Planning a taco bar for the office, a graduation or a family party? The question everyone asks first is the same: how much food do I actually need? Order too little and the line runs out halfway. Order too much and you’re sending trays home. Here’s the exact formula we use at Brito’s Burrito to cater taco bars across Minneapolis, St. Paul and the Twin Cities suburbs.
The quick rule: start from every 15 guests
For every 15 guests, a complete taco bar needs about:
- Proteins: 2 lbs of carnitas + 2 lbs of chicken
- Rice: 2 quarts (Mexican, white or brown)
- Beans: 1.5 quarts (black or pinto)
- Tortillas: 2 small flour tortillas per guest (30 for 15 people)
- Toppings: 1 quart each of pico de gallo, corn salsa, sour cream and cheese, plus 1.5 quarts of lettuce
- Salsas: 1 quart of mild and 1 quart of medium
That works out to roughly two loaded tacos per person plus rice and beans on the side, which is a full meal for most adults at lunch or dinner.
Taco bar quantities by number of guests
| Guests | Carnitas + Chicken | Rice | Beans | Tortillas | Pico / Salsas (each) | Estimated price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 2 + 2 lbs | 2 qt | 1.5 qt | 30 | 1 qt | $225 |
| 25 | 3.5 + 3.5 lbs | 3.5 qt | 2.5 qt | 50 | 2 qt | $375 |
| 50 | 7 + 7 lbs | 7 qt | 5 qt | 100 | 3.5 qt | $750 |
| 75 | 10 + 10 lbs | 10 qt | 7.5 qt | 150 | 5 qt | $1,125 |
| 100 | 13.5 + 13.5 lbs | 13.5 qt | 10 qt | 200 | 7 qt | $1,500 |
| 150 | 20 + 20 lbs | 20 qt | 15 qt | 300 | 10 qt | $2,250 |
When to order more (or less)
- Order up for teenage athletes, construction crews, long events or a party that starts at dinner time.
- Order down slightly for a short afternoon open house where guests come and go, or when other food is being served.
- Add 10% to your RSVP count for office parties: someone always brings a plus-one or decides at the last minute.
- Kids under 10 usually eat about half of an adult portion.
Taco bar vs. burrito bar vs. boxed lunches
A taco bar is the most flexible: everyone builds their own plate, so vegetarian, gluten-free and picky eaters are easy to handle. A burrito bar uses the same ingredients with larger tortillas and works well when people will eat standing up. For meetings where people grab food between calls, individually packed boxed lunches keep things tidy.
Popular add-ons
Want to upgrade the spread? Groups often add steak or barbacoa, queso, guacamole, chips and extra tortillas. We go over all the menu options with you on the confirmation call, so you don’t have to decide everything up front.
How far ahead should you book?
We need at least 24 hours of notice, but popular dates fill up: graduation season (May and June) and holiday parties (late November and December) book weeks ahead. Lock your date first; you can adjust the headcount closer to the event.
Get your exact quote in 2 minutes
Our online quote form does this math for you: pick your number of guests, delivery or pickup and your nearest location, and you’ll see your estimated total right away. No payment now, we call you to confirm. Get a taco bar quote or see all catering options in Minnesota, including corporate, graduation and holiday party catering.
Taco bar catering FAQ
How much does taco bar catering cost per person?
At Brito’s Burrito a taco bar is $15 per guest with a 15-guest minimum, so it starts at $225 for 15 people. Delivery adds $60 and pickup is free.
How many tacos per person should I plan for a taco bar?
Plan about 2 tortillas per guest plus rice and beans on the side. For 15 guests that means 30 tortillas, 2 lbs of carnitas, 2 lbs of chicken, 2 quarts of rice and 1.5 quarts of beans.
How far in advance should I book taco bar catering?
We need at least 24 hours of notice. For graduation season (May and June) and holiday parties (late November and December), book a few weeks ahead.
Do you have vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes. A taco bar lets every guest build their own plate, and we offer vegan and gluten-free options. Let us know about dietary needs on the confirmation call.
Do I have to pay when I request a quote?
No. There is no payment when you request a quote. We call you to confirm the details and then send the invoice.