Good Bakersfield Fare: Santa Fe Burrito

In a town that has a flare for South of the Border cuisine. It's some of the small places that really give that great Mexican flavor. With a rash places large, fancy, small, fast food, and truck.  I have found a small place sandwiched in between many other types of cuisine from around the world. Santa Fe Burrito is one of those places. A small restaurant, with a huge lunch crowd following. Santa Fe shows how it's done. No frills here, just good food cooked right, without draining your wallet. My friend and I decide to have lunch there Saturday after my suggestion. When you walk in you're greeted with a specials wipe off board and a nice size, but not extravagant menu. The decor is simple adobe colored and fashioned walls, a few booths, and a few tables. There is also a fresh salsa bar, from a nice pico de gallo, several types of red salsa, that range from the mild to hot, and a nice medium tomatillo green sauce I opted for the Burrito with carnitas, which comes with chips, refried beans & cheese and mexican rice for $6.95. My friend opted for one of the specials which were the 4 Flautas served with rice & beans, a side of sour cream & fresh guacamole, and a 16 oz drink. My friend opted for the cheese flautas, which amounted to $4.99.

While we sat at a table and waited for our food, there is a flat screen TV to keep your attention. The small grill area is right behind the cash register at the front of the restaurant. So you could watch the staff cook everything fresh. With in a few minutes we had our food, and served on real hot plates, not paper or styrofoam.

My burrito was cooked just near perfect, the carnitas (seasoned pork) were moist and not greasy like so many other places, along with the burrito being stuffed with rice, sour cream, & cheese. A little large to eat with my hands but after a poured the green tomatillo salsa on top that was a mute point.  The beans were a little bland, but with some hot sauce they were well spiced up, along with the rice. I would have to say that a very good meal. My friends flautas were crispy,but not overly crunchy. He opted for the mile red salsa from the salsa bar, and was nicely surprised at the flavor. With in a few minutes our meals were finished and were well satisfied. So for under $15, the lunch was a quick, fresh and filling.

So for Santa Fe Burrito's rating:

• Surroundings: Subdued decorations, but nice and clean : 4 Stars
• Service: Quick and easy with not a lot of smiles and flare: 3 Stars
• Food: Fresh and fulfilling, served hot:  4 Stars
• Overall: Quick, fresh, hot, clean & filling: 4 Stars 

5436 California Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93309, in between a Thai restaurant and an old juice place.