Sep 19, 2008

The San Francisco Taco Shop Scene

So I recently moved to SF from Washington DC to take advantage of all that the bay area can offer a tech startup. Im glad to be back on the west coast and in a fantastic city. Its also amazing to be surrounded by other brilliant entrepreneurs.

But most importantly: They have real burritos here.

Sadly, everyone at every taco shop I’ve been to so far gives me a really odd look when I mention a California burrito. Seems that it should really be called a San Diego burrito since I haven’t seen one anywhere else.

Taco shops here are quite different from the ones in San Diego

 

  • They have a much wider selection of food (especially more authentic Mexican food like Menudo, beef tongue, brains etc)
  • The “gringo” menu consists of 1. Regular Burrito or 2. Super Burrito
  • A Regular Burrito has your choice of meat as well as rice, beans and salsa
  • A Super Burrito adds guacamole, cheese and sour cream
  • The  burritos are more expensive
  • Burritos are wrapped in tin foil
In San Diego
  • Most choices on the menu are burritos, rolled tacos, tacos
  • Each burrito is prepared differently based on what meat you choose. (Generally Carne Asada burritos only have meat and guacamole, shredded chicken burritos often have chicken, veggies and cheese)
  • Fish Tacos and seafood are more common
  • Food is wrapped in paper
My guess is that San Diego taco shop food is so unique due to the proximity and influence of immigrants from Baja Mexico.

 

One Comment, Comment or Ping

  1. Jen

    I think you should do a PhD on the geographic differences between burritos.

    Oct 18th, 2008

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