Tacos El Chuy — Restaurant in Santa Cruz

Overhyped & Underdelivering

I’ve given this taco truck three chances. The first two visits were decent in terms of food, but the poor customer service has been consistent and my last experience sealed the deal.

The owner comes across as unwelcoming, almost as if you’re bothering him. There’s a self-service kiosk, but no clear signage for pick-up vs. to-go orders, which can be confusing. On my most recent visit, I’d ordered ahead to avoid the long line, yet stood off to the side unsure where to pick up. This is when I came to the realization that others are just as confused on where to order or pick up. I think the reason many people enjoy this spot is because they’re drunk from the brewery or wine tasting and don’t know any better. So when I tried to politely get the attention of “Chuy,” I barely got the words “excuse me…” out before he cut me off with an irritated, “I’m making food!” It was dismissive, embarrassing, and completely unnecessary.

Thankfully, another employee finally helped me, but by then the damage was done and to make matters worse, my order wasn’t even good this time. Between the rude treatment, lack of organization, and mediocre food, I won’t be returning or recommending this spot. In a small town food scene, customer service matters just as much as flavor, and this place is coasting on hype rather than hospitality.

The Real Taco is right around the corner from here and offers better...

I ordered 3 quesabirrias from DoorDash. Didn't try anything else as that was really all that looked good. Came with consume and 3 salsas - Roja, spicy Verde and creamy mild Verde. The tacos were very very small 😕 and super greasy unfortunately. One of them had a very large piece of fat that took up most of the taco. They were nice and cheesy though and came with a lot of fresh onion cilantro & lime on the side. Beef was pretty flavorful. Consume had no flavor at all and I didn't even use it. Salsas were okay. I mixed the spicy & mild Verde with lime and it was good. Roja was too bitter. Overall ok but won't order again. I was not full even a little bit after and I do not have a big appetite. I would have needed at least 1 or 2 more...

LACKS FLAVOR, OVER PRICED, BASIC. I got a chicken burrito and when I tell you it's worse than chipotle I MEAN IT. It was leaking the moment I got it. When I opened the burrito it wasn't even wrapped and fell apart everywhere. Had little to no flavor. White rice has more flavor. The entire menu is OVER PRICED for poorly made food. Guacamole and chips is 8$, burritos are almost $13 not $11. Rice is as white as me. Beans are under cooked. Not worth it

People were nice, food came out fast.

DON'T EAT HERE ITS NOT WORTH IT LITERALLY GO...