This seafood-based Mexican spot in Oceanside is still repping the California burrito by offering a tasty alternative that features deep-fried fish, grilled fish, smoked tuna, and avocado alongside the essential French fries.

This local chain might be best known for its tacos, but it does mighty tasty burritos too. Its rendition of the classic California is notable for the French fries, which remain crisp alongside the flame-grilled steak and all the usual accompaniments.

The Pac-Man and Lumpia burritos at Sayulita’s take the California burrito formula and incorporates in Filipino ingredients. The former adds tocino and chipotle sauce to the mix while the latter places crispy fried spring rolls alongside the usual carne asada, fries, cheese, crema, and guacamole. The classic Cali is also worth a taste.

Rigoberto’s California burrito is the perfect refueling meal after a day at the beach or to prep before hitting the neighborhood’s rowdy bars. Featuring a drive-thru, weekend service runs through 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday to help you ease those late-night munchies. The Southeast location on Federal Boulevard operates its drive-thru around the clock. 

A Morena Avenue institution, this taco shop keeps the area’s workforce and visitors well-fed with its always-dependable recipes. As one of the heftier entries on this lineup, JV’s is generous with the literal meat and potatoes inside its California burrito, which includes a good amount of guacamole and sour cream.

Flame-grilled chicken is the name of the game at this family-owned local chain specializing in preparing perfect poultry for tacos, salads, and burritos. While other spots around town also swap chicken into their California burritos, this rendition is a winning standout. El Pollo Grill also runs two South Bay locations, one on Bonita Road and the other in Otay Ranch.

The California burrito is the top seller at this family-owned strip mall shop where regulars know to add guacamole to a mix that’s loaded with plenty of carne asada, tons of crunchy fries, and an ample amount of melted cheese.

Known for its carne asada, this taco shop with locations in Point Loma and Pacific Beach 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 combo of carne asada, fries, pico, and guacamole.

Pokez offers some of downtown San Diego’s best taco shop fare, along with vegetarian and vegan versions of burritos, rolled tacos, and more. The menu holds a solid California burrito for omnivores, with carne asada, fries, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream, as well as a vegan options that subs in crispy tofu for the beef.

With 15 locations across the state, Adalberto’s Sherman Heights outpost with a 24-hour drive-thru is the chain’s flagship, 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.

This Barrio Logan icon features a California burrito, and a pretty good one at that, although its Califas taco might be the must-order take on the San Diego invention. Carne asada, or your choice of protein, along with the burrito’s classic fillings and garnishes are placed in a smaller flour tortilla, creating a new way to experience the tried and true dish.

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 is good too. Lolita’s operates seven local outposts, from Chula Vista to Kearny Mesa.

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. California burrito cravings. Asada’s slings a straightforward, no-frills take on the classic that makes it one of the most consistent choices in the South Bay.