Cali Burrito in Allentown serves up all sorts of Americanized-Mexican cuisine. After hearing about it numerous times from friends, both omni and vegetarian alike, it was time to give it a go.
Simply put, Cali Burrito is a respite from the winter cold and a Mexican getaway in the summer. With a small but varied and customizable menu, easy-going atmosphere, and tasty-enough food, it makes for a great little spot.
Cali Burrito has mainly table seating and decor that varies between tiki bar and taco joint. With Jack Johnson playing lightly in the background and sweeping windows along the bar allowing for full view of the rainy atmosphere outside, it was enough to make anyone yearn for the summer whilst digging into a delightfully spicy burrito. Even with a lot of people the atmosphere wasn’t overwhelmingly loud and carrying on a conversation was easy.
On this visit I opted for The Old Monterey, consisting of chicken, black beans, rice, cheese and quacamole. I had hot sauce and jalapenos for an extra kick. The burrito was one of the best I’ve had in the valley. Tons of food stuffed inside a soft shell that didn’t get soggy and fall apart. The portions of each ingredient made for a very delectable experience. Not any one thing was overpowering and everything complimented each other well. The burritos are large enough to save half of the burrito for another meal the next day (and they reheat nicely, too). Accompanying are house-made chips which feature just enough season to make them flavorful but not overpowering.
As mentioned before, the menu has enough variety to let you pick what you want but keeps it limited so you don’t stand there for an hour picking what you want. Daily specials are posted on a white board near the entrance and include such gems as Italian sausage (in a burrito joint? Really.) and blueberry-melon-ginger salsa. If you don’t like their options you can take the ingredients and build your own burrito. And the add-ons, like cheese and jalapenos? Those are free.
The staff at Cali Burrito was nice, conversing with patrons and asking about their meals as they cleaned up tables. After I placed my order it was quickly made and delivered to me without me having to retrieve it. Good service all around.
Cali Burrito offered quick, well-prepared, nuanced food for a reasonable price ($17 for two burritos, chips, and a VitaminWater). The service was on-par and the menu sufficiently varied.
Final Rating:
Cali Burrito
3104 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18103
610.351.1791
http://www.caliburrito.com/