was great, and the overall design was so clean and modern and perfect. I would DEFINITELY go back!
