California Tacos opens at Bearss Avenue and Skipper Road

From the Times:

By Sheryl Kay

There's pizza from the Windy City, bagels from New York and now tacos from California.

Charles Morrell, who owns California Tacos, has a lengthy culinary background, having spent 14 years traveling internationally with Disney on Ice in the concessions department and more than a decade opening gourmet sandwich and taco shops in California, Colorado and Mexico.

When he came to Florida seven years ago, Morrell said he tried to satisfy his "addiction" to steak burritos.

"I paid up to $14 for a good burrito and could not find a good fix," said Morrell, 51, a Brooklyn native.

Perceiving a wide-open market for fresh west-coast style Mexican fast food, Morrell opened California Taco in early March. He said business has been great. Times food critic Laura Reily checked out the tacos in March.

While he wouldn't share all of his trade secrets, Morrell said California Taco has no steam table, and all the food is made to order. He also uses a small amount of cabbage for freshness and crunch, a tempura batter for the fish tacos and "special" sauce.

In addition to chili rellenos and ceviches, the store's most popular menu items are its tacos, which sell for $2.49 each. Guacamole, cheese and sour cream cost 50 cents more.

"We want everyone to taste the full flavor of our fully dressed tacos," he said.

Morrell said he was quick to choose the famous apex at Bearss Avenue and Skipper Road to house the new fast-food restaurant. The standalone building is visible, and close to the University of South Florida and area hospitals.

Located at 1450 Skipper Road, California Tacos is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Morrell plans to expand operating hours to include Sundays and Mondays soon. For more information, call (813)971-8226.

Comments

[michelle]

I love their grouper fish taco!
all their side fixings are so fresh and tasty.
And it makes me smile each day as I drive past the lady with the giant surfboard on Bearss, advertising for CALIFORNIA TACOS.
you should try them. also, the owner will let you taste a sample of this concoction which cant be duplicated anywhere. STOP IN

[Juanita]

I absolutely LOVED this place! I tried the grouper fish taco, carne asada taco, and the rice pudding flavored drink (I forgot the actual name) and all of it was great! The tacos were so huge I could easily split them in two since they come with two tortillas and the man at the register was super nice to all his customers! I drive by this place everyday to and from work and have been wanting to try it and I'm so glad I finally did and I will for sure be stopping by often, I can't wait to try everything else. I would have to say I was definitely persuaded by the lady with the surf board! She's great! TRY IT, IT'S AMAZING!

[Ryan]

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! ;-)