Best lobster burrito

[cravingcoppa]

As I'm sure you all know, California spiny lobster season has opened (see thread http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/810939). That means it's lobster burrito time. I seem to recall an amazing lobster burrito I had in PB, but that was a long time ago. So, what's THE place to go to?

[Beach Chick]

Split a lobster burrito from Mi Ranchito in Rancho Penasquitos/Poway at the 15.
They split it up for us which was very nice...it was ok..very little lobster..more cabbage and salsa fresca which the later, I do not like.
The salsa bar is a sterile stainless steel area with only a half inch of salsa..they need to change that area up, along with the myriad of other people's business cards on top of the trash cans..weird.
Chips were good and fresh...habanero salsa was weak and was hoping for way more kick.
The 2 guys were super nice but for $10, I probably won't be back.

[Fake Name]

Killjoy.

[eatemup]

Interesting. I went back today. Very different burrito from last week. Much less lobster, much more cabbage. Maybe I need to figure out which burrito technician made last week's treat and get his work schedule.

[Beach Chick]

LOL..I feel your pain.
I don't want to spend $9.49 + tax to eat a cabbage burrito..

[RhonelyInsanediego]

That's my problem with Mi Ranchito. Even though I really like the owner/proprietor (he always remembers me and my wife's name) the cooking is just too inconsistent. My wife and I had an extremely fishy lobster burrito that just did us in and we haven't ordered it since. The Mole is decent and the breakfast burritos are a good value. My kids like their rolled tacos, but the horrible green food colored guac is a non-starter for me. Like Yesenias offerings much better, but alas no lobster. The "Taco Shop" in Rancho Bernardo makes one of the best shrimp burritos around north county inland.

[eatemup]

Where is the "Taco Shop" in RB?

[RhonelyInsanediego]

17090 Bernardo Center Dr - - The sign just says "Taco Shop", but I think it's actually Cotija's.

[eatemup]

Got it. That is Cotija's. (Pretty good Chile Relleno burrito there.) I'll try the shrimp. Thanks.

[cravingcoppa]

I finally got a chance to hit Mi Ranchito yesterday, and I was not disappointed. This lobster burrito was everything I had hoped for. Big, delicious pieces of lobster, perfectly balanced with salsa, cabbage, and crema. Very delicious and highly recommended.

Some of the replies to this thread asked why you would want your lobster in a burrito. I understand the concern. I live in San Francisco, where burritos (and much Mexican food) are giant foil-wrapped monstrosities, stuffed with every ingredient available in a Chevy's kitchen. The instant I saw my burrito from Mi Ranchito my concerns disappeared. Southern California burritos just look different. I know burritos lack the purity of tacos, and they aren't as authentic. But, this burrito was a well-balanced mix of protein and condiments that let the lobster shine.

When in North County, Roberto's in Del Mar is my usual spot. The setting alone means I'll keep going, but the next time I find myself on the 56 I know I'm going to feel that lobster burrito pulling me to exit Rancho Penasquitos.

[Norm Man]

How much did the Lobster Burrito at Mi Ranchito cost? Thanks.

[cravingcoppa]

Nine bucks. Well worth it. Here's a shot of the burrito menu from Yelp. They also have plenty of other stuff. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/mi-ran...

[TeeBeeinSD]

Back when I worked in Torrey Pines, Roberto's in Del Mar was my go-to. Now that I'm on the 15 corridor, Mi Ranchito is my Mexican go-to, although it's further away. Given that I'm still discovering the food nooks here, though, I'll drive. Plus it's on the way home, hah.

Do agree on their lobster burritos, it's a good blend of the ingredients. Enough lobster chunks to warrant the price and the crema brings out the sweetness of the meat. The tortilla has a great texture as well, which is key for any burrito.

[cravingcoppa]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. Though I'm in SD a lot, I don't live there. I was there last weekend and had lobster on the mind. Unfortunately I couldn't rally the troops to any of these options. Instead we had the Porto Nuevo-style lobster at The Fish Market in Solana Beach. Wasn't bad, though I'm still Jonesin' for my lobster burrito. I ought to be back in a few weeks, so I'll try out some of these suggestions then. Thanks!

[sf415]

I'm relatively new to SD...how about a lobster burrito w a view of the water? It doesn't sound like Bahia's has much of a view. Any other suggestions? TIA!

[DiningDiva]

Downscale and inexpensive...El Zarape

But why does anyone want to put lobster in a burrito??!????

[RhonelyInsanediego]

Bet I could change your mind. A diver friend of mine gave me a two lb bug last Tuesday. It goes a lot farther in burritos and I was able to feed my wife and I, plus two hungry teenagers.

Blanched it, shocked it, removed the meat, and then slow poached in butter with a whole garlic clove and some diced shallot. Chopped up the meat, added to a warm tortilla with fresh shredded cabbage (red and white). Made a creamy chipotle sauce with a little of my home made chipotle (yes I grow and smoke my own), lemon, and crema. topped it with garden fresh pico de gallo and rolled those bad boys up. Served with rice and black beans. It was insanely sweet and tasty. The family just devoured it all . You know it's good when everybody around our dinner table is silent!

ETA - But I understand your sentiment. I'm not a big fan of Puerto Nuevo style lobster, because they usually use frozen lobster, and fry it in oil until its rubbery and greasy. No thanks. I don't even think Ortega's lobster in Hillcrest is very good and certainly not worth what they're charging..

[DiningDiva]

I'll be right over, it sounds delish :-)

[pickypicky]

The Fishery, PB.

[Beach Chick]

Rimel's in La Jolla..
Bahias taco shop in Bird Rock
Ortegas in Hillcrest for Puerto Nuevo..

Nothing like fresh spiny lobster...grilled with flour tortillas and gobbs of butter and tons of cold pacificos..

[ipsedixit]

I'll second Ortegas, but you've got to roll your own.

Tableside guac is awesome as well.

[Veggo]

One would think that a federal prosecutor with aspirations, may choose a dining companion to "roll one" for him?...:)
As to guac, yoyo. ya on ya own.

[Beach Chick]

Always prefer rolling my own..
Gotta try the tableside quac..

Have you dined at Hacienda de Vega in Escondido?

[ipsedixit]

No, still trying to explore areas in/around downtown.

I'll make sure to make a notice of Hacienda d Vega. Thanks.

[Beach Chick]

Las Cuatro Milpas is one of my faves..under the Coronado bridge.

[Fake Name]

Had breakfast there this am.

[Beach Chick]

yum...what did you have?

[Fake Name]

Chorizo con Huevo and a tamale.

Typical Monday breakfast with the crew.

[globocity]

You'll pardon my correction. But it is "tamal". Most English--only speakers don't know that. You get street cred for using the correct word.

What kind of tamal did you have? Any vegetarian options? No street cred for asking that question.

[chetatkinsdiet]

I really like the Mi Ranchito lobster burrito in Rancho Penasquitos

[DeLobstah]

I second Mi Ranchito. Big tasty chunks of lobster.

[cravingcoppa]

This one's at the top of my list next time I'm in town. Thanks!

[eatemup]

Stopped in here today to try it out. The owner mentioned he had been going through a lot of lobster lately. I told him about the CH'er recs. He said he will be stocking up.

This really was an excellent burrito with a lot of lobster and well worth the $9.49. I'll be back for this and to try other menu items.

Thanks for the tip!

[Veggo]

Waruguma in San Pedro, Belize. You can't finish their lobster burrito, requires some travel time.

[cravingcoppa]

Thanks, but not only can I not finish their burrito, given the distance I won't even be able to start. Anything in SD?!?!?

[Veggo]

Is Ensenada within striking distance? DD and BC will fix you up.

[cravingcoppa]

You're killing me, Veggo. A day munching lobster and draining Pacificos in Ensenada sounds amazing, but I don't think it's going to happen for me anytime soon. San Diego County! Please!