This review is my own personal opinion. I was not offered any sort of compensation for it.
TL;DR- Bartaco offers a range of distinctive flavors, a relaxed coastal vibe, and top knotch, friendly service.
Taste- I will go out of my way to eat here- like out of my way. What Bartaco gives you is chic gourmet street tacos with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Their beachy décor makes you feel like you’re sitting by the water, sipping your margarita before taking a dip. Speaking of margaritas, their made-from scratch cocktails are unmatched. You can see just how carefully the bartenders craft each drink and they are really worth the wait. For those of you that don't imbibe, they also make several aguas frecas and iced teas from scratch. I love sour drinks, so the "nojito" and limeade are favorites of mine. In terms of food, I’m a huge fan of their tacos and rice bowls with fresh, raw vegetables and fragrant cilantro. The roasted duck taco is divine and the portobello mushroom rice bowl with fried cheese is my favorite vegetarian alternative. One last thing, don’t leave without ordering the plantains on the side. Please, just do it. They’re soft, perfectly cooked and come with this addictive cilantro-garlic dipping sauce. It’s an appetizer, side, and dessert all in one.
Atmosphere- The walls are filled with beachy, coastal imagery inside. The vibe is super chill and the furniture and theme makes you feel like you've escaped onto a cruise ship on your lunch break. It has a nice, spacious bar area with big high-top booths. It's a pretty instagrammable place with equally instagrammable food.
Service- The service here is on point. You fill out your order on a checklist or order with your server, whichever you prefer, and they’re there to make any suggestions. They usually bring water to the table immediately, check-in for refills or any added orders, and just to see how you’re enjoying the meal. Food comes out as it’s made so it’s fresh- it's not just sitting under a heat lamp while other food is prepared. I always have something good to say about my meal, which is great because if you fill out the comment card that comes with your receipt and hand it to a manager, they give you a free taco token!