Throwing a taco bar party is a fun and interactive way to host a fiesta-themed gathering. With a build-your-own taco bar, your guests can customize their tacos just the way they like them. When planning your taco bar, the first decision is what kinds of tacos to offer. The most common taco bar features both hard and soft shells so guests can choose their preferred vessel. You’ll also want to provide a variety of meats, toppings, salsas, and more so guests can craft creative tacos. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to serve at a taco bar party:
Meats
The star of any taco is the protein filling. Make sure to offer a selection of meats so there’s something for everyone. Ground beef and shredded chicken are taco bar staples. For a fiesta flair, you could also include carnitas, chorizo, grilled steak, or fish. Supply the meats in warmed slow cookers or chafing dishes to keep them hot. Provide tongs for easy serving.
Suggested Taco Bar Meats:
- Ground beef
- Shredded chicken
- Carnitas
- Chorizo
- Grilled steak
- Fish like mahi mahi or tilapia
Shells
You’ll need both soft tortillas and crunchy taco shells so guests can enjoy tacos just how they like them. Provide a basket of warmed soft flour or corn tortillas so guests can wrap or fold their tacos. Also offer traditional fried hard taco shells in a serving basket or stand so people can build crispy tacos. Supply tortillas and shells on either side of the filling station.
Taco Shell Options:
- Soft flour tortillas
- Soft corn tortillas
- Crispy fried hard taco shells
- Taco salad bowls
Toppings and Condiments
The toppings bar is where guests can get creative with their tacos. Supply a wide assortment of fresh vegetables, cheeses, salsas, and other condiments. Have serving spoons and tongs available for each ingredient. Here are some topping ideas:
Potential Taco Toppings:
- Lettuce – shredded or chopped romaine
- Tomatoes – diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- Onions – thinly sliced red or white onions
- Peppers – sliced bell peppers or jalapeños
- Avocados – diced or sliced
- Cheese – shredded cheddar, queso fresco, Mexican blend
- Sour cream
- Salsa – red salsa, verde salsa, guacamole
- Hot sauces
- Cilantro
- Limes
- Black olives
Sides
Beyond the basic taco fillings, provide some sides to round out the meal. Great taco bar accompaniments include:
Taco Bar Side Dish Ideas:
- Tortilla chips and salsa
- Refried beans
- Mexican rice
- Corn salad
- Southwest chopped salad
Drinks
Quench your guests’ thirst with festive beverages. Pitchers of margaritas are perfect for a Mexican fiesta. Also provide jars of sangria, Mexican beer, soft drinks, and water. Set up a drink station near the taco bar for easy access.
Beverage Options:
- Margaritas
- Sangria
- Mexican beer like Corona, Dos Equis, or Modelo
- Soft drinks like Coke, Sprite, Jarritos
- Aguas frescas like horchata or tamarindo
- Water
Desserts
Cap off your Mexican feast with something sweet! Fry churros for warm cinnamon-sugar treats, or serve slices of flan, tres leches cake, or churro donuts. Small cookies like Mexican wedding cookies pair well with coffee. Provide an assortment of bite-size sweets on a dessert table.
Taco Bar Dessert Picks:
- Churros
- Flan
- Tres leches cake
- Churro donuts
- Mexican wedding cookies
- Coffee
Serving Items
Don’t forget plates, napkins, cutlery, and other serving supplies. Provide small paper boats or plates for building tacos. Have a stack of napkins and flatware like forks and knives nearby too. You’ll also need bowls, tongs, and serving utensils for the various ingredients and sides.
Taco Bar Serving Supplies:
- Small paper plates or boats for tacos
- Standard plates for sides and meals
- Serving utensils like tongs and spoons
- Knives and forks
- Napkins
- Bowls for toppings and sides
- Drink cups, pitchers, glassware
Decorations
Decorate your space with bright, festive decor to set the mood for a Mexican fiesta. Use lots of color and fun accents like tissue paper flowers, papel picado banners, cactus and pineapple displays. For table decor, set out decorative jars and bowls filled with tacos shells. Accent with mini sombreros, colorful plates and napkins, and potted cacti or succulents.
Taco Bar Decor Ideas:
- Tissue paper flowers and pom poms
- Papel picado banners
- Mini cactus plants
- Pineapple decor
- Brightly patterned tablecloths
- Sombreros
- Vases with red and green flowers
- Piñatas
Music
Get guests in a festive mood with fun Latin music! Make a playlist featuring:
Taco Bar Music Picks:
- Mariachi music
- Latin pop like Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Selena
- Salsa and merengue dance tunes
- Latin jazz and bossa nova
- Traditional Mexican folk music
Conclusion
A build-your-own taco bar is an interactive, festive way to host a Mexican-themed party. Offer a variety of meats, toppings, shells, and condiments so guests can customize tacos to their taste. Round out the spread with sides like tortilla chips and salsa, beans and rice. Quench thirst with margaritas, beer, and juice. Decorate with bright accents like tissue flowers and piñatas. Turn on some lively Latin tunes to set the mood. With the right ingredients and decor, your taco bar fiesta will be a hit!