It’s no secret that bartaco is one of my favorite spots to grab a bite to eat in Tampa. Ben and I frequent the Hyde Park Village location a lot. Like, a lot a lot. The margaritas are always spiced the way I want them to be (hello, spicy watermelon marg), the tacos stay tasty, and those checkered white and blue wearing waiters always excel at making you feel like you’re their top priority.

Last weekend, I was invited out to try bartaco’s latest secret: the crispy avocado taco. Believe it or not, this texturally perfect little number is a taco that has found its way back to bartaco’s list of secret taco offerings more than once. For good reason too. It’s a cult favorite among bartaco fanatics.

Let’s break it down, shall we? If you’re super into food textures (hi, it me), then you’re in for a real treat. The crispy avocado taco serves up the perfect balance of crispy and creamy textures in handheld form. The avocado itself is coated in just the right amount of tempura batter. A handful of veracruz slaw and a fresh cilantro vinaigrette make for a nice *pow* of freshness that brightens up every bite. Crumbles of cotija cheese are an underrated and super appreciated final touch to the taco.

Side notes worth mentioning here: 1. I love topping off any taco with a nice squeeze of fresh lime juice. 2. The street corn fritters at bartaco are a MUST try. 3. I’m 100% obsessed with bartaco’s tuna poke.

Shop my outfit from our lunch date here: http://liketk.it/2AHaj

For the full month of March, bartaco is hosting Margarita March. Each week in March features a new margarita from bartaco’s crafted lineup. In other words: it’s the best time ever to visit a bartaco near you. Ben and I were able to try the Ernesto en Jalisco (tequila, luxardo maraschino, grapefruit cordial, lime juice, ruby red slice for garnish), the Green Goddess (tequila, triple sec, avocado, agave, lime juice, pistachio salt rimmed glass), and the La Rosita (tequila, cappelletti, rosé, moscato, agave simple, lemon juice, strawberry slices for garnish).

I had a hard time deciding on a favorite between the Ernesto and the La Rosita. I’m a girl that loves her grapefruit, but I’m also pretty certain I couldn’t thrive in life without rosé. The Green Goddess was good, but as I mentioned above I’m BIG on textures when it comes to food. I’m also big on them when it comes to my drinks. The Green Goddess serves up some remnants of avocado while you’re drinking it which through me off a little as I sipped. It was still tasty enough to finish, but my marg-loving heart was definitely set on the Ernesto and the La Rosita

bartaco’s continuous rotation of secret taco offerings always makes the experience fresh and fun. I not so secretly hope that the crispy avocado taco will become a regular menu staple someday. Until then, make sure you get to your bartaco ASAP to try the crispy avocado taco before it’s gone on 4/8.

Shop my outfit from our lunch date here: http://liketk.it/2AHaj

A special thank you to bartaco for having Ben and I out for good food and fantastic drinks. All opinions expressed here are my own.