If you’ve been reading since I moved to Tampa then you know that one of my favorite spots is Hyde Park Village, and recently a bartaco opened there which made my heart oh-so-happy! The amount of times that I have been there for dinner or even just to relax on the patio with an ice cream and my pup is sort of ridiculous, but it keeps me coming back!
The menu consists of a variety of tacos, bowls, handcrafted cocktails made with freshly squeezed fruit juice, and desserts. Most of the menu items are gluten free, which is heaven for me! A little known fact is that they do have a secret taco that is not on the menu that you can ask for. Zachary caught wind of this early on so every time we go he asks what the secret taco is that night! You’re welcome in advance for that tip!
On our most recent trip to bartaco we asked for the secret taco of the month and it had just changed to a Grilled Steak Taco. We obviously ordered one for each of us and it was delicious! It is made with flat iron steak, caramelized onions, salsa de ajo verde (which means green garlic saucey goodness), flat leaf parsley, and chili flakes served on a warm corn tortilla. I highly recommend giving this one a try on your next trip.
Since we like to eat and get the most bang for our buck we usually order a tray to split between the two of us. This time we got the large tray, which for us meant two grilled steak secret tacos, two baja fish tacos, one portabella taco, one pork belly taco, two fried oyster tacos, one side of cucumber salad, two sides of grilled corn (it has an amazing coating of cheese and spices on it—ask for it off the cob), and two tamales. Did I mention we like to eat? Oh, we also got the chips and guac! We were so stuffed from all the food that we didn’t get the chance to have dessert, but I have had the ice cream there before so I can recommend that in good faith too. If you’d like to enjoy a cocktail with your meal my recommendations are the pear sangria, watermelon margarita, and/or verde verdad.
While you’re in Hyde Park Village I also recommend stopping by Salt Pines, Downtown Dogs, Blue Moon Trading Co., and Cinebistro! Where are your favorite spots in Tampa? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Sending Sunshine,
Sara
