Review California Tacos To Go - Tampa

California Tacos is a solid taco choice! This awesome taco Shack has been around for a few years and I've been coming since 2014. I've always been a huge fan of the amped tacos. They use fresh veggies and have some of the best meats for tacos. I'm a big fan of the carnitas as well as the shrimp/chorizo. If you get lucky you can get chicharrones which they run out of very very quickly. They also have decent horchata. Food takes about 10/15 minutes to come out and prices are pretty fair. Outside seating and online ahead ordering are offered but no inside dining at this location. I'd say if you are in the mood for really good tacos this place is worth the trip.

The fish tacos! I had to order an extra one after already eating two tacos. Great little spot with a few Taco selections. I definitely recommend, especially on a beautiful day out.

I highly recommend the Carne Asada fries! Fries, meat, cheese, sour cream, tomato, guacamole, onion, maybe more. Although one day they were out of the Carne Asada and I was "forced" to have the Cali Fries with ground beef. I was not disappointed in the least. Don't miss out. It does get busy and the wait times can be long so call ahead if possible!

Thank you Jason. We ordered the grouper tacos. Jason prepared them for us after taking our order. The tacos were done quickly. They tasted fresh and delicious. Spice note: medium is very, very mild.

The fish tacos are the best I have ever had! The combination of the crunchiness from the tempura batter, the mild flavor of the grouper, the white corn tortillas and the slaw is like manna from Heaven. This is a cute "take out" place only, but I also found out that they cater and will deliver as well. If you are really hungry, I say check out the gigantic burrito! I will be back again and again!

Can't believe I've been in the area so many times but knew nothing about this gem! It is more like a food truck than a restaurant but without the truck. It's a really small building with some picnic tables outside for seating. You just pick the type of meat you want and at what spice level then your toppings and you're good to go. The tortillas are about 6" so hey are a bit bigger than most specialty taco places. I got the carne asada and carnitas tacos and it was very filling for a lunch. The tortillas were very fresh. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the food was. You just order at the window and they deliver your food. I will be back for sure now that I know this place exists. Awesome find!!

Awesome food! Well worth every penny. Will definitely be going back regularly. Friendly staff, great ingredients and awesome flavor.

Food is always on point. I only visit during the cooler months of the year as it is only outside seating and not much shade. My only complaint is you never know what kind of service you are going to get. It is definitely worth a trip.

Their San Diego rolled tacos are the best!!!! Always great service and very friendly. My go to place when I want something quick to pick up on the way home!

Great California style tacos at a great price! Once in a while they will have a Groupon for a few dollars off a combo.

The best fresh fish tacos I’ve ever had. I went here weekly for lunch during my pregnancy

I haven't been here lately, but the fish taco and burrito are both delicious! Another reviewer here was correct -- the sauce they use on the fish burrito in particular is one reason it's delicious. The cold horchata here is also quite enjoyable. Only outside picnic tables and a take out window, but definitely worth trying. Friendly service and good atmosphere. Thank you!

I was compelled to eat at California Tacos To Go after finding the Chef Guy Fieri had been here for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.<br/><br/>In a nutshell I was under-whelmed by the food and here's why. I have traveled extensively and specifically have spent a lot of time in California. Anyone that has done so likely has been to Rubio's which use to be the gold standard there. This place isn't that. I had their fish taco and ordered a burrito. The meat on the taco must have been 3 or 4 ozs, far too big for the tortilla and everything began to fall out while eating. In fact, it was so big that I didn't bother with the burrito, it's still in my fridge and it weighs in a 22 ozs, I weighed it. <br/><br/>The problem here is that the over sized portions don't make the Tacos better and it becomes difficult to fit more of the fixings in the tortilla so that all you really get is a massive piece of protein and not much else. There is a normally delicate balance with fish and the stuff inside, this fare item misses that that target big time.<br/><br/>Second, the price is way off the scale and my taco and burrito set me back over $14. That is crazy and didn't include a drink.<br/><br/>If it were me, I would cut the protein by 1/3 and the prices by 1/2 and concentrate on getting the Tacos back to a fresh and light serving. They will sell more while cutting costs.<br/><br/>I'll give this place another try, but with over sized portions, expensive prices and average taste, don't go out of your way for this place just yet.

I saw California Tacos To Go on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" which means it was automatic that I assessed the place for myself. I tried three different tacos and my mouth became infatuated with all 3 but the "Original" Grouper Fish Taco with extra Juan's White Sauce stole the show. That flavor combination was "out of bounds." Been here twice already and I guarantee there'll be a third time. Triple D tested....Bayou Gator approved.

I really like this place on a nice day, seating is outdoors and depending on the time of day shade is sparse. The fish tacos are what made them famous, and what I get when I go. The Guy Fieri is their original fish taco with hot sauce, which has become my "usual" when I'm in town.

I was introduced to fish tacos in the 1990s while on business in Los Angeles when a friend introduced me to Wahoo's Fish Taco. Some 5 years later I moved to Orange County and spent the next three years of my adult life in coastal Southern California. During this time I developed very high expectations of Pacific-style Mexican food. Especially when it comes to fish tacos.<br/><br/>Since moving back home to Tampa, I've become very disenchanted with the Mexican food here (with Mekenita being the exception). A side note for those that know me: while I love Chipotle, I don't consider it “Mexican". Imagine my surprise while driving down the road and seeing "California Tacos". I'm always drawn to any references to the perfect climate of my former residence. When I hear "California Taco" I immediately think of hanging out on _______ (fill in the blank) Beach eating street tacos and watching surfers.<br/><br/>My skepticism was naturally at a 10, but curiosity combined with hunger was at a 10.5.<br/><br/>We turned around and am I glad we did!!<br/><br/>What I liked: the food! I've tried a number of things over my visits here. The fish (grouper) tacos stand out, but the chicken and pork tacos are also outstanding! The only thing that would make the food better is a beach.<br/><br/>Seriously. That's what's missing.<br/><br/>What I don't like: the packaging. Unfortunately, this is a true taco stand: everything is served "to go". Even though there are some picnic tables there that you can eat at, the food is served in environmentally unfriendly styrofoam packaging (note: I've only purchased tacos - never burritos, etc). I only include this as I hope the owner will look to find an inexpensive alternative to the styrofoam packaging (or eventually expand and/or have more reusable containers). A true "California" focus should include this kind of consciousness.

So far this has been my favorite Mexican eatery in Tampa. Comes very close to the Baja style that I fell in love with back in San Diego. The rolled tacos could use a little tweaking to get right, but the Carne Asada is the best I have found in Tampa. For something a little different get the Carne Asada Nachos, huge serving and best nachos in town.The Carne Asada Burrito is also a good bet, again huge with the focus on the steak. Be aware if you go that the only seating is outdoors so not a good choice when there is any chance of rain. They have a second location now in South Tampa, that does have indoor seating.

Mystery Burrito Adventure. First of all, I have been here before in the past and enjoyed their food, but after this instance I will not be returning. My review will probably not change people's minds about this place, but I thought that everyone should be aware of their gross business model.<br/><br/>Yesterday we came early to beat the lunch rush- we were the only people there at 11:15. We order, and after a while another couple comes up to order. After 15 minutes, the couple who ordered after us grabs a bag of food, gets in their car and leaves. We get our food about 10 minutes later... we open the bag and it is not our order.<br/><br/>I immediately brought it back to the counter, and Pedro apologizes and says he will have our food out in 10 minutes.<br/>Ten minutes later, the couple who ordered after us comes back, exchanges bags with Pedro at the front, then leaves again. Pedro promptly brings us the same bag the couple just handed to him after being in their custody for 20 minutes and says “Here’s your food!” Here, there are multiple problems.<br/><br/>1. Pedro was not planning on disclosing that he was delivering us food that had just been on a 20+ minute adventure. What happened to our food during that time? We will never know... but through the bag we could see that the burrito had been unwrapped and was loosely re-wrapped in its foil. Besides the fact that you just don’t re-sell food that has been in other people’s hands, he didn’t even check inside the boxes to see if they had taken bites out of it! (not that we wouldn’t have eaten it anyways)<br/><br/>2. Delivering us tampered/cold food that had been on a mysterious road trip shouldn’t have been an option- they should have been cooking our food again when they told us that our food would be out in 10 minutes (our guess is that the couple called and said they had the wrong food and would be bringing it back in 10 minutes).<br/><br/>3. After I confronted Pedro, asking “Is this the food that the couple just brought back”, he said “Yea, is that not okay” We told him it was not okay. He said they would re-cook our order, however we had already waited approximately an hour for food at that point and were quite grossed out by this incident, so we requested a refund.<br/><br/>4. Our whole mystery burrito adventure would have never happened if Pedro had checked to make sure the right food was getting to the right person. It would have taken two seconds to confirm the contents of their order.<br/><br/>To think that if we were not there to watch the couple bring back our tampered food and have Cali Tacos re-serve it to us makes me question how often this occurs here, and also what other dirty business habits they have. While Pedro did give us a free meal for next time, we will not be coming back.

No no no. We went 3 times in 1 week.<br/>Never going back.<br/><br/>First experience was decent, check was $23. The 2nd time we were charged $31 for the exact same stuff, I had to show her my phone where the menu online had different prices and the menu out front wasn't changed yet so the lady had to honor the advertised price. 3rd time, LITERALLY the exact same items nothing added, etc was now over $36. all in the 2 weeks time span we went there - told the lady this is ridiculous, we still had the other 2 receipts in the car since we were all working close to here and it was a quick lunch stop. Food was without seasoning and the steak was so chewy my teeth were sore on 2 of the occasions. I give a place 3 chances to make sure we're not getting that flub up experience that rarely occurs, but NOPE all 3 times were strikes here. come on and get it together.. lost us.

Best fish tacos in Tampa. They're loaded fish tacos are just amazing. I'm not sure what's up with the negative reviews about service the times I've went they were very friendly there and got my food quick. Also their carne asada fries are awesome

Huge Burrito. I just recent took my boyfriend there for the first time and he was in heaven. As a chef he can be pretty picky himself but he was very happy. He ordered the pork tacos and pork rinds and I got the burrito (not the one pounder). Mine was so fresh it was amazing, and he said the tacos were the best pork tacos he has had. And there is nothing better to a man than some pig fat, the serving was huge for those!!! Not over cooked at all, which most places do. The wait is a little long but how can you get upset with that when its made to order and completely fresh when it gets to you. Tastes best when you eat it right away. We are already planning a return trip with some newbies to Tampa!!

If you've ever had a real fish taco in California you'd know the tacos here are weak at best. Tried a fish taco and a chicken taco. The cabbage on both was bitter. It was so old it lost the natural sweetness and I had to take it off both tacos. The. Fish taco was more batter than fish. Just a greasy mess. The prices are really high. I've never paid more than $2 for a fish taco in California and they want 4$ here. No thanks. I tried it once. Won't be going back. I should have known it would be bad as it was on diners drive in and dives.

The young guy is really nice but the older guy that works there is a complete jerk. He was so rude to me I just cancelled my order. Im frpm brooklyn too so I have thick skin but this was completely uncalled for! the food is good but its not good enough to put up with that

Great service and fabulous fish tacos! Be prepared to either take out or eat outside with no fans. Great local experience!

Fish Taco ripoff. The menu said 2 fish tacos for $4.99, I ordered that and a water and the bill was over $10.00 for just the two tacos and the water.

Awesome fish tacos! We will definitely be back!

CRAP FOOD + CRAP STAFF = CRAP PLACE. Instead of California Tacos, this place should be re-named the Taco NAZI. <br/><br/>Because that is how you are treated when you walk up to the filthy window of this joint, innocently in the mood for a taco. What you are greeted with at the window, that is if you get the owner himself, is COMPLETE AND UTTER RUDENESS. Let me say that again: At California Tacos, they treat customers like DOGS. <br/><br/>No -- worse than dogs. <br/><br/>I treat my dog a hell of a lot better than I was treated today by the Brooklyn-native owner of this place.<br/><br/>The owner and his behavior today is why people from NYC get a bad rap. He was the quintessential A-HOLE from NYC. Basically he was rude from the moment I said hello, to the moment I ordered the tacos and he was bullying me into ordering something else, to the moment I asked whether the chips came with salsa. <br/><br/>At which point he LAUGHED AT ME.<br/><br/>The chips, by the way, come from a bag. They are NOT house-made. They are multi-colored crap. I threw them away.<br/><br/>So what about the food, you say? We ordered pork tacos and fish tacos. The pork tacos were disgusting. The meat had gristle, red/orange food coloring and that taste meat gets from sitting in the refrigerator. If you know anything about refrigeration, food develops that taste when it is cooled in the fridge AND NOT COVERED. <br/><br/>GROSS.<br/><br/>The fish tacos were better, but if you know California fish tacos, you know that they are small and not DROWNING IN SAUCE like they are at the place. Also the batter on the fish is not thick or greasy, like it is here. My god how I miss California.<br/><br/>California Tacos serves crap food, in a crap atmosphere, by a crap staff that treats you like crap. <br/><br/>They get 2 stars from me for the In-N-Out Burger bumper sticker behind the counter.<br/><br/>If you want a good taco, the fares to San Diego out of TPA are not bad right now.

Tacos are solid. The only negative here is eating outside and the blaring reggae music.

What is all the hype about this place?. We were so disappointed after all this hype and great reviews...we had the Fried Grouper Taco....and ordered the loaded toppings on it....no fish flavor, not much flavor period....and they don't bother to toast, grill or heat the lousy corn tortillas---very bland overall....also order the Tijuana Carne Asada Tacos--HOT....again cold shells, overcooked steak....not hot whatsoever...again, just an ok pretty bland taco.....will not go back.

Why bother, your not gonna taste it. Cali burrito is where it's at. Love the place.

Cali Tacos is the best Taco place in town, better than taco bus for sure.

FUNNEL CAKE TACOS?. I ordered the fish tacos with high expectations and was soon disappointed after the first bite. The sauce was very rich and didn't complement the heavy tempura batter. Notice how I do not say tempura battered fish? my tacos were literally filled with chunks of tempura batter and no fish. Tampa has way better food in a number of different places and i won't waste my time going back.

Best Mexican in Tampa. Forget the Taco Bus. I always said it was over-rated and now, after finally dining at California Tacos, I can honestly say that Tampa does indeed have a quality Mexican fast food joint! I was impressed by their portions and their prices, even if sitting outside in the Florida heat isn't the most ideal. Their pork rinds are absolutely delicious and authentic - crispy, hot,and sinfully delightful. Their ceviche is also really yummy - stuffed full with tender octopus, scallos, and shrimp and topped with sliced avocados. I cannot wait to try everything on their menu - it all sounds so good.

Fish tacos not so good. Says voted best fish tacos in San Diego and their only store is in Tampa. They would not serve fish "which is mostly oily breading" like that in Cali. Way too much oil and crust and not enough fish. Bland.

The fish tacos are awesome! Never thought I'd love them this much. I definitely recommend!

California Tacos To Go. Wow! I haven't even picked up my food yet! Charmane was impatient and kind of rude. She kept putting me on hold and talking to other customers and even though I was ordering food for 4 people she rushed me as though I was ordering for 1. I simply asked 2 questions and she became snippy. I hope at least the food holds up to Guy Fieri's review.

Love it!!!!!! Great food, good prices, cool guys!!!

Great Tacos. I used to stick to Taqueria Monterrey since it was next to work but I've been going through taco withdrawal since they closed (and no, Taco Bus doesn't compare to TM). I've never had California tacos before so I can't compare them to others of that particular style but I'm sold on these (and really I'm not sure what the difference is?). I had the fish taco and the shrimp and chorizo taco, both "loaded" with guac, sour cream, and cheese and with hot sauce. Great stuff.<br/><br/>Pros:<br/>Food was freshly cooked and tasted great<br/>Quick service although I was there after lunch rush<br/>Tacos might seem pricey but you really get a ton of food for what you pay<br/><br/>Cons:<br/>Outdoor seating only<br/>Could have used more of the guac and sour cream<br/>After having TM's freshly made tortillas these don't compare. They either bought them from the store or made them much earlier in the day.

Great!. The fish tacos are delicious! The beans & rice are yummy! The staff is also friendly!

Fish tacos is a must to try, ceviche is always super fresh and yummy. Can't wait to go back!

Went to California Tacos today with a couple of customers. Excellent Fish Tacos. Definitely will be back!

Taco heaven. The grouper tacos are the $hit!

Yummy. I stopped by on a whim and am so happy I did. The veggie tacos were awesome and i asked for a side order of jalepeno peppers and they gave me a cup full!! For vegetarians there are many choices, and I am sure vegans could order without milk products and cheese.

Tricky to find, but so worth it.. Heard about this joint from Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Was kinda hard to find, but worth it when did. The Tempura Grouper fish tacos were out of this world. Next time in Tampa, definitely stopping by.

Fresh and Delicious. You can really taste the fresh ingredients and the food is simply delicious! The service was friendly and helpful. This is some of the best Mexican food in the Tampa Bay area. If you like the Taco Bus, you'll absolutely love this food!

Love the food, hate the service. Place is always packed. We called ahead for lunch last week and after the person who answered the phone said, "can you hang on a minute" I waited over 10 minutes while they were obviously swamped. We decided to go elsewhere and probably won't be back because everytime it is a total hassle to get served only to eat in the heat.

Awesome Burrito-Carne Asada. This burrito is absolutely amazing! I have eaten here several times all of their food I have had has been good, but this remains my personal favorite. I like it with the hot salsa, but it may be to hot for some depending on who is making it. I can handle it; however some of my friends could not. But everyone enjoys the burritos with mild.

Yummy. We tried this outdoor taco stand in the pouring rain, and we were not alone!!! You know it's good if people are willing to stand in the pouring rain to order!!!! the fish tacos were great as was the burrito my husband had. great pickled spicy veggies too!!! We are trying to find an excuse to head in that direction again soon so we can eat there again!

Triple-D Worthy. I definitely see why Guy Fieri profiled the restaurant on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The "famous" fish tacos were certainly memorable and unlike anything I've sampled before. The tempura batter, along with the cabbage, provided a nice crunch. Although it's a bit pricier, ordering the tacos loaded is the best option, for the guacamole and sour cream offer a welcomed texture contrast to the fish and cabbage. Additionally, the outdoor environment and music offer a west-coast vibe.

Terrible service. Took 20 minutes to order and another 20 to get the food. We asked for got sauce with the order and received none. Would not recommend.

Nationally recognized. Congrats on the DDD spot Cali! Keep doin it right!

Pretty good, nice servers. The service here was very friendly and the food wasn't bad either. Not a place to hunt down and die to try, but definitely worth the stop when in the area. <br/><br/>We had the chile rellenos, the seafood ceviche and a couple vegi tacos. all very good. I didn't feel nickled and dimed to death. Sure they charge extra for sour cream or guacamole, but it's minimal and their food is tasty enough without having to smother it.

Excellent food at the right price!. Okay, so I stopped by this place spur of the moment on my way home from work. A friend of mine from California had given this place a rave review when he told me about it, so I had to stop in and try it. I'm typically not much of a fish, or a taco eater, but I'll try almost anything people like once.<br/><br/>I pulled up about 30 minutes from closing time, and was asked if I knew what I wanted. I told them I was a first timer, and I think the owner came over, lifted the barrier screen, and gave me a fantastic run down about some recommendations. Really a pleasant and helpful guy.<br/><br/>I ended up getting two of their tacos, one with the pork al pastor, and one with the fish. While I waited, they gave me a sample of the pork freshly made, and it blew me away. Then they had me try a sample of the Wipe Out. It was excellent! <br/><br/>I got home and had my tacos, and they were both delicious. My hands got pretty messy, since it was loaded with everything, but it was worth it. I'm definitely going to make this place a regular stop for me. Highly recommended!<br/><br/>Be sure to let them know its your first time if you're not sure what to get!

Tacos good...... Not bad tasting tacos, although it is a bit pricey and you get nickeled and dimed to death. The carne asade is rather weak but the fish is tasty. I do have to say I appreciate the pickeled snacks. I would not go out of my way to eat here but if I happen to be passing by I would.

Awesome burrito!. They have some pretty great stuff here! their meat is all pretty good, and their toppings are great. however, the service wasn't the best, and i'm pretty sure i was overcharged.<br/><br/>check out the "wipe out" drink. it will put out any spicy fires you may encounter.

Great Taco Fix. It looks pretty sketch until you walk up there and order. The menu is a little daunting and crowded but every time I order something I am pleased with its fresh ingredients and awesome taste. The pork is amazing! They cook it right there and it makes a huge difference in taste, the cardboard and grease mess you usually get from other taco places is absent here. You have to wait for it because they cook it right there but it's worth it and you can call ahead. <br/>Both of the guys I have met there are really nice and make sure you get what you need.

Great Food, Great Price. The food was fresh and tasty. The burrito is KING.

Great!. The fish tacos are the best I've had in tampa

I really enjoyed it! The service was great & the food was excellant! I definitely plan on visiting again & I highly recommend it!!!

Great As Always. California Tacos rocks! Best in town. I eat there all the time!<br/><br/>P.S. If eating chicken will kill you, don't eat it. Its obvious which is which. Check your food before you eat it. People are human and they make mistakes. I bet it was still good. At least the comment wasnt "the food was bad".

RUDE service,. My husband and I ate several times at California Tacos and one night decided to place a phone order. They said 15 minutes and we waited 40 minutes. When we got our order, the item was the wrong thing. Instead of pork, we got a chicken burrito. Unfortunately, my husband has a terrible poultry allergy. I called to complain, hoping just to get my money back or a coupon. The owner was extremely rude to me and did not offer to refund my money. If he had given me back my 5 bucks, I would still be a customer. It ruined our entire evening(of course) because he went into anaphalaxis. Obviously, he is ok now but I will never return to a place that treats their customers this way. Pathetic. All I wanted was a refund!!! Wouldn't have killed them......oh well.

Great!. The fish Tacos were the *ISH!!! Great Service! A Must Visit!

Finally the "real deal". We had a taco and burrito that were authentic and delicious. The service was informative (for a newbie) and friendly. We can't wait to go back and try one of the many specials that aren't on the menu.

WELL LOOKY HERE. it’s a little place called california tacos. it’s tacos. FROM CALIFORNIA! and there are surf boards! wonderful. wow and their phone number has t

California Tacos is a true taco stand in every sense of the name. Most people don't know what to make of the exterior. It looks like it was shipped from Southern California and dropped on Bearss Ave. in Tampa, Florida. The name "California" itself drew me to this place because California is known for quality food and after a few Tampa Yelpers reviewed the location with positive reviews I decided to try it out for myself. Upon parking I found myself staring at a taco stand with only a few tables and chairs

It was fantastic! Fresh tasting, made to order and easy on the wallet.