When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
bartaco
Why bartaco is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bartaco is a lively and stylish restaurant chain known for its upscale street-style food, focusing primarily on tacos with a coastal vibe. Founded in 2010, it has expanded to multiple locations mostly along the East Coast, including its first Northeast Florida location in Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood. The ambiance is casual yet trendy, featuring inviting bars, kitchens, and dining spaces, including rooftop seating that enhances the social experience. Bartaco’s menu highlights a variety of freshly made tacos, rice bowls, and street corn, complemented by handcrafted margaritas, craft beers, and wines. This combination makes it an excellent place to gather with friends for a relaxed meal or a festive night out. The location’s recent opening in Jacksonville took over the space of a former popular restaurant and continues to bring a fresh dining option to the area, with convenient hours that accommodate both lunch and dinner crowds. Guests appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and diverse drink selections, making Bartaco a great spot for casual hangouts or special occasions.
Here's what people think of bartaco
As of recent, bartaco holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1769 reviews.
Reviews for Bartaco generally reflect positive experiences centered on the quality and flavor of the food, especially the tacos and margaritas. Patrons frequently mention the fresh ingredients and unique taco fillings such as glazed pork belly and chile lime shrimp, which stand out as favorites. The well-mixed cocktails, particularly the signature margaritas, receive high praise for their refreshment and originality. Positive feedback often highlights the attentive and friendly staff, who assist with the innovative ordering system and provide timely service even when the restaurant is busy. The modern, coastal-themed decor and vibrant atmosphere are also commonly noted as contributing to a fun and inviting environment. However, some negative reviews touch on the small size of the tacos relative to their price point, which some guests find less filling. Additionally, the technology-based ordering system via QR codes has been a point of frustration for less tech-savvy customers, occasionally complicating the dining experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is favorable, and Bartaco is recommended for groups of friends looking to enjoy flavorful food and drinks in a stylish setting. The balance of high-quality menu items, excellent service, and a lively ambiance makes it a standout choice for casual social meetups.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Robert B Butler
An incredible FIVE STAR meal at Bartaco in Midtown, North Hills, Raleigh. The seasonal fruit with tajin and the street corn (off the cobb) were awesome. Equally great, we enjoyed the pork belly, cauliflower, crispy shrimp, and chile-lime shrimp tacos. The ginger mint tea for the driver and a glass of wine for the passenger wrapped up our dinner menu. Awesome meal! Now, the only downside. During peak time the crowd noise is extremely LOUD inside the restaurant. Exacerbating the problem, the music is wide open. Great in a night club, but should be toned down in the restaurant. If you sit OUTSIDE the volume is toned down a bit... Or, you can go during 'off' hours. Great place to eat or pickup! (SEE FOOD and EXTERIOR PHOTOS)
Taia Jenkins
This spot is a must-visit! The food is absolutely delicious, with a wide menu that includes tacos, bowls, appetizers, drinks, desserts, and even a kids’ menu. They also offer limited-time items, which keep things exciting. Ordering is super easy with their self-serve system—just scan the QR code at your table and place your order online. The taco prices are great, around $4 each, so you’ll definitely want to try a few! Everything is fresh, flavorful, and well-portioned. The ambience of the restaurant is another highlight—beautiful design everywhere you look, making it a perfect spot for a casual meal or a fun night out.
Taylor Spurlock
All around amazing service. We went with our two little ones and they were very accommodating. Full size coloring books! The food was fantastic, we are from out of town and this was our favorite meal of our entire trip. The watermelon mint margarita was so fresh! To top it off they had a DJ for the Fourth. He was awesome! Created such a fun atmosphere. If we are ever back in town, this is the first place we will go!
Mike Boyer
Really fun tapas style tacos. Great environment and a variety of seating. Excellent cocktails. Tacos delicious varied and good for meat lovers to vegetarians. Nice desert options. Emma was fantastic. Big props for welcoming service and willingness to customize for a picky eater.
chrystal campbell
The restaurant has an amazing atmosphere however the food is basic to say the least, went on a date here and we were both annoyed with how they bring your food out nearly a taco at the time. It took them nearly 30+ minutes to bring out 3 chicken tacos. The lobster taco taste like it was frozen. The staff was nice but they need to get more organized. Asked my waitress for tortillas on the side and she was too busy socializing with co workers to be bothered. Literally had to go home and fix a meal because this was terrible.
How to reach bartaco
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Why bartaco may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at bartaco with your friends?
Choosing bartaco as the gathering spot for your friends or family promises an experience that blends vibrant flavors, a lively atmosphere, and a welcoming social environment. At bartaco, you don’t just come for the food — though its reputation for delicious, flavorful tacos and fresh, crafted drinks is thoroughly well-earned. You come for the opportunity to connect, laugh, and share moments in an atmosphere built for fun and conviviality. With a strong rating of 4.5 based on over 1,700 reviews, bartaco clearly resonates as a favorite among diners looking for a casual yet special place to meet up. Its combination of thoughtfully prepared menu items, including unique taco varieties and tempting sides, means everyone in your group can find something that suits their taste. The setting balances the energy of a trendy spot with comfort that encourages lingering, chatter, and multiple rounds of drinks. This makes bartaco an ideal rallying point where casual meetups can easily turn into memorable occasions filled with great food, good drinks, and even better company.
What makes bartaco perfect for group meetups?
Bartaco stands out as an excellent group meetup destination because its menu design encourages sharing and tasting a variety of items. Each taco order is for a single taco, which naturally promotes sampling across the table—whether it’s pork, steak, shrimp, fish, or vegetarian options, bartaco ensures that every palate is catered to. This style of ordering adds an interactive dimension to your meal, perfect for conversations and lively discussions about favorite flavors. Pair that with bartaco’s bar-crafted margaritas and other signature cocktails, and you have a social experience that extends beyond just eating. The casual, upbeat atmosphere with good music and friendly staff also adds to the appeal, creating a vibe that fosters enjoyment and relaxation. Whether it’s a weekend catchup, a casual celebration, or an after-work hangout, bartaco’s environment helps groups feel comfortable without losing the buzz of a vibrant culinary hotspot.
What activities are available at bartaco for friends and family meetups?
While primarily known as a restaurant and bar, bartaco offers more than just food and drinks; its atmosphere serves as a backdrop to various social activities perfect for a group setting. Sharing plates and drinks, playing conversational games, or simply enjoying live music if available, all enhance the meetup experience. Guests often find bartaco ideal for occasions ranging from casual dinners to small celebrations thanks to its accommodating outdoor and indoor seating arrangements. The lively environment encourages mingling and easy conversation flow, key for any group meetup. Additionally, bartaco’s staff typically facilitates attentive service that helps groups manage orders efficiently so everyone can stay focused on enjoying company and conversation. Depending on the location, some bartaco venues might offer community events or specials that groups can join in on, adding layers of entertainment beyond the delicious menu offerings.
How does bartaco’s menu contribute to the group-friendly vibe?
Bartaco’s food offerings are a central part of what makes it a great place for gathering with others. Their approach of serving tacos a la carte, in small but flavorful portions, means that groups can order a variety of tacos to share and compare, which enhances the interactive element of group dining. Unique taco varieties such as pork belly, tuna, and shrimp – alongside classic beef and vegetarian options – ensure diverse tastes are satisfied. Beyond tacos, bartaco provides tempting sides like chili lime shrimp, brussels sprouts, and street corn styled elote that are perfect for passing around the table, facilitating a shared eating experience. Drink-wise, bartaco’s margaritas, especially popular and well-reviewed, serve as ideal social lubricants for any celebration or casual outing. This format allows groups to pace their meal and enjoy successive dishes and drinks, encouraging longer visits, lively conversations, and a more memorable social experience.
What ambiance and service qualities make bartaco ideal for social gatherings?
Bartaco combines an upbeat, stylish ambiance with friendly and attentive service to create an environment tailored for groups. The vibe strikes a balance between being lively enough for fun gatherings yet relaxed so guests feel comfortable staying for hours. Music selection, lighting, and décor often reflect a beachy, modern aesthetic that puts patrons at ease and evokes positive, festive feelings. Reviewers often highlight bartaco’s bartenders and staff for their willingness to accommodate, their expertise with cocktails, and their engagement with guests, all of which enhance the overall group experience. While some past comments mention occasional wait times or service challenges, the overall consensus praises bartaco’s ability to keep groups feeling welcomed and attended to. This harmonious blend of atmosphere and service makes it easy to rally friends here for everything from a laid-back lunch to a lively evening party.
How accessible is bartaco for different group sizes and occasions?
Bartaco is designed to accommodate various group sizes and types of social occasions, from small friend gatherings to larger family meetups. The layout of many bartaco locations includes both indoor and outdoor seating, offering flexibility in how groups organize their visit depending on weather, mood, or event type. Its focus on communal tasting through single-taco orders naturally supports sharing across tables, making even larger groups feel connected. The venue’s casual but trendy flair suits multiple kinds of meetups — whether it’s a birthday brunch, a post-work unwind session, or a weekend social catchup. Bartaco’s multiple locations, such as in Miami and Aventura, provide convenient spots accessible to local groups or visitors, further increasing its appeal as a regular meeting place. The combination of manageable price points, reliable quality, and a stylish yet relaxed setting rounds out bartaco’s suitability as a versatile venue for group dining and socializing.
What do reviews say about bartaco’s suitability for group outings?
The strong 4.5 rating from over 1,700 reviews reflects widespread customer satisfaction with bartaco as a social dining venue. Many reviewers praise the quality and flavor of the tacos and cocktails, highlighting bartaco’s appeal for casual yet memorable gatherings. Guests mention the place is great for trying multiple small dishes together, which fits perfectly with the group dining concept. Positive comments on bartaco’s atmosphere and friendly bartenders suggest it is a favored spot to enjoy time with friends or family in a comfortable, lively environment. Some reviews point out occasional service delays or menu challenges, which may be expected in busy settings, but these rarely overshadow the overall positive experience. The consistent recognition of bartaco as a fun, tasty, and well-run establishment reinforces its standing as an excellent meetup spot for those looking to combine great food with good company.
In sum, bartaco brings together a compelling combination of fresh, flavorful food, expertly crafted drinks, social-friendly ordering styles, and an inviting atmosphere that makes it a top choice for friends and family to rally around. Whether you seek a casual lunch, an evening out, or a place to celebrate small or large occasions, bartaco delivers an experience designed to foster connection and enjoyment. Its stellar reputation backed by thousands of positive reviews further ensures that choosing bartaco means stepping into a space where great taste meets great company.