Celebrate National Burrito Day with San Diego’s Iconic California Burrito

The San Diego Tourism Authority is gearing up for a delicious celebration just in time for National Burrito Day on April 2. While many cities across California may lay claim to the California burrito, it is unequivocally a San Diego creation—the city where this beloved dish truly shines.

What Makes the California Burrito Unique?

Often referred to as the “San Diego Burrito,” this variation features an incredible combination of flavors and textures. It’s a mouthwatering mix of carne asada, fries, guacamole, cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream, all enveloped in a warm flour tortilla. The addition of fries is a game-changer, transforming the traditional carne asada burrito into something extraordinary.

The trend began back in the 1980s, with establishments like Lolita’s Mexican Food in Bonita and Santana’s Mexican Grill in El Cajon pioneering the concept of including fries in burritos. This clever twist has since gained massive popularity, holding a cherished place in many hearts for nearly half a century.

Dining Specials for National Burrito Day

Many San Diego restaurants are embracing National Burrito Day with creative offerings and special promotions. The downtown Moxy Hotel is officially renaming their dish to the San Diego Burrito for the day, paying homage to its origins.

At Novecientos Grados, the sensational California burrito is already listed as the San Diego Burrito—founded by skateboarding icon Tony Hawk. This establishment will be celebrating April 2 with a special discount for burrito lovers.

Other participating restaurants include:

• Lolita’s Mexican Food: Purchase a California burrito and receive a free churro.
• The Taco Stand: Enjoy a 10% discount on all burritos at their Terminal 1 location.
• El Chingon: Located in the Gaslamp district, they are serving $5 California burritos that come deep-fried and drenched in queso.
• Puesto: Prefer dining at home? Get a Buy One Get One deal exclusively on DoorDash that lasts until April 5.

A Culinary Legacy

As the SDTA president, Daniel Kuperschmid, aptly stated, “National Burrito Day is our moment to remind the world where this iconic dish comes from.” The California burrito has become synonymous with San Diego’s culinary identity, much like New York’s pizza and Philadelphia’s cheesesteak.

Join the Celebration

If you’re in the San Diego area this April 2, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the California burrito in its true hometown form. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant or enjoying a special offer at home, make this National Burrito Day a flavorful celebration of San Diego’s unique food heritage.

Conclusion

Celebrate with pride and savor the flavors that have made the San Diego burrito a beloved staple for generations. Enjoy the culinary bounty of San Diego this National Burrito Day and celebrate the creation of one of Southern California’s most iconic handheld meals.