The Tavern Bar & Tacos in Orlando, Florida, is a popular spot known for its fresh Mexican-inspired fusion food, lively bar scene, and casual, welcoming atmosphere.1 It was founded by three friends with extensive experience in the service industry who aimed to create a place with quality food, handcrafted cocktails, and a great environment.2
Here is a detailed breakdown of the venue:
What Makes It Unique
- Mexican Fusion Menu: The restaurant sets itself apart by offering a menu that combines traditional Mexican flavors with creative twists, alongside American bar favorites.3 They emphasize using fresh ingredients.4
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Described as having a laid-back vibe reminiscent of a dive bar but with intimate restaurant quality, it fosters a sense of community.5 The décor is noted for its warm aesthetics and creative touches like dollar bills adorning the walls.
- Accommodating Options: It caters to diverse dietary needs, particularly offering a variety of flavorful vegan and vegetarian options which is a notable feature for a bar and taco spot.6
- Events and Entertainment: The Tavern is known for its recurring events like Dart Tournaments, Bingo Night, Trivia Nights (often themed around pop culture or sports), and becoming an Official Eagles Bar for Philadelphia Eagles fans at the East Orlando location.7
History
The story of The Tavern Bar & Tacos began with three friends who had years of experience in the service industry, working in various roles from barback to manager.8 Their collective passion and experience led them to open an establishment focused on providing a new experience with fresh food, amazing hand-crafted cocktails, and a great environment for both lunch and late-night outings.9
Customer Feedback
Generally, customer feedback is very positive, often highlighting:
- Excellent Food Quality & Portions: Diners frequently praise the standout flavors and generous portion sizes, noting good value for the money.10
- Great Service: Attentive customer service and knowledgeable bartenders are often mentioned as enriching the experience.11
- Popular Menu Items: Specific dishes like the Birria Burrito, Chicken Chase-a-dilla (quesadilla), and various tacos are commonly praised.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Offerings: Patrons with dietary restrictions appreciate the quality of the vegan options, such as the Vegan Quesadilla and Vegan Nachos.12
- Atmosphere: The casual, cozy, and inviting atmosphere makes it a popular spot for social gatherings.
Some less frequent, though noted, criticisms have included occasional issues with service speed or availability of specific vegan ingredients.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu is an eclectic mix of Mexican fusion and pub fare.13 Highlights include:
- Tacos: A variety of options including Chicken, BBQ Pork, Shrimp, and the highly popular Birria taco.14
- Burritos: Large, loaded burritos like the Birria Burrito and Shrimp Burrito.15
- Chase-a-dillas (Quesadillas): Including the favored Chicken Chase-a-dilla and a Vegan Chase-a-dilla.16
- Bowls: Dishes like the Tex Mex Bowl and Elote Bowl.17
- Appetizers: Classic Mexican starters like Guac & Chips and Queso Blanco, plus bar snacks like Tavern Wings and Wang Bang Shrimp.18
- Sandwiches/Melts: Items such as the Birria Melt and Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese.19
Significant Events & Recurring Specials
While specific historical landmark events are not widely publicized, the ongoing calendar of special events contributes significantly to the venue’s appeal and community presence:
- Weekly Specials: Events like Wing Wednesdays, Ladies Night (offering free drinks for ladies on a specific evening), and Happy Hour specials are regular draws.20
- Sports Focus: Particularly the East Orlando location is known for hosting Eagles Watch Parties as an official bar.21
- Entertainment: Regularly scheduled events include Bottomless Mimosas on weekends, weekly Dart Tournaments, and live Bingo and Trivia Nights.22
- Holiday/Theme Events: The venue hosts special parties for events like National Tequila Day.23
Location and Contact Information
The Tavern Bar & Tacos operates multiple locations in the Orlando area. The details for the Downtown Orlando location are:
| Category | Information |
| Address | 75 E Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32801 (Downtown) |
| Phone Number | (407) 237-0800 |
| Website | https://thetavernorlando.com/downtown/ (Downtown Site) / https://thetavernorlando.com/ (Main Site) |
| Social Media | Check the main website for the most current social media links, often including Instagram. |
