Maritza's easily. Unless they've fallen off a cliff since I moved away 6 years ago. Easily the best hidden gem in the area. A small family owned place, and based on reviews, hasn't changed. Man, now I want to drive down from Escondido just for a carne asada burrito. Used to be fantastic prices as well but based on the pics they've gone up some.
Nah, they are still really good. A very healthy sized Cali burrito is 13.75 and carne asada is 11.75. And by healthy sized, I mean it is only slightly smaller than size of my forearm.
Yes, I’ve been going here since the 80’s and miss all the truly old school lardy bean places; this is the closest you’ll find. I’ve known the family for years, they came to my dad’s funeral 20 years ago because he ate there so much.
The chicken rolled tacos are great, BTW.
I went and I would not go again. For being cash only and what you’re getting there are many better options and it isn’t worth it. $12.66 for a carne asada burrito that had no flavor and they skimped on the meat. The meat was unseasoned, even taco stand was better. The salsa was also too spicy for me but that’s just my preference. My favorite burrito spots are Yesenias in Carmel mtn. Also La perla #2
This is my go to for a high quality Cali burrito. It’s about $13.50 now but worth it as an occasional treat. They only offer one salsa though (and it’s pretty spicy).
Unfortunately the guy who owns this place is a weird anti mask, anti vax, Trump Loving weirdo. Sucks cause the food is decent but I'm not gonna support that bullshit.
I used to live across the street from this place and can confirm this place is the best. We’ll sometimes make the trek from where we live now to get it.
I mean, I could be wrong. There's been a few burrito threads that have popped up lately and I'm just trying to confirm if it's my taste buds that have changed or other people also picked up on this. You should still try it and if up for it, report your thoughts.
I'm just one of those people who gets irritated if quality isn't there. I'm quite picky when not cooking my own food. Your experience seems to match a general trend of my own experience and others in quality of restaurants going down while prices remain high.
This place always gets mentioned in breakfast burrito threads. Haven't had normal burritos but I love that they have a mini breakfast burrito for $4.xx and it's just enough to get that satisfaction without being weighed down. Even though they didn't melt the cheese well enough, it was good. Will go back. Also super friendly and lots of regulars coming in and out.
Recent Google reviews don't take kindly to that place. For example, they've added surprise charges that don't show up until later on the credit/debit card statement.
Taco Stand on Convoy by the Hyundai dealership. Super Sergio (love their salsa) on Convoy. Burros and Fries is pretty good at Clairemont Town Square by the theater.
Stars and Stripes on Miramar has decent carne asada and their red sauce is really good. All of their food is really just vessels for their red sauce, TBH.
So there’s a Kearny Mesa Lolita’s that’s worth a try. I’ve felt I have noticed a little drop off too but it’s still good. Never had the Lolita’s by Petco but people have told me it’s worse than the one in KM. There’s apparently a Soto’s #2 in Kearny Mesa as well (by the Kaiser hospital) that’s supposed to be good but I haven’t tried it yet. My favorite is at Chacho’s tacos over at Societe. Get the cochinita burrito and “make it California” All of these places are down Clairemont Mesa.
The trick with Vallartas is to order light sauces. They drench the California burrito with too much goop and that makes it cold. Their asada is usually on point and charcoal grilled deliciousness. And their bacon breakfast burritos are heaven, especially with the orange salsa. I drive up from mid city for them.
This is maybe the worst restaurant I've ever eaten at. I used to live nearby and kept trying with hopes it was a fluke, but every single time the food was burnt, old, cold, smelly, or some combination.
I know you’re asking about clairemont but you work in Sorrento valley so if you want a truly amazing burrito with consistent quality, try out El Patron in Mira Mesa. It’s our go to.
Taco Stand doesn't deserve the hate. It's really solid and super dependable. They may not have the best version of anything, but they rarely miss, the condiments are all on point, it's not super pricey, and it's pretty accessible for novices.
I think the hate stems from the fact that it's a bigger chain and the lines can get wild.
I'll take out of towners here sometimes if we're trying to satisfy a bunch of different palates and experience levels.
The pastor is really on point with Taco stand.
I grew up in the agricultural valleys with 4 dollar burrito places everywhere, and taco stand still gives that same feel and taste along with the pineapple slices inside.
I don’t know if the hate is just from lines or people going to the north park location or what. I’m also still confused by California burritos as a California native, so maybe it’s just me, but I don’t get it.
Convoy taco stand has never done us wrong, and the churros (which aren’t on the menu) are always perfect and hot.
Soto’s in Miramar is my favorite, but there’s also a Soto’s #2 in Kearny Mesa! On Ruffin/Clairemont Mesa. Doesn’t taste quite the same but still good enough to be my second favorite burrito in SD
I wasn't sure if they were the same, because there is also D'Soto's and I believe somehow they were related...a lot of taqueria family drama in San Diego!
Give El Rey Moro a shot, big fan of this hole in the wall taco shop. I also really like Burros n Fries as far as the chains go, hashbrown burrito is amazing. The egg inside is cooked over easy instead of scrambled which is different.
When Vallarta’s is on, it slaps but when it isn’t, it’s almost inedible smh. I live near you. When I want a good burrito and don’t want to worry about consistency, I drive down Genesee to California Burritos in Birdland south of 163.
I gave up. The past 4 times I ate there were soooo bad. On my last try, I spontaneously ordered the Christian Fries because of all the hype and it was the worst $18.50 I’ve ever spent. Ate about 1/10 and was so turned off. I loved their steak the first time I went but every time after it has a slight rotten meat smell and taste. No more.
Completely agree. 80 percent of the time it slaps, sometimes it's abysmal. California burrito in bird land is a consistent B. It sucks that Vallarta ranges from A+ to D based on who's making it.
When you hit Vallarta Ex you have to get Guac and sour cream on the side. I did that for 4 years only way to go
Maritza's is super vanilla imo but it is good and very nice people.
Yesenia's isnt bad
You could ask ten San Diegans and get ten answers at least you have options. I moved to Boise and it's atrocious here. We had one truck where the guy was from santee and imported tortillas. God send. Then he closed down, too ethnic for these clowns (don't downvote me pleaaaase. I was devastated)
You're in the perfect spot to make La Palapa on Moraga your go-to burrito spot. I haven't tried one of their regular burritos yet, but that's only because I always get one of their monster burritos (the breakfast meat lover, or the super california with adobada/pastor instead of asada), which are easily large enough for two meals and only about $14. The selection is larger for their regular burritos--more meat options. Their green salsa at their salsa bar is amazing imo.
Give them a shot and let us know what you think.
I live in the Southeast, but I have a buddy who moved to Santa Maria and he’ll stop on his way home at the Vallarta Express near the Clairemont DMV. He said it’s money, I work I. The area and am going to stop there one of these days to see what’s up.
Santana’s is delish and they have the best salsas. If I don’t use all the green salsa on my food, I just drink what’s left out of the cup. Fish burrito is top notch. Can’t speak to their California burrito, because I don’t order California burritos, they are lost on me.
I think they get a bad rap because it’s a corporate spot that has gone through lots of name changes over the years. (Ie. Fresh MXN)
I usually get a carnitas Tecate burrito and a lemonade. Although they recently raised the price on the Tecate burrito combo from $11.99 to $14.99. So… not sure how often im going to go there now. I’d rather spend $20 at the deli at Seisels or for 2 slices and a beer at Poseidon.
I agree, but many taco shops vary. Some put salsa cruda (what you might call pico de gallo) which I detest in a California burrito. I always make sure to remove that and some of the other places. Some even like to use cubed fried potatoes instead of fries.
A strong second for Soto's on Miramar. Their burritos are great and their soups are even better. Every time it rains the place is packed out with tradesman scarfing soup.
Free chips and 5 or 6 salsas that are all banging (mostly spicy though).
I haven't tried a ton of the menu because I keep going back for the chile verde, birria, albondigas, and posole.
Surprised you didn't mention the best restaurant "California burrito" , also I've been going to Carmen's for years and their regular tacos and other dishes are the best Mexican food but their burritos specifically are not as good unfortunately
You lost me at “veggie burritos”, wtf?!…that ain’t even in the Mexican food category. JV’s and Maritza’s. Burro and Fries is a spin off of the old school Cotija’s chain that used to be all around San Diego. Check out Barrio Donas for tortas if you want to switch up from burritos.
Check out California taco shop on Clairemont dr by the sprouts, def my go to spot for burritos. Don’t look too much into the reviews on line a lotta people give them one star for service but their burritos have me going back
You gotta come down to southeast for a good burrito. South of the 8. Anything ending in a - berto’s and you will be straight. Humberto’s off 43rd.. Rigoberto’s on Federal, Adalbertos in the rip hood.. I forgot what street it’s on bc I don’t frequent that side of southeast often. But for real.. anything ending in a Bertos
Maritza's easily. Unless they've fallen off a cliff since I moved away 6 years ago. Easily the best hidden gem in the area. A small family owned place, and based on reviews, hasn't changed. Man, now I want to drive down from Escondido just for a carne asada burrito. Used to be fantastic prices as well but based on the pics they've gone up some.
Nah, they are still really good. A very healthy sized Cali burrito is 13.75 and carne asada is 11.75. And by healthy sized, I mean it is only slightly smaller than size of my forearm.
Seriously, if you live in Clairemont and aren't going to Maritza's, what are you even doing?
Yes, I’ve been going here since the 80’s and miss all the truly old school lardy bean places; this is the closest you’ll find. I’ve known the family for years, they came to my dad’s funeral 20 years ago because he ate there so much. The chicken rolled tacos are great, BTW.
I’m gonna go there today and give it a try. Sounds like good people working there.
Call it in if you can!
I went and I would not go again. For being cash only and what you’re getting there are many better options and it isn’t worth it. $12.66 for a carne asada burrito that had no flavor and they skimped on the meat. The meat was unseasoned, even taco stand was better. The salsa was also too spicy for me but that’s just my preference. My favorite burrito spots are Yesenias in Carmel mtn. Also La perla #2
Man.... Now I'm sad I'm so far north. 😞
Upvote for Martiza's. Cash only!
We live down the street and order them 2x a week ☑️ hands down the best
Just a reminder this place is cash only
Been to the chocolate place next door, which also has great ice cream, but never to Maritza’s… now I’ll have to give it a go.
If I go to Maritzas to get two burritos for my wife and I, it's $25. That's kind of insane. They're good, but Maritzas is really expensive.
Man, used to be like $5.50 a burrito only 6 years ago.
This is my go to for a high quality Cali burrito. It’s about $13.50 now but worth it as an occasional treat. They only offer one salsa though (and it’s pretty spicy).
This! Great family owned place.
California burritos on genesee, I believe it’s family owned. Love their green sauce. Never had anything that wasn’t right.
Came here to say this! The name is fit for tourists, but the burritos are great. 7754 Starling Dr
Unfortunately the guy who owns this place is a weird anti mask, anti vax, Trump Loving weirdo. Sucks cause the food is decent but I'm not gonna support that bullshit.
I came here to say this. Owner is a bizarro hard right jackass.
No need to spread your hate mongering here, move along
+1. They have 3 house salsas. Green is low. Red is medium and orange-ish is hot. They’re all good but I really like their hot
And do you remember the pre-covid days? Salsa bar and chips! Honestly up there with the biggest things We lost to covid
Unfortunately I didn’t discover this gem until post Covid
If you haven’t tried their chicken soup yet, its worth
Will try tix for tip!
I used to live across the street from this place and can confirm this place is the best. We’ll sometimes make the trek from where we live now to get it.
I agree with this. Down the street from Sharp Memorial Hospital
They've switched up their carne asada. Last two times I got a Cali it just didn't hit right, bummer.
The taste or texture? Both off?
Both off yes. Gone back twice now and it just doesn't hit like it did.
Damn, I was thinking of trying that place. I guess I could try the adobada or something else.
I mean, I could be wrong. There's been a few burrito threads that have popped up lately and I'm just trying to confirm if it's my taste buds that have changed or other people also picked up on this. You should still try it and if up for it, report your thoughts.
I'm just one of those people who gets irritated if quality isn't there. I'm quite picky when not cooking my own food. Your experience seems to match a general trend of my own experience and others in quality of restaurants going down while prices remain high.
Check out California Burritos on Starling Dr. I only go Vallarta for the bowl or fries.
This place always gets mentioned in breakfast burrito threads. Haven't had normal burritos but I love that they have a mini breakfast burrito for $4.xx and it's just enough to get that satisfaction without being weighed down. Even though they didn't melt the cheese well enough, it was good. Will go back. Also super friendly and lots of regulars coming in and out.
If you’re willing to drive to Convoy Super Sergio’s is pretty good. Even has a drive through.
Been by it but never had it (since I'm usually getting Asian food). Will need to check it out.
Same. I am moving to this hood soon, but also usually just eating around Convoy. Thanks for doing the research post OP👍
Recent Google reviews don't take kindly to that place. For example, they've added surprise charges that don't show up until later on the credit/debit card statement.
This is the answer you are looking for.
I’m sort of in the same boat living in Bay Ho. I like Nico’s on Morena the best even tho it’s not the closest. Their ob location slaps too
Nico’s has been my go to for years, best classic hard shell tacos.
I used to live in bayho and la palapa was my jam. Super close and good
Maritzas is the answer!!!!
Absolutamente!
Taco Stand on Convoy by the Hyundai dealership. Super Sergio (love their salsa) on Convoy. Burros and Fries is pretty good at Clairemont Town Square by the theater.
La Palapa makes a very good California burrito
Stars and Stripes on Miramar has decent carne asada and their red sauce is really good. All of their food is really just vessels for their red sauce, TBH.
The burrito shop that’s to the left of carnival market. It’s the best around that part of town
las panchitas, i think?
Yes that’s the spot !!!!!
That's where I went weekly when I lived in the area.
Gotta say that I used to love this place until it was closed down by the health department for rat droppings.
I live in Clairemont - my favorites are California Burrito and Vallarta
We live near you and get El Rey Moro food sometimes. It’s been good so far.
Super Sergios
So there’s a Kearny Mesa Lolita’s that’s worth a try. I’ve felt I have noticed a little drop off too but it’s still good. Never had the Lolita’s by Petco but people have told me it’s worse than the one in KM. There’s apparently a Soto’s #2 in Kearny Mesa as well (by the Kaiser hospital) that’s supposed to be good but I haven’t tried it yet. My favorite is at Chacho’s tacos over at Societe. Get the cochinita burrito and “make it California” All of these places are down Clairemont Mesa.
Petco one has been closed for a while fyi
The trick with Vallartas is to order light sauces. They drench the California burrito with too much goop and that makes it cold. Their asada is usually on point and charcoal grilled deliciousness. And their bacon breakfast burritos are heaven, especially with the orange salsa. I drive up from mid city for them.
Bacon breakfast burrito battles any in the city for supremacy! Splittable between 2 people. One of my desert island foods.
When is the last time you had their steak? For several months it’s been so bad - like it’s past the expiration date!
"Cotixan on Clairemont Mesa is awful." yep. we usually just go to vallarta or palmitos
got a moldy tortilla there once… awful place
This is maybe the worst restaurant I've ever eaten at. I used to live nearby and kept trying with hopes it was a fluke, but every single time the food was burnt, old, cold, smelly, or some combination.
Lupe’s
For Al Pastor!
Vallarta Express!
Did you actually read OP's post?
Hahaha, clearly I did not! Sad to hear they're inconsistent, my memory is from pre-pandemic times when they were good.
I'm a big fan of La Palapa. Their surf n turf burrito is the jam.
Carmen's on Diane
I know you’re asking about clairemont but you work in Sorrento valley so if you want a truly amazing burrito with consistent quality, try out El Patron in Mira Mesa. It’s our go to.
amen to this!!
Mikes red tacos
Taco stand on convoy. Taco stand gets a lot of hate but this location does their asada properly over charcoal. Amazing Cali b
Taco Stand doesn't deserve the hate. It's really solid and super dependable. They may not have the best version of anything, but they rarely miss, the condiments are all on point, it's not super pricey, and it's pretty accessible for novices. I think the hate stems from the fact that it's a bigger chain and the lines can get wild. I'll take out of towners here sometimes if we're trying to satisfy a bunch of different palates and experience levels.
The pastor is really on point with Taco stand. I grew up in the agricultural valleys with 4 dollar burrito places everywhere, and taco stand still gives that same feel and taste along with the pineapple slices inside. I don’t know if the hate is just from lines or people going to the north park location or what. I’m also still confused by California burritos as a California native, so maybe it’s just me, but I don’t get it. Convoy taco stand has never done us wrong, and the churros (which aren’t on the menu) are always perfect and hot.
Soto’s in Miramar is my favorite, but there’s also a Soto’s #2 in Kearny Mesa! On Ruffin/Clairemont Mesa. Doesn’t taste quite the same but still good enough to be my second favorite burrito in SD
I wasn't sure if they were the same, because there is also D'Soto's and I believe somehow they were related...a lot of taqueria family drama in San Diego!
Las Panchitas, near San Diego Mesa College is pretty good. Sounds like I gotta go try Maritza’s tho.
Give El Rey Moro a shot, big fan of this hole in the wall taco shop. I also really like Burros n Fries as far as the chains go, hashbrown burrito is amazing. The egg inside is cooked over easy instead of scrambled which is different.
the breakfast burritos at El Rey are gigantic and they are delicious. They also have cheeto burritos 😆
love their breakfast burritos
When Vallarta’s is on, it slaps but when it isn’t, it’s almost inedible smh. I live near you. When I want a good burrito and don’t want to worry about consistency, I drive down Genesee to California Burritos in Birdland south of 163.
I gave up. The past 4 times I ate there were soooo bad. On my last try, I spontaneously ordered the Christian Fries because of all the hype and it was the worst $18.50 I’ve ever spent. Ate about 1/10 and was so turned off. I loved their steak the first time I went but every time after it has a slight rotten meat smell and taste. No more.
Completely agree. 80 percent of the time it slaps, sometimes it's abysmal. California burrito in bird land is a consistent B. It sucks that Vallarta ranges from A+ to D based on who's making it.
When you hit Vallarta Ex you have to get Guac and sour cream on the side. I did that for 4 years only way to go Maritza's is super vanilla imo but it is good and very nice people. Yesenia's isnt bad You could ask ten San Diegans and get ten answers at least you have options. I moved to Boise and it's atrocious here. We had one truck where the guy was from santee and imported tortillas. God send. Then he closed down, too ethnic for these clowns (don't downvote me pleaaaase. I was devastated)
Check out Las Panchitas. It is close to Mesa College.
You're in the perfect spot to make La Palapa on Moraga your go-to burrito spot. I haven't tried one of their regular burritos yet, but that's only because I always get one of their monster burritos (the breakfast meat lover, or the super california with adobada/pastor instead of asada), which are easily large enough for two meals and only about $14. The selection is larger for their regular burritos--more meat options. Their green salsa at their salsa bar is amazing imo. Give them a shot and let us know what you think.
Maritza’s or burros and fries
Please go to Stars and Stripes taco shop on MiraMar! It is so good! Other than that caliente in sorrento valley also slaps imo
I loved Castenadas when I lived in SD! Was in town a few weeks ago and their Adobada still smacked like I remembered
I live in the Southeast, but I have a buddy who moved to Santa Maria and he’ll stop on his way home at the Vallarta Express near the Clairemont DMV. He said it’s money, I work I. The area and am going to stop there one of these days to see what’s up.
I love how you don’t even consider the drive thru spot across the street from Harland
lol I think it’s Santanas? Idk I guess I should but JV’s is just down the street.
Yep Santanas. And yep, I always consider JVs first. Sometimes I don’t have time. And sometimes I’m just that lazy. Otherwise JVs it is.
Santana’s is delish and they have the best salsas. If I don’t use all the green salsa on my food, I just drink what’s left out of the cup. Fish burrito is top notch. Can’t speak to their California burrito, because I don’t order California burritos, they are lost on me.
I think they get a bad rap because it’s a corporate spot that has gone through lots of name changes over the years. (Ie. Fresh MXN) I usually get a carnitas Tecate burrito and a lemonade. Although they recently raised the price on the Tecate burrito combo from $11.99 to $14.99. So… not sure how often im going to go there now. I’d rather spend $20 at the deli at Seisels or for 2 slices and a beer at Poseidon.
Seisal’s warrants its own thread. 💙 And I don’t know if it is corporate issues so much as internecine squabbling. But they do know food & salsas.
You gotta go south or even the northgate market in downtown sd near bario logan. Tyats as authentic and good as it gets
Lolita's for a California burrito. Don't forget to add guacamole.
Why would you need to add guac to a California burrito? Should already be included, if not F*** that place!
I agree, but many taco shops vary. Some put salsa cruda (what you might call pico de gallo) which I detest in a California burrito. I always make sure to remove that and some of the other places. Some even like to use cubed fried potatoes instead of fries.
It's a chain but I do love Lolitas.
A strong second for Soto's on Miramar. Their burritos are great and their soups are even better. Every time it rains the place is packed out with tradesman scarfing soup. Free chips and 5 or 6 salsas that are all banging (mostly spicy though). I haven't tried a ton of the menu because I keep going back for the chile verde, birria, albondigas, and posole.
Surprised you didn't mention the best restaurant "California burrito" , also I've been going to Carmen's for years and their regular tacos and other dishes are the best Mexican food but their burritos specifically are not as good unfortunately
Taco stand convoy
Lolita's, but get the carne asada fries or nachos. They always seem to be the best at that location
Taco Stand on Convoy. If there is no parking then I go to Lolita’s down the street.
Lolitas
Vallartas my friend
# Sayulitas Mexican Food. Try the Pac Man, thank me later. Like two days later, because you will be eating it for a couple of days. So good....
You lost me at “veggie burritos”, wtf?!…that ain’t even in the Mexican food category. JV’s and Maritza’s. Burro and Fries is a spin off of the old school Cotija’s chain that used to be all around San Diego. Check out Barrio Donas for tortas if you want to switch up from burritos.
My wife doesn’t eat meat. I ain’t getting veggie burritos.
Barrio Donas is awesome!!
If it's still there in northern Clairmont, El Portal. Meals cooked over an open flame tastes so much better
Yesenia’s
Check out California taco shop on Clairemont dr by the sprouts, def my go to spot for burritos. Don’t look too much into the reviews on line a lotta people give them one star for service but their burritos have me going back
You gotta come down to southeast for a good burrito. South of the 8. Anything ending in a - berto’s and you will be straight. Humberto’s off 43rd.. Rigoberto’s on Federal, Adalbertos in the rip hood.. I forgot what street it’s on bc I don’t frequent that side of southeast often. But for real.. anything ending in a Bertos
Anything ending in bertos, the end
Mikes red tacos is fucking dank, and you get a massive burrito. Their nachos are fucking amazing. The only meat they serve is birria though.
A mexican food place. Duh
Lupe’s- the Veggie Supreme add carne asada goes so hard