I decided last night that I would hit Santa Fe Café on my bike when I woke up this morning. I rode through suburban "traffic" up the hill to the single burrito haven of the immediate vicinity. I have heard lots of good things about the hilariously named "café" and even went there once, but that was before that fateful first burrito at La Cabaña that changed my perspective on life and burritos. So this was, for all intents and purposes, my first time.
Quality of meat (1-10) : 8.4
The meat here is pretty legit. I am not sure exactly what it reminds me of, but it tastes fresh and truly grilled, like carne asada from a hole-in-the-wall carniceria should always taste. It wasn't as juicy as it could have been, but we are in Calabasas.
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 7.1
The salsa was very okay. The standard red salsa tasted as if the ingredients weren't fresh or necessarily of the highest quality, but it was well-mixed. It was even a bit sweet, though I'm certain there were no special ingredients added to make it so.
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : 4.7
The guacamole was disappointing, especially considering the amount it costs. It was just barely not disappointing enough for me to have wished I hadn't gotten it. Still, I wouldn't recommend it. Sadly, it does not synergize well with the rest of the burrito.
Quality of chips (1-5) : 2.4
I'm not sure what it was about these chips, but they were definitely unique. They were not stale, but they tasted very slightly of cardboard. Strangely enough, they went really well with the burrito. Go figure.
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 1.9
Yeah, the menu was pretty small. The most interesting part about the menu is the kinds of burritos they offer. They feature a fajita burrito that I haven't tried, but I am generally a big fan of such experiments. Why don't more places serve them? To my knowledge, only chains and Santa Fe Café do. I find the crunch and flavor of bell peppers and onions to be refreshing, especially in a burrito. Other than the fajita burrito, there wasn't much interesting choice. They only serve two kinds of meat: chicken and steak (as with most Mexican food joints in the suburbs).
Size of burrito (1-5) : 4.1
I was impressed by the size of the standard Santa Fe burrito. I finished it all right, but I was definitely feeling full by the end, and I went in with a burrito-sized appetite. If you aren't conditioned for large-ish burritos, there's a chance you won't quite kill this one on your first go.
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : $7-$8
Locally owned? Probably
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 7.7
I left feeling full, but regretted spending an exorbitant amount of money on a sub-par burrito. Still, if you're accustomed to La Salsa and its ilk, Santa Fe Café is surely a legitimate lunch destination.
Overall taste (1-10) : 7.1
I felt that the burritos at Santa Fe Café reminded me way too much of UCSC dining hall burritos. The only thing I can point a finger at is the presence of whole corn kernels in the burritos. It is my firm belief that non-ground corn has no place in or on a legitimate burrito. However, whatever strange quality about the taste of this burrito that drew a connection between it and UCSC fare was not immediately recognizable as corn, so I could be mistaken about the presumed yellow culprit. It could have been the substandard salsa as well, clearly made with a blender rather than a knife, as in the clean kitchens of UC Santa Cruz. Once I go back to try the fajita burrito, I may write an addendum to this review, hopefully a positive one. Now I know there are a lot of Santa Fe Café fanatics out here. Got a recommendation? A rebuttal? That's why you can leave comments.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Baja Fresh
Baja Fresh is the premier burrito chain, not in the sense that it's the best, but that it's the farthest-reaching. Not for good reason. The thing about Baja Fresh burritos is that I swear they used to be good; then something changed and now they suck.
Quality of meat (1-10) : 3.0
Worse than Vallarta in Santa Cruz. Maybe. The meat is dry, tough, and flavorless.
Quality of salsa (1-10) : 7.7
So they didn't mess up the salsa, thankfully. Sadly, it's not good enough to save the rest of the burrito.
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : ?
Quality of chips (1-5) : 2.7
The chips are not great, but they're chips and they're edible and you can dip them in salsa.
Size/diversity of menu (1-5) : 2.2
More options than a soccer mom would ever need, but you aren't a soccer mom, you're a Mexican food connoisseur! The selection here fails rather epically, simply offering the same ingredients arranged in 25 different ways.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 3.5
Very standard size.
Approximate price (for a standard burrito) : $6-$7
Locally owned? (Y/N) : No
Satisfaction factor (1-10) : 4.1
Overall taste (1-10) : 3.5
Quality of meat (1-10) : 3.0
Worse than Vallarta in Santa Cruz. Maybe. The meat is dry, tough, and flavorless.
Quality of salsa (1-10) : 7.7
So they didn't mess up the salsa, thankfully. Sadly, it's not good enough to save the rest of the burrito.
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : ?
Quality of chips (1-5) : 2.7
The chips are not great, but they're chips and they're edible and you can dip them in salsa.
Size/diversity of menu (1-5) : 2.2
More options than a soccer mom would ever need, but you aren't a soccer mom, you're a Mexican food connoisseur! The selection here fails rather epically, simply offering the same ingredients arranged in 25 different ways.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 3.5
Very standard size.
Approximate price (for a standard burrito) : $6-$7
Locally owned? (Y/N) : No
Satisfaction factor (1-10) : 4.1
Overall taste (1-10) : 3.5
Tacos Moreno
Tacos Moreno is famous for being the good burrito that occasionally wins the SC Good Times reader's poll for "Best Burrito." I can't imagine why Vallarta wins occasionally. Must be because they have four locations, or they're all really good at blowing editors.
Anwyay, Tacos Moreno has a location up Water St. as well as one on campus, much to my delight. Both locations have exactly the same ingredients. Don't be fooled by people that swear to one or the other. I have verified this myself with employees. However, Tacos Moreno definitely has its incredibly good days as well as its mediocre ones. My guess is people catch one location on a good day and swear by it for all time. Hit whichever one is most convenient for you.
The Tacos Moreno on campus is located at Merrill College on the east side, right next to where my 12:30-1:40 math class was last winter. That period marked the height of my burrito consumption. I ate 5-6 per week. To be honest, I wasn't crazy about Tacos Moreno when I first had it, but it definitely quickly grew on me. I am a regular there now. The burritosmiths here eschew lettuce for crispy cabbage, which is a surprisingly good substitute. Also, I have been told time and time again that the horchata is awful, as in, avoid it like you would an LA drama queen.
Quality of meat (1-10) : 9.2
I can see how someone could not like the meat at Tacos Moreno, but I love it. It's just barely crispy enough to make your teeth applaud. The al pastor is so drenched with sauce and juicy itself that you can expect to fully drink your burrito. In my opinion, it becomes a little bit much by (and at) the end; I like to go with the straight carne asada. The green chile beef is really desebrada (shredded beef) bathed in a green salsa, which is a good idea, but does not hold a candle to the standard asada.
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 9.6
I have a friend at KZSC campus radio next door to the Tacos Moreno who said something to the effect of, "I would never need another topping for anything ever again," in response to a desert island-style question. And yes, it is that good. It comes in squeeze bottles, which seems pretty sketchy at first. I must admit, the first time I saw it I didn't know what it was, but the stuff is miles ahead of any other house salsa I've tried. The bottles of salsa are stolen regularly.
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : 2.2
Like at Los Pericos, the guacamole at Tacos Moreno is one of its burritos' key shortcomings. It is shipped in and squeezed out of a plastic bag, which is all too obvious from the taste. Do not try and certainly do not pay extra for the guac here.
Quality of chips (1-5) : 4.5
The chips, interestingly enough, are very, very good here. However, you must dig for $1.50 if you want some. They don't even give you any with a burrito order. $1.50 is pretty steep for chips, I must say, but given the right conditions, they might actually be worth it.
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 2.0
The size of the menu at Tacos Moreno (or lack thereof) is inconsequential. One would never need to order anything here other than a burrito or maybe a quesadilla, if that's your thing. They are fully aware of this, as burritos are their mainstay.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 2.4
The size of the burritos (or lack thereof) here is Tacos Moreno's saddest flaw. I can eat two under the right conditions, and I'm not a big guy, by any means. Thankfully, this is reflected in the price and you do get what you pay for, which is a damn tasty (albeit small) burrito.
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : <$5 (!)
Locally owned? (Y/N) : Yes
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 8.7
I love eating here. The burrito would be satisfying enough (barring the size) given the flavor of the ingredients, but the end of your burrito will be wet with salsa dregs and burrito juice. Not many other burritos inexorably force you to save the best part for the end.
Overall taste (1-10) : 9.0
Tacos Moreno
UCSC
1156 High St.
Merrill College
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Anwyay, Tacos Moreno has a location up Water St. as well as one on campus, much to my delight. Both locations have exactly the same ingredients. Don't be fooled by people that swear to one or the other. I have verified this myself with employees. However, Tacos Moreno definitely has its incredibly good days as well as its mediocre ones. My guess is people catch one location on a good day and swear by it for all time. Hit whichever one is most convenient for you.
The Tacos Moreno on campus is located at Merrill College on the east side, right next to where my 12:30-1:40 math class was last winter. That period marked the height of my burrito consumption. I ate 5-6 per week. To be honest, I wasn't crazy about Tacos Moreno when I first had it, but it definitely quickly grew on me. I am a regular there now. The burritosmiths here eschew lettuce for crispy cabbage, which is a surprisingly good substitute. Also, I have been told time and time again that the horchata is awful, as in, avoid it like you would an LA drama queen.
Quality of meat (1-10) : 9.2
I can see how someone could not like the meat at Tacos Moreno, but I love it. It's just barely crispy enough to make your teeth applaud. The al pastor is so drenched with sauce and juicy itself that you can expect to fully drink your burrito. In my opinion, it becomes a little bit much by (and at) the end; I like to go with the straight carne asada. The green chile beef is really desebrada (shredded beef) bathed in a green salsa, which is a good idea, but does not hold a candle to the standard asada.
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 9.6
I have a friend at KZSC campus radio next door to the Tacos Moreno who said something to the effect of, "I would never need another topping for anything ever again," in response to a desert island-style question. And yes, it is that good. It comes in squeeze bottles, which seems pretty sketchy at first. I must admit, the first time I saw it I didn't know what it was, but the stuff is miles ahead of any other house salsa I've tried. The bottles of salsa are stolen regularly.
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : 2.2
Like at Los Pericos, the guacamole at Tacos Moreno is one of its burritos' key shortcomings. It is shipped in and squeezed out of a plastic bag, which is all too obvious from the taste. Do not try and certainly do not pay extra for the guac here.
Quality of chips (1-5) : 4.5
The chips, interestingly enough, are very, very good here. However, you must dig for $1.50 if you want some. They don't even give you any with a burrito order. $1.50 is pretty steep for chips, I must say, but given the right conditions, they might actually be worth it.
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 2.0
The size of the menu at Tacos Moreno (or lack thereof) is inconsequential. One would never need to order anything here other than a burrito or maybe a quesadilla, if that's your thing. They are fully aware of this, as burritos are their mainstay.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 2.4
The size of the burritos (or lack thereof) here is Tacos Moreno's saddest flaw. I can eat two under the right conditions, and I'm not a big guy, by any means. Thankfully, this is reflected in the price and you do get what you pay for, which is a damn tasty (albeit small) burrito.
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : <$5 (!)
Locally owned? (Y/N) : Yes
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 8.7
I love eating here. The burrito would be satisfying enough (barring the size) given the flavor of the ingredients, but the end of your burrito will be wet with salsa dregs and burrito juice. Not many other burritos inexorably force you to save the best part for the end.
Overall taste (1-10) : 9.0
Tacos Moreno
UCSC
1156 High St.
Merrill College
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Taqueria Santa Cruz
Taqueria Santa Cruz has two locations, and I've only been to one. It's the one on Mission. Taqueria Santa Cruz boasts the latest closing time of any legitimate taqueria in the city (11:45pm), which is a notable, redeeming quality. Not to say the burritos aren't excellent, which they are. However, I know absolutely nothing about the veggie burritos here. I would say that you veges out there would undoubtedly find a spot-hitting burrito down the street at La Cabaña, famous for their selection of vegetarian/vegan Mexican food. The rest of you might be well-advised to do the same, but Taqueria Santa Cruz is good enough to merit choosing over La Cabaña every now and again.
Quality of meat (1-10) : 8.3
Again, I usually go with the carne asada, which is very good. It's not exceptionally good, but it is certainly above average. Once I ordered a carnitas burrito and was very mildly disappointed by the flavor; I might recommend the chile verde if pork is your bag. I haven't been adventurous enough to try the birria, which is goat's meat, but if you end up trying it, let me know how it is. To my knowledge, Taqueria Santa Cruz is the only taqueria on the westside with birria.
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 6.9
I must say, the salsa at Taqueria Santa Cruz is surprisingly underwhelming. They have many kinds, all of which are only mediocre. They feature a fantastically spicy habañero salsa (if you're into it).
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : ?
Come to think of it, I have never actually tried the guacamole here...
Quality of chips (1-5) : 3.3
Good, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 4.2
Taqueria Santa Cruz has a real big menu, complete with breakfasts and tons of ceviche/camarón dishes, even more expansive than the standard extended taqueria selection.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 3.1
The burritos here are, I believe, slightly smaller than the average SC burrito. However, this is of some importance, considering the state in which you may decide to eat said burrito. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that, in my own humble opinion, La Cabaña, for some reason, is the best burrito to eat while intoxicated. Blue ribbon. If you happen to find yourself in such a state, go just one more block west and eat at La Cabaña.
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : ~$6
Locally owned? (Y/N) : Duh
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 7.8
Overall taste (1-10) : 7.9
Taqueria Santa Cruz
2215 Mission St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Quality of meat (1-10) : 8.3
Again, I usually go with the carne asada, which is very good. It's not exceptionally good, but it is certainly above average. Once I ordered a carnitas burrito and was very mildly disappointed by the flavor; I might recommend the chile verde if pork is your bag. I haven't been adventurous enough to try the birria, which is goat's meat, but if you end up trying it, let me know how it is. To my knowledge, Taqueria Santa Cruz is the only taqueria on the westside with birria.
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 6.9
I must say, the salsa at Taqueria Santa Cruz is surprisingly underwhelming. They have many kinds, all of which are only mediocre. They feature a fantastically spicy habañero salsa (if you're into it).
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : ?
Come to think of it, I have never actually tried the guacamole here...
Quality of chips (1-5) : 3.3
Good, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 4.2
Taqueria Santa Cruz has a real big menu, complete with breakfasts and tons of ceviche/camarón dishes, even more expansive than the standard extended taqueria selection.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 3.1
The burritos here are, I believe, slightly smaller than the average SC burrito. However, this is of some importance, considering the state in which you may decide to eat said burrito. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that, in my own humble opinion, La Cabaña, for some reason, is the best burrito to eat while intoxicated. Blue ribbon. If you happen to find yourself in such a state, go just one more block west and eat at La Cabaña.
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : ~$6
Locally owned? (Y/N) : Duh
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 7.8
Overall taste (1-10) : 7.9
Taqueria Santa Cruz
2215 Mission St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Jalapeños
My friends in Santa Cruz are more polarized about Jalapeños than any other burrito joint in the area. I happen to occupy the "yea" camp, but I will seek out someone in the "nay" camp to provide rebuttals to my big ups. Anyway, if you find yourself hungry downtown and don't have the energy to walk off Pacific, go to Jalapeños, perhaps one of the smallest taquerias in Santa Cruz. Thank me later. The service isn't great, but that doesn't affect how your burrito will taste.
Quality of meat (1-10) : 7.3
The meat must be the reason why some people don't like the burritos here. I happen to be a fan, but I can understand why some aren't. To be fair, I have only tried the carne asada, which is certainly flavorful, but a bit shredded and a bit too salty. I prefer my carne asada in full strips; that is, I'll take carne asada over desebrada any day. However, if you are a fan of shredded beef, they do have bistec ranchero here, which I imagine is comparably good. Also, I can't forget to mention that the chicken mole here is really, really good. If you are a fan of pollo burritos, do not skip over Jalapeños' chicken mole.
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 8.7
The pico de gallo here is really good, significantly better than most other places. They even give Los Pericos a run for their money. Pico is pretty hard to mess up, a fact that Jalapeños is fully aware of.
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : 7.4
Like at La Cabaña, the guacamole here is good, but it doesn't stand out as great on its own; rather, it adds to the flavor of the meat. It might be barely worth paying extra for, but thankfully, it already comes with most of the burritos.
Quality of chips (1-5) : 3.5
Standard chips, nothing too special.
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 3.0
The only diversity on the Jalapeños menu comes from the selection of meat, specifically the availability of mole. They don't have a lot of different cuts of meat, but they do have a lot of different preparations of chicken and beef, most of which are noteworthy at worst. And I do hear very, very good things about their vegetarian burritos.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 3.6
Jalapeños burritos are well-sized. They will certainly fill you up, as any burrito should, but they probably won't make any future appearances as leftovers.
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : $6
Locally owned? (Y/N) : Yes
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 7.6
I like the burritos here, but I feel they pale in comparison with other burritos in the greater Santa Cruz area. The burritos themselves are satisfying; knowing the burrito you could have gotten is disappointing. Then again, there's no point in not trying to be content with every decision you make. I highly recommend that you at least try Jalapeños. I do have friends that swear by it.
Overall taste (1-10) : 8.1
Jalapeños
Quality of meat (1-10) : 7.3
The meat must be the reason why some people don't like the burritos here. I happen to be a fan, but I can understand why some aren't. To be fair, I have only tried the carne asada, which is certainly flavorful, but a bit shredded and a bit too salty. I prefer my carne asada in full strips; that is, I'll take carne asada over desebrada any day. However, if you are a fan of shredded beef, they do have bistec ranchero here, which I imagine is comparably good. Also, I can't forget to mention that the chicken mole here is really, really good. If you are a fan of pollo burritos, do not skip over Jalapeños' chicken mole.
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 8.7
The pico de gallo here is really good, significantly better than most other places. They even give Los Pericos a run for their money. Pico is pretty hard to mess up, a fact that Jalapeños is fully aware of.
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : 7.4
Like at La Cabaña, the guacamole here is good, but it doesn't stand out as great on its own; rather, it adds to the flavor of the meat. It might be barely worth paying extra for, but thankfully, it already comes with most of the burritos.
Quality of chips (1-5) : 3.5
Standard chips, nothing too special.
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 3.0
The only diversity on the Jalapeños menu comes from the selection of meat, specifically the availability of mole. They don't have a lot of different cuts of meat, but they do have a lot of different preparations of chicken and beef, most of which are noteworthy at worst. And I do hear very, very good things about their vegetarian burritos.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 3.6
Jalapeños burritos are well-sized. They will certainly fill you up, as any burrito should, but they probably won't make any future appearances as leftovers.
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : $6
Locally owned? (Y/N) : Yes
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 7.6
I like the burritos here, but I feel they pale in comparison with other burritos in the greater Santa Cruz area. The burritos themselves are satisfying; knowing the burrito you could have gotten is disappointing. Then again, there's no point in not trying to be content with every decision you make. I highly recommend that you at least try Jalapeños. I do have friends that swear by it.
Overall taste (1-10) : 8.1
Jalapeños
206 Laurel St
Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Taqueria La Cabaña
I just woke up with a craving for this burrito, another one of my favorites. Sadly, it's upwards of 350 miles away. All you Santa Cruzians should capitalize. I definitely loved burritos the first time I went to Taqueria La Cabaña, but I was not at all ready for what I was about to taste. This epic first La Cabaña burrito was my introduction to the world of burrito fanaticism. The standard "Super Burrito" comes with rice, beans, lettuce, cheese, salsa, guac, and sour cream.
Quality of meat (1-10) : 9.0
Taqueria La Cabaña is the only taqueria where I don't normally order carne asada burritos. The chicharron is incredibly good and the carnitas are juicy as well. I think their chile verde is among the best I have had. They also offer red snapper burritos and salmon burritos, which are well-liked by the community. I find the meat here slightly better than at Los Pericos because it's the foundation for real synergy between all the contents of the burrito.
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 9.3
I cannot stress enough how excellent and unique the salsa is here. It's not pico de gallo and it's even extremely runny, but it's amazing. I am still trying to figure out what they put in it. I wouldn't be surprised if they put cucumber in it, an extremely good call. Put down that Tapatío.
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : 7.7
As previously mentioned, the burritos here have great synergy going on. That said, the guac doesn't stand out, but it adds wonders to the overall taste. And it comes with the burrito already!
Quality of chips (1-5) : 4.2
Even the chips at La Cabaña are uncommonly good. The chips and salsa will definitely hold you over until your burrito arrives, and you'll enjoy every minute.
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 4.5
La Cabaña is one of the taquerias whose authenticity people question because of their selection. In my opinion, who says burritos have to be authentic? It's a food. If it tastes good, I'll eat it. La Cabaña has an awesome menu and selection, boasting excellent fish tacos/burritos and a great selection of veggie burritos, including burritos with spinach, mushrooms, nopales (cactus), artichoke, and standard veg. They even have California burritos, if that's your thing. And if none of the aforementioned tickles your fancy, they have soups, a variety of ceviche y camarónes, and even hamburgers, all aimed to satisfy.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 4.2
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : <$6
Locally owned? (Y/N) : Yes
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 9.3
Now, it is at this point I would like to venture that there is no better burrito to eat while inebriated in the city of Santa Cruz than this one. Just sayin'.
Overall taste (1-10) : 9.2
Taqueria La Cabaña
2332 Mission St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Quality of meat (1-10) : 9.0
Taqueria La Cabaña is the only taqueria where I don't normally order carne asada burritos. The chicharron is incredibly good and the carnitas are juicy as well. I think their chile verde is among the best I have had. They also offer red snapper burritos and salmon burritos, which are well-liked by the community. I find the meat here slightly better than at Los Pericos because it's the foundation for real synergy between all the contents of the burrito.
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 9.3
I cannot stress enough how excellent and unique the salsa is here. It's not pico de gallo and it's even extremely runny, but it's amazing. I am still trying to figure out what they put in it. I wouldn't be surprised if they put cucumber in it, an extremely good call. Put down that Tapatío.
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : 7.7
As previously mentioned, the burritos here have great synergy going on. That said, the guac doesn't stand out, but it adds wonders to the overall taste. And it comes with the burrito already!
Quality of chips (1-5) : 4.2
Even the chips at La Cabaña are uncommonly good. The chips and salsa will definitely hold you over until your burrito arrives, and you'll enjoy every minute.
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 4.5
La Cabaña is one of the taquerias whose authenticity people question because of their selection. In my opinion, who says burritos have to be authentic? It's a food. If it tastes good, I'll eat it. La Cabaña has an awesome menu and selection, boasting excellent fish tacos/burritos and a great selection of veggie burritos, including burritos with spinach, mushrooms, nopales (cactus), artichoke, and standard veg. They even have California burritos, if that's your thing. And if none of the aforementioned tickles your fancy, they have soups, a variety of ceviche y camarónes, and even hamburgers, all aimed to satisfy.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 4.2
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : <$6
Locally owned? (Y/N) : Yes
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 9.3
Now, it is at this point I would like to venture that there is no better burrito to eat while inebriated in the city of Santa Cruz than this one. Just sayin'.
Overall taste (1-10) : 9.2
Taqueria La Cabaña
2332 Mission St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Taqueria Vallarta
I would like to preface this one by saying that Vallarta has many locations in Santa Cruz county, and I have only visited the one in downtown SC, on Pacific Avenue. I haven't tried the guacamole here, but no matter. I cannot stress enough that, more than possibly anything I have ever experienced, this taqueria deserves the label overrated.
Quality of meat (1-10) : 4.0
The meat here is incredibly dry and tough. I have tried both the carne asada and the carnitas, and I have given them both many chances; each time they have failed me.
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 2.5
All of the salsa at Vallarta is so bad that the burrito tastes better without it. They even somehow managed to screw up the pico de gallo, which is no easy task. Don't ask me how they did it.
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : ?
Quality of chips (1-5) : 3.0
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 2.0
The menu at Vallarta is the smallest of any taqueria in Santa Cruz. Prove me wrong.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 3.4
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : $6-$7
Locally owned? (Y/N) : ?
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 2.7
More than one friend of mine has gotten sick from eating here.
Overall taste (1-10) : 3.3
I beg you, if you find yourself in downtown Santa Cruz with a burrito jones, do not search here. A better burrito within walking distance is Jalapeño's at the south end of Pacific. An entry on this hole-in-the-wall taqueria is forthcoming.
Taqueria Vallarta
1101 Pacific Avenue, Ste. A
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Quality of meat (1-10) : 4.0
The meat here is incredibly dry and tough. I have tried both the carne asada and the carnitas, and I have given them both many chances; each time they have failed me.
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 2.5
All of the salsa at Vallarta is so bad that the burrito tastes better without it. They even somehow managed to screw up the pico de gallo, which is no easy task. Don't ask me how they did it.
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : ?
Quality of chips (1-5) : 3.0
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 2.0
The menu at Vallarta is the smallest of any taqueria in Santa Cruz. Prove me wrong.
Size of burrito (1-5) : 3.4
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : $6-$7
Locally owned? (Y/N) : ?
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 2.7
More than one friend of mine has gotten sick from eating here.
Overall taste (1-10) : 3.3
I beg you, if you find yourself in downtown Santa Cruz with a burrito jones, do not search here. A better burrito within walking distance is Jalapeño's at the south end of Pacific. An entry on this hole-in-the-wall taqueria is forthcoming.
Taqueria Vallarta
1101 Pacific Avenue, Ste. A
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Taqueria Los Pericos
I might as well start with one of my favorite burritos thus far. The place is Taqueria Los Pericos, in Santa Cruz.
I would like to begin by saying that while Los Pericos has a variety of salsas, they all pale in comparison with the pico de gallo. This is made even better by the fact that Los Pericos offers infinite chips and infinite salsa. Do not hesitate to take advantage of this.
The menu has something on it called "Turbo." It offers no description of what a "Turbo" is. Next time I go here, I may try one. You should, too. I'm sure the stoned guy behind the counter will laugh when you ask him.
Los Pericos offers wheat tortillas along with tomato and spinach-flavored tortillas, for those of you who are bored of white flour tortilla. The selection of meat is standard for an authentic taqueria, offering six or seven different types, including the "weird" ones like lengua and buche. I recommend the carne asada, as I usually do, but I hear the carnitas are great as well.
Also, for those of you that are vegetarian, I hear that Los Pericos boasts one of the best vegetarian burritos in SC, along with taco salad with and without meat, both of which are highly touted by friends.
Quality of meat (1-10) : 8.5
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 9.3
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : 3.0 (The guacamole here is the only thing that will disappoint you.)
Quality of chips (1-5) : 3.7
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 4.2
Size of burrito (1-5) : 4.0
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : <$6
Locally owned? Yes
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 9.1
Overall taste (1-10) : 8.9
Taqueria Los Pericos
139 Water St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Open late
I would like to begin by saying that while Los Pericos has a variety of salsas, they all pale in comparison with the pico de gallo. This is made even better by the fact that Los Pericos offers infinite chips and infinite salsa. Do not hesitate to take advantage of this.
The menu has something on it called "Turbo." It offers no description of what a "Turbo" is. Next time I go here, I may try one. You should, too. I'm sure the stoned guy behind the counter will laugh when you ask him.
Los Pericos offers wheat tortillas along with tomato and spinach-flavored tortillas, for those of you who are bored of white flour tortilla. The selection of meat is standard for an authentic taqueria, offering six or seven different types, including the "weird" ones like lengua and buche. I recommend the carne asada, as I usually do, but I hear the carnitas are great as well.
Also, for those of you that are vegetarian, I hear that Los Pericos boasts one of the best vegetarian burritos in SC, along with taco salad with and without meat, both of which are highly touted by friends.
Quality of meat (1-10) : 8.5
Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 9.3
Quality of guacamole (1-10) : 3.0 (The guacamole here is the only thing that will disappoint you.)
Quality of chips (1-5) : 3.7
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 4.2
Size of burrito (1-5) : 4.0
Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : <$6
Locally owned? Yes
Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 9.1
Overall taste (1-10) : 8.9
Taqueria Los Pericos
139 Water St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Open late
Welcome to me and to you!
Welcome, that is, to my new burrito blog!
I harbor the belief that burritos are una comida perfecta. They are far too great for me not to have a blog devoted to them. I have dilly-dallied far too long in creating this blog.
I figured that I might as well make it fun for me and informative for you, so I have made it my mission to visit as many burrito joints in the state of California as I possibly can.
If you have a place to recommend to me, please tell me about it and I will make plans to visit. I will be in the LA area until August 21, when I will be relocating to Berkeley.
I will have guest authors periodically so as to attempt to cover as much of the California burritosphere as possible.
I will rate each establishment for:
Quality of meat (1-10)
Quality of house salsa (1-10)
Quality of guacamole (1-10)
Quality of chips (1-5)
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5)
Size of burrito (I will buy a tape measure)
Approximate price (For a standard burrito)
Locally owned? (Y/N)
Satisfaction Factor (1-10; to be measured 1-2 hours after consumption)
Overall taste (1-10)
Now, I need your feedback on something. Do you want pictures of the burritos? I can do this, but I cannot promise pictures for every place. Do pictures of burritos affect how you might judge the taste of the burrito? Let me know.
I harbor the belief that burritos are una comida perfecta. They are far too great for me not to have a blog devoted to them. I have dilly-dallied far too long in creating this blog.
I figured that I might as well make it fun for me and informative for you, so I have made it my mission to visit as many burrito joints in the state of California as I possibly can.
If you have a place to recommend to me, please tell me about it and I will make plans to visit. I will be in the LA area until August 21, when I will be relocating to Berkeley.
I will have guest authors periodically so as to attempt to cover as much of the California burritosphere as possible.
I will rate each establishment for:
Quality of meat (1-10)
Quality of house salsa (1-10)
Quality of guacamole (1-10)
Quality of chips (1-5)
Size/Diversity of menu (1-5)
Size of burrito (I will buy a tape measure)
Approximate price (For a standard burrito)
Locally owned? (Y/N)
Satisfaction Factor (1-10; to be measured 1-2 hours after consumption)
Overall taste (1-10)
Now, I need your feedback on something. Do you want pictures of the burritos? I can do this, but I cannot promise pictures for every place. Do pictures of burritos affect how you might judge the taste of the burrito? Let me know.
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