The Best Chicken Caesar Wraps In SF

Little Original Joe’s has bestowed its fantastic lunch-only CCW upon the Marina, and Chestnut Street dwellers are lucky to have it. Finely chopped romaine eliminates the possibility of awkward and uneven lettuce pieces protruding from your mouth. The rotisserie chicken is evenly dispersed (and you can opt for crispy chicken tenders, which we thoroughly endorse if you’re in the mood for something fried). Though the wrap isn’t grilled, the thin flour tortilla remains sturdy bite after bite.

Well-dressed, maximum parmesan, tangy as hell, we’re obsessed—all phrases that pertain to the CCW from Mama’s Luncheonette. This halal takeout counter in Cow Hollow has their protein-vegetable-tortilla ratios down to a science, but what really sets this version apart is the meat. The small hunks of chicken are juicy enough to end a California drought, and coated in a lemon pepper crust that adds a zing to each lettuce and crouton-filled mouthful. Be sure to snag some extra napkins for when the dressing inevitably gets all over every corner of your face. 

We’re big fans of the mountainous caesar salad at this Lower Haight cafe, so it’s no surprise that their CCW bundled inside of a slightly crisped-up tomato tortilla is also a winner. There’s a wheel’s worth of shaved parmesan, hunks of chicken breast, and the crouton bits somehow stay crunchy in the generous amount of dressing. Each half is also about the size and width of a genetically modified russet potato, and the plate comes with chips, so expect to leave full. 

Come to this Embarcadero-ish brunch spot for a warmed spinach tortilla, grilled chicken, and a side of Bay Bridge views. The wrap is thick and chewy, like an al dente rigatoni, and the chicken has charred edges and a smoky finish. Even though we wish there was a bit more parmesan, this is still our go-to for a waterfront chicken caesar—and as an added bonus, this one comes with fries (your choice of regular, curly, garlic, or sweet potato). 

Bite is an in-and-out sandwich shop in Lower Nob Hill with plump chicken caesar wraps that could double as a hot water bottle in a pinch. The wraps are served warm and stuffed with evenly covered romaine and chicken, house croutons, and enough parmesan that you get a dusting of the stuff in each bite. It might not be the most worldview-altering wrap you’ve ever eaten, but it’s half the price of most other chicken caesars in town at $11. In the non-CCW department, the counter-service spot also serves deli sandwiches, salads, rotisserie chickens, and soups.

Gambino’s is an Embarcadero sandwich spot dedicated entirely to East Coast-style subs, so of course, they have New York’s favorite handheld wrap. Their version is crispy after spending enough time on the grill to look spray-tanned. And the pieces of lettuce, chicken, and croutons are evenly chopped with the precision of a Cold Stone Creamery mixer. Any time you’re downtown-ish and in need of an on-the-move lunch, this is your spot. 

In the Mission, next to a seemingly perpetually busy heavy machinery rental lot you'll find a great chicken caesar wrap at Flying Pig Bistro—this packed wrap hits every element of a CCW just right. The tang from the dressing isn’t overpowering, there’s enough of a crunch from the lettuce, chunks of chicken are moist, and the flour tortilla is warm and soft. We also appreciate the sprinkling of crispy bacon bits in place of croutons. This wrap isn’t trying anything new, but it’s certainly filling and satisfying.