American Angler
Sep 19, 2026"Tacos Moreno sure put out some great tacos! Maybe the best in the Monterey Bay area, Santa Cruz for sure! I'll stop here for Tacos every time in in town it's a guaranteed a 5 experience!"
The restaurant offers wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating, along with free parking and restrooms for convenience. Popular dishes include the...
4.5 / 5
Guest rating
622
Reviews
Mexican Restaurant
Cuisine
$10 to $20
Price level
Closes at 8:00 PM
Tacos Moreno is a longstanding Mexican restaurant located on Water Street in Santa Cruz, California. Known for its cash-only counter service, this spot specializes in Mexican staples like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Visitors can expect a casual, cozy atmosphere popular with college students and tourists alike.
Meals typically range between $10 and $20, with quick service suited for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. The menu features a variety of meats, vegetarian options, and local specialties such as carne asada and lengua. Dining options include takeout and dine-in seating without table service.
The restaurant offers wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating, along with free parking and restrooms for convenience. Popular dishes include the Meat on Tacos, Birria Quesadilla, and Veggie Burrito, accompanied by house-made salsa and fresh toppings.
Grouped by category - each group lists what's available and what isn't at Tacos Moreno.
When Tacos Moreno is open during the week.
Closes at 8:00 PM
What recent guests say after dining at Tacos Moreno.
Based on 622 guest reviews
American Angler
Sep 19, 2026"Tacos Moreno sure put out some great tacos! Maybe the best in the Monterey Bay area, Santa Cruz for sure! I'll stop here for Tacos every time in in town it's a guaranteed a 5 experience!"
Jennifer Rubio
Sep 12, 2026"The food at Tacos Moreno is amazing! 4 simple things on the menu and the carne asada supreme tacos with beans on top is 10/10."
Melissa R.
Sep 10, 2026"A local classic! Probably the most unique taqueria in town, and everything is delicious! Especially the salsa. Go hungry, bring cash, no regrets"
kch. writer
Sep 06, 2026"Had the Burrito Supreme Al Pastor and it was hands-down the best! Loved the cabbage in it instead of soggy lettuce. The beans and the beans were cooked so well. Fresh! Fast! The salsa that's given on the side was delicious! Go here! To tick off the authentic Mexican burrito that you're looking for while in Santa Cruz."
Answers to common questions about Tacos Moreno help visitors plan their visit.
The restaurant features traditional Mexican dishes including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and various meats like carne asada, lengua, and carnitas, with vegetarian options available.
Yes, the location includes a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating to accommodate guests with mobility needs.
Payments are cash-only, so visitors should plan accordingly. An ATM may be available nearby but is not guaranteed.
Reservations are not accepted, as the restaurant operates with counter service and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Takeout is available, but delivery is not offered. Dine-in seating is also available without table service.
The location is good for kids and provides high chairs to accommodate families dining with young children.
Free parking is provided both in a lot and on the street near the restaurant for convenient access.
Service is typically fast, with most guests spending about 15 minutes during their visit.