Everything Is Made Fresh Daily At Carrillo's Tortilleria In Southern California, And You Can Taste The Difference
By Natasha Kayes|Published April 06, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
With this state’s early history rooted in Mexico, the flavors and dishes of that country have continued to be among the most common and popular cuisines, especially in Southern California. Of course, not all eateries are created equal. Some set themselves apart like this unassuming neighborhood restaurant serving up fresh, hand-made Mexican Food in San Fernando, CA.
Carrillo’s Tortilleria and Mexican Deli in San Fernando is a family-owned and operated restaurant established in 1935. They have been in their current location since 1943 and are a true neighborhood icon.
The bright, colorful interior makes it feel like you have stepped into a little family restaurant over the border, a perfect compliment to the authentic food being prepared and served here.
We don’t know if it’s because the tortillas are hand-made or because they are just so flavorful, but Carrillo’s tacos remain one of the most popular menu items. We highly recommend stopping by for Taco Tuesdays when the mini tacos are just $1 and the regular ones are $2.
Of course, tacos are just the beginning. Carrillo’s makes delicious taquitos and flautas, huge burritos, Carnitas, Chile Verde, Chile Rellenos, and their world-famous tamales and menudo.
The menudo is so popular that they have a “Bring Your Own Pot” option on the menu. You can take one pot-scoop of this beloved classic for $25. Carrilo’s also serves nine different breakfast specials plus a host of breakfast burritos.
Choose from a variety of house-made salsas ranging from mild to hot to enhance your dish. You can also purchase containers of salsa in several sizes to enjoy at home.
In addition to serving fresh-cooked meals, Carrillo’s is a Mexican deli. Among the things you can purchase are the masa used to make their tortillas, red or white masa for tamales, nixtamal, and more.
Carrillo’s is a favorite among locals, also drawing customers from elsewhere who hear about the restaurant. It is common to wait in line to order, regardless of when you visit. Even phone orders usually require waiting in line to pick up.
If you want to feed a crowd, you can purchase any of Carrillo’s mouthwatering meats by the pound, large containers of rice, beans, and salsa; or choose from mini-taco and mini burrito platters. You can also take home tortillas by the dozen and bags of chips.
