Originally drawn into this restaurant because of the name, the California born and bred girl that I am, I was very quick to question the name "Cali Burrito"... Because neither Baja California or any other California style burritos, outside of a breakfast burrito, typically include French fries... Even breakfast burritos include hashbrowns or homefries, not french fries. And my interest was originally sparked because of the name; I anticipated a good ole' California street corner or taco truck style delight!
Located off of Coors, between Montano and Eagle Ranch from the moment I arrived I was wow'd. Cali Burrito is located on the right hand corner, just as you enter the plaza down the way from Einstein Bagels, Hannah & Nates, and Weck's. The restaurant signage is great and I noticed several tables on an outside patio which is also a nice option on a sunny day! When I pulled in, it was around 11AM and the parking lot was PACKED... and quite scarce. This took me by surprise because it was not yet lunch rush and breakfast was well over... So if it was AM/PM rush, I would be very unhappy trying to park a large truck. The spots were also on the smaller side but I managed to locate parking and found my way inside!
And of course, when I made it to the counter and before ordering, I asked where the name originated from. Boy was I surprised! I learned that this family owned business derived from CALI, COLUMBIA not California; a popular misconception amongst ABQ natives and guests. After learning that, I removed all of my expectations on how this burrito should taste and was completely and excited to try their Cali, Columbian style burrito! I ordered a little bit of everything for my son and I to try.
We ordered the Chicken Burrito, Asada Burrito, nachos and 3-taco plate! Each and every entrée was a masterpiece, made fresh by Chef Ricardo. Holy Burrito! Absolute flavor explosion in every bite! I am still trying to determine what exactly was in the burritos and while the ingredients are still a mystery, the protein portion in each was plentiful and PERFECTLY seasoned. Also beyond impressed by the hand-cut fries that are fried and seasoned to perfection, and included in the burritos! It is obvious that they go thru a TON of fries each day and it felt like déjà vu and something I'd recently seen at In & Out! While I was only able to eat 1/3 of my burrito, my 26-year old son devoured an entire burrito! Excited to finish my burrito for dinner!
5 stars for service, price, portion and taste! Melissa, Chef Ricardo's sister was the cashier that took our order. She is super informative, kind and patient in answering all of my questions. I learned that they opened in December, only serve black beans, do not serve rice, that it is a family owned business from Cali, Columbia, that they do deliver and take call in and online orders! Parking was the only downside I found about this place but it certainly wasn't impactful enough to take away stars. My only suggestion is to play some classic Rumba or Salsa music to go with the Cali theme!
In final, this is a must try! While it was not the California style burrito I initially anticipated, everything was AMAZING! The portions are HUGE, the prices are VERY reasonable, the restaurant was very clean with indoor and outdoor seating options and the service was great! I will be back soon! read more