Tortuga Tavern really needs to be open more. Although the menu is small, the food is decent and it’s a nice diversion from burgers and chicken nuggets. We were recently in the park during its operating hours (11am-3pm that day), so we stopped in for a bite.
We had both wanted to try the Taco Salad there for some time, but always end up ordering the Beef Nachos (though Matt did order the burrito once). I knew I would be ordering the salad, but Matt wasn’t so sure when we were getting ready to order. He called an audible and went with the Beef Nachos.
The nachos are dressed with cheese sauce and a black bean salsa. Matt added the red salsa from the toppings bar. Verdict: Delicious as usual, and the black bean salsa is a nice touch.
I ordered the Taco Salad, and was given the option of chicken instead of beef. I opted for the beef, and requested cheese sauce be added. I didn’t take a picture pre-toppings bar, but you are served a flour tortilla bowl with a few scoops of ground beef in it, and in my case, cheese sauce as well. I loaded up the remainder of the bowl with lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheddar, and salsa.
My bowl was cooked nicely, but while waiting for our order, a woman brought one up to request a new one as it was overcooked (it was indeed quite brown). I noticed that there were quite a few that looked a bit well done on the line, so if you happen to get one that’s overcooked, don’t hesitate to request a different one. The taste of the bowl itself reminded me of the fried wonton strips served with soup at Chinese restaurants.
I thought the salad was fine, but I don’t think I would order it again considering the salad itself is from the toppings bar. While there is nothing wrong with the items on the bar (and I knew I would be constructing my own salad with them), the quality for the price isn’t there. Perhaps if this salad came with the black bean salsa the nachos have, I would feel that it was a better value. I’m sure I could request it as I did the cheese, but I think I’ll stick with either the nachos or try something new next time.
