Bartaco’s small plates approach means you can sample several items without a huge bill, and that’s exactly why so many people search for the bartaco menu with prices before they go. You want to know what you’re getting into, and how much it’ll cost, before you sit down. This article breaks down the entire menu, item by item, with real prices and practical tips to help you order smart.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, understanding the menu structure saves you time and money. Bartaco keeps things simple: tacos, sides, bowls, and drinks. But the details matter. Let’s get into it.
Bartaco Menu With Prices: Full Breakdown
This is your complete guide to every section of the menu. We’ll cover tacos, sides, bowls, desserts, and drinks. Prices are based on current averages across multiple locations, but they can vary slightly by city. Always check your local restaurant for exact numbers.
Tacos: The Core Of The Menu
Tacos are the star here. Each taco is served on a small corn tortilla with fresh toppings. You order by the taco, not by the plate. Most people order 3-4 tacos for a meal. Here’s the lineup with prices.
- Chicken Verde – $4.25. Shredded chicken with salsa verde, crema, and pickled onions. Mild and tangy.
- Baja Fish – $4.75. Beer-battered cod with cabbage slaw and chipotle mayo. A classic.
- Spicy Shrimp – $5.25. Grilled shrimp with chili oil, avocado, and lime. Has a real kick.
- Pork Belly – $5.00. Crispy pork belly with pickled jalapeños and cilantro. Rich and savory.
- Steak – $5.50. Grilled skirt steak with chimichurri and radish. Simple and good.
- Cauliflower – $4.00. Roasted cauliflower with almond crema and pomegranate. Vegan friendly.
- Portobello – $4.25. Grilled portobello with truffle oil and goat cheese. Earthy and fancy.
- Duck – $5.75. Confit duck with pickled cherries and cilantro. Seasonal and rich.
Pro tip: Mix and match. You can order any combination. The menu doesn’t force you into sets. If you want three different tacos, go for it.
Sides And Small Plates
Sides are meant to share or add to your meal. Portions are small, like the tacos. Prices range from $3.50 to $7.00. Here’s what you’ll find.
- Guacamole – $6.50. Freshly made with lime and cilantro. Comes with chips.
- Street Corn – $5.00. Grilled corn with cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder. Messy but worth it.
- Black Beans – $3.50. Simple, seasoned black beans. Good for filling up.
- Rice – $3.50. Cilantro-lime rice. Light and fluffy.
- Plantains – $4.75. Fried sweet plantains with crema. Sweet and salty.
- Queso Fundido – $7.00. Melted cheese with chorizo and tortillas. Very rich.
If you’re hungry, order the queso fundido and street corn. They’re the most popular sides. The guacamole is solid, but you can skip it if you want to save money.
Bowls And Salads
Bowls are a newer addition. They’re bigger than tacos and work as a full meal. Prices are higher, but you get more food. Here are the options.
- Chicken Bowl – $10.50. Rice, black beans, chicken, salsa, and crema. Filling and balanced.
- Baja Bowl – $11.00. Rice, black beans, fish, cabbage slaw, and chipotle mayo. Like the taco in bowl form.
- Veggie Bowl – $9.50. Rice, black beans, roasted vegetables, and avocado. Vegan friendly.
- Steak Bowl – $12.00. Rice, black beans, steak, chimichurri, and radish. Hearty option.
Bowls are a good choice if you want something more substantial. They’re also easier to eat if you’re not into the taco assembly process.
Desserts
Desserts are small and simple. You won’t find huge cakes here. Just a few sweet bites to finish your meal.
- Churros – $4.50. Fried dough with cinnamon sugar and chocolate dipping sauce. Classic.
- Flan – $4.75. Traditional caramel custard. Smooth and not too sweet.
- Key Lime Pie – $5.00. Small slice with graham cracker crust. Tart and refreshing.
The churros are the fan favorite. Order them if you want something warm and crunchy. The flan is better if you prefer creamy textures.
Drinks: Cocktails, Beer, And Non-Alcoholic
Drinks are a big part of the experience. Bartaco has a full bar with margaritas, beer, and specialty cocktails. Prices vary by location, but here’s a general guide.
Cocktails
- Classic Margarita – $9.00. Tequila, lime, agave. Simple and strong.
- Spicy Margarita – $10.00. Same as classic but with jalapeño. Has heat.
- Paloma – $9.50. Tequila, grapefruit soda, lime. Light and refreshing.
- Mezcal Mule – $10.50. Mezcal, ginger beer, lime. Smoky and spicy.
Beer And Wine
- Draft Beer – $6.00–$7.00. Rotating selection of local and Mexican beers.
- Bottled Beer – $5.00–$6.00. Corona, Modelo, Pacifico.
- Wine – $8.00–$10.00 per glass. Limited selection, mostly red and white.
Non-Alcoholic
- Agua Fresca – $3.50. Seasonal fruit water. Light and sweet.
- Mexican Coke – $3.00. Glass bottle, real sugar.
- Horchata – $3.50. Rice milk drink with cinnamon. Creamy and sweet.
If you’re on a budget, stick with the classic margarita or a bottled beer. The specialty cocktails are good but pricey.
How To Order Smart At Bartaco
Now that you know the prices, let’s talk strategy. Ordering at Bartaco is different from a regular restaurant. You fill out a paper menu with a pencil. You mark how many of each item you want. Then a server picks it up. Here’s how to make the most of it.
- Start with 2-3 tacos per person. You can always order more. Don’t overdo it on the first round.
- Add one side per two people. Sides are small. One guacamole for two is fine. One for each person is too much.
- Share a dessert. The desserts are small but rich. One churro order is enough for two people.
- Order drinks last. If you’re not sure what you want, start with water. Then add a drink after you’ve settled in.
- Check for daily specials. Some locations have happy hour from 3-6 PM. Tacos and drinks are cheaper then.
This approach keeps your bill reasonable. You can eat well for $15-$20 per person if you skip the expensive cocktails.
What To Avoid
Not everything on the menu is a winner. Here are a few items that might not be worth your money.
- The Duck Taco – It’s good, but $5.75 is steep for one small taco. Try it once if you’re curious.
- The Queso Fundido – Delicious, but $7.00 for a small bowl of cheese is expensive. Share it with three people.
- The Key Lime Pie – It’s fine, but the churros are better for the same price.
Stick with the classics: chicken verde, baja fish, and street corn. You’ll get the best value.
Bartaco Menu With Prices: Location Variations
Prices can change depending on where you are. A taco in New York City might cost $0.50 more than the same taco in Atlanta. Here’s a rough breakdown by region.
- Northeast (NYC, Boston, DC) – Prices are highest. Expect $0.50-$1.00 more per taco.
- Southeast (Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte) – Prices are average. Close to the numbers listed above.
- West Coast (Los Angeles, San Diego) – Prices are slightly higher than average. Expect $0.25-$0.50 more per taco.
- Midwest (Chicago, Detroit) – Prices are average. Similar to Southeast.
- Texas (Dallas, Houston) – Prices are lower. Tacos might be $0.25-$0.50 cheaper.
Always check the menu at your specific location. Some restaurants also have seasonal items that aren’t listed online. Ask your server what’s new.
Seasonal And Limited-Time Items
Bartaco rotates special items throughout the year. You might find a lobster taco in summer or a pumpkin flan in fall. These items are usually $1.00-$2.00 more than the regular menu. They’re worth trying if you see them, but they’re not essential.
If you’re a regular, ask about upcoming specials. The staff usually knows what’s coming next.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Bartaco Menu
Here are answers to common questions people have about the menu and prices. These might help you plan your visit.
Is Bartaco expensive?
It depends on what you order. A meal of three tacos and a side costs around $15-$18. Add a drink and you’re at $25. That’s reasonable for the quality. But if you order the duck taco, queso fundido, and a spicy margarita, you’ll hit $35 quickly.
Can you share food at Bartaco?
Yes. The small plates format is made for sharing. Order a few tacos and sides for the table. Everyone can try different things. Just make sure you order enough. Two tacos per person is a good starting point.
Does Bartaco have a kids menu?
Not really. There’s no separate kids menu. But kids can order from the regular menu. The chicken taco and rice are kid-friendly. You can also ask for a smaller portion of beans or rice.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. The cauliflower and portobello tacos are vegetarian. The veggie bowl is also meat-free. Sides like black beans, rice, and plantains are vegetarian too. Just ask for no crema if you’re vegan.
Can I see the menu online before I go?
Yes. The official Bartaco website has a menu page. But prices aren’t always listed. Your best bet is to check a review site like Yelp or Google Maps. People often upload photos of the menu with prices.
Tips For Saving Money At Bartaco
If you want to eat well without overspending, follow these tips. They’re simple but effective.
- Go during happy hour. Many locations have discounted tacos and drinks from 3-6 PM. You can save $1-$2 per taco.
- Skip the guacamole. It’s good, but $6.50 is a lot for a small bowl. Get the street corn instead.
- Order water. Drinks add up fast. Stick with water or an agua fresca.
- Share a dessert. One order of churros is enough for two people. Don’t order your own.
- Use the paper menu wisely. Don’t mark too many items at once. Start small and order more if you’re still hungry.
These tips can cut your bill by 20-30%. You’ll still have a great meal, just without the extra cost.
Final Thoughts On The Bartaco Menu
The bartaco menu with prices is straightforward once you know what to look for. Tacos are the main event, sides add variety, and drinks can be a treat or a budget buster. The key is to order strategically. Start with a few tacos, add one side, and see how you feel. You can always order more.
Remember that prices vary by location. Check your local menu before you go. And don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations. They know the menu inside out.
Whether you’re going for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, Bartaco offers good food at a fair price. Just keep an eye on your order and you’ll leave full and happy.