If you live in San Diego, you’ve probably eaten at Roberto’s at least once. It seems like they’re everywhere. If you do a Google Search on Roberto’s Taco Shops, San Diego you come up with 17 matches between Chula Vista and Oceanside. Be careful of imitators, though I understand that there are actually only a few "authentic" Roberto’s, whatever that means. I’ve seen Reyberto’s, El Roberto’s, Filiberto’s, Aiberto’s, and countless number of "something"-berto’s around. Inexpensive, tasty, greasy, and usually open 24 hours, Roberto’s is very popular. The one I usually patronize is on Clairemont Drive, only 4 blocks away, a very scary thing indeed!
This tiny shop is the only 24 operation other than 7-11 for several miles around, and can sometimes be packed to the rafters.
Prices range from $1.75 for 3 Plain rolled Taco’s (taquitos) to $6.00 for combination plates. I usually get either the Carne Asada or a "California" Burrito ($3.25), and sometimes the Rolled Tacos. On this trip I got the California Burrito and 3 rolled taco’s with sour cream ($2.00).
So what’s a California Burrito? Well in this case it’s a tortilla filled with Carne Asada, Cheese, and French Fries, yes, you heard that correct french fries! Pretty "politically incorrect" but delicious. I was just thinking; one more starch and this could be a plate lunch! Here’s a closer look:
So how was it? Well, the Carne Asada was a little bit dried out, tough, and tasteless today – but the fries were great! In fact I woulda just ordered a french fry burrito if they had one. I like the way the tortilla was prepared, both a little crunchy and yet still with a little "pull", a nice texture. The taquitos were ok, a little too much sour cream glopped on them, and they were a bit smaller than I remember them. But still relatively cheap and filling. 
I know alot of people who love Roberto’s, especially after a hard night of "liquid refreshment", and in the minds of many San Diegans this is the quintessential "San Diego" chain. Roberto’s fills a real niche in San Diego, a place other than Denny’s open 24 hours a day.
A last note, I’ve found that not all Roberto’s are created equal, the Solana Beach locale (I’ve been told that this is one created by the original "Roberto") is by far the best I’ve been to, Clairemont Mesa the worst in both service and food.
Roberto’s Taco Shop
Many Locations
Most open 24 hours daily
I know I’m in a minority when it comes to Roberto’s, but I still feel like I gotta chime in. I am not a Sandy Eggo native, so maybe I never learned what to order at Roberto’s, but most of the things I usually order at fast food Mexican joints disappointed me at Roberto’s. Now I admit also that I only dealt with the MB location because it was close to where I worked for a while, but the food was disappointing enought that I actually went to McDonald’s a couple times (say it isn’t so). Anyway, I don’t remember the chicken burrito, but if they have one it must not have been very impressive. I found their bean and cheese burritos to be runny and pretty tasteless. I remember trying a shrimp burrito and finding more chopped onion than shrimp. And what shrimp I found were over breaded and left me with no shrimp flavors at all. Previously I had worked close to Taco Surf, and while that place was not very authentic, the food was much less greasy and much tastier – although, no doubt, more expensive. Anyway, I feel better now that I have ranted for a paragraph. Hope you’re still eating well.
ed
I don’t have fast-food mexican that often but if I ever moved away from SD I would miss having a Roberto’s/Alberto’s/Royberto’s, etc. nearby for a late night carne asada and rolled taco fix.
I like Roberto’s, but as Kirk noted, the quality can vary a lot from place to place.
I wouldn’t count out the other ‘berto’s restaurants out of hand though. My favorite taqueria within a 5 mile radius of my house is Adalberto’s in Golden Hill. They have a great chicken/fries/cheese/sour cream burrito, but they call it a “Texas Burrito”… go figure.
The way I usually test out a new taqueria is by ordering the carnitas (pork fried until fork-tender). The carnitas burrito usually comes with guacamole too so you can test how they make theirs. Most taquerias around here make terrible guac. I think it’s because they use lots of filler to make it cheaper.
mmm, I never eat carnitas out. Way to easy to make at home. I’ll have to do a post on that as well I suppose. Maybe I’ll save it for when I have a camera and it’s a bit cooler though. Heats up the house when I make it…
Hi Ed – Oh my! Mickey D’s over Roberto’s, say it isn’t so! Must’ve been really bad. You know I would never have thought to have seafood at Roberto’s, but leftover breaded shrimp, that’s terrible. I’ve had the bean burrito, and it was pretty much yuck. Most of the time when I try a taco shop I’ll go for Carne Asada, or taquito’s or somthin’. I can’t wait to get to Yuma – or maybe not – I heard it’s a million degrees there now…so you can show me some really good Mexican!
Hey Jack – I know exactly what you mean by a late night rolled-taco Jones!I’d still take Likelike, or even Zippy’s (though more $$$) over Roberto’s anyday, but it’s good to have something open late in the neighborhood.
Hi Howie – Thanks for commenting! It’s great to have a strategy on checking out something that there’re a million of here in San Diego. Though I don’t care much for carnitas, I like how you use the strategy for Guac – I agree most places make terrible, runny, bland, Guac. Please keep posting!
Jo – I really don’t care much for Carnitas – sounds like it’s getting pretty hot in your neighborhood too? But you definitely need to get a digital camera – especially since your recipes are becoming a hit!
Howie – “Texas Burrito” hmmm….as soon as my cholesterol normalizes I may give Adalberto’s a try.
Yep, definately getting hot this way! I put up 3 qts of tomatoes this morning and had to stop so I wouldn’t drip! I would love to get pics of these tomatoes! They are awesome. And dinner last night, the bright spot was the menchi katsu… OMG that was SO yummo! I dipped into Heinz 57 and took a bite of a ripe “Black Krim” tomato I pulled just before the sun went down… incredible, absolutely incredible. I tried to post on it earlier but my chemicals are still a little messed up… ;oP
Kirk-Many years ago my cousin from Hawaii was over and one late night we went to La Posta de Acapulco in Hillcrest(this and El Cuervo are my local haunts). He didn’t quite get the late night mexican food thing and was craving a Zippy’s Zip Pack. Nothing like that around here! Although like you, I’ll take it any day. Last year the family came over but this time he enjoyed the meal. He has been more exposed over the years to mexican cuisine and has come enjoy it.
Hi Jo – Yep menchi-katsu is indeed a wonderful thing – I just had some for lunch!
Jack – You’ll think this is funny I work in the Hillcrest area and El Cuervo is one of my regular places for lunch as is La Posta – I’ve actually got them in the “queue” with pictures and stuff – it seems that the two busiest places at lunchtime are El Cuervo and Bronx Pizza – don’t worry about Phil’s I got that covered too – I just don’t want to do everything at once! You wouldn’t believe what I’d do for a Zip Pac or a BBQ Beef Sandwich from Rainbows….
Kirk, would you threaten family members for refusing to bring you the ZipPack or the BBQ from Rainbow’s? When my Aunt came from Florida in April, I told not to bother getting on the plane unless she had a dozen Krystal burgers with her! I think they are still ony .49 cents. That’s what they cost when I was in high school!
Hi Jo – No I usually ask for stuff I really want like inamona, ogo, or other stuff – plus can you imagine what it would be like sitting next to somebody smelling fried chicken, teriyaki, and spam for 6 hours???
::looks bashful:: Trust me, I REALLY like Krystal’s. She bought them the night before, wrapped them in plastice (boxes and all), froze them, and put them in her suitcase so she wouldn’t smell like Krystals!
That said, last time we went back there, I was pregnant with our oldest boy (now 5). Our flight departed at about 3p.m. so we had our last meal at “Beach Road Chicken” (this is a good article bout the place: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/01/30/AR2005041502537.html) then as we headed out to the airport I made sure we pulled over at the last Krystal there was before the airport. Mike nearly had a fit but I got a sack of a dozen burgers. So there we were, cruzing first Jax airport smelling like Krystals, then some airport I can’t remember smelling like Krystals, but a little less so because in the middle of getting from one plane to the next I had to stop and eat 3 of them. Then we got to Dallas and had to change planes again and again I stopped mid stream to eat 3. Mike didn’t really like Krystal to begin with and by now he really hated them. Good thing to because the way he was acting there wasn’t a chance that I was going to share my dozen with him! I think there were only 4 left by the time we got home and they were gone within 24 hours if indeed it took that long!
Hey Jo – That’s a Funny story! I’ve had Krystal’s in Columbus Ga, and Atlanta – I guess I really don’t get it! Same about White Castle – I think they smell kinda funny too – though who am I to talk, with all the stuff I eat! You should see the kind of stuff we pack for flights….
Hey, that makes it all the more interesting huh?
;o)
Jo-that is a very funny story! My wife tells a very similar story when she was returning home to CA from the midwest and bringing White Castle burgers to her parents. Everyone on the plane was looking around to see who the guilty party was!
Ok Kirk, why don’t you tell me where I will be eating lunch today…we are obviously on the same “local”
wavelength!
Hi Jo – Yes is sure does!!
Jack – I’m thinking about Phil’s – though I think I should hold off for now….And isn’t it ironic! Also, here’s a question – do you know Titta’s in National City – every local I know knows that place!
10 PM and still at the office. That burrito looks soooo goood. Man, a french fry burrito is a great idea. You should ask them to make it for you.
Mealcentric – Better take it easy, man – you’re going to get sick again! Speaking of sick, I actually had a dream of a french fry/tater tot/bacon burrito the other night, don’t know what the heck brought that on! I’ll have to go to Santana’s soon they make a good Cal Burrito, I think it’s better than this one!
The really GREAT news about Krystal and me moving to North Carolina is that there is a store only 129 miles away! YAHOO! ;o)
Ahhhh – The odd attraction of the funky burger!
I wish we had a Roberto’s here in Fort Worth/Dallas. I’ve had a jones for a good carne asada burrito forever! Sad thing, about 3 months before I was transferred from Houston, Roberto’s opened a restaurant about 4 miles from my house. I’d hit it for a burrito on my way to work. Does Roberto’s have their own website? What’s the URL?
Gruntie
Hi Gruntie – THe only website I know of, is for the “Original” Roberto’s:
http://www.robertos.us/index.html
I don’t think you’ll find the information you need there. The only other Out of State Roberto’s I know of is in Las Vegas. I’ll keep checking for you.
I moved from Los Angeles 10+ years ago, and I still can remember the days of enjoying an Alberto’s (now Roberto’s) Carne Asada Burrito. I now live in South Carolina, and occasionally still get cravings for them. I have been looking for the recipe for many years, without any luck. Through trial an error attempts I have come up with something very close for folks in the same “boat”:
http://webpages.charter.net/chogyoji/carne_asada.htm
Hi Bob – Welcome and thank you for commenting! Nice recipe. It was funny, in Yuma everybody has their own carne asada recipe. I mean everybody.
Hey Kirk – Can you find a GREAT Tacos Al Pastor recipe in Yuma without having to use a “trompo”? It’s the only thing I can’t seem to perfect. Al the recipes on the web are okay, but they are ALL not that good…. and mine is okay, but not like you can get in L.A. …….
Hi Bob – I’m really a novice at all this stuff, but let me ask around and see what I can find. You can also post on Chowhounds home cooking board and see what the ‘Hounds can come up with!
http://www.chowhound.com/boards/cooking/cooking.html
I was practically raised on Robertos, being a San Diego native, but since becoming vegetarian, I was tragically disappointed to discover that that their tortillas (and I think even their beans) contain lard (that’s cow or pig fat) – boohoo! a happy substitute for me when i’m craving a fat burrito is Santana’s – there is one in Pt. Loma and University Heights and maybe others. Some say their burritos aren’t as flavorful as Robertos, but i think they’re great.
Hi Angela – Thanks for your comments – I appreciate them. Actually Santana’s is a staple here at the office, we get food from there at least once every two weeks. I’ve noticed that the burrito’s I usually get, either the “Cali” and Carne Asada – have been pretty “watery” as of late; It seems they might’ve changed something in the prep – it’s still good though. I just haven’t had time to post on them. Lard is a staple for many Taco Shops – better ask about the beans as well. Thanks again for stopping by, and I look forward to more comments!
Angela,
I’ve got bad news. Almost all flour tortillas at any Mexican restaurant will have lard. Same with the beans. It isn’t something about Roberto’s, it’s something about those great beans and tortillas. Corn tortillas, on the other hand, usually have no fat and no sodium (nature’s perfect food). Other cultures sometimes don’t understand vegetarianism. I remember going to a Korean place (Korea House around 1997)with a vegetarian friend who ordered the soft tofu soup with vegetables. Imagine her chagrin when she discovered, after eating most of the bowl, that among the veggies were little shrimps and pork bits.
Hi Ed – Lard the magical flavor enhancer!!!! I remember that corn tortillas should only have 3 ingredients water, corn, lime…..
So, does the Cali burrito change from location to location. Here in Vegas, it seems like there’s a Roberto’s on every corner, even drive-thru. I have seen that the interiors of each store is very inconsistent and was wondering if they are franchised or all family-owned. It also seems that the ingredients in each food also changes from location to location, it still is my favorite Mexican fast-food.
Hi Eric – I wouldn’t be surprised in the least bit if it did! I’ve found differences from Roberto’s to Roberto’s as well. Like I said, “not all Roberto’s are created equal”. You’ve got to find the one you like. There are Roberto’s outlets that I avoid. If you check out the Roberto’s site, they only list 6 locations:
http://www.robertos.us/locations.html
And the one in my neighborhood isn’t even on the list…..
We were avid Robertoâs Taco Shop goers until:
Strike #1: both my boyfriend and I found hair in our veggie burritos.
Strike #2: They charged my ATM card twice because the broad “ran out of paper” and thought she had to swipe it again.
Strike #3: Upon calling the manager’s office, this smart one managed to charge my card AGAIN while in the process of giving me a refund.
So, I’m temporarily out $60 and have that sick -“I just ate greasy human hair”-feeling.
I too am a veggie, so knowing that I’ve been consuming animal lard within the flour tortillas really makes me feel like a winner.
Yeah, Robertoâs? I think Iâll pass.
All of you please remember, the point of these places is to crave that 3:00 in the morning drunk and/or high need for food.
I moved to Kentucky from San Diego in 2001. I would give my right ball if Robertos opened here. We have all kinds of “Authentic” Mexican restaurants here. All are just glorified Taco Bell. The people here are used to bland, tastless “Mexican” food and no restuarant is willing to break from that mold.
I’m dying for a Roberto’s Carne Asada Burrito!
I moved to Austin Texas from Poway a year ago and I am dying. There is no Carne Asada in Austin let alone a Carne Asada Burrito. There is Carne Guisado that is no where cloes to Carne Asada. They put “queso” (melted nacho cheese)on everyhting. Its a dip not a topping. YUK!
I just got back from vacation in SD and I ate Carne Asada burritos, fish tacos and Submarina sandwiches(none east of Alpine)the whole time.
I miss SD.
Man, these last three comments make me feel like an SD expat! I left SD a couple years ago to take a job near Fort Campbell, KY. Mexican food beef here means “ground beef.” Its a more expensive version of Taco Bell. I’ve been back to San Diego three times since, and I ate Mexican every day, usually at least two meals. The place I miss the most, besides all the landmark taco shops I got to know in the 25 or so years I was there, is Buenos Dias taco shop on Jackson Drive in La Mesa. Best quick and sleazy in town. Carne Asada nachos (or fries) with sour cream and cheese added, or a Carne Asada burrito + crema y queso, three rolled with mold and cream, and a fish taco…I cannot explain how much I miss that. Sure we have killer bar-be-que here, but I’d rather have a good taco shop instead.
I also moved to Austin Texas from La Mesa California 6 months ago and am DYING for Roberto’s. Steve is right, everything is smothered in cheese sauce ughhhhhhh. The dish they call Carne Guisada we found out is beef tips with gravy, disgusting. I came across this website while google searching Roberto’s in Austin, there is none….I realllly miss SD!
Hi Steve, J, Haji, and Shawna – It seems that there needs to be a ex-pat San Diegan Taco Shop site. It’s pretty amazing how deeply ingrained the humble taco shop is within our psyche.
I just moved back to san diego from virginia and the only taco shop I go to is Aiberto’s Taco Shop located on 2704 University ave. I think you should give them a try and see what you think Ive been going there for about seven years now
Thats right Aibertos is #1 you should check them out tell us what you think
There is a taco joint on Convoy in Kearny Mesa called Super Sergios and they have the best Calif. Burrito in the whole Mesa. The owner does not cut corners. Its good and after pounding beers and looking at the muff at Pure Platinum. Chale!
Living in the South has been a huge change. I don’t think that anyone understands authentic mexican food. What I wouldn’t give to have my old Robertos down the street for a Carnie Asada Burrito. If they read any of this I would think they could see if they expanded they could make a fortune.
Darren in Alabama
Hey Darren, we are from “out west”, recently moved to North Carolina. I hear your pain! May I suggest you venture out into the countryside? We have found a few little restaurants and grocery stores in agriculturally dense areas that cater to the hispanic workers in the area. The food is still somewhat different, I believe because of ingredients or lack thereof, but palatable none the less. Buena suerte en sus buscas!
I love Mexican food, and most of the little taco shops you go to (Alberto’s, reyberto’s etc…) are all fine. But there is something about a real Roberto’s Carne Asada burrito, or their beef taco (they’re one of the only ones to put feta cheese on top) that is twice as good as all the rest. Try the one in Miramar Rd or El Camino Real in Encinitas… those are reliable, clean and good.
For what it’s worth, I live in vegas and go to Roberto’s at LEAST once a week. we have over 50 locations in town. and yes, the quality does vary from location to location, but you quickly learn which ones are the best. pecos and las vegas blvd is one of the best, as is rainbow and vegas dr.
Thanks for the tip, Alex. I am in Vegas a lot lately and have cravings…
I used to frequent buenos dias on jackson. Good food there. Last time I went though it was shut down for some reason. Had to find a Robertos instead. My last trip to Cali was at the Pomona raceway. There was this one taco shop there that had the best carne asada burrito hands down. It was greasy and nothing but meat. no pico no guac, just meat wrapped in a tortilla. I ended up eating that the whole time I was there.
ok, the best that I have found in Vegas are Las Vegas Boulevard South/Serene (Not open 24 hours), Pecos/Las Vegas Boulevard North(no shrimp burrito, but has drive-thru), Sahara/Decatur (prepares shrimp burrito with crazy rice and cheese sauce, but still good), Pecos/Sunset (no shrimp burrito), and Lamb/Washington (has drive-thru and shrimp burrito, it also feels like a converted McDonalds or Carl’s Jr.)
the worst are Eastern/Horizon Ridge and Bermuda/Cactus
San Diego makes the best burritos/tacos. I drive down to San Diego from LA about twice a month just to order and eat at those taco shops.
The taco shops in LA all suck. I’ve tried them all and they stuff burritos with lots of rice and beans. I prefer burritos with meat, tomatoes, onions, and guacamole. Plus, it’s hard to find a taco shop that makes crunchy tacos. LA is very disappointing.
For you UCSD students, don’t go to the Roberto’s that is behind the Carl’s Jr. on Miramar Rd.
Though it will always hold a place in my heart as the first place I had Carne Asada Fries, a much better & “authentic” Roberto’s can be found only a few more blocks down. I can’t remember the cross street, but its 3 or 4 lights down from the 1st Roberto’s, turning left where there’s a mattress store on the corner, then right into the dimly lit shopping center. Roberto’s is all the way at the end, next to a liquor store if I remember correctly.
I reccommend the Adovada burrito, along with some green onions from the Salsa bar (this alone beats the first berto’s hands down)
I moved from Carlsbad to New Zealand and I dearly miss Mexican food! There are a couple of restaurants in the area – but a burrito is $16.00 and the flavors just aren’t there. I’m trying to find some good recipes on the web – for carne asada, carnitas, beans, etc. – but I know there are some ingredients I won’t be able to find. I love it here, but I dream about San Diego taco shops!
I just went to the Roberto’s on Convoy and the food was so-so. The rolled tacos with guac. was watery and made the tacos soggy. My problem was that I needed my receipt for my taxes. When the young person rang up the order he threw away the receipt (he did this with several other people that ordered after me too). I notice that another one printed out up by the cook and since the sign said that “If you don’t get a receipt ‘WITH YOUR ORDER’ your meal is free” So, I thought that the receipt would come with the food. Well, when the food came there was no receipt and so I asked for it. They could not find it so I pointed out their sign. They spent a few more moments looking for the receipt again and then gave me back my money reluctantly. At that time the person that was the cook came up to me and told me that if I ever come back to this store I would not be server!! Let me tell you if you put up a sign like that and then don’t give a receipt then you deserve to loose the money and to cop an attitude like that ensures that I will never ever return to another Roberto’s again.
Regreto’s is great. The red sauce varies between restaurants and it is always a good value. We like the place.
I Too Miss “Roberto’s” I live near dallas and I would go to the one on the corner of el cajon blvd,and ohio. I hope to move back home real soon! Robertos will be my first stop!
I am in Milwaukee Wisconsin! Not only does the mexican food here suck but then it is overpriced! I stopped eating mexican food out because of the money I was wasting, I think it is because the mexican people here are from different parts of mexico, so the food is different! but yes as soon as I get back to San Diego I will hit up 2 places to eat everyday I am there… Roberto’s and Jack in the Box for their tacos, I don’t know what is in those things but they are amazing too!
I AM a Roberto’s expert, the sambrero and the apostrophe are the key’s to look for. Order The Carne Asada Burrito (BEEF) and specify “NO PICO” which is no salsa. with cheese and Guacamole. The reason is the Salsa is to runny and will make the Burrito Soggy, so will sour cream add it later also use the House Red (rojo) sauce drizzle on some with each bite. Now order the rolled tacos with cheese, I like Guac on mine also. and dip in House red ea bite. I am in Washington State and would leave right now and drive all the way to SD just for the Burrito.
Robertos was 1980’s .When it was Robertos or albertos . Their food is terrible . So many more tasty taco shops out now . I haven’t stepped foot into a Robertos in a very long time . Robertos is just plain nasty food .