California Tacos & More

Monday, May 7, 2018

California Taco and More

3235 California Street, Omaha, NE

Where we went:

To make up for our Cinco de Mayo debacle (going out for tacos so late that everywhere that wasn’t fast food was either too full to order or had already stopped serving food), we decided to go to one of our favorite taco places, California Taco and More.

California Taco has a variety of great Mexican food, but the reason everyone goes is for their, locally famous, California Taco.

What we Eat:

This time Eric and Kyle both ordered basically the same thing, the California Taco (of course). Eric got chicken and Kyle got ground beef. We also shared a side of flower chips which are always so light and fluffy. Be careful with the chips, however, you won’t realize how many you are eating and they will fill you up fast. The tacos themselves are large, so you need to save room.

The Food:

The famous California Taco is made up of a hand made, lightly fried, flour tortilla that is warm and fluffy. Only the freshest meat and vegetables are place inside this delicious shell. Let me tell you what, you sure get your money’s worth when ordering a Cali. Taco.

Normally Kyle would also order a side of rice and beans to go with his taco, but tonight he chose to skip the sides and order two tacos at once!

The Atmosphere:

There isn’t much to say about the atmosphere at California Taco. It is a very casual dinner where you order at the counter. If you sit in the main room you can even see into the kitchen and watch your food be made. However, what Cali. Taco lacks in atmosphere, it makes up for in location. The corner of 32 and California Streets may seem tucked away to a visitor, but it is located in one of the most densely populated areas in Omaha. It is within walking distance from Creighton University, Mutual of Omaha and bustling Midtown Crossing, just west of Downtown. Cali. Taco can become quite hopping during their rush hours, luckily we made it in before it got too busy.

It is also located right next door to Omaha’s SNAP/Shleterbelt Theater a single theater building housing two great community theaters. California Taco is required dining for many who are planning to catch a live play or musical at the theater.

Just beware, it is street parking only in this neighborhood, so you might have to walk a few blocks from your car, but the trek will be will worth it.

The Service:

Like our previous locations, Cali. Taco, is a diner where you order at the counter, get a number and they will bring your food to you. They also have a small vegetable bar so you can add more of your favorite toppings if you wish. The only complaint I have ever had with California Taco is that their soda machine seems to either give too much, or not enough, carbonation, not sure why that can’t get that fixed. But this is just a small nit pick for an otherwise great experience.

In the End:

California Taco is a staple in Omaha’s food scene, I have yet to meet a local who either hasn’t been to California Taco or who hasn’t liked California Taco.

California Taco is also our first stop that was featured on the Food Network’s hit series Diners, Drive In’s and Dives. Check out the video to see for yourself how the California Taco is made!

BONUS:

After we finished our tacos, we went for a little walk to enjoy the warm spring weather Omaha had been experiencing. On the way home we decided we were hungry enough to grab some desert. We stopped by Petro’s Restaurant, a place that is on our list for a future visit. Kyle got the Mississippi Mud Pie and Eric got the Brownie Sundae. Kyle had never had the desert at Petro’s before, he was blown away and can’t wait to go back.