We were very excited to try this place as we were heading out of town and wanted to do something a little different than a sandwich or fast food. The menu looked innovative and delicious. It's very much like a Chipotle or Moe's in that you can custom build your order but they also have standard dishes. It was a little confusing on how to do an order so I decided to just go for the standard dish of a chicken Caesar. It was advertised as blackened chicken with lettuce, cheese, tomato.and black beans. You could choose plain white Mexican rice or a quino with a free black beans & peppers mixed in as a base. I ordered it as a bowl thinking it might be sort of like a salad or like a taco salad. I asked for more lettuce than quinoa. What I got was about even amounts, but even then the lettuce was in one little pile on the side of the plate. To me it should have been the base. Put the Quinoa on the bottom and then cover it with lettuce when you're doing a bowl. That's how Chipotle does it and Moe's. They build their bowls very similar to the bowls you get at a grocery store that has small amounts of different ingredients around the bowl, but then you're supposed to mix up to make your salad or not depending on your preference. This had about as much tomatoes and black beans as lettuce. For some reason they needed to make the chicken in the back. Since I was expecting blackened chicken I thought it was just getting it from the back since they had a different kind of chicken up front on the buffet. What I got instead was a complete surprise because it was just plain ass fried chunks of chicken. Absolutely no flavor and dry and chewy. I think it must have been thier older already cooked chicken that they decided to recook fried in a batter. It made no sense. As I was waiting and telling the girl what to put on my salad and asking for more lettuce, she globbed a giant scoop of dressing on that was as much or more than any other ingredient. I don't even know what she was thinking... she even looked at me like I wanted another scoop....had I had any idea she was going to 1/4 cup of dressing on top of the little bit of lettuce, I would have stopped that shit right off. Turned it did help with dry chewy bland chicken to swoop a glob of ranch dressing to go with it. But when it came to trying to eat the rest of the stuff it just became a blob of white white dressing with a little bit of lettuce and beans and a this or a that mixed in. I rarely throw away black beans and any form of protein but simply couldn't finish it and it's really quite amazing for me to actually say this since I try to elevate people and thwir small businesses. The place is clean and neat and everybody was very nice with their service. It was just our first time being there. We didn't really know what to order or how to order it effectively. Most of the ingredients on their buffet look like they've been sitting there for a while. It was empty so it might have been a restock after the lunch crowd. Husband got the beef burrito because the chicken that was out look like it had been heated up for a, and the beef was in a bit of aujus. He didn't get the black beans because the black beans were completely filled up with liquid, served with a slotted spoon and he thought of they didn't properly drain them or since they weren't just beans they were more of a soup that would make his burrito to to soggy so he opted not... And he said it was pretty good anyhow. read more

California Tortilla - I thought I got chicken ceaser salad with blackened chicken. Tastes like fried - Mexican Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Loved the blackened fish taco. It reminded me of Rubios fish tacos which is what I loved in San Diego. The fajita burrito was good but strange because the meat had a BBQ flavor to it. It's like the burrito couldn't decide if it wanted to be bbq or Mexican. The steak burrito felt overpriced considering the size. I'll try it again and try something different. read more

We went to a CT in DC last year and this one stopped us in our tracks when we drove by. Nice clean restaurant with great service. Food was outstanding! read more

California Tortilla - Mexican Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Very Tasty build your own bowl has many choice ingredients. Bowls are big and you will not go away hungry. Service was fast and friendly . Enjoyed the bowl with chicken, black beans, fajita vegetables, pico and avocados. Very filling. Fit into my dietary needs. read more

California Tortilla - Power Bowl - Mexican Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

One of my colleagues suggested we have lunch at California Tortilla so without really thinking I agreed. Essentially It's a chipotle with a different name but the same style of food and options. I ordered the power bowl which was ok, nothing special about it. Ultimately I won't be back but I totally see the draw of establishments like this. It's quick, easy and some people like the flavors. read more

An improvement on Chipotle. Meats are moist and not over spiced like Chipotle. Here you can add spice to your liking.They have many more ingredient options, salsas & sauces. Burritos and salads are a good portion with all the toppings, and they have great tacos. When the same ole Chipotle flavor gets old, come here. read more

Always a delicious, fresh meal when stopping by California Tortilla. I stop in for tacos or a quesadilla on occasion and every time, I'm met with a sparkling clean restaurant, friendly staff, and bold flavors. My favorite menu option is the carnitas tacos as is. Got to try their new BBQ pork grill melt today as well, which was cheesy and tangy. Pro tip: join the Burrito Elite club for fantastic coupons emailed to you, such as a free grill melt . read more

California Tortilla - Carnitas Verdes tacos - Mexican Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Ehh super mid. I've been here 3/4 times now since they first opened and I try to never leave bad reviews bc I don't want to hurt anyone's business and I don't want to be overly critical. But every time I've been here, it left something to be desired and I decide not to come back for 6+ months. And then stupid me keeps giving it another chance I guess haha. I did a "build your own bowl" ...rice and beans were both flavorless, rice was very dry. Blackened chicken was even more dry and tasteless and you dont even get that much...nothing anout it was "blackened." It didn't even taste seasoned. I should've gotten the pork, it at least looked moist. Though very fresh, all the toppings were super basic. Only thing that would set them apart as something that's "theirs" or the least bit unique I guess would be their slaw...which, is nothing to write home about. It wasn't that great but at least had a flavor. Overall, I don't understand how restaurants like this stay open...nothing memorable or "cravable"...could easily make this in your own kitchen. For $16 per bowl (the going rate for pretty much any one person meal now), it should be unique or different or something you can't make yourself or find in a better version elsewhere. But this is a chain and I try to never go to chains anyway, so what did I expect I suppose.... read more

Great food, probably the cleanest restaurant I've ever been to , and very friendly staff. I frequent here a lot, and have never had an issue with in order in person or online. 10/10! read more

We absolutely love California Tortilla and have been several times. What sets CT apart from [ahem] other giant corporate burritos is their clean layout, fresh selections (almost too many), and the GENIUS hot sauce wall. As you move along the assembly line, employees will clearly let you know, you get "this many" of _____, "this many" of _____ and so on. We had the pork burrito, loaded it up with every veggie and salsa imaginable, and enjoyed the HELL out of it. The fresh jalapenos and cilantro are also a nice touch and something you don't see at the "other" places. Wifey had the quinoa bowl and we can say with confidence (because we finished it off) that the bowl was also very good. Further, employees will kindly suggest some "alternate" pairings and items that they feel will better compliment each other ; trust their opinions. Everything we've ever had at CT has been fresh and great. Price point, selection, and freshness trump CT's (much) larger corporate competitors. We look forward to our next burrito run, hot sauce experiments, and cilantro parade. read more

See all

I ate here two days in a row. It's so good and fresh. Great customer service - inside and outside seating. Wish they had one here in Augusta, Ga. read more

See all

I'm chaperoning this weekend. My daughter and her crew wants to go to folly Beach to iPhone the sunset and all sorts of things you can correlate to snob culture. Lmao. I'm more of a bodyguard to be honest. But after I got through all the traffic and got them to the site dropped them off and explained to them what the rendezvous point is in 2 hours I had to do something to occupy my time. So I went yelping. There were no restaurants on my Yelp list to go yelping today so I just drove down folly road until I saw something different. And voila!! Upon walking in I understand what their assignment is. When you're giving reviews and stars you have to keep in mind what that place's mission statement is. They never said they had the best tortillas, tacos, burritos etc on earth. Their job is to be a franchise brick and mortar that supplies a certain genre of food that will get it to you fast. That's it. And they delivered. Diverse menu from everything from fish tacos to blackened chicken salads. They have a salsa bar or close to it. It is spacious enough. Great location. Accessible to all walks of man. Pretty simple. I had a chicken bowl and she had a different kind. I also ordered the fish tacos. I really loved the mango salsa. Nice plump sweet mangoes. I forgot the name of the drinks they serve but they were pretty good. Definitely something you will order for summer evening. I believe we need different fast food franchises in the city. Every time there's a land opening somebody just throws a waffle House or something we've already seen a million times. Lord knows we have enough Hardee's. And you can tell because they're all shutting down. We don't need any more Burger kings. So whoever brought this place to the lowcountry I thank you and I hope others follow your lead into bringing in some new eats. Not too expensive so I definitely will be back. The food came fast. I've never heard of this place and so glad I found them. My time has run out I have to go get my daughters now. And I'm going to surprise them on the way home I'm going to stop to tinto y crema. They have been on my Yelp list for a minute and I've been craving those pancakes even though I have no idea what they are but I will let you know my discoveries. I love you!! read more

See all

California tortilla is a good spot when you want a fast burrito or bowl. They have a variety of vegetable, salsa, protein and sauce options. For my bowl, I had romaine, black beans, grilled chicken, vegetables, 2 salsas and sour cream and some cheese:) I also had a small side of chips and salsa. The portions are great and the prices are very fair for what you get. The employees were all friendly and helpful, and the restaurant seems very clean. (Though I took mine to go) read more

California Tortilla - Bowl with grilled chicken - Mexican Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Happy we finally made it in. It's another spin on any other order-as-you-go-down-the-line kinda places, but with more pre-built options (which is kinda fun, kinda overwhelming). You have to pay for your own chips and dip, but what they have that no one else does is their hot sauce wall. All different kinds of sauce rated on the amount of heat! So cool!! Our food was good and the service was decent. The restaurant is clean and there's plenty of parking! read more

I never usually write reviews but that staff was so nice and welcoming which is rare these days in the fast food environment. Got the fajita melt and it was excellent. Super clean restaurant as well. Great for otg to or home from folly beach. read more

Food is amazing , restaurant is so clean! Staff welcomes you with a smile every time.

I stopped in to order 2 quesadillas to go. While the food was good quality, I was disappointed by some of the ways CT does business. First, I was rushed to pay while the quesadillas were being heated. I paid and returned to the toppings to await letting the guy know what else I wanted. Then after they were heated I asked for some jalapeños. The cashier quickly let me know that would cost extra. I got the jalapeños but skipped any other toppings because they are all an EXTRA CHARGE! Needless to say I was disappointed. Fortunately I pass the other two main competition and can stop there instead and get free toppings. I don't think I'll be back. read more

I ordered $265 worth of food; 6 orders of quesadillas with blackened chicken was part of the order. The chicken seemed to be breaded, it definitely was not blackened. Over $60 for quesadillas that were not eaten. read more

California Tortilla - Not blackened chicken for sure - Mexican Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The service was great every time. My partner has specific allergies and we're both vegetarians, and the manager took time to explain what we could eat, what my partner couldn't eat, and making suggestions about what would go well on our burritos. The food is fresh, everything is clean, the staff are fast and friendly, and there are tons of sauces and sides. There were good options for folks of all dietary needs and lots of flavor. Hard recommend. We went here 3 times in the 2 weeks here because finding good veggie food in this city is so hard. And it's so good! read more

I love this spot as a quick and easy take out option or on the go choice. It feels healthier than other fast food options and is always delicious and keeps me full! The staff were friendly and efficient! It is a pretty bright light spot, and definitely family friendly. There are some outdoor seats, but they face the parking lot so not very intimate or relaxing. Just a great spot to grab a quick and yummy bite read more

California Tortilla - Mexican Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Gross. Big mistake eating here. I got the grilled sunset melt the entire inside was cold. I ask for a side of sour cream and didn't get it. Felt like we were rushed through check out. Not the best service. read more

My lunch recently was really delicious! I had the honey lime chicken bowl with rice, added mango salsa and then a mango hot sauce I found on the wall with at least 50 other hot sauce options. My mom had a quesadilla and loved it. Your order at the counter and they prepare the food there, offering other toppings as you go along. My mom and I were greeted when we went in, and the woman who rang us up was so kind, thanking us for coming in. Fresh ingredients. Great flavor. Awesome service. When I'm over that way again, I'll go back to try something else! read more

Clean and bright and the food was excellent. Carnitas were surprisingly flavorful and the price wasn't bad at all, compared to welcome to you knows... Will return. read more

Good food fast and fresh! Can do eat in or take out. Friendly staff and clean environment read more

California Tortilla on Folly Road on James Island is a really good option for burritos and tacos that are fresh and a good value for all of the food that you get when you are hungry and want something filling. I have been to another location and was happy that one opened up locally and they did not disappoint. The staff here is very attentive and makes sure that everything is prepared exactly the way you want it. This is a great place to stop for lunch or at the end of a long day for something fresh and delicious. read more

See all

Love this new spot on James island! The staff are friendly and efficient when I've been in to order food to go. They do have dine in and patio seating, but I've only ordered to go. The food is fresh and hot and made to order. I get the veggie nachos with a bunch of random toppings including pickled onions... so delicious! The queso is very good. I don't eat meat, but my son really likes the kids chicken quesadilla. A kids meal comes with entree, chips/queso, teddy grahams, and a juice box. They also have a rewards program on their free app. I would recommend this place if you haven't been yet. Quick and tasty! read more

See all

We have started coming in here lately. The place is clean and organized. It's a pseudo fast food Mexican/Tex-Mex place. The built your bowl is a great choice. Family usually orders the build your nachos and the California Screaming. The topping ingredients are fresh. The proteins are blackened chicken and fish, mesquite steak and chicken, carnitas, tofu, spicy chicken I think that's it. You have your selection of shredded Romain lettuce, spinach, quinoa, rice, black beans, etc. that's just for starters. The management and staff are always friendly. read more

See all

Great food, super people. Every time I've come to California Tortilla the restaurant has been immaculate! Great food, great people, great price, and super clean. read more

Ordered some tacos, a salad, a burrito, and nachos for lunch. The food was decent-- nothing exceptional. The burrito was our favorite. Wanted a little more flavor in everything-- but again, the food was decent. The nachos are on the smaller side. The burrito was very filling. If you are looking for a southwestern fast-food type place, this would be an easy stop on your way to or from the beach! read more

See all

For an easy Sunday lunch we headed over. It's a counter walk through style place with tacos, burritos, and bowls. I got the carnitas Verde bowl. Lots of meat, lots of flavor and not over priced. We got a burrito, my bowl and a small chips and queso for ~23 Took it to go but will definitely be back to eat in person and try out the wall of hot sauce. All rated by heat and looked like about 100 different options. read more

Friendly and professional service. Great vibe and clean environment. Loving my first visit and will definitely be back for more tacos, this flavor is legit awesome. read more

California Tortilla - Blackened fish, Korean BBQ and Chicken Ranch BBQ - Mexican Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This place is amazing! All of the ingredients are fresh, they are fast and friendly, the inside is clean and they pack their burritos, bowls and tacos full. Can't ask for much more. They have some great in-house sauces to add as well as an entire wall of over 50 sauces you can bring to your table. They also have a large variety of cold drinks and teas to choose from (kind of like Panera). I'm so glad my buddy Spencer showed me this place, i'll be sure to return many times. read more

California Tortilla - Enjoying a nice lunch - Mexican Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Way yummy! Burritos are the size of a Honda! Used food delivery service which also worked well Will order again read more

Ordered Nachos ; price is 10.99. That's if you want it plain i assume. every additional item is .75. go elsewhere where they don't charge extra. nacho was really bland, i believe i was over charged. bill came to over 18.00 not worth it. read more

This is my new favorite lunch spot!!!! First, fresh tea with clean ice machine! Second the healthily ingredients. Instead of only rice they offer quinoa with black beans. Grilled veggies are fresh and delicious! It was a little pricey for lunch but it was enough for 2 meals! Thank you for having this as a lunch option. Employees were very friendly also!!! Great experience read more

None of the food was good. The tacos i got were loaded with cheese [which tasted nasty and felt a bit rubbery] and had barely any salsa on them, the burrito my mom got was cold, and they forgot a few things with our order. I would not recommend this to anyone. read more

The food is so yummie!! A group of us from various places needed something after the beach and this was perfect! The staff is so friendly. The food was fresh and delicious. The service was great. We not only enjoyed our meal, but we kept going back for more!! We ate outside because the weather was so good. They came to check on us! Wonderful spot/wonderful staff. read more

This place is our new favorite; we ordered the family Burrito deal and not only was a fantastic deal, the food was outstandingly fresh and delicious!! The packaging was perfect and the staff was amazing!!! I highly recommend it and we will be ordering again! Extremely happy!! read more

I love this place! I have been coming since they opened. Such wonderful tasting food. And always made fresh. The staff are courteous and the restaurant is always clean. You should definitely give it a chance. You won't regret it, I promise! read more

This is the worst place I have ever eaten. Save your money and appetite. Chicken was severely undercooked and I'll spare you the rest of the details. If you want terrible service, a bowl with extremely small portions, and food poisoning... this is the place for you! read more