Rolling Up the Perfect Breakfast in San Diego
Photographed By: Rosario Heer
We all have days that are jam packed with adventures at the beach, hours at the office, getting your sweat on and enjoying as much of this paradise as possible. That means that a hearty, delicious breakfast to kick off the day is a must and what satisfies that craving better than a burrito? It has all the components you need, all conveniently wrapped up into one tasty meal. San Diego has no shortage of these available around town, so we’ve narrowed down some of our favorite spots serving up some of the tastiest breakfast burritos around.
Werewolf
If you’re looking to kick your day off with not only an amazing meal but some good company, then head on over to Werewolf in downtown San Diego. This hot spot is known not only for their great food and drinks, but also for their super friendly and accommodating staff. They serve breakfast every day until 1 p.m. and have the perfect breakfast burrito on their menu to accompany one of their delicious Bloody Marys. Eggs, bacon, jack cheese, smashed avo, potatoes, cilantro and house sauce are what you’ll find all wrapped up in a perfect tortilla, and we guarantee you won’t leave disappointed.
Native Knowledge: If the Chargers score a touchdown there is an explosion of fog that comes from the air.
627 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.234.0094 | www.thewerewolf.net
Cotija’s Cocina Mexicana
Some have argued that this is the best breakfast burrito in the San Diego area. As a breakfast burrito connoisseur, I can safely say that this particular breakfast burrito certainly can hold it’s own. With the delicious molten lava flow of cheese pouring out of the burrito, the crunchy hash browns wrapped inside (yes, hash browns IN the burrito), and the perfect marriage between the plethora of meats and eggs, this burrito can just drop the mic. This burrito is worth the drive to Point Loma; you can take my word for it.
Native Knowledge: This restaurant has been in the family for over 40 years, and they insist you try their Chile Verde, which is their grandma’s recipe!
3270 Voltaire St
San Diego, CA 92107
619.226.1477 | www.cotijasauthenticmexicanrestaurant.com
Crushed
There are few greater things in this world than kicking back and enjoying brunch by the beach. Crushed in Pacific Beach is located right in the heart of this infamous beach community on Garnet Avenue, and it’s the perfect place to kick off the day with one of their awesome breakfast burritos. Every day brunch is being served up from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. so no matter what time you find yourself crawling out of bed, you’ll make it in time for some good eats. There are five different choices of burrito available on the menu including, The Florentine, The SoCal, The Triple, Dos Huevos and Chicken Chilaquiles. Taste the quality with Abuela’s freshly made tortillas.
Native Knowledge: Buzzfeed listed Crushed as one of San Diego’s Top 10 Bars!
967 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
858.230.6567 | www.barcrushed.com
Rudy’s Taco Shop
If you have a thing for carne asada, then the Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito from Rudy’s is a must for you. The carne asada is slow cooked daily from a recipe that has been in their family for generations and is among their most popular items on the menu. People also line up for the original Breakfast Burrito, which is comprised of eggs, cheese, potatoes and bacon. It might take a few minutes longer to get your meal, but that’s just because everything is made fresh to order, and only traditional Mexican cooking methods are used. Rudy’s prides itself on its prime meat and fresh vegetables and the difference is evident in the flavor. Rudy’s guarantees that their fresh, made-to-order items will taste exactly like what you can expect to find in a traditional Mexican household.
Native Knowledge: Recently, Rudy’s won a burrito contest put on by 91X FM with their breakfast burrito. You better hurry up and get in line, because these are some of the best burritos in town!
524 Stevens Ave
Solana Beach, CA 92705
858.755.0788 | www.rudystacoshop.com
Lucha Libre
A line can be found at this taco shop at any time, and just one visit will help you understand why. Lucha Libre is a small, authentic taco shop located right in Mission Hills that puts a vibrant flair on their dishes. From their décor to their food, nothing is typical about this place. For breakfast they offer a few different burrito options with my favorite being their “Pancake” Burrito. Potatoes, chorizo, ham, bacon, bell pepper, eggs and their secret chipotle sauce come all rolled up in one savory pancake, creating the perfect bite. Their Huevos Rancheros burrito is also a favorite for those of you who can’t make up your mind and want to combine the two classic Mexican breakfasts into one. Honestly, you should just try them all and decide which flavor profile strikes your fancy, but start with the El Jefe burrito. This bundle of joy is named after its creator and comes with grilled steak, eggs, homestyle potatoes, avocado, pico de gallo, cheese and super secret chipotle sauce. Between the innovation, variety, and bold flavors, you’ll be heading over to join the line and make a few new friends in the morning.
Native Knowledge: A lot of people claim that they created the California burrito.
1810 Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103
619.296.8226 | www.tacosmackdown.com
Sarita’s Taco Shop
For over 21 years, Sarita’s has been bringing their A game to the Mexican restaurant scene in San Diego. One of the best things about this local gem? It’s open 24 hours a day, and it’s not uncommon to see a long line of hungry patrons excitedly waiting for their Carne Asada Fries, Adobada Burrito or, of course, their delicious breakfast burrito. The good news is if you are in a rush, you can always call in ahead and order. Sarita’s has been on the San Diego Tribune’s list of Top 5 Taco Shops in San Diego County for several years now, and it’s no wonder why! Whopping portion sizes with delicious, homemade, and slow cooked meals will keep your tummy full, and their modest prices will keep your wallet happy. Because I am horrible at making decisions, I decided to try their Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito and their Bacon Salsa Breakfast Burrito because, you know, research. Both were indescribably delectable, and it was a tie for the win for Best Burrito. The salty bacon mixed with the refreshing salsa and creamy guacamole in the Bacon Salsa Burrito was the perfect balance of flavors. The carne asada in the Carne Asada burrito was tender, perfectly seasoned, and tasted great smothered in cheese (but let’s face it…what doesn’t). Sarita’s is an absolute must if you’re in the San Diego area, and the good news is, you can go at any time of the day or night to stuff your face.
9906 Campo Rd
Spring Valley, CA 91977
619.589.0146 | www.saritastacoshop.com
La Puerta
At La Puerta, you can expect quality, fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine in a fun, inviting atmosphere. They strive to make sure every sip of your Margarita and every bite of food is just as good as it can be, and they succeed. If you’re heading here in need of their breakfast burrito, then you need to do so on the weekends when they offer their brunch menu with more than a few options. They feature a classic breakfast burrito with eggs, ham, bacon, Pico de Gallo, grilled onion, poblano, jack cheese, potatoes and served with chorizo beans, which is my favorite choice on the menu. They also have a Carne n’ Egg Burrito if you feel like you need to kick off the day with some high protein or a Chorizo burrito, which has been known to cure a hangover or two when paired with their Bloody Mary. Either way you’ll love the fun atmosphere at this place during brunch and all of the savory flavors that they pour their heart and soul into.
Native Knowledge: Must be 21 years of age after 3 p.m. or any time when DJs or Musicians are performing.
560 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.696.3466 | www.lapuertasd.com/brunch
Lolita’s Taco Shop
Though there are several Lolita’s locations in San Diego, there’s nothing quite like the flavors that come out of the kitchen from the original shop located in Chula Vista. For over 30 years, founders Dolores and Joaquin have worked hard to bring you the most authentic tastes of Mexico in sunny San Diego. Bring your appetite, because their Deluxe Breakfast Burrito is sure to keep you full for the whole day, if not also the next. It comes overflowing with sausage, bacon, ham, cheese, and potato, and because they swear there’s no secret ingredient, I’m going to say they are simply breakfast burrito flavor magicians. If you’re still begging for more, go back for lunch or dinner and grab one of their famous California Burritos.
413 Telegraph Canyon Rd.
Chula Vista, CA 91910
619.585.0232 | www.lolitasmexicanfood.com
Café Coyote
Old Town San Diego is one of my favorite places to hang out, whether it’s to walk around and shop or enjoy any of their amazing restaurants around town. One of the most popular places for locals and visitors alike is Café Coyote, and you’ll be pleased to learn they have more than a few amazing breakfast burritos to choose from. From their Mexican burrito to the straight up American one, you can’t go wrong with any of these hearty meals all wrapped up in one of their flour tortillas. The tortillas in Old Town are like the bread in New Jersey — consistent and addicting. No matter what they wrap inside one of those, it’s sure to be absolutely delicious.
Native Knowledge: Café Coyote’s was Voted Best Mexican Restaurant in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014.
2461 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
619.291.5700 | www.cafecoyoteoldtown.com
Barrio Star
Barrio Star is one of several restaurants in San Diego from chef and restaurateur, Isabel Cruz. They take classic Mexican dishes and put a fresh, healthy flair on them, creating something familiar and new all at the same time. From their décor to the menu, everything is vibrant and colorful; the perfect morning spot to start off the day with good vibes and positive energy. They offer some amazing breakfast items including three different kinds of burritos. They use local and organic ingredients whenever possible, so you can feel full about your carb loaded breakfast choices. If you still want to move after your morning meal, go with the breakfast burrito made with scrambled eggs and cheese, served with black beans and salsa fresca.
Native Knowledge: Partner/Chef Todd Camburn takes his Mexican cuisine seriously and came by it quite honestly—as he traversed the Mexican countryside with his friends in the tequila-trade.
2706 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
619.501.7827 | www.barriostar.com
Salt Box
Salt Box is a fun, swanky little joint downtown that is all about showcasing the local flavors of San Diego in their amazing food and innovative cocktails. They are constantly changing their menu to keep things as fresh and local as possible and their guests on their toes. There is one thing that you can always count on though, and that’s an amazing Cali breakfast burrito to kick off your day with. This rolled up treat comes with eggs, bacon, hash browns, cheese, salsa verde, and avocado; all the elements of the perfect morning bite. Ask your server or bartender which cocktail would pair well with your breakfast and they’ll serve you up something fresh and original to add to one sweet morning.
Native Knowledge: Saltbox Chef de Cuisine Jeremiah Bryant has been a part of San Diego’s dining culture for over 18 years. Bryant has worked in some of the cities most respective restaurants. Rest assured, you can believe that he knows what San Diegans are looking for in their breakfast burritos.
1047 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.515.3003 | www.saltboxrestaurant.com