the best mexican food near me and the staff are so kind! I could not recommend this place enough to others. I usually order takeout but i love the vibes inside aswell, very comfortable and had a pleasant vibe to it! read more

Food is average. Not really authentic and meats are dry. Fast service most of the time

My wife works near the providence RI shop so we decided to have her bring home a few tacos for dinner one night, they were horrible, tasteless and did not have all the toppings ie; sour cream, the meat was tasteless and the soft shell was stale. Never again ! read more

So I placed an ASAP order for pickup and it took 45 minutes. This was disappointing because that's way too long for the items I order. Either way after waiting I got my food and it was I correct. I ordered a Soft Supreme Taco that was supposed to come with all the fixings. However it was messy and just had lettuce and tomato. Mind you it's extra money for all the other toppings so that was annoying. The taco ended up being really dry. I also ordered nachos and those were surprisingly good. The shrimp is baby baby shrimp, so small. I appreciate that they don't change you extra for shrimp/gosh. I'm not sure that I would return but it wasn't a horrible experience. If I come back it would only be for the nachos. read more

California Taco Shop - Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all

it became over priced after a while, doesn't taste good as it used to back when they first opened....still a better option than taco bell however there are better alternatives or restaurants out there now. read more

Soo delicious! Greatest nachos ive had in a long time. The ambiance was so cute too, and i love that they have locations everywhere.

I ordered a taco salad at the location in Johnston yesterday. Got a rice and bean bowl with a little lettuce and pico on top. I was not happy but decided to give them another chance. Today I visited their location in Providence. I was very specific about what I wanted, taco salad. No rice or beans and very little meat. I wanted a salad. When I got home I discovered a bowl of meat with very little lettuce and cheese and pico on top. I called to complain and was told that there was nothing they could do because that's how they make their taco salad. Needless to say I will not go back. So beware, if you try to make modifications, they will do what they want, customer be damned. read more

When I walked in, it was super busy, which made me think it was going to be AMAZING. There was no parking, so I circled around the neighborhood for 5-10 minutes just to find parking. The place itself looks well put together. The staff was okay, not out of the way friendly, but not rude either. There weren't a lot of places to sit while I waited for my food, but hey, what are you gonna do? I ordered a few tacos - I thought they would be pretty big and filling. WRONG! They were very tiny, but for around $2 they're pretty good. I just wish they were bigger though. I feel like I've had better tasting tacos in the past, but this is definitely a place to come to if you want something small and affordable. read more

Changing my review from 3 stars to 1. I would give LESS if I could. This is the worst location. I make an order over the phone, repeat it to ensure it's accurate and not once, but THREE times it's messed up. I say no tomatoes on the burrito so then I just get rice and beans and no other toppings on any other parts of my $35 order. THIRD time it's happening. I am NOT one to complain I know how hard food industry workers work. But you know what!?? I WORK HARD TOO and at this point it's over $100 in WRONG ORDERS!!! I called to let them know it's an ongoing issue and they offer for ME TO DRIVE BACK THERE and get a replacement burrito? My WHOLE ORDER IA WRONG FOR THE THIRD TIME!!!!! And then I ask nicely if I can just have money back for THIS order and she said I can drive there for a damn 20% off ...coupon? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! Horrible HORRIBLE food and horrible service !!! I attached a picture of my "extra steak, extra cheese burrito"..... it's legit a pile of lettuce. Even the "salad" it came with is a damn pile of lettuce. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE!!!!! read more

California Taco Shop - Mexican Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Meat tends to be dry, nothing really all that special. Got food poisoning from their queso.

I'm going to save you some time, worst food I have ever try, I paid almost 40 dollars to eat trash, the burrito if you can call it that. Extra small super dry . I ask for a refund when I saw how small it was, I was told they don't do refunds . lol bad costumer service, go to Taco Bell read more

California Taco Shop - Super small burrito. For 10.75 lol - Mexican Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all

Great Mexican food. Hard shell Tacos have so much meat in them. Steak nachos are the best I've ever had. Soft Tacos are amazing. Why would anyone go to Taco Bell when California Taco is open? Better food than Taco Bell with similar prices. read more

If "pretty good is good enough" is the bar you've set for your taco experience, then this might be a place to check out. If, however, you're looking for better, then. drive on by. On a street where there is a taco shop or Mexican restaurant on every corner, you're sure to find something better than this CTS. Just a few notes bringing down my score: - the service was slow despite being 1/3 full - the tacos themselves were relatively tasteless - both my wife's (carnitas) and my tacos (grilled chicken) had pieces of shrimp in them. Huh? how is that even possible? - the chips were also not flavorful nor particular fresh tasting read more

Had passed this place a bunch when I lived here and never gone. On my visit I did and was not dissapointed. Good service. Straightforward food. Got 3 tacos and a burrito. And a coke. Ordered the tacos with the meat and onion + cilantro. Burrito had everything but sour cream. read more

California Taco Shop - Mexican Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all

I feel like I'm home!!! Yes yes yes!!! This is what I have been missing for months since we moved out here from San Diego. Dare I say it almost taste just like albertacos?!?!? From the minute we walked into this place we knew it was going to be good. There's something very distinct about a legit California style Mexican restaurant and this place had it. We laughed a little bit at the menu since some of the wording had been altered for more east coast people, street tacos were soft tacos, carne asada is just listed as steak. But beyond that it's as legit as it can get. It's been so long since I have had a true street taco or a horchata. We were slightly overwhelmed by the menus but only because there were so many things we wanted. We live about an hour away from here and I can say in the 4 days it's been since we went we have actually had to stop ourselves from driving back just for burritos. We can't wait to go back!! read more

See all

Went there for lunch. The place is very basic, lots of colorful decorations. You order at the counter and then sit down. They will bring your order to you. I ordered the Bisteck Encebollado (Grilled flank steak with grilled onions). It came with salad, rice, refried beans and a few chips. It was very good. Nicely seasoned and lots of it... My friend got the Breakfast Burrito with Steak and he loved it. Kind of funky atmosphere, kind of divey, but definitely good food at cheap prices. Most items are under $10. read more

Wow, really good. Only had tacos and a torta (one of my favorite dishes) so far, but both were great. Nine of us got takeout last night and everyone was really pleased. Lots of flavor, and I enjoyed the hot sauce that came on the side. I was also glad it came on the side, as the kids didn't have any complaints about spiciness. Some got the combo taco plates that looked great. I know they came with rice, not sure about beans. The menu is sizable, and I noticed things that I'll have to try next time. Now I've never been to Mexico, but this is what authentic Mexican tastes like to me. I'm not sure what the people writing the negative reviews of some of RI's great Mexican places are looking for. My only complaint, no goat. read more

This place is legit, I have heard that it's pretty good here had to try it out. I see some bad reviews about service, it was not the case for me. Two young girls taking orders, very polite, informative and fast. Got the 2 taco combination. (fish tacos) first of all the price was right $6.99. Comes with two large tacos, fish tasted delicious with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and tarter sauce. Also came with beans , rice, and salad also delicious. Good size portions. My only complaint is that it's called California taco and I didn't see anything Baja style which i was hoping to try some baja style fish tacos. Also the place needs a bit of an update and parking seems like it could be a problem, it is located on a corner of a busy intersection. I would definitly recommend this place and I will be coming back again very soon! read more

California Taco Shop - Menu part deux - Mexican Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all

Delicious dinner as always. We got the California sampler, an al pastor burrito, 2 $1 tacos all for $31. There's so much food, we still have the burrito, some of the chimichanga and 2 tacos left. The food tonight was delicious and the only reason for the missing star is the $1 tacos are always hit or miss and I am not a huge fan of the rice and beans--they seem bland and not what I think of when I think of spanish rice, but that seems to be how they make it in Rhode island, so until it becomes more constantly always good I think will 4 stars suffice. read more

The fried Oreos are amazing. They are worth the drive alone. If you have not had them before try them from here you will not be disappointed. We have also tried the Churros as well and loved them. This is the only california taco shop that has a ton of dessert options. read more

California Taco Shop - Mexican Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

California Taco meat had big chunks of uncooked meat and no flavor. Rice was hard and tasteless and chicken quesadilla was mostly cheese. If you want a real taco shop you belong at Poco Loco where it's always good, fresh and served promptly! Too bad Poco was closed today, this was a learning experience! Will not return. read more

I never thought I'd delve any deeper into Olneyville for Mexican food with favorites Chilangos and El Rancho Grande nearby...but coupons have a magical way of getting me to try new places. On the plus side- I ordered the largest burrito I've ever seen...a 2.5 pound monster burrito with rice, beans, guac and both steak and chicken. Aside from being nearly impossible to eat (and at least 2 meals) the chicken was dry and could have used some hot sauce or something. We also tried a sampler plate with taco roll-ups, enchiladas, etc. Everything was generally underwhelming. I don't know how authentic this place is....maybe authentic Californian. Pretty pedestrian fare, but at least they have generous portions. If you want to feed three people with a single burrito the size of your head for $9 then by all means get over to California Taco Shop! read more

California Taco Shop - 2.5 pound MONSTER burrito - Mexican Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

3.5 overall. All the California taco shops have good tasting tacos and good service, but they also give less meat and other fillings than other taco places I frequent more often in the area and the pricing is average. A good choice for tacos in the area tho. read more

California Taco Shop - Mexican Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

The California taco shop is now trying to charge customers extra for running a credit card. But they want to state that it's a 3.95 % discount if you use cash. When it's actually a credit card charge. This is a greedy business practice that should not be allowed. It is illegal in Massachusetts as it should be in Rhode Island. Everyone should consider every other restaurant they go to and no one ever passes down their business expense to the customer. read more

Oh my god this place is amazing and has evolved so much from the hole in the wall that it once was five years ago. The menu has so many options and the food is delicious. The food is pretty authentic in my opinion and a lot of local people go here. You really cannot beat the prices or the specials that they offer. I really haven't found a spot like this that I enjoy as much in Boston. I found the ladies who work there to be really nice. Just a heads up the neighborhood is a bit rougher around the edges so just keep that in mind :) Everything tastes good! read more

BEST TACO SALAD AROUND!! Literally can't beat the prices and the quality of the food. My favorite go to Mexican spot when I want a quick pick up :) read more

Great food, have been to here a few times. The place could be a little less rude with their service. One waiter (male, forgot his name) was too busy checking every girl who walked in (about 4) and was completely ignoring my husbands order as well as mine. To top it off, he completely skipped another couple waiting patiently to then go take the girls orders. On a separate occasion, one of the girls behind counter stopped mid order to answer a phone call & talk to another employee. Again, great food...manager just needs to reinforce customer service to all employees. read more

The food might be ok but the Customer service blows, sucks and is very unprofessional, your order takers or what ever you want to call them should be trained on at least being more cordial and a little bit nicer, real sh**y service, I asked one simple question and I even did it in Spanish and got the worst attitude and answers posible, never coming back here again! Don't bother go to Taco Bell you'll spend less and might get less but you get what you pay for, one star is way too much, watch out with Joseline she's a spicy one, in a bad way ‍‍‍ read more

Okay, I wasn't expecting this, but the food here is actually AMAZING. My favorite is the nacho fries - I have no idea how they get the fries sooo crispy with all those toppings! They are spectacular! This place never disappoints. read more

Always love going here! I like to try different taco places around and this is by far my favorite and have yet to find tacos I enjoy more. The food is always consistent and ready fast and super affordable. One of my favorites. Steak quesadilla is amazing too! read more

My order is always correct , and the food is always amazing ! I always want Cali tacos lol

I am from San Diego (born and bred) and have been on a mission since I moved to Rhode Island to find real, San Diego style, authentic Mexican food. I had just about given up - having tried so many of the places here and always being disappointed by the lack of flavor, lack of spice and most importantly lack of my favorite dishes - Carne Asada Fries (French fries topped with chopped up carne Asada, sour cream, guacamole, and cheese drowned in hot sauce) and California burritos (carne Asada, french fries, sour cream, guacamole,pico de gallo). Then I found this place. My first thought was "California taco shop? Yeah right." But boy was I wrong. I walk in, found exactly what I was looking for on the menu, and had a feast!! HALLELUJAH!!!! the tastes took me straight back to Cali. Turns out the family that owns it came here from San Diego - saw the lack of real good San Diego style Mexican and decided to open shop. Needless to say - I will be going back again and again.... read more

Solid, authentic Mexican food all around. After eating at every last taco truck, tacqueria, cantina and hole in the wall between San Francisco and San Diego, this is as close as you are going to get without making the 5 hour plane trip to Cali. They use the Northern CA style on most burritos (sour cream, cheese and lettuce) but you can ask for the San Diego style (rice, beans, meat and salsa). I had the burrito carne asada and camarones (w/ rice, onion, green pepper and shredded cheese) with a side of hot salsa - tons of flavor! Excellente! The prices ($6 for a regular burrito) are some of the best in Providence, it's clean, the ingredients are prepared fresh and parking is easy. Will be back very soon! read more

As a California native, I've been craving some legit Mexican food. I'm so glad I found this place. Must get: California Burrito: Chunks of carne asada and french fries with cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo. What else do you need? Carne Asada Fries: The above in nacho form with more goodness. Horchata: The best I've had in Providence They also have $1 tacos. Get these instead of the regular tacos. This version is simpler with more meat to tortilla ratio. read more

Ok so it took me four visits to try something new. In my opinion if it ain't broke don't fix it. Especially when it comes to my food! The Carne Asda burritos are delicious! Get a nice big burrito for 5.50. With more flavor and ingredients than chipotle. I tried the Carne Asada soft tacos... *wiping drool* yes can you see a pattern? I love my steak haha... Finally I devoured the shrimp tacos with a soft shell! Amazballz! I think I know what is for lunch tomorrow. They probably are sick of seeing me... Not my money though. Tacos are 1.99 unless you want just the meat and they are a dollar. Yeah good cheap eating! The shrimp are not the jumbo shrimp they are the small ones not baby or salad shrimp. However they are devined and grilled and have great flavor especially with the onions cilantro salsa fresca lettuce tomatos and hot sauce! read more

See all

The bumbling front staff at California Taco Shop won't win any awards for customer service. For example, sometimes it takes them a few tries to get your order correct. Also, if you are eating in, you can (usually) count on your server needing to be gently nudged a few times to bring you that beverage you ordered. However, if you have a saintly level of patience, you may eventually find yourself enjoying some tasty Mexi-Cali fare at a very reasonable price. The chorizo, charro, and shrimp tacos are quite delicious. The burritos are stuffed with plentiful goodness (the Carne Asada burrito is a winner), and the enchiladas will fulfill your gooey cheese cravings. Bottom line: Inexpensive, yummy Mexican food but occasionally inept service. read more

I will start off with the good: the beef tacos are delicious tender and tasty. I also liked the rice and beans you can get as a add on. The bad: the chicken in the chicken tacos is not very good. It had a weird taste of old chicken. The atmosphere of this place is not very awesome either, I get that it's a Mexican restaurant but it would be nice if at least one TV could be in English and we didn't have to eat off paper plates BUT typical of a take out. Will know to get take out next time. The ugly: the fish tacos... Don't do it! read more

California Taco Shop is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The food is authentic, and the menu is hardly in English. That's how you know it's going to be great mexican food. I stop by at least once a week for the taco plate, which is a steal for the portion you get. If you're looking for simple, delicious, and authentic mexican food...you will love California Taco. read more

Excellent my favorite one! Food is always fresh!! Cannot beat the price. Dollar tacos ill take 10! Highly reccomended. All of the other restaurants are awesome as well :) i feel bad for you if youve never had a california taco, or the nachos. The hot sauce is out of this world so always get extra :) read more

So difficult to rate this place. The food is absolutely amazing but the service is pretty stinkin' bad. Very unorganized and whoever answers the phone never has a clue of whats going on or whats on the menu. Expect a few mess ups with your order if you're calling for pick up. Love fish tacos?! Theirs are the tits. However, twice now I have received salmon in replace of the fried white fish. Salmon?! That's not even close to white fish! I've also received black beans instead of the refried beans (pinto) twice as well. IMO, in both instances, the customer should know of any changes to the menu. Also, if calling for pick up, make sure to specifically ask if they have fish available, other wise you may show up to get your order and be told that they don't have any fish. Information that could have been useful prior to showing up in front of their cash register... P.S. Deep fried chicken burrito is my new love. No mess ups yet! 5 stars for food (pending it's actually correct) 1 star for service. read more