Mmm, California Tacos
Maybe there's a 12-stepper for people like me. This whole past week, I mean every night, I was eating out for two stories I've been working on. Mostly, my family demurred and I headed out without them to Ybor City, Dunedin, Westshore, International Plaza and elsewhere in the name of dinner.
Yesterday was my birthday. Not a particularly important one, but I drove home thinking, I'm going to celebrate by going by Publix and getting something great to cook at home. Ah, cooking at home for my family, I miss it....Hold that thought--hey, there's a guy waving a surfboard that says "California Tacos" on the side. Oh, that must be the place my buddy James Canter said had real, San Diego-style fish tacos.
So darned if I didn't pull a U-ee and order up a pile of carne asada tacos, chile rellenos, a fat burrito and a chicken tostada. And it was pretty flippin' good. Maybe not that Platonic taco that hovers in my memory--just-griddled corn tortillas cradling earthy flank steak, chopped onion, flecks of cilantro and a big squeeze of lime--but it's definitely in the ballpark. And it's cheap. Dinner for three last night was $15.
Check it out: California Tacos To Go, 1450 Skipper Road (corner of Bearrs), Tampa, (813) 971-TACO.
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"He who distinguishes the true savor of his food can never be a glutton; he who does not cannot be otherwise." 
Mrs. Laura Reiley, hello and happy b-day. I was going to give you a ring yesterday to see if you had hit ye old new taco stand( this prompted by yet another visit by me, even after breakfast)but I was being beckoned to pull over on the side of the road by one of Tampa's finest, apparently I must of made too many delicious visits to Cali Taco but atlas it was just a semi minor traffic violation. I see you did taste Tampa's new tempting taco tenet, how wonderful life is, knowing Cali Taco is in the world.(sorry I just watched Moulin Rouge)Ironically I was on the way home from traffic court when this all occurred. Well gotta run see ya at the surfboards.
Posted by: hambone | March 06, 2009 at 01:55 PM
I tried it the other day. Cheap and delicious. The steak and the grouper tacos are some of the best I've ever tried.
Posted by: Tony | March 06, 2009 at 04:42 PM
Sounds great - but if it's in north Tampa, it might as well be in Orlando for those of us in St. Pete.
Posted by: Kenneth | March 08, 2009 at 09:28 AM
My husband went by California Tacos, and the place is so filthy he wouldn't order anything.
Posted by: Debbie | March 11, 2009 at 11:26 AM
I live accross the street from Cali Tacos and was kinda hesitant of trying it, (maybe because of the way its set up). I decided to give it a try today... the guy that took my order was so friendly, specially to my kids, he recommended a burrito for me and some chicken quesadillas for my kids...WOW...that burrito could feed 3 grown people and just 1 quesadilla could feed both my kids. The portions exceeds the value. The rice with beans tastes great. And the best part is that the food is made to order, so you get fresh & hot. Next time I go I will try breakfast.
Posted by: loraine | April 03, 2009 at 06:55 PM
To Debbie, I don't know if you are talking about the same spot because I have been in that kitchen and have been there to eat quite frequently and it's always been spotless.You know maybe the lenses on your husbands spectacles were a little smudged or something? Well it's too bad you didn't get to sample of their wares because of your husbands poor judgment.
Posted by: hambone | April 04, 2009 at 10:41 AM
It's clean and the food is awesome. The fish tacos and burritos are great and so is the steak. The other stuff may be good too - I just like the fish so much I haven't tried the other stuff.
T^he counter guy rocks - he is very friendly and does a great job!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Posted by: Anne | April 16, 2009 at 03:52 PM
One of the things I miss most about San Diego is the Mexican food, particularly the fish tacos. I can't wait to try this place!
Posted by: Perry | May 07, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Just stopped by today and met the owner, Charlie. I'm a San Diego guy and this place rocks. Best fish tacos I've ever had. All the food was excellent and I tried quite a bit of it.
California Tacos is da bomb.
To Debbie complaining about the place being dirty...
I was just there and it looked clean to me. If you like Taco Bell and hot sauce packets with cute little messages on them, then this place isn't for you.
Posted by: Lukas | May 10, 2009 at 12:21 PM
I would also have to completely agree with MOST of the comments on here! This place is so delicious! The food is so fresh and made to order and a great price. The fish tacos are amazing and the service is just as amazing! Since this is on my way to and from work, I will absolutely be stopping by more often now that I finally gave it a try! I can't wait to try everything else. You should definitely try it!
Posted by: Juanita | July 09, 2009 at 08:28 PM
Just discovered California Tacos today for lunch as I was driving by off of Bears Ave here in Tampa. Excellent, Excellent, Excellent find!!! I have been looking everywhere for a place that sells my old favorite "CARNE ASADA FRIES"... mmmmmmmmm... Soooo delicious!!!! Can't believe I finally found Cali Tacos that makes them. ;-) Had that and a fish taco. Both were reeeeeally good!!! and I'm going to be a regular customer now for sure. Tons of other yummy sounding stuff on their menu too! ;-)
Posted by: Ryan | September 12, 2009 at 06:26 PM