REVIEW: TACOS BARBON

GO AHEAD, SURPRISE ME!

Happens every time I write a feature like this… For a former “Type A” (sitting steady at a “B-,” I might add 😉), this makes me laugh.

“These stories, Vanessa, cannot be controlled”… I must learn to repeat that to myself often because, well, I want to be in charge.

There’s the way I plan the story to go and there’s the way it actually happens. The way it happens is always more fun than the way I plan!

This story unfolded like this:

MY PLAN A

Study the online menu, plan a time to visit not during rush hour, visit the restaurant, eat my meal, savoring every bite, and gather information about them (Tacos Barbon) while I’m there. A leisurely lunch alone. A girl can dream.

MY PLAN B

Taco Tuesday, the day I’ve been planning on visiting - son arrives home from school starving. I, too, have been counting the minutes until 4 PM because I started this new intermittent fasting thing and only eat within a certain window of time.

I cross my fingers, hoping that he’ll go with me to the restaurant. Mexican food & lunch with my boy?! Pinch me!

No amount of bribing will make him agree to come. Sad face. He’s starving and prods me continually to stop writing and go get him food, plus I need to be home by a certain time because he has somewhere to be later. We look at the menu and I make notes on what to order.

My plan: Place a quick to-go order, ask some questions while I’m waiting, and rush back to deliver the goods. I know he’ll be waiting for me. I know he’ll be tracking me. I know how he gets when he wants food.

GOD’S PLAN - THE WAY IT REALLY HAPPENED

Although the map says it will take me 30 minutes to get there from Verrado because of traffic (rush hour), I sail down the freeway with only a slight bit of slowing before my exit at Dysart. I make a left and then a flip a U at the light at Cornerstone, then right into the parking lot of The Holiday Inn, where Tacos Barbon is located.

I admit that for whatever reason, the location probably deterred me from coming here sooner. I really cannot explain why that would have been a barrier to my trying it, but I am going to use this as a lesson to pay more attention to how my brain automatically categorizes things without rational thought involved. How many other things am I missing out on because my brain has determined it to not make sense? Concepts ahead of their time - innovative & different - are often automatically dismissed. Oh, human brain, evolve please!

TACOS…AT A HOTEL? SMART!!!

Parking is easy! Right away, I like that about a place.

When I enter the lobby, I am completely surprised at how beautiful it looks inside. I don’t know what I was expecting but it sure wasn’t this.

HELLO THERE!

Diana greets me at the front desk. I tell her I’m placing a to-go order. She points to the menu in front of me and I notice that it’s different than the one on their website.

There are new items added. The “Loaded Baked Potato” jumps out at me and my mind starts racing… I cannot just place the order I already prepared… I can’t think straight… I’m excited…

I’m rushing because I know my boy is waiting but… I need to study the menu…. FOMO hits… I tell Diana what I had in mind and she helps me make decisions. I was planning on getting potato tacos (Happy Hour Menu!) for my husband and she confirms they are her favorite.

My order for my family is complicated - “no onions, no jalapeños, add this, this on the side” - and Diana helps me navigate all those details too.

I tell her I am visiting for a specific reason and that I’ll explain that further when I’m done ordering… She stops me - “No way, there’s a guy over there, I just talked to him… he’s here because of the Facebook post…”

What?! No way!!!

LET’S BACK UP A MINUTE

At this point I need to back up and tell you another part of this story. Monday, the day prior to my visiting, KaiLee Baley posted in her awesome FB group - “What’s Up In West Valley AZ” - asking “Where are we getting tacos tomorrow?”

That day, I scan the post, see Tacos Barbon mentioned, and comment that I’ll be visiting the next day. KaiLee comments and tells me to be sure I take pictures. I tell her, I can do better than that, I’ll be writing an article about my visit.

A QUEST FOR GOOD MEXICAN FOOD

Now I’m really distracted. I forget that I’m in the middle of ordering and rush over to meet this fella, who’s here for the same reason - like so many around Arizona, searching for good Mexican food.

He has overheard my conversation with Diana and insists on using his crystal ball to tell me my name. He scans the FB post… “You must be Vanessa!”¹  

BACK TO THE FOOD… FOCUS, V.

Diana reminds me that I haven’t finished placing my order… and we get back to finishing that. I start firing questions at her… She says those questions would be best answered by someone other than her and goes in the back to see if someone’s available.

I am surprised that the bearded man himself - the owner, Isai Martinez - is there. I feel bad interrupting him but she tells me he’ll be out shortly. (I realize as I’m writing this why I don’t like to call ahead and make formal plans: it takes the authenticity out of my visit.)

Diana offers me a drink while I’m waiting for my order. I want to be sure to highlight this because it’s demonstrative of the excellent service offered here. I decline, but am taken aback by her attentiveness and kindness. These seemingly “little things” are what make all the difference in a customer experience and really shows how much they care.

BARBON?

“Barbon” is pronounced “bahrrr-bohn.” Gotta really roll that “r.”

“Barbon” means “the bearded one” or “bearded man” and once you meet Isai, you’ll see why Tacos Barbon is the perfect name for his restaurant!

A few minutes later, Isai comes out and graciously takes the time to meet with me.

FROM FOOD TRUCK TO RESTAURANT

Tacos Barbon has been a part of the Buckeye food scene since they officially opened for business in May of 2020. In just a few short years, they’ve come a long way.

Many locals will remember their food cart parked in the Marketside parking lot, where long lines were a testament to their incredible flavors. I missed out back then (I wasn’t eating meat at the time), but now I completely understand why people waited. Tip: If you ever see a long line for food, join it!

Fast forward to today, Tacos Barbon has a permanent home right off I-10 and Dysart Road, on the ground floor of The Holiday Inn.³ (Imagine, rolling out of bed and grabbing one of their famous breakfast burritos if you’re staying there—what a dream!)

RE-DIRECTED

The pandemic was a turning point for Isai. After 18 years in a different industry, life had other plans. He found himself unemployed overnight, but instead of dwelling on the loss, he saw it as an opportunity to follow his passion. If only temporarily, between jobs, or so he thought…

What started as a small operation, has grown into a thriving family business that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu, like Isai, is full of heart and innovation.

DEFINITELY “NOT YOUR AVERAGE TACO”

Isai’s love of barbecue shines in the smoky, rich flavor of the meats, and his creative touch elevates dishes without making them seem like they are trying too hard to be different. He has masterfully blended sophistication with simplicity, creating food that is both familiar and kicked up a notch, all at the same time.

And let’s talk about the house-made salsas, blended daily from grilled veggies:

• The green salsa is fresh and flavorful.

• The red salsa packs a satisfying kick. 🔥

Also be sure to try the pickled onions - an added delicious detail that reflects the pride Tacos Barbon takes in creating the perfect mix of flavors and textures.

They also offer happy hour specials on both food and drinks. Their handcrafted drinks are another speciality, made with real juice and agave nectar.

Taco Tuesday is ALL DAY on Tuesday and Happy Hour is M-F from 4-6 PM!

THE ATMOSPHERE

Completely unexpected! From the upholstered dining chairs, to the warm lighting and inviting (and uncrowded) layout… every detail has been thoughtfully curated. The decor strikes the perfect balance - clean, comfortable, elegant, and sophisticated - without a trace of pretension.

BEHIND THE BEARD

Meeting Isai was a highlight of my visit. His humility and grounded nature are immediately apparent and his authenticity is reflected in every aspect of Tacos Barbon.

It’s clear he and his family dedicate heart and soul to this business. His wife, his children, and his brother-in-law are all part of the daily operations!

EXCITING NEWS AHEAD

In case you haven’t heard, Tacos Barbon, is expanding and adding their next location in downtown Buckeye. They are hoping to open within the next few months and will be located between Screws & Sparkles and Gelato Tavern.⁴ I will be sure to keep Buzz readers updated on the opening date!

MY ORDER

As usual, I will leave you with my order:

• Me: Birria Protein Bowl, No Pico

• Son: 2 Carne Asada Tacos (No Onion, No Cilantro)

• Hubs: 2 Toasted Potato Tacos (No Pickled Onion)

• Appetizer: Ribeye Chicarrones (Onion & Cilantro “OTS”) [Ordered based on the recommendation of Manny Molina in the referenced FB Post.]

We really enjoyed all of it and I’m already making plans to go back (maybe even today if I finish this article in time 🤞). The portions are nice and very filling! Loved the pickled onions and added the leftovers to my lunch (tuna salad) the next day.

There are numerous other things I’d like to try on the menu. I’ve got my eye on the Barboncitos, Birria Tacos, Potato Tacos, and Loaded Baked Potato. And, for breakfast: Potato, Egg & Cheese Burrito and the Brunch Style Red Tacos.

EN CONCLUSIÓN

Tacos Barbon is no ordinary Mexican restaurant. I hope you will make a note to visit them soon and see for yourself what I mean.

They also have a taco cart, a food truck and catering options for both small & large groups. Check their website for information on booking those.

Be sure to follow them on Instagram! Beautiful food & drink photos, highly creative reels, and updates on their food truck schedule.

Oh, and be sure to order a jalapeño margarita. I no longer drink alcohol, but oh my, do I love those!

Now, what’s for lunch? I see a taco (or 2) in my near future! ❤️

Noting: My plan this morning when I sat down at my desk at 9:30 AM: Write a simple feature. I finished this at 2:07 PM - 2,175 words later - the longest story I have ever shared in The Buckeye Buzz. “These stories, Vanessa, cannot be controlled.”

Do you have a favorite person, place or thing you’d like to see featured here? Email me the details @ [email protected]

1  At this point, internally, I am having my own little conversation with the Guidance that led me here… These chance meetings feel like Christmas morning every, single time. What a gift! So much fun! Thank you, God!

2  Don’t be us! Don’t let the “hotel location” deter you from visiting! 

3  There’s more to the story about how he ended up here. I will update this, with those details.

4  All the cool kids are hanging out downtown… When I need office space, that’s where I’m heading!