I was on the hunt for a new California burrito. I have a couple of spots that are my usual, but wanted to branch out. So, I did a bit of searching and found Ralibertos - it's the #1 result for California Burritos the area I was searching... so, I figured - what the heck?!
I went through the drive-thru line right before the lunch rush (11:45AM on a Friday). There was no one else in line, and they came on to the speaker immediately asking what I want. My order was annoyingly complicated (kids... amirite?) and they ended up clarifying some things at the pick-up window because maybe the speaker wasn't clear or I wasn't fully understood or they were like "wtf?". But... overall, ordering was quick and painless.
At the pick up windows, I paid (they accept cards and cash), they asked their questions, and I waited. They actually cook your food when you order it (you know... on the flat top) so it takes a bit longer than say... McDonald's, and I was 100% okay with that. There were 3 dudes in there talking and laughing and seemed amused at my somewhat ridiculous order. I don't judge time very well, but I'd say it took 5 or 6 mins for my stuff to come out of the window. When I picked up the plastic bag, I could feel it heavy as hell and piping hot inside - a great sign.
I got three things: a California Burrito, Bean and Cheese Burrito, and a Carne Asada Quesadilla. The California Burrito - which led me to this place - wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was certainly fine - the meat, carne asada, was hot and salty, the cheese was melty and gooey, it had pico de gallo (onions, tomatoes, cilantro), and fries inside. I don't know why it didn't *feel* right for me, though - it wasn't greasy, it was maybe *too* fresh and put together? The fries were a bit too big in my opinion - the thick, fluffy kind that get a little lost. I don't know what it was. Again, though, it was fine and I'd get it again if I was in the area. The bean and cheese burrito was way more enormous than I expected. My kid got it with sour cream and french fries - and it tasted really great. The beans were suberb and it just huge and hefty (a great value). Again, the fries got a little lost - they were mushy and the beans were mushy - not the fault of the establishment, right? This is my kid's custom creation. The other kid got a carne asada quesadilla - it was big, same great meat (carne asada - salty, tender, great) and lots of it. Couldn't ask for anything more.
The take-out packaging was great - foil wrapped burritos and styrofoam container for the quesadilla. Both of these elements contributed to the meal traveling really well - everything was super hot when we got home. I guess the only thing I might have asked for is foil-wrapping the quesadilla if you have a long way to travel - the styrofoam box isn't as good as the foil, I think. read more