Taco Bar Buffet Setup Ideas: Lists of Everything You’ll Need

Setting up a taco bar or buffet where guests can make their own tacos is a fun idea for any number of special events. Whether it’s for a casual wedding, a backyard get-together or an office holiday party, a Mexican food buffet is a fun idea that everyone will enjoy.

These are some ideas for a taco bar buffet setup, what you’ll need to include, and things that will make the party easier.

Here’s a comprehensive list of items you’ll need to set up a taco bar or buffet. We also have a comprehensive article about how to set things up here: How To Serve Tacos For a Crowd

Main Taco Ingredients

The basics of what you’ll need for a taco bar are the food, including the tortilla wrappers or shells, the proteins to fill the tacos, and the toppings to add to the proteins.

Make sure that you keep everything cold that needs to be kept cold until it’s time to set up the buffet, and if something needs to be kept warm, use chafing dishes or crock pots to keep things at the correct temperature.

For an article about how to keep tacos and taco shells warm, click here.

Tortillas

1. Soft flour tortillas
2. Soft corn tortillas
3. Hard taco shells

Proteins

1. Seasoned ground beef
2. Shredded chicken
3. Carnitas (slow-cooked pork)
4. Grilled shrimp
5. Black beans (for a vegetarian option)
6. Cod or tilapia

Toppings

1. Shredded lettuce
2. Diced tomatoes
3. Chopped onions (white or red)
4. Fresh cilantro
5. Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
6. Grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
7. Sour cream
8. Guacamole
9. Salsa (mild, medium, and hot options)
10. Pico de gallo
11. Corn salsa
12. Sliced avocado
13. Hot sauce (variety of flavors)
14. Sliced black olives
15. Pickled red onions
16. Diced pineapple or mango (for a sweet twist)
17. Refried beans
18. Chopped bell peppers

For an article about how many tacos you would need for a wedding, with serving charts, click here.

Side Dishes and Drinks

The tacos themselves will be the main event at a taco bar, but you’ll also need at least a few side dishes. Some of these can be out when your guests arrive and before the taco buffet is opened.

Make sure to have a lot of drinks on hand, too. Include beer and non-alcoholic options so that your guests have a choice. Click the links to see how much you need to buy for the group.

1. Chips and salsa
2. Queso dip
3. Mexican street corn (Elote)
4. Spanish rice
5. Refried beans or black beans
6. Mexican beer
7. Sodas
8. Mexican Coffee

Condiments

Salsa and other toppings are a good addition for any taco bar. Provide a range of spiciness so that people can make their food as hot or mild as they like.

1. Various salsas: Salsa Verde, Roasted Tomato Salsa, etc.
2. Hot sauces: A selection from mild to very hot
3. Lime crema
4. Chipotle mayo

Serving Utensils and Pieces

This is important! Tacos are a casual food, but you’ll probably have to have more tableware and serving pieces than you think. Make sure to plan for all of the pieces that you’ll need to serve tacos to a crowd

This article about what equipment you’ll need to cater your own wedding will be helpful in planning a party with a buffet.

1. Taco holders to keep the shells upright.
2. Serving spoons for scooping proteins, toppings, and sides.
3. Tongs for handling tortillas and larger toppings like lettuce.
4. Bowls and dishes of various sizes for toppings, sides, and condiments.
5. Chafing dishes to keep proteins and warm sides hot.
6. Napkins for messy fingers.
7. Plates, sturdy, preferably disposable plates that can handle multiple tacos.
8. Cutlery including forks, knives, and spoons for sides and salads.
9. Drink dispensers for beverages like agua fresca, margaritas, or soda.
10. Ice buckets to keep drinks chilled.

Tableware

1. Serving trays for tortillas, taco shells, and toppings.
2. Chips and dip bowls for chips, guacamole, and salsas.
3. Disposable cups for drinks or to hold toppings like salsa.
4. Utensil holders to organize forks, spoons, and knives.
5. Tablecloths to protect tables and add a festive touch.
6. Centerpieces or decorations to set the mood (think colorful Mexican-themed decor).
7. Labels or signs to identify different ingredients and spice levels.

Other Essentials

1. Trash cans with extra bags for easy clean-up.
2. Music playlist to add ambiance (consider a Latin-inspired playlist).
3. Seating arrangements including enough chairs and tables for all guests.
4. Lighting if outdoors, consider string lights for a festive atmosphere.