The San Diego Tourism Authority is celebrating a signature dish from the city, perfectly timed for National Burrito Day.
On April 2, numerous restaurants will showcase their interpretations of the California burrito, now a beloved San Diego classic.
Despite its name referencing the entire state, this style is more accurately dubbed the “San Diego Burrito,” as it originates from here and remains most popular.
To mark the occasion, the downtown Moxy hotel will rename it to the San Diego Burrito just for the day.
Novecientos Grados, a Mexican eatery located in Terminal 1 and founded by Tony Hawk, doesn’t need to rebrand; his menu already lists the California-style burrito as the San Diego Burrito.
However, the restaurant will celebrate by offering a discount on April 2.
The California burrito is a simple variation of the carne asada burrito: just add fries to the savory mix of beef, guacamole, cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream, all wrapped in a flour tortilla. Lolita’s Mexican Food in Bonita and Santana’s Mexican Grill in El Cajon began including fries in their carne asada burritos back in the 1980s, igniting a culinary trend that still thrives nearly 50 years later.
The addition of fries alters the carb-to-meat-to-sauce ratio, introducing new textures to the burrito — fluffy, crunchy, and soft. Plus, even fried potatoes can absorb and enhance the flavors of the surrounding ingredients.
“National Burrito Day is our chance to remind the world of the origins of this iconic dish. While there may be debates about what goes in a burrito, San Diego has known the answer for decades: carne asada, fries, and a whole lot of local pride,” SDTA president and CEO Daniel Kuperschmid stated.
Although the trend has spread beyond California, the California burrito is undeniably a San Diego creation.
“New York is synonymous with pizza, Philadelphia has its cheesesteak, and Nashville is known for hot chicken. In contrast, San Diego boasts the California burrito — the most iconic handheld treat in Southern California — and it’s time we celebrate it properly,” Kuperschmid added.
Alongside the Moxy and Novecientos Grados, other San Diego establishments are also observing National Burrito Day and honoring the city’s role in crafting the California burrito. Lolita’s Mexican Food, often credited with starting the trend, is giving away a free churro with every California burrito purchased at its locations.
Another spot in Terminal 1, The Taco Stand, will offer a 10% discount on all burritos.
In the Gaslamp district, El Chingon is offering a $5 California burrito with a unique twist: the burritos are deep-fried and topped with queso. For those who prefer dining at home to navigating crowds, Puesto has a BOGO deal exclusively on DoorDash Buy, available through April 5.
Above all, enjoy.
