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A Look Inside: bartaco

February 15, 2024

bartaco is Charleston’s newest hotspot to grab a margarita and tacos with friends. bartaco opened on January 29, 2024, on King Street in Downtown Charleston. This lively restaurant and bar blends the beach culture of South America and Southern California through its design, coastal menu items, and laid-back atmosphere.

Scott Lawton, bartaco’s CEO, has always been charmed by Charleston and has had his eye on Charleston for some time now. Throughout bartaco, you will find photographs taken from Lawton and custom-printed and framed photography by Sasa Mahr-Batuz, one of bartaco’s founders. bartaco even used wrought iron fencing salvaged from one of the iconic Charleston rainbow row houses to create their custom counter-height drink railings. Take a look inside bartaco Charleston.

The Interior

When you first step into bartaco, you’ll immediately notice the spacious bar located in the center of the restaurant. This bar provides ample standing space for those who wish to hang out for the night or grab a drink while waiting for their table. On the ground floor, there are several seating options available. Additionally, the restaurant has an entire upstairs area beautifully decorated with many plants and skylights that allow natural light to pour in. The tall ceilings are adorned with custom-built basket lights, and the furnishings feature crisp white and navy touches against whitewashed wood and brick.

The Exterior

bartaco doesn’t offer outdoor seating, but on warmer days in Charleston, the front windows will open up for some fresh air and sunshine.

The Menu

All the cocktails and spirit-free drinks served at bartaco are made from premium ingredients and freshly juiced-to-order with quality ice. One of the must-try cocktails at bartaco is the bartaco Margarita, which is crafted with Libélula Joven tequila, Combier liqueur d’orange, agave syrup, and freshly squeezed lime juice. If you like it spicy, you can ask to add a punch. Another popular option is bartaco’s signature Green Margarita, which is made with fresh-squeezed spinach, pineapple, and mango juice. We recommend trying the Berry Colada for those looking for a non-alcoholic cocktail. It’s made with freshly muddled raspberries, pineapple, orange and lime juices, and coconut syrup. It’s shaken together, then poured over crushed ice, and garnished with a pineapple leaf and raspberry.

The food menu at bartaco includes various tacos made with high-quality ingredients, small plates including salads, rice bowls, soups, sides, and, of course, chips and guac. The tacos are served on metal trays, and you can order a variety to try out. Fan favorites include the Glazed Pork Belly taco, which undergoes a three-day cooking process crafted with succulent pork topped with a sweet and spicy arbol chili glaze, and the Baja Fish tempura-battered cod fish taco.

bartaco is also a great spot for families. They offer a healthy kid’s menu that both kids and parents can enjoy. The signature kid’s tray includes a quesadilla, a taco of choice (chicken, steak, or crispy fish), corn wheels, and a fruit skewer.

Here’s a pro-tip for if you are looking for a quick and casual place to eat lunch: bartaco offers a lunch tray for $13. Customers can choose one rice bowl or three tacos plus salad or soup, all for just $13.