I was on a lunch break from work today, my route was in Santa Cruz and asked google for the nearest Taco Spot. It recommended me this place. Very nice corner spot and great seating area. I ordered 1 Al Pastor taco and 1 asada quesadilla just to try out the food quality. Honestly the meat was absolutely delicious!!!! Their meat is very well seasoned and the tortilla for my taco is made by hand or how we say in Spanish “Tortillas hechas a mano.” Absolutely fire 🔥 Told the owner “Memo” that his food was absolutely delicious 🤤 and definitely coming back for more when I’m in the area next time! Definitely worth the money if you want quality tacos & burritos, and no more
Taco Bell for me 🙅♂️ hahahaha
FF
Frank
Oct 12, 2025
2.0
Not impressed by this food truck based on the 4.6 rating which led me here, I was raised by an excellent Mexican cook and this was not it, the Birria burrito was about 60/70% rice, I literally forked it out and noticed the skimpy meat portions, birria was not sauced up, on the dry side, green avocado salsa was salty, I also ordered the rolled tacos (flautas) and thought it was probably one of the crispiest but also very bland paired with the salty green sauce, next time I'll grab some tacos if there is a next time. If you do happen to order a burrito ask them for light rice, and extra meat, I paid close to $40, kind of upsets me when I think about it, do better please.
TH
Tim Howard
Oct 4, 2025
5.0
Really good, Chicken Flautas were awesome
NZ
Nick Zambeck
Sep 18, 2025
5.0
The Real Taco is Santa Cruz’s best kept secret. In a crowed arena of great authentic Mexican cuisine, I repeatedly come back to the food truck on Mission and Laurel for the best Quesabirrias and fish tacos I’ve ever had. The customer service is great, food is consistently great and there’s nothing bad to say about this humble food truck.
MM
Mark Mapes
Sep 8, 2025
5.0
Great burrito, definitely would go there again. We are from out of town, took a chance. This was definitely a thumbs up pick
The Real Taco is open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Does The Real Taco offer delivery and in-store pickup services?
Yes, The Real Taco offers both in-store pickup and delivery services.
What types of food does The Real Taco serve?
The Real Taco serves Mexican cuisine including tacos, burritos, and Mexican tortas, and offers vegetarian options as well.
Where is The Real Taco located?
The Real Taco is located at 1204 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA.
How can I view the menu or place an order online from The Real Taco?
You can view the menu and place an order online at https://therealtacosantacruz.com/menu.
What is the price range of The Real Taco?
The Real Taco has a price range classified as TWO, indicating moderate pricing.
Is The Real Taco open for takeout and what are the takeout hours?
Yes, The Real Taco is open for takeout Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is closed for takeout on Tuesdays.
What nearby restaurants could I visit along with The Real Taco?
You could visit nearby restaurants such as Copal, a Mexican restaurant and wine bar, Primal Santa Cruz, and Sabieng Thai Cuisine for Asian flavors.
Are there any nearby beaches close to The Real Taco to visit before or after your meal?
Yes, Pescadero State Beach is nearby, offering a relaxing spot to enjoy before or after dining at The Real Taco.
What nearby services and amenities are close to The Real Taco that customers might find useful?
Nearby services include Western Union for money transfers, Mission Dry Cleaners for laundry and alterations, and 505 A Spa for massage and beauty treatments.