Tacoz California — Restaurant in Cedar Falls

I’m giving 3 stars because “A for effort”. The food does taste great, granted you do not get a lot for how high their prices are. Plus the combos only come with one side. The employees are meh. The biggest reason I’m rating it mid is because we ordered a California hot dog ($6!) and the menu states it comes with a jalapeño. Tell me WHY these clowns put a SERRANO on there instead? How they could even confuse those two peppers working in a place that serves this genre of cuisine is beyond me. I’m glad I could tell the difference because if I hadn’t I would have been in a lot of pain. For the readers that don’t know, a Serrano is significantly hotter than a jalapeño. Any customer that doesn’t know that or recognize the difference is going to be in for a big surprise, so watch out for that if you order it. I wish I would’ve taken a picture. We’ll stick with La Placita on 4th across from Kings & Queens. 😆

Edit to add in response to the owner: I would have confronted someone about the pepper issue on my hotdog but as I mentioned staff were “meh” and not very approachable. Additionally it’s incredibly off putting that the owner only responds to negative reviews and complains on the Facebook page about other taco shops in the area serving the same exact food as if this place/owner invented street tacos and no other place in the world is allowed to sell them. It’s very clear the owner does not handle constructive criticism well so unless you’re leaving a 5/5 review be ready to be met with hostility and a defensive demeanor.

Edit to add a 2nd time in response to owner: Calm down you’re literally proving my point every single time...

Quesabirria taco and Ramen combo was one of the best dishes I have had in the Cedar Valley. The flavors were spot on, the perfect amount of cilantro, onion, and cheese. The outside was crispy, but still soft, without being soggy. This is even more impressive since I ordered it for take out and ate at airbnb. The ramen was great. The noodles cooked well, again without getting overcooked and mushy. Everything was packed perfectly and survived the drive without any spills or leaks. I am in my vehicle more often than not, so those little details matter. The servers/counter guys were friendly, helpful, and quick. They pointed out the counter menu to another patron who seemed to be struggling to decide and/or read the menu. It was a great way to keep the line moving in a helpful, non rushy way. With everywhere being short staffed, it is nice to see a worker doing that little bit extra. Food was quick. The price was very reasonable, in my opinion. Each meal was $15.99?($54.54 total for 3) and included 3 tacos, bowl sized portion of ramen with lots of meat and cheese in it, and a glass bottle soda. We got 3 orders to feed two of us and to have leftovers for our weekend here, but realized it was almost too much food. One meal can feed two, but you won't want to share! And last but not least. The atmosphere.....it was simple, but very decorative at the same time. There were no bulky booths or the run of the mill southwest decor. There were bright paintings behind the counter and on a few other walls, lots of tables and chairs and bar stool/counter seat and what looks like an area for private events(?). Great spot for great...

A few friends had mentioned this place had recently opened and the food was amazing.

They are correct. We ordered the sausage and chicken tacos, shrimp tacos, sopes with chicken, and an order of the mild street corn.

The sausage and chicken tacos had a nice slice and grease from the sausage that complemented the meaty chicken well. Fresh cilantro and white onion to top.

The shrimp tacos were juicy and the slaw was crisp and refreshing.

Sopes…absolutely delicious. Great crunch, chewy inside. The mashed corn taste mixed with the pinto beans gave it a great earthiness. And it was topped with chicken, lettuce, and sour cream. Really hard to beat.

The corn was fresh and tasty, but did not stand out as much as the rest of the meal. I might try the hot version next time.

There was a large line but service was fast and friendly. It took maybe 15-20 minutes to get our food on Valentine’s Day night which seemed reasonable given volume of customers.

A few things to note. -The menu is listed above the register but I did not see copies elsewhere (or on their Facebook page but that could be pending or I could just be missing it!). QR codes linked to the menu could be a good idea for them moving forward.

-You can pay with card, but tips are cash only.

-Check their Facebook page to ensure they are open when you want to go. Being a newer place with high volume, there are times when food runs out and hours might vary. Hopefully that will change in time.

Overall I would highly recommend checking them out. Authentic Mexican street food at reasonable prices with fast...