Taqueria Santa Cruz Express

Review by: Miranda Cilfone & Kris Masilamani

Downtown San Luis Obispo is a place with a variety of Cal Poly student eats and traditional local favorites. When we saw a line out the door of a Mexican restaurant called Taqueria Santa Cruz Express, we knew we were in for a treat. A large menu board and open kitchen greet customers at the takeout counter. Seats are inside or outdoors in the sun at a sidewalk seating area.

After ordering an array of Cal-Mex classics, we waited outside with complimentary chips, free salsa samples and large a horchata. There is a salsa choice for every preference, from mild salsa verde to hot cucumber and all the way to extra-hot habanero. The chips and salsas are both refillable; and you’ll want to go back for more Horchata after you taste how refreshingly smooth it is: so good with spicy Mexican food.

If tacos are your go-to, you will be impressed by any made here. Each double corn tortilla is piled with a choice of either fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option of rice and beans. The fish and chicken are diced and seasoned to be flavorful with just the right amount of grill-top grease. Minimal additional toppings make the flavors come through strong. Even the vegetarian taco has a delightful balanced flavor.

Burritos are the meal highlight. The California veggie option is is stuffed with rice and beans as well as cheese, colorful peppers, and other veggies packed into a fluffy flour tortilla. The Cal Poly burrito follows the same concept but includes a protein of your choice; and it gets slathered and baked in green sauce and cheese. Sour cream and guacamole served on the side completes this fine Mexican dish. The guac is insanely fresh, plentiful, and a fantastic compliment to any menu item.

Head over to Taqueria Santa Cruz Express in downtown San Luis Obispo if you’re looking for a filling and flavorful Mexican lunch or dinner.

What To Eat

Cal Poly Burrito

DISH
Chicken or Fish Taco

DISH
Veggie Taco

DISH
California Veggie Burrito

DISH
Chips and Salsa

DISH
Guacamole

DISH
Horchata

DISH

Taqueria Santa Cruz Express Recipes

Discuss

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