Tis Me Michelle

New Series Alert! I honestly have too many series at this point, one day I’ll reign it in. As someone who is newly unemployed and a foodie, I am looking for places with great food, vibes and doesn’t break the bank.

First up, is a tried and true spot, Bar Taco. It’s a chain, but a kind of bougie chain? I’ve gone solo, casually with friends, and even hosted some work happy hours in a previous life at Bar Taco. It’s a great spot for a bite, a drink, and a good time. Another plus is they have multiple locations in the US, I’ve gone to the locations in both Orlando & Philly. It’s a solid spot.

Now, the budget side. It’s very easy to drop a penny here because the menu is bite-sized and you can fill out a form of what you want. So if you, like I have before, want one of everything, the tab can add up! Also if you get a couple margs, which I do recommend if you are not on a budget. My friend and I looked up their tequila once cause it was so good, and we found out they have their own house tequila. So do splurge on a refreshing marg, if you can!

But I was on a mission, can I get a meal for under $15? Depending on your appetite, you may be able to score under $10. If I didn’t opt for an agua fresca I would have been under $10. I’m a sucker for great service and a great experience. I sat up at the bar for this budget meal and asked the bartender for their recommendation for agua frescas. He made me a delightfully refreshing Grapefruit Ginger agua fresca with a Tajin rim in front of me. $4 is a bit pricey for a small non-alcoholic drink, but it was delicious and just want I wanted, so I’d do it again.

Now for the main event, the food! I already knew I loved their food, but I wanted to see what I could get for under $10. I chose 2 tacos and a spicy cucumber salad. Both the chorizo and mushroom tacos were $2.85 each and the salad rang up $3. I’ve had many of their tacos before, the chorizo is decent – not my favorite of all time, but good. The mushroom taco, on the other hand, is my go-to. The mushroom part is good and all, but these tacos have fried pieces of queso fresco that are so scrumptious. Salty, cheesy, chewy, yum! A waiter recommended it on a previous visit and now I always order one! They sometimes have a ‘secret menu’ taco, so don’t be scared to ask what it is. This was the first time I’ve tried the spicy cucumber salad, it was light and crisp and a great pairing for the fatty, meatier tacos. I’m a fan of their sides in general. Some other great options are the esquites and plantains! I would go back just for the plantains!

Let’s be honest, Bar Taco isn’t an ‘authentic’ Mexican restaurant, but it’s also not trying to be. It’s a relaxed upscale-ish restaurant where you can grab some small yummy bites and possibly some great drinks too! I’d say it’s great for a meal on a budget or a small splurge.

My Meal

• 1 Seared Chorizo Taco
• 1 Mushroom with Queso Fresco Taco
• 1 Spicy Cucumber Salad
• 1 Grapefruit Ginger Agua Fresca

Grand Total: $13.53