Burrito Quest 2: Mi Ranchito's California Burrito

On my second trip of Burrito Quest, I ended up going to Mi Ranchito Taco Shop at the request of my friends. In the South Bay, Mi Ranchito is known for producing huge ass burritos. They were so huge, that most couldn't even handle the whole thing. But the clue word there is were.

First off, Mi Ranchito is located deep in Imperial Beach. In fact, it is right across the street from the beach, which makes it the ideal beach meal. Compared to most taco shops, Mi Ranchito is tiny. The kitchen takes up most of the store, while the 4 booths are all cramped together. There is however, 2-3 tables outside where you can enjoy your meal while enjoying the beach air.

As usual, I ordered the California Burrito, or what I refer to as the 'Chito Burrito. The price was very good, being at $4-something. The wait is usually long, being at around a 15 minute wait. I recommend calling ahead of time, so that your food is ready at pick-up. While waiting, I went next door to the liquor store to pickup a can of Arizona Mucho Mango. For me, this compliments and completes my 'Chito Burrito meal.

Receiving my burrito, I notice that the size has declined over the years. Years ago, I remember them being atleast a foot in length, and the width to be that of an atheletes' bicep. Now however, the size has dropped a few inches in length and lost a great amount of thickness. Still though, it is much bigger than your average taco shop's burrito.

After biting into my burrito, it was safe to say the taste was still delicious. While most go to Mi Ranchito for the size, I go for the taste. As I stated in my last Quest, the California Burrito ingredients vary. In 'Chito's case, they went with the carne asada, fries, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream combo. While most disagree, I find this combo to be the best taste-wise. Anyways, the carne asada was nice and tender, the fries golden brown, the cheese nice and melted. The guac and sour cream had the right amount to compliment the other ingredients.

What will make your 'Chito Burrito even better is the hot sauce. Their hot sauce differs from other taco shops in thickness. While most of them offer hot sauce in liquid form, Mi Ranchito offers thick and chunky hot sauce, almost like pizza sauce. You can also taste a hint of pizza sauce when trying it out. Next door is a pizza parlor, so I wouldn't be surprised if they mix the pizza sauce with their own hot sauce. The sauce is so good that eating their Cali Burrito without it would make the burrito incomplete.

On this experience, I rate the Mi Ranchito California Burrito ✭✭✭✭☆. A star is deducted based on experience. The taste was all there, but the size used to be so much bigger. This is still a pretty good ass rating, as I don't see myself giving away any 5 stars. The Mi Ranchito Cali Burrito is a favorite on my list, and may even be the best California Burrito that I have eaten.



Got a taco shop that serves a goodass burrito I should try? Leave a comment.