California Tortilla, often affectionately called “Cal Tort,” is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain known for its fresh and flavorful Mexican-inspired cuisine. The menu offers a wide variety of options—from burritos and tacos to salads and quesadillas—satisfying cravings for both classic and innovative dishes.
Customers appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the ability to customize their orders.
Understanding the pricing at California Tortilla can help diners plan their visits and make informed choices. This comprehensive guide breaks down the menu prices by category, highlights popular items, and provides useful tips to get the best value from your meal.
Overview of California Tortilla
Founded in 1995, California Tortilla has grown to become a beloved regional chain, primarily located in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. The brand emphasizes fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and generous portions.
Their menu caters to a wide audience, including meat lovers, vegetarians, and those seeking gluten-free options.
“California Tortilla combines great taste with a fun atmosphere, making it a go-to for casual dining and quick bites.” – Food Enthusiast Magazine
Main Menu Categories and Pricing
The menu at California Tortilla is typically divided into several key categories: Burritos, Tacos, Quesadillas, Salads, Bowls, and Sides. Each category has a range of options, with prices reflecting portion size and ingredient complexity.
Below is a detailed breakdown of typical menu prices as of 2024.
Burritos
Burritos are among the most popular items at California Tortilla. Customers can choose from a variety of fillings including grilled chicken, steak, ground beef, pork carnitas, and vegetarian options like grilled veggies or black beans.
Each burrito is generously stuffed and comes with your choice of salsa, cheese, and other toppings.
| Burrito Type | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Chicken Burrito | Grilled chicken, rice, beans, cheese, salsa, and sour cream | $8.99 |
| Steak Burrito | Marinated steak with rice, beans, cheese, and pico de gallo | $9.99 |
| Veggie Burrito | Grilled seasonal veggies, black beans, rice, cheese, and guacamole | $8.49 |
| Pork Carnitas Burrito | Slow-cooked pork with rice, beans, salsa verde, and cheese | $9.49 |
| California Burrito | Burrito stuffed with carne asada, french fries, cheese, and guacamole | $10.49 |
Tacos
Tacos at California Tortilla come in a variety of styles, with soft or crispy shells and a wide range of fillings. They are perfect for those who want a lighter meal or enjoy mixing and matching flavors.
Tacos can be ordered individually or as part of a combo meal.
| Taco Type | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Taco | Soft tortilla with grilled chicken, lettuce, cheese, and salsa | $3.49 each |
| Steak Taco | Soft tortilla filled with steak, onions, cilantro, and salsa verde | $3.99 each |
| Fish Taco | Battered and fried fish with cabbage slaw and chipotle mayo | $4.29 each |
| Veggie Taco | Grilled vegetables, black beans, cheese, and pico de gallo | $3.29 each |
| Taco Combo (3 tacos) | Choice of any three tacos served with rice and beans | $10.99 |
Quesadillas
Quesadillas at California Tortilla are a cheesy, flavorful choice perfect for sharing or a filling meal. They come with various fillings and are served with sides like sour cream and salsa.
The quesadilla menu offers options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
| Quesadilla Type | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Quesadilla | Grilled chicken and cheese in a toasted flour tortilla | $8.49 |
| Steak Quesadilla | Marinated steak with cheese and sautéed peppers and onions | $9.49 |
| Veggie Quesadilla | Grilled vegetables and cheese with salsa on the side | $7.99 |
| Cheese Quesadilla | Classic melted cheese in a toasted tortilla | $6.49 |
Salads & Bowls
For those seeking lighter or low-carb options, California Tortilla offers fresh salads and bowls. These dishes are packed with veggies, your choice of protein, and flavorful dressings.
Bowls omit the tortilla but keep all the delicious fillings.
| Item | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Chicken Salad | Grilled chicken, mixed greens, black beans, corn, cheese, and chipotle ranch | $9.99 |
| Steak & Avocado Salad | Marinated steak, avocado, mixed greens, tomatoes, and lime vinaigrette | $10.99 |
| Veggie Bowl | Rice, black beans, grilled veggies, lettuce, cheese, and salsa | $8.49 |
| California Burrito Bowl | Carne asada, rice, beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo served over greens | $10.49 |
Sides and Extras
Complement your meal with a variety of sides that California Tortilla offers. From chips and guacamole to seasoned fries, these sides are perfect for sharing or adding extra flavor and texture to your order.
| Side Item | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chips & Salsa | Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa | $3.49 |
| Chips & Guacamole | Tortilla chips served with freshly made guacamole | $5.99 |
| Seasoned Fries | Golden fries tossed in signature seasoning | $3.99 |
| Queso Dip | Creamy cheese dip for chips or fries | $4.49 |
| Side Salad | Mixed greens with choice of dressing | $3.99 |
Beverages
To wash down your meal, California Tortilla offers a range of beverages including soft drinks, iced teas, and specialty drinks. Prices are reasonable and the drink options cater to all tastes.
| Beverage | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite) | Fountain soda available in small, medium, large | $2.49 – $3.49 |
| Fresh Brewed Iced Tea | Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea | $2.49 – $3.49 |
| Horchata | Traditional Mexican rice milk drink with cinnamon | $3.29 |
| Jarritos Mexican Soda | Imported fruit-flavored soda in various flavors | $2.99 |
| Bottled Water | Pure bottled water | $1.99 |
Specials and Value Deals
California Tortilla frequently offers specials and value deals that allow customers to enjoy their favorites at discounted prices. These promotions can include combo meals, loyalty rewards, or limited-time offers.
Checking their official website or signing up for the Cal Tort loyalty program is a great way to stay updated.
Tip: Join the “Burrito Elito” rewards program to earn points on every purchase and enjoy exclusive discounts and birthday treats.
Customization and Dietary Options
One of the biggest draws of California Tortilla is the ability to customize your meal extensively. Whether you want to add extra guacamole, substitute rice for extra beans, or request a low-carb bowl without rice, the staff is happy to accommodate your preferences.
Additionally, the menu caters to various dietary needs. Vegetarian and vegan options are clearly marked, and many items can be modified to be gluten-free.
Always verify with your local restaurant about allergen information and cross-contamination policies if you have specific dietary restrictions.
Pricing Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other fast-casual Mexican chains like Chipotle, Qdoba, and Moe’s Southwest Grill, California Tortilla’s pricing is competitive. While some items may be priced slightly higher, customers often cite the generous portion sizes and flavor quality as good justification.
| Restaurant | Average Burrito Price | Average Taco Price (3 tacos) |
|---|---|---|
| California Tortilla | $9.50 | $10.99 |
| Chipotle | $8.99 | Not typically offered in sets of 3 |
| Qdoba | $9.49 | $9.99 (estimate) |
| Moe’s Southwest Grill | $8.99 | $9.49 (estimate) |
Customer Favorites
Several items have become fan favorites at California Tortilla, praised for their unique flavors and satisfying portions. Among them:
- California Burrito: A hearty burrito with carne asada and fries inside, beloved for its fusion twist.
- Fish Tacos: Crispy and flavorful, a popular choice especially during warmer months.
- Southwest Chicken Salad: A fresh and filling option for those seeking lighter fare.
- Queso Dip: Often recommended as a must-have side with chips or fries.
How to Save Money at California Tortilla
To maximize value, consider the following tips:
- Utilize the Loyalty Program: Earn points toward free food and receive member-only coupons.
- Check for Daily Specials: Many locations offer weekday lunch specials or combo deals.
- Order Family Packs: Some restaurants offer group meal options that provide savings per person.
- Customize Wisely: Adding extras can increase cost; choose toppings that add flavor without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
California Tortilla offers a diverse and flavorful menu with prices that reflect the quality and portion sizes. Whether you crave a classic burrito, crave fresh tacos, or want a healthy salad bowl, Cal Tort provides options for every appetite and budget.
Being aware of menu prices, specials, and customization options can help diners enjoy a satisfying meal without overspending. With its commitment to fresh ingredients and bold flavors, California Tortilla continues to be a strong competitor in the fast-casual Mexican food scene.
Next time you’re in the mood for Mexican-inspired cuisine, consider a visit to California Tortilla for delicious meals at fair prices, served with a side of fun and friendly service.
