Cal Taco

Open

Closed

$

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

counter-service

4.3
Casual Mexican spot serving made-to-order tacos and burgers with a fresh salsa bar, popular for quick bites and filling monkey bowls.

$

$$

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counter-service

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📍

Cal Taco

Goleta

$

Fresh made-to-order tacos, burgers, and monkey bowls with a salsa bar in a casual setting. Enjoy quick service and family-friendly atmosphere.

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About
4.3
(
530
)

Cal Taco offers a casual dining experience with a focus on Mexican and American fare, featuring tacos, burgers, and generous monkey bowls. Guests benefit from fast service, an extensive salsa bar, and a lively atmosphere suitable for families, groups, and solo diners.

What to Expect:

    🌮 Made-to-order tacos and burger combos
    🍔 Notable items include the double burger and monkey bowl
    🍹 A salsa bar with fresh, house-made salsas
    ☕ Coffee, beer, and wine available

Important Information:

    Service style is counter service without table reservations
    Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM with weekday happy hours 2–5 PM
    Outdoor seating and accessible parking included

Haley's Pick 🍽️

You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.

Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.

The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.

Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.

It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.

– Haley @milehighandhungry
🔊
🔊
🔊

📍 Local Insights

🌯 Flavorful Monkey Bowls: The monkey bowl, available with your choice of meat, is a favorite filling dish popular among regulars.

🍔 Burgers Steal the Show: Despite being a Mexican restaurant, many recommend trying their notable burgers, especially the double burger.

🍹 Happy Hour Deals: Weekday happy hours run 2–5 PM Monday to Wednesday offering great value on drinks and snacks.

🅿️ Ample Parking: Free parking is usually easy to find in the lot and on nearby streets, making visits hassle-free.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

👉 Best For

Casual dining, families, groups, quick bites

Cal Taco

7320 Hollister Ave
,
Goleta
,
CA
93117

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Cal Taco is widely praised for its generous portions, fresh salsas, and friendly staff, with particular acclaim for their burgers and monkey bowls. Some guests express frustration over extra service fees and occasional customer service issues, but many appreciate the spot's value and atmosphere.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

Go For

The Selection

Accommodations

Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Beef Tacos, Turkey Burger, Cheeseburger, Monkey Bowl, Steak Fries, Zucchini Sticks, Onion Rings, Salsa Bar, Breakfast Burritos

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit late mornings or early afternoons on weekdays for a quicker, less busy experience. Weekday happy hours offer extra value. Saturdays get busy midday.
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