We almost didn't go here due to the 3.3 star rating, but we just wanted a quick bite before heading to Nisene Marks state park, and the parking lot was full of cars outside so we thought it must not be that bad... And it wasn't! My boyfriend enjoyed his carnitas burrito. I enjoyed my carne asada taco and tostada de camarones. Decent service. Food could be more flavorful. Good taco spot if you want a no frills type meal with quick service. Cash only, but they have an atm inside. read more

Food meh Service ok Ambiance nice Food quality was little below average there wasn't that much flavor portions were quite on the smaller side. Very little sitting for outside viewing best part of this restaurant is the outside view. If I was in the area, I would not come back again. read more

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The place doesn't look like much from the outside OR the inside. They only take cash and the menu is fairly limited compared to other taquerias. But - I've now eaten here three different times and each time the food was well prepared, delicious and with nice portion sizes. This is now a go-to spot for burritos, nachos, and quesadillas when I'm in the area. read more

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My coworker told me about this spot being the ono of breakfast burritos in the area and I have to give it a try. I ordered the breakfast burrito with potatoes, eggs, cheese, no beans, and added chorizo. My fiancé ordered the asada supreme burrito with everything. And the burritos did not disappoint! They were amazing, delicious, full of flavor and ate the whole thing in one sitting. Not going to lie, I am a big boy, but it's been a cool minute since I put down a whole breakfast burrito. I would highly recommend it if you want a great burrito! I need to explore the menu a bit more, that's for sure! There are two things I would have to gripe about, which it's a cash only spot ... no big deal. But the other thing is they charge extra for to go hot sauces. They gave you one for each item ordered, and they were cool with giving us two extras, but they made it clear they charge for extra. I guess the work around would be to order your food for "here" , ask for a bottle of hot sauce, sauce up your meal, ask for a box, give back the bottle and pack up the food read more

Tacos Moreno - Inside - Tacos Near Me - Capitola, California

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I'm so over this place. Every time I go here I get overcharged or they get my order wrong. The food is also pretty low quality. They leave weird pieces of skin and cartilage in the chicken that you have to pick out. I always ask for no sour cream, and they always charge me for it anyway. Today they wrote it on my burrito in large letters, and when I went to eat it, guess what? Full of sour cream. Hard to believe that wasn't done on purpose. Never again. read more

Tacos Moreno - Tacos Near Me - Capitola, California

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The food is terrible. Their meat was like beef jerky soaked in oil. They can't make nachos properly as the cheese on top was hard and underneath the chaos was a bunch of unmelted-cold cheese. Only reason I'm giving them 2 stars (instead of 1) is because they refunded half of my money and the girl taking my order genuinely seemed nice. The cook looked like he was ready to rip my head off but hey, that's the job. This is constructive criticism not a complaint. Hopefully they can get it right because they have potential. read more

Was on lunch and decided to go try this place got there ordered my food was about to pay when they tell me that they don't take anything but cash I don't ever carry cash so this place is a no go who doesn't take card read more

Tacos morenos is a wonderful place to eat not too many people know about it anymore. the food always fills you up and leaves you with a happy smile try it out! I just had a burrito and it tasted amazing! Also excellent customer service. The tortilla was cooked crispy and the beans were soft and a good mixture with the cheese and rice read more

Tacos Moreno - A burrito with bean cheese and rice - Tacos Near Me - Capitola, California

This place is right on the beach and is a prime location for a quick bite of Mexican food in Capitola. It looks to be family-owned, so I love being able to support places like this. The service was good and the staff was very kind! I definitely thought the ingredients were very fresh, that was noticeable with every bite! I will be honest in that I wasn't really blown away with the flavors of each item, but they were still good. The quantities of food was pretty good as well, but it's worth noting it's on the more expensive side relative for a burrito and nachos, which is understandable as it's in Capitola. Overall I do think this is a solid place to stop by for some food at the beach and I would recommend them! read more

Tacos Moreno - Carne Asada Fries - Tacos Near Me - Capitola, California

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I want to like this place so bad but they make it hard. Firstly, I ordered an Asada torta. It's disappointing because it just doesn't have the ingredients listed on the menu. It was extremely dry, because they didn't add any mayo (listed ingredient), but I guess they added sour cream, the "tomato and onion" is all chopped very small so all the little pieces just fall out when you try to eat it which is super annoying. It says it has avocado on it, there was no avocado in mine. And it says it has lettuce, but it has cabbage. Would not order again and wouldn't eat here again. It's such a simple order to mess up on so many things on it. read more

Tacos Moreno - No avocado, chopped pieces of tomato and onion, and cabbage instead of lettuce. Blegh. - Tacos Near Me - Capitola, California

Bums me out to hear about the issues these small businesses had during the storms. Despite me very much wanting to give 3 stars, this place was hit hard with flooding so it is what it is... there's super nice seating outside if you can manage to grab their seats and not Zelda's... (Zeldas will yell at you) I ordered a super simple cheese and meat (steak) quesadilla and sat outside and enjoyed the weather. The quesadilla came out relatively fast... as expected given the simplicity of the whole thing.... Cheese... meat... tortilla... melt. Anyways. I don't know how this place did it... but their "steak" (not carne asada apparently) tasted EXACTLY like Pizza Hut. With every single bite I was jolted back to Pizza Hut. My whole quesadilla tasted like pepperoni. It was the most confusing situation. So... I guess they deserve a star for that trickery. read more

This had to be the most greasy, salty Carnitas burrito I have ever had. NO BUENO! Will return to El Chino. read more

This review is for the person at the register only. The food as always is good but this lady was rude AF! We ordered 2 corn quesadillas and a asada taco. When they brought the food they were 3 quesadillas one with asada. I said we wanted a taco she said we don't have those here... HUH.. WHAT? I said ya know qorn tortilla with cilantro and onion.. she said yeah we don't have those here.. I'm confused as we get one everytime we come here... I said ok how bout just meat and tortilla and she said well if that's what you wanted that's what you should have asked for... hopefully the regular gal is just on vacation and this rude girl isn't a regular employee... And if she is maybe teach her to be polite to your customers. read more

Cash only? Come on get with the times! Also no rice and beans separately. Everything is over priced. Haven't been there in years. Now I know WHY I don't go. Ridiculous. I left. Not coming back ever! read more

Cash only with an ATM inside of course -1 If u like greasy food then, by all means. -1 We tried 3 different dishes and they all sucked -1 Tostadas were small n not much on them for a shrimp tostada - 1 Burrito tortilla was burned and meat still had a lot of fat left over, so carne asada ended up being fat mostly, it was very disappointing. -1 Quesadilla was greasy af too -1 Lady brought me the wrong order seconds after she took my order, so she's definitely not all there either -1 Overall - F this place, save your 30 dollars n ATM transaction, just do chipotle. +3 the old lady outside that held the door open for me and my kid, was very sweet/ customer, nothing to do with the restaurant... but u get the point. -7/10 read more

The tacos are filled to the brim but the fillings are not that flavorful. Season the meat and beans, cut the amount of raw cabbage by half and add some cilantro, onions and a lime slice. Now that's a taco. read more

Was at the laundromat next door and I couldn't resist Modelo on tap while I waited. Opted for the "Supreme With Meat Nachos" with Carnitas. I enjoyed it tremendously. Perhaps I was deprived from camping, but it was off the chain. I appreciated that they offered me salsa in a squeeze bottle. They aren't about saving money. It was about customers enjoying the food! I love this place and hope to return one day. My date had the cantaloupe drink and it was refreshing. Cash only! read more

Tacos Moreno - Modelo Especial on tap and a cantaloupe drink. - Tacos Near Me - Capitola, California

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Ever since I moved to Santa Cruz, I've tried just about every Mexican restaurant in the Capitola/Santa Cruz area. Most places have fallen short of my expectations, but not this place. I've passed by this Tacos Moreno location a million times but I finally decided to stop in and give it a try and oh my goodness. I came in and waited in line for about 5 minutes, saw that they accepted cash, and looked over the menu. I ordered the birria burrito supreme and a bean and cheese burrito. The birria burrito was for me. By far, the best burrito I've had in town. Everything from the tortilla to the quality of the meat was perfect. I will always go back for more, I'm that convinced. read more

Cash-only gem. Their burittos are first-rate, especially the al pastor. A little raw cabbage in the filling is, surprisingly, a great touch. One worker there recommended their breakfast buritto but I rarely eat that early. The ambience is pretty bare bones at this location (I think they have one or two others). No matter. Focus on the food. (Or take your order to the beach.) read more

This place sucks! These guys are incredibly cheap. Barely any meat, and it is extremely dry. They are also super cheap on the drinks. Lady tried to fill mine up half way and they don't do refills. Can't even pour yourself water. Extremely disappointed would not eat this again even if I was payed to. This place sucks! Not to mention the mid evil style chairs and table which have an awkward elbow loft ratio. Go to Vallarta and support a real taqueria not this airport B.S! read more

I absolutely enjoyed the food here! I ordered Shrimp tacos with a side of chips and salsa and guacamole and it was very fresh and delicious. The food was ready within 15mins and the staff were nice and friendly. They have nice terrace that has a bar setting where you can enjoy your food or drink and have a good view of the beach, it's cozy and quiet. read more

Tacos Moreno - Shrimp tacos chips and salsa, guacamole - Tacos Near Me - Capitola, California

The corn quesadillas are amazing. I always get one veggie and one al pastor and they're just amazing. A little pricey but I got to say they are tasty AF. I have to admit though I get really annoyed that they don't answer their phone regularly. I like to call and order my food so that it's ready when I get there. They never answer the phone though. It's irritating. But the food is so amazing! read more

My brother and I decided to give this place a try. The place was empty when I arrived. I ordered take out and the girl at the front was nice and helpful enough. My brother got the taco salad and I got the shrimp burrito. He said his taco salad was okay but mostly lettuce. My shrimp burrito had shrimp that were not deveined I tried to eat it but it was gritty and unappetizing so I ended up throwing it out. Unfortunate, but I can't look past that. read more

The prices seemed different between the outside and inside menus. My "wet" burrito ($2 more) had enough sauce to fit on my plastic knife. (See photo). I pointed this out to the server who said she would not charge for "wet". The server (from King City) was friendly. The quesadilla was thin, flavorless, and sad. The super carnitas burrito was well-plated (cilanto, tomato, onion, cabbage, avocado slice were all separate), but the burrito itself was mostly beans and tortilla. The tortilla was thick- it was like naan. The amount of carnitas would easily fit into an easter egg. $26 for a burrito, quesadilla, and 2 cans of soda? Factor in a lack of salsa bar, no chips and salsa, indoor flies from open doors, and sodas by the can: no bueno. read more

Tacos Moreno - Well-plated... but this is "wet"?? - Tacos Near Me - Capitola, California

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The recommended getting the fish tacos. I got one shrimp and one fish tacos and totally regret getting the shrimp. The only take cash which can be inconvenient. read more

Tacos Moreno - Shrimp and fish tacos - Tacos Near Me - Capitola, California

Best Mexican food imaginable! Great selections, courteous, friendly service, reasonable prices!

Stopped in looking for tacos traditionales and was very pleased. Place was around the corner from where map app directed me, small, un-assuming. Not their fault that google maps is lame. When I walked in there was a sign on the counter that said no Lengua. That almost seemed like a bad thing. The proprietor told me he had a special beef in addition to the Pastor that he would recommend in place of the Lengua. I think it was a special Asada. Two tacos to go, and a Modelo during the short wait. Tacos came with fixings inside like pintos and great simmering sauce. Place is all business for Taco Eating. Beer drinking. read more

Tacos Moreno - Hardly made a dent in my beer before the tacos arrived. - Tacos Near Me - Capitola, California

The Al pastor was burnt to a crisp. First time I've been here in a year because that's what happened last two times. No change. Unacceptable and $14 for super burrito with burnt meat. I'm not trying a 4th time. Fool me three times. read more

I had the best burrito today. Supreme burrito with carnitas . The cabbage in the burritos is so good . The service is always great here the lady that works there is so helpful and accommodating. read more

Tacos Moreno - Tacos Near Me - Capitola, California

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Delicious. The birria meat is outstanding. The flavor was something I've never had before and it definitely lived up to my expectation. I got two regular birria tacos and they were really good. My buddy got an asada quesadilla and it was just okay. We definitely expected more in it, but it was just meat and cheese (it was also missing the beans that were supposed to come with it as stated on the menu). We were hopeful for some salsa or something in that sense, but again, it was just meat and cheese. I would definitely return and recommend this to a friend. It was delicious regardless that we thought it was missing something. The salsa they hand out with the meal has a really good flavor, so be sure to grab some if you get the chance. The restaurant was really clean and the lady at the counter was super friendly, overall a good experience. read more

my favorite breakfast burrito!! It's $11 for a great size burrito with potatoes and eggs and beans and bacon!! the service is great and definitely recommend it's CASH ONLY so keep that in mind if you visit! read more

Tacos Morenos doesn't have the same flavor as it did in the '80s and early '90s. I had a corn and oil quesadilla as I always have. What happened to the taste? It just isn't the same. I also had a Chili Verde regular burrito. Again, the flavor I'm accustomed to just wasn't there. I ended up only eating half of the burrito. I ordered chips and salsa and I was disappointed that they were greasy. Does Esteban still own it? I remember back when he opened it on Water St. I used to go there for lunch all the time. Or picked up something for dinner. So what happened to the flavor of the early days? I won't be going there again. :( I'm a big fan of Mijo's Taqueria in Capitola Village now. read more

Not sure what's going on with the extreme amount of red greasy "sauce" in both the burrito and quesadilla purchased. As well, service was semi rude. Maybe just a bad day for TM but had to chime in. C grade at best. read more

This place has the best carnitas and quesadillas!! I just wish they had one in Fort Lauderdale, FL! This is the best authentic Mexican food ever!! read more

Their carne asada burrito ‍ I highly recommend this place just make sure you bring cash.

The corn quesadillas are worth going out of your way for. Yummy hot salsa too. I haven't actually tried anything else over the years...

After a brief visit to the Capitola Mall and being turned off by the food options at the food court, he decided to stick to the original plan which was to have lunch here. I was excited because this marks the first time having lunch together - at a restaurant - w/ all the kids present. I was disappointed to see that this is a "cash only" establishment. I never have cash on me but since I was in the middle of a move, I happened to have some on me otherwise we would have to resort to paying a fee for pulling out cash from the ATM machine that they have. He ordered a nachos and 2 tacos. I ordered a taco (carne asada), a cheese quesadilla, a chicken taco salad, and a shrimp and rice burrito (for thy daughter). I think the total came up to $30 something which is incredibly cheap for the amount of food that was served. Tacos Moreno have a house sauce which I think is just "white people hot" but my guy seemed to enjoy it because he made a point in making sure we get some. Should I introduce him to either La Victoria's orange sauce or Iguana's orange sauce in San Jose? I think I will because we were skimming the Sharks' schedule and it looks like he can finally join in on the fun very soon. The game ends around 10PM; Mexican comfort delights before the drive back home seems like a solid plan! There is a water dispenser for those that do not believe in paying for water but quite honestly, after a taste of it, I can tell that it wasn't filtered OR I just need to get used to the taste of Santa Cruz water. There is a television mounted on the wall for your viewing pleasure and this past Sunday happened to be football. Our food arrived quite fast and I was pretty happy w/ my overall meal. He killed his 2 tacos. Between him and his daughter, about 50-60% of the nachos were consumed. My daughter enjoyed her burrito, the 2 little ones enjoyed the quesadilla, and I think my taco salad tasted quite bland even w/ the house sauce assistance. I did like the tortilla bowl! I think I subconsciously saved the carne asada taco for him to devour as his breakfast. That's what he did :) The tacos aren't the ones I am used to seeing and eating. These tacos are quite huge and looked very filling (beans, tomatoes, lettuce). I am very sad though to not see chilaquiles on their menu or carne asada fries. I'm sure we will be back to share more memories. read more

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The salsa/hot sauce was good. Overall it felt kinda sheisty. Carnitas were good but the cabbage didn't work.

If only there was a no star review I would be choosing that option. I have been going to Tacos Morenos since it opened on Water Street. I was so happy to see them expand The last two times have been beyond awful. The food was not made as requested and both times I made the mistake of getting the food to go so it was not possible to return the food. The tortilla in the burrito was burnt and not edible / both times I requested no cabbage and both times the included cabbage. The staff is either unable to follow this simple instruction correctly or they just don't care. It never ceases to amaze me when long standing business's rest on their past reputation and then feel that they no longer have to serve quality consistently good food. This last visit ends my association with this business. RIP Tacos Morenos - you just lost a long term customer. read more

Not the place to come for authentic tacos. The tacos are served with beans and topped with cabbage and diced tomatoes. Seemed like a mini version of their burritos but with corn tortilla. The meat didn't have any flavor (pastor and asada) $5.50 each, portion was great but just lacked on authenticity and flavor. read more