Tacos & Beer Lands in Bay St. Louis

Coast Cuisine - August 2025

With approachable food at reasonable prices, Tacos & Beer is meant to appeal to visitors and locals alike.

- by Francesca Bianci

An appetizer of nachos can be enough for a meal with the addition of a protein.

When it comes to comfort food with a coastal kick, Bay St. Louis just scored big. Tacos & Beer, the popular Mexican eatery founded in Slidell in 2009, has expanded to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and locals are already raving. With a lineup of crowd-pleasing dishes, wallet-friendly weekly specials, and a welcoming vibe, the restaurant has quickly carved out its spot as a community favorite.

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The Bay St. Louis location comes thanks to a partnership between Gilbert and Sonia Valencia, who started the brand, and Austin and Tina Varnado, who teamed up to bring the concept to the Coast. Together, they’ve created a space that blends great food, friendly service, and a sense of belonging; a recipe that’s worked across their four locations in Slidell, New Orleans, Hammond, and now Bay St. Louis.

Chile rellenos from Tacos & Beer.

Part of the charm of Tacos & Beer is its unbeatable specials, which make it a go-to any night of the week. Mondays kick off with 50¢ wings; Tuesdays bring the always popular dollar tacos; and Wednesdays feature a limited $5 menu perfect for sampling flavors on a budget. Thursdays are all about indulgence with a $10 burger-and-beer combo, which includes any draft, bottle, or even a soda. Coming soon are the bucket specials, just in time for football season and game-day excitement.

The birria tacos are filled with barbacoa (shredded marinated beef) and topped with cheese, onion and cilantro, served with birria dipping sauce.

While the menu is broad and inviting, it’s the tacos that steal the show. Guests consistently rave that these are the best street tacos in the area—authentic, flavorful, and made with care. They’re proof that the restaurant’s name isn’t just catchy, but a promise delivered.

Tamales are available a la carte.

For our meal, we started with one of the most talked-about appetizers: the nachos. It’s built on house-made tortilla chips and layered with refried beans, pico de gallo, queso, and jalapeños, with the option of adding meat. We chose the Molida (ground beef), which made the dish hearty enough to serve as a meal for two.

Next came the Rocky Relleno, a fried poblano chili stuffed with gooey melted Mexican cheese and our choice of meat. The batter was light and airy, enhancing rather than overpowering the dish, while the chili’s mild smokiness came through with every bite. Topped with a tomato-based sauce and layered with sweet onions and tangy tomatoes, the relleno paired beautifully with buttery Spanish rice and smooth refried beans.

Juicy burgers are always a hit.

We also tried an a la carte tamale, generously sized and filled with seasoned pork. The masa was rich and carried a subtle spice, and the dish was topped with a decadent sauce. Pro tip: the tamale was large enough to stand alone as a meal when paired with the Elote (street corn) appetizer, making it both delicious and filling. All for right around $10.

And for dessert? Churros. Crisp on the outside, pillowy inside, and dusted with sweetness, they were the perfect ending—light yet decadent.

Churros are a great way to end a Mexican meal.

Tacos & Beer isn’t just about food; it’s about community. The owners make it a priority to support local businesses, sourcing in-house needs from Hancock County whenever possible. Their team is as warm and welcoming as the space itself, creating an environment where first-time visitors quickly feel like regulars.

Just as important, they are committed to being one of the most affordable restaurants downtown. By keeping reasonable prices, they’re making sure locals can enjoy regular visits while still catering to weekend crowds and tourists. It’s a thoughtful approach that ensures Tacos & Beer isn’t just a stop, but a staple in the Bay.

 
As they settle into their new home, diners can look forward to special celebrations like Cinco de Mayo and more live entertainment that ties food and fun together. With its combination of delicious dishes, unbeatable prices, and a true sense of community, Tacos & Beer is set to be a Bay St. Louis favorite for years to come.
 
Whether you’re craving tacos, wings, burgers, or just a cold beer with friends, you’ll find it here, served up with flavor, fun, and plenty of coastal flair.

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