California Burritos

4.0 star rating
60 reviews Rating Details

Category: Mexican  [Edit]

7754 Starling Dr
(between Health Center Dr & Meadowlark Dr)
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 569-0610
Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
No
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
Yes
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "Their carne asada fries and bacon burrito are amazing." In 9 reviews
  • user photo
    "Great carne asada, rolled tacos, quesadillas." In 6 reviews
  • user photo
    "...gas station really close to Sharp and childrens hospital." In 3 reviews
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60 reviews in English

  • Review from Swisher S.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/6/2012

    I'm here everyday. the food is great and the staff are so nice.

  • Review from Chelle B.

    • 24 friends
    • 97 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/17/2012

    I find it quite interesting that this Mexican food joint is called Califonia Burritos because I would think that's what they would be specializing in. However, to my surprise they offer pretty much every staple mexican food items you can find at every other taco shop. I've only ordered for delivery to my work and they always deliver the food on time and with good service.

    Now, I don't eat meat very often but when I purchased their carne asada taco, I wasn't impressed. While there was plenty of meat in the taco itself, the flavor of the meat wasn't to my liking; it wasn't as flavorful as I prefer. I do LOVE their vegetarian selections. I've had their breakfast, chile releno and their soyrizo CA burritos and they were all were really good! Nothing was skimped; Love the tortillas they use, they cook their tortillas and ingredients to perfection,  there was a ton of filling in the burrito and very reasonablly priced. Everytime I order a burrito here I can't finish it!

    Considering the overabundance of Mexican food shops in SD, I'd have to say, this is a pretty good place to satisfy your craving for Mexican food, especially if you are in the Kearny Mesa area. However, I wouldn't go out of my way to get here since there are so many other places as good or better than CA Burritios.

  • Review from Dan F.

    Santee, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/30/2012 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    THREE POINT FIVE 3.53.53.53.53.5THREE POINT FIVE

    Cramped and very busy  little taco shop right next to Sharp  hospital in the 7 -11 parking lot.. After you open the door your on top of the counter.Giant menu on the back wall, it like a giant menu eye exam.   Man talk about a variety of things to pick from. They have a few burritos that I don't even know what they are  Black Forest, Raspero , and  the Sexy Lips well this one is Lips & Tongue, mmmmmmmmm.
    The burrito here can be made" Everything" which means , gauc, sour cream , pico and I think cheese?

    With his place being called California burrito I don't know how I couldn't try the Cali and I did it with everything, 60 cents more why not! Total burrito $5.31. ( http://www.yelp.com/bi...)

    In the corner they have free chips and a salsa bar with 3 types of salsa, red chunky, green and the best one in back corner red hot. Sat inside for a while but soon as I got my food I moved to a table out front too F ing packed in there.

    Hefty burrito, skinny super crispy fries, alright carne, swimming in gauc and sour cream.Man when they say everything the mean it !! This thing was like carne in a pool of gauc and sour cream , good but man !

    Good burrito ,  good salsa, good staff when I was done he cleared my table and asked me how it was. Not the best Cali I have ever had but a good one and have to try one of the strangely named burritos or a breakfast burrito when/if I stop by again.

  • Review from Arnaud D.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/8/2011

    Not bad but not the best in town either.
    Took a fish taco (not really tasty) and a californian burrito. This one was a little bit dry.
    Nice services

  • Review from Ric C.

    • 9 friends
    • 1 review

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/25/2012

    Food is fresh, the staff is among the friendliest in town and free chips... What more could you ask for?

  • Review from Melissa B.

    • 1 friend
    • 13 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    3.0 star rating
    4/16/2012

    I have had the California burrito with carne asada and pollo asado they are both good. The thing that kinda bums me out is that they didnt use French fries they used potatoes. And it was good but to me California burritos have fries. But the burrito tasted good. I also had the carne asada burrito and the bean and cheese both good.
    I wanna try the soyrizo breakfast burrito next time I go.

  • Review from Krzy K.

    • 2 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Pasadena, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/18/2012

    Staff is great. Cheese in Burritos are ALWAYS cold. Taquitos are great. Salsas are delish.

  • Review from Kina D.

    • 6 friends
    • 84 reviews

    Del Mar, CA

    1.0 star rating
    3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Ordered, the guy forgot my order, waited 15minutes til it got done. The 1 star is actually a -1.

  • Review from Daniel S.

    • 60 friends
    • 153 reviews

    Del Mar, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/3/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Great service, yummy food!

  • Review from Jesse C.

    • 11 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/17/2012 3 Check-ins Here

    Good food, and its close so I eat there when I get a craving. But sometimes it smells funny inside and I'm never amazed by the food. It's definately got its good points. Your not missing out if you have a cotijas, MXN, or cotixan. Hit them up first.

  • Review from Adeile A.

    San Diego, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    Not too bad... but I've def had better... the burrito was a little on the slimmer side... :(

  • Review from Dean P.

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/16/2011

    I saw a recent review and the picture of the breakfast burrito and had to have one. I went this morning and had a bacon, egg, cheese and potato burrito.

    The burrito was fresh and had good consistency although it was a bit dry. I should have opted for ham and will next time.

    The biggest problem I have with taco/burrito shops like this is that they insist on making their salsa - even their "mild" salsa, spicy. I admit that i am a bit alone sometimes with this and did not ding them for my personal ass burning issues!

    Service was prompt and nice, the free chips where cool. Will be back!

  • Review from Kyle J.

    • 13 friends
    • 7 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/28/2011 13 Check-ins Here

    I have been coming to this place since it opened a few years ago, I reside in the neighborhood. I give this delectable hole-in-wall restaurant a 5 star rating because of the following:
    -The food is ALWAYS delicious
    -The staff is friendly and moves quickly
    -The shop is kept clean

    Unfortunately they are not open 24 hours, but that is understandable because it is family owned and operated and they are still open till 12 on the weekends.
    I would recommend it to all my family and friends.

  • Review from Ed M.

    Chula Vista, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Good hearty sized portions California burritos here.  Came here for lunch when I was in a seminar in the area.  They have the other standard Mexican stuff here too (tacos, beans, rice).  Be warned there is a hospital, a retirement home, and various social work buildings in the area which means there will be a line for the weekday lunch rush.  That being said they were still quick to get my burrito out in about 10 minutes with a line out the door.

  • Review from John M.

    • 197 friends
    • 278 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I came to find California Burrito on a run for dinner from the Sharp Mary Birch hospital that is so very close by.  My yet to be born niece Myia was about to be welcomed into this world and thus, I asked the nursing staff for a good place to grab some grub until that time.  

    On that note, if you are at the hospital while you are reading this review and looking for a place to find a great burrito, you have found it!

    Eat here, you will not be disappointed ;-)

  • Review from Andrea O.

    • 8 friends
    • 21 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/21/2011

    Nice little taco shop. I work a couple blocks away from here and I always order the shrimp tacos. Super nice staff and quick service. Everytime i go there is aleast 10 people there. Only downfall is that parking is hard to find sometimes but overall a good very good place.

  • Review from Harmony C.

    Bonita, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/16/2011

    I'm not sure why this place doesn't have a higher rating.  

    Hubs and I found this place when I, in tears and frustrated (don't ask), needed a Slurpee to make myself feel better.  So I'm chowing down on my slurpee and some flamin hots in the car, and the hubs asks if he can try a cali burrito from the place next door.  Of course, I say, red-fingered and happy.  

    Then I look over to see that there are about 1348765 people in and around the place.  Holy shiv.  I brace for the long haul.  At least that's a sign of good food, right?

    He gets his burrito, gets me some rolled tacos, and we go home after a SHOCKINGLY short wait.  

    oh.my.god.  Best Cali burrito since Lolita's started putting in too many fries!  Best rolled tacos since one of the original Alberto's by my house in Chula closed down!

    Move over Cotija's.  Hands down, my new fave.  Can't wait to try their breakfast burritos!

  • Review from Gregory J.

    • 3 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    1.0 star rating
    12/20/2011

    I work nearby this place and have been there several times. Never really impressed I was running late to work and decided to give it one more chance. I ordered a bacon , potato and cheese breakfast burrito. After 3-4 bites and contiually pulling large chunks of chewy fat from my mouth ( I love bacon but this was ridiculous) , I tossed it in the garbage , which is where they must get their meat from to cook with.I'd rather get a burrito from F***in Jack in the Box than from this place again. What a complete waste of $$. I wouldnt serve this food to a dog. I wish Nico's would open earlier....

  • Review from Shasta B.

    • 10 friends
    • 17 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/19/2011

    I've been here on a few occassions and of course I tried their california burrito. It is pretty good to say the least, i went ahead and tried the rolled tacos and they were ok. It's pretty good if you live in the area, but I don't think I would drive to it if I didn't live close...

  • Review from Mel B.

    • 1 friend
    • 39 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/31/2011

    The burritos here are very tasty! Big portions - you can easily take half your meal home for 4th meal. The staff is super sweet, hardworking, and efficient. If I lived in this neighborhood, I would walk here all the time for the carne asada and black beans. YUM!

  • Review from Justin K.

    • 22 friends
    • 20 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/11/2011

    I've lived down the street for nearly two years and am a huge fan! The food is fantastic and the prices are reasonable, especially considering the portion size. The staff is friendly, and unless you go during lunch hour it's not busy. I recommend the chorizo torta for breakfest. Would get five stars if they were open all night!

  • Review from Lynn K.

    • 5 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/29/2011

    I have spent much of my adult life (well, maybe the past five years or something) talking about getting a burrito with french fries in it. I was randomly in San Diego this past week and finally, my dreams came true!

    I ordered the California Burrito and I haven't looked back since. They typically put potatoes in it, so ask specifically for french fries and they'll take care of it for you. It was AMAZING! Make sure to get some hot sauce in there and it takes it to a whole new level.

    I don't live in San Diego, but I will definitely be back!

  • Review from Brad K.

    • 1 friend
    • 256 reviews

    Long Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/10/2012

    I normally don't like Mexican food because it is not that healthy and high in calories. But when I tried this place by chance it had the best burritos and other items around. And I grew up near East L.A. When visiting my friends a few blocks away. If I lived here I would be here at least 2 times a week but would be 20 pounds heavier. Chips could use an upgrade. Kinda thin and tasteless?  Another friend was getting a heart pump removed in Sharp nearby. He said he liked this little Mexican place nearby as his favorite. I knew right away what he was talking about and I live 100 miles away.

  • Review from Penny A.

    • 1 friend
    • 9 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/27/2012

    Not bad and finally got around to trying after having lived near for over 8 months.  Tried Chorizo/Eggs cpmbo to start and nice egg to meat ratio.  Menu looks good and will try again, also good prices.  Any good mexi places needs some fresh brewed Iced Tea on site though and alas they are lacking....

  • Review from Jim C.

    • 3 friends
    • 27 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/18/2010

    Nothing terribly wrong with California Burrito...it's reliably good, quick, and clean. A bizarre pre-tax pricing scheme is in effect, such as $5.10 or $4.79 for a burrito. Food is very typical taco shop, with nothing standing out or sucking.

    My only beef is that they seem to have something against people taking food to-go. Feel free to pig out on the free chips as long as you eat in, but heaven forbid you take some to go, as a sign clearly warns. Same for the salsa--they'll sell larger to-go containers for the salsa, and they give you ONE prepacked red salsa on your to-go order. Eat-in and you get all the salsa you want in impossible to seal paper containers. Jury's out on the carrots, though. No sign by the carrots warning of eating-in only, so I always take some and don't hide the fact I'm placing them in my to-go bag, and so far nobody's screamed "pinche güero" as I've left, so...

  • Review from Jason B.

    • 647 friends
    • 268 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/11/2009 1 photo

    Too many unusual flavors jumping around in this thing. While it looked good, the taste was just too unpredictable (and I mean that in a not-so-great way). I also wasn't exactly glad that they included some mystery meat.

    Breakfast burrito # 60 - http://www.yelp.com/bi...

    I'll go back to try the carne asada when I'm in the area again visiting my boy Derek.

    I'm going to pass on the breakfast burrito. Keep in mind fellas, if you bring your girl here and she HATES the food, all is not lost. There's a flower shop just right next door that will definitely put you back in her good graces as well as her vagina (or some other similar orifice).

  • Review from Ryan M.

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/7/2009

    My first experience with California Burrito was when someone from work was taking orders to go on a burrito run.. Since then I've become a fan and have gone back many a time.  Among my favorite things to get are the Carne Asada Burrito with everything (with everything is a must), Pollo Asado burrito, Carnitas burrito and Chili verde burrito.

    There's always gonna be a debate as to who has the best Carne Asada, but this place is my favorite.  It's just the right consistency and texture not dry or chewy and bursting with flavor (you must get it with everything.)  Also brought my brother when he was visiting from out of town..  he was blown away!  

    If you're a pork lover then this is the place for you!  There is a wider selection than most taco shops.  Don't get me wrong i love Carnitas, and this place makes a good one.  But sometimes you need to step out of the box and try something new.  I tried the chili verde burrito (chunks of pork slow cooked to tender perfection in a chili sauce) yumm..  also tried the adobado (some spicy fried chunks of pork) its good but some how better as a taco than a burrito.  For a gringo like me who always gets either Carne asada or Carnitas burritos.. the chili verde was a pleasant change of pace and a great discovery.

    Its a small place hidden in the corner of a small strip mall once you exit genesee east from the 163, next to the 7-11 and gas station really close to Sharp and childrens hospital.  The people there are really nice and if you eat there, help yourself to some chips and salsa (bonus!)  It only sits about 6 or so inside and has a few tables outside but not to worry most people usually take out or eat pretty quickly.  I do think it costs a little more than a regular taco shop, but the quality of food more than makes up for it.

    Recommendations:
    1.  Beef: Carne asada burrito with everything
    2.  Pork:  Carnitas burrito or Chili Verde Burrito.
    3.  Rolled tacos are a step up from other places.

  • Review from Patrick M.

    • 12 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Birdland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/17/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    I've been coming here for two years now, and it's my morning stop to pick-up breakfast every day on my way to work. They work very hard to please the customers, have a great sense of humor, and when you go there as much as I do, they remember your "usual." In my case I have the steak and egg burrito, no cheese, extra tomatoes, on a whole wheat tortilla. It's called the "Patrick special." Everything I've had there is good to great, and their catering is well priced and delicious. An American flag is displayed proudly, and little flags from their home countries are there as well. See you guys soon...

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      3/20/2010

      This is my breakfast place. When I first moved to the neighborhood I was looking for a fast Mexican… Read more »

  • Review from Rachel B.

    • 8 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/13/2011

    I love this place! The people are awesome and the food is always fast and delicious :) I eat here at least once a week!

  • Review from Special K.

    • 1 friend
    • 24 reviews

    El Cajon, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/30/2012

    I can't stay away for long. I am not very adventurous when it comes to Mexican food, even though I grew up in San Diego. I like the traditional beef tacos...So fresh! The rolled tacos are a bit gringo, but I indulge nonetheless. Sometimes I order the breakfast burrito, but I can never eat the whole thing. I cut it in half and give the other half to a co-worker.  I must say that this place is totally packed from wall-to-wall at lunch time during the week. You will see the CNA students, construction workers, and hospital staff. Amazingly, I always score a spot at the long counter that faces the window. I love the fast friendly service, and of course, the fantastic food.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      6/1/2011

      I eat here all too regularly as I work 2 blocks away. It makes a bad work day FANTASTIC! The food is… Read more »

  • Review from Joe S.

    • 37 friends
    • 117 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/1/2009

    Good burrito, and nice salsa bar (though no to go containers which is odd) including free chips and hot carrots.  Very close to Sharp Hospital and superior to the hospital cafeteria.  Burrito had a good ratio of meat to "other," and was well mixed.

    Only problem?  Burrito was too small.  I'm already hungry again, an hour later.  =\

  • Review from Karla S.

    • 1 friend
    • 4 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/18/2012

    What can I say I am a Mexican Food Snob and California Burritos is the BEST! They have great choices, great taste and Great service. This is a small place but BIG in flavor. From a simple lunch meal to catering to our office they have been the best. Prices are very fair and portion size excellent. Try them out you will put them on speed dial.

  • Review from Scott R.

    • 219 friends
    • 29 reviews

    La Mesa, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/27/2009

    Ever wish you could go back in time and either re-order or go somewhere else?

    I was really excited to try this place when I read the positive reviews on Yelp.  My wife just had a baby at Sharp Mary Birch, so it was really convenient being just down the street.  I ordered the carne asada burrito, since it was so highly recommended.  Well, I am a native San Diegan and am a pro when it comes to the fine art of carne asada.  To begin with, the meat tasted like beef stroganoff from the buffet at Circus Circus.  It was full of gristle, fat and very chewy.  Since I ordered it with "everything", it also had guacamole, sour cream and cheese.  The cheese was cold, the guacamole was non existant, and the sour cream was kind of like mayo...this was one of the worst C.A. burritos I've ever had.  I was really disappointed, as I had heard so many positive reviews about this place.  I may give them a second chance, as some of the tacos that people ordered "looked" good.

    I'm giving them three starts because I only tried one item...the staff was very nice and quick, which helps save this review from being a one or two star.

  • Review from Elvin D.

    • 71 friends
    • 72 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/4/2011 21 Check-ins Here

    I really honestly like this place.  Its a small taco shop with bar seating inside and a few tables outside.  They also have free tortilla chips and a small salsa bar inside while you wait for your order!  The chips are nice and crispy with the right amount of salt on them. The salsa is good, they got the basic red shot sauce.  And the have a pico de gallo salsa that has fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
    What I really love here is the breakfast burrito#3 which is egg, cheese, potatoes, and bacon. The bacon is so crispy and plentiful! And theres just the right ratio of eggs cheese and french fries!  I've had plenty of breakfast burritos but so far this my favorite.  And they also have other kinds of breakfast burritos like chorizo n eggs, or ham and egg, but I yet have tried them.
    Pretty much all the food here is good I also like there fish burrito on a wheat tortilla which is optional on all you burritos or quesadillas.  The carne asada burrito is very tasty as well and is a no brainer!  
    This place can get busy during lunchtime because of the hospitals right around the corner so you can always call your order in too.  Don't come here after a late night of drinking there not open 24 hours. Pretty much a great inexpensive hole in the wall taco shop you should try if your in the neighborhood.

  • Review from Greg L.

    • 30 friends
    • 66 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/7/2011 11 Check-ins Here

    I love the beef tacos here.

  • Review from Brian M.

    • 141 friends
    • 121 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    6/13/2008

    I used to live right down the street from here.  This hole in the wall is the only thing I miss about the old 'hood.  

    Being a vegetarian, I've tried pretty much every veggie burrito near where I live and work, and this is one of my favorites!  Seriously, get the veggie burrito - it's awesome.  

    The people running it are super attentive and speedy, and even when the place is slammed I never have experienced a long wait or a messed up order.  

    Go!

  • Review from Jessica M.

    • 42 friends
    • 93 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Beef rolled tacos with everything seethe best and the best deal! Great great food and good location near the hospital!

  • Review from benito d.

    • 98 friends
    • 245 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/13/2009

    I want to say 3.5, but I got it to go and ate it 20 minutes later, so I'm gonna give this place the benefit of the doubt and round up.

    Overall a good spot if you're in the hood, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.

    Very close to Sharp, so if you're at the hospital visiting someone, it's really convenient.

  • Review from Emily R.

    • 21 friends
    • 36 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/6/2011

    Ok, I've gotta be honest.  I've only tried one thing here - the cheese quesadilla.  But it is so amaaazing that, in my mind, there's no need to try anything else.  The tortilla is the perfect combination of flaky/fluffy.  Yes, it is ridiculously greasy, but c'mon, it's melted cheese!  I just had one last night and I'm already craving another one.  Mmmmmm....

  • Review from Will K.

    • 52 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    12/25/2009

    The Mexican Food here is stunning, filling and very prompt. I'm a huge fan of the Carne Asada and Pollo Asada Burritos here. Location is great for anyone near Sharp Hospital and walking distance for most of it's surrounding apartments.

    Also a great place to hit for the post Beer, Mexican Food Cravings.

    Highly recommended for local Mexican food.

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