BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – Happy National Burrito Day, an annual celebration of the hand-held, tortilla-wrapped, all-in-one meal that has become as ubiquitous in American fast food culture as the hamburger.

In observance of this manufactured holiday, we asked viewers to name the best burrito in Bakersfield.

First, it’s important that we define the term. A burrito – literally “little donkey” in Spanish – is grilled meat wrapped in a flour tortilla. Fold that meat – usually chicken, pork or beef – in a corn tortilla instead and it’s a taco.

Why does that matter? Because corn is more plentiful in central and southern Mexico. Wheat, and therefore the flour tortilla,  is more common in northern Mexico and the U.S. southwest.

Mexicans have been pairing meat and corn tortillas for literally hundreds of years. The Mayans ate something akin to tacos two thousand years ago.

But where did we get the gigantic, kitchen-sink-stuffed burrito, the monsters made famous by Chipotle? You might want to sit down for this, senor.

The one-pounders we’re so familiar with today originated in San Francisco in the early 1960s in the city’s Mission District – that’s why they were originally called Mission burritos.

So, to cut to the chase – here are the top three nominees in our Instagram poll.

Number three: Tacos la Villa. Nine locations, several franchisees, different menus. But consistent. We visited the one on Union Avenue at East California.

“Burritos are good,” said Nancy Irwin, who had just exited that particular Tacos La Villa. “You can get them in all kinds of flavors. Get you some different types of meats in there. Whatever you want – you can make it your own.”

Number two: Super Taco, East Truxtun Avenue. Not the prettiest architecture, but who cares? We actually give extra points for that.

Number one: Sancho’s Tacos, 18th Street, catty corner from Mexicali. Best interior design, for sure, but those burritos are what make it special. Six distinctive salsas are a bonus.

We asked Mikayla Beltran, a server at Sancho’s, which local restaurant makes her favorite burrito. “I like La Tapatia. That’s OG, local. It’s really good. They have really good burritos and enchiladas – but burritos for sure.”

You’re supposed to say Sancho’s, we reminded her. Let’s give you a chance to salvage your job, Mikayla. How do Sancho’s burritos rank?

“They’re the best,” she said, laughing. “Best in town.”

But you know what’s wonderful about Bakersfield Mexican cuisine? There’s quality everywhere – and who’s to say your favorite isn’t better than anyone else’s?

The results of KGET’s unscientific burrito poll, as of 7 p.m. Thursday, had Tacos La Villa out in front among the eight choices with 30% of the vote. Victor’s and Super Taco were next with 17% each, followed by Sancho’s with 16% and Taco Bros with 6%. Taco Bell also had 6%.

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