Ranking the Tacos at Barcocina's Taco Tuesday
Barcocina
Address: 2901 North Sheffield Avenue
Hood: Lincoln Park
Aesthetic: Boujee Trendy
Ah, Taco Tuesday - the best day of the week for us all - or at least for most of us.
I’ve already covered Barcocina back in 2016. however it’s been a whole 3 years and their STAR taco (the cajun shrimp taco) is no longer on the menu. However, they offer something now that they did not three years ago that may make up for it:
Bottomless. Tacos.
Seriously, every Tuesday, for $20, you can opt in for bottomless tacos and grab any server walking by with trays on trays on trays of tacos.
TRAYS ON TRAYS ON TRAYS
It truly is bottomless. You can have as many, or as few, tacos as you like. Whether or not waiters stop at your table is determined by whether or not your sombrero is on your hot sauce.
While ranking these tacos, keep in mind that there are no bad tacos at Barcocina, this is simply a ranking from good to great. There’s about to be some colorful language bandied about, so don’t get it twisted. I LOVE BARCOCINA.
Second disclaimer: they did not have the red snapper tacos circulating when we went, therefore this list is woefully incomplete, lacking this elusive taco.
#11 Sweet & Spicy Chicken Taco
I do not have to describe to you what the Sweet & Spicy Chicken Taco tastes like - you already know. Whatever you are imagining in your head… That. It’s exactly that.
#10: Bang Bang Shrimp
I wanted to rate this taco higher, I really did. The best part about this is the shrimps crusted with carmelized , crispy goodness - however, most of the shrimps lack this. The result is shrimp tossed in Thai chile sauce - which is never BAD, just a bit underwhelming.
#9 Braised Brisket
All I wrote in my notes is “cheese” - and I have no idea what it means. If I had to guess, it means that it would be better with cheese. And while nearly everything is better with cheese, this taco clearly couldn’t hold its own.
#8 Korean Short Rib
I quite liked this one. The meat was very tender and the kimchi was nice, but not overpowering. Definitely a must-try if you are a kimchi fan.
#7 Asian Crispy Cauliflower
White the cauliflower itself was delicious and well-seasoned, the slaw on top was a little overpowering and almost covered up the cauliflower. Very tasty, but also felt very much like salad.
Not a bad option for our vegetarian friends.
#6 Chicken Tinga
[Not Pictured]
Almost as elusive as the Red Snapper, we had the Chicken Tinga in our final hour. Stuffed full of tacos and two margaritas deep, we had been WAITING for this one. It did not disappoint. The adobo flavoring was nice and it is an overall safe choice.
#5 Pineapple Pork
Pineapple pork tacos are admittedly not my thing - however I can appreciate the solid execution of this one. Packed with flavor and not too saucy, this could definitely top other people’s lists - just not mine.
#4 Carne Asada
Of the two steak options, I gotta admit, THIS ONE WAS MY PERSONAL FAVORITE. But, I have been overruled by everyone else, so I will put this one second. The most classic taco on the menu, the only twist to this one is the guac. And who does not love guac?
#3 Adobo Steak
Forgive the bite I took out of this thing before I snapped a pic - this taco is well seasoned and packs a bit of a kick. Like I said, I prefer the carne asada but every single person I asked favored this one. Go with the pack.
#2 Mahi Mahi
This mahi mahi taco lets the fish speak for itself - a nice sauce brings out the flavor, but doesn’t overpower, and the slaw adds a nice crunch. One of the better fish tacos in the city.
#1 Tuna Poke
Let’s get real, was I ever not going to have this at the top of my list? Tuna poke tacos are delicious and Barcocina does a great job with theirs. Seasoned well, delightfully crunchy shell, and a big ole slice of avocado? Sign me up!
Final Thoughts
This is honestly such a great deal if you want to eat a lot of different tacos. My biggest complaint the first time around with Barcocina was the inability to mix and match tacos (you need to order 3 of the same) - this is the perfect solution.
Will I Come Back?
I don’t know if I personally will do this special again - now that I have tried them all (except for you, red snapper) I may just order a plate of tuna poke and call it a day. However, this is great if you have someone visiting, it is your first time, you are indecisive, or 3 tacos is just not enough! This deal will check a lot of boxes so great for a group meal.
Additional Thoughts
The deal also includes an order of guac for the table, which is low key great. They add a balsamic glaze, copious amounts of cilantro, and sprinkles of queso fresco and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing.
I would like to formally thank Barcocina for providing me with the quote for my next (read: first) tattoo
EDIT: An earlier version of this post mistakenly used the photo of the braised brisket taco in place of the carne asada taco. The post has been updated with each taco properly identified.