How much does it cost to feed 50 people tacos?

April 18, 2025

Tackling the Taco Catering Dilemma

Planning an event for 50 people and wondering how much it’s going to cost to feed everyone tacos? You’re not alone! Whether you're organizing a casual backyard party, a corporate lunch, or even a wedding reception, tacos are always a hit thanks to their versatility, flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal. From taco bars to taco trucks, there are options to suit every theme and taste.

But when it comes to budgeting for taco catering, the costs can vary dramatically depending on several factors—like the type of service, menu selections, and location. Some hosts opt for a DIY taco setup to save money, while others prefer the ease and expertise of professional caterers such as Vatos Tacos, who bring everything from food to staff to your event.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how much you can expect to pay, compare DIY taco bars with professional taco catering, and give you insider tips on how to make the best decision for your event without overspending.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Taco Catering

Before diving into exact price ranges, it’s important to understand what influences the cost of taco catering. A variety of factors come into play that can change the price for feeding 50 people. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Type of Catering: DIY Taco Bar vs. Professional Catering

When deciding how to feed 50 guests, you’ve got two main options: setting up a DIY taco bar or hiring a professional taco caterer. Both have their pros and cons, and your choice will impact the overall cost—sometimes in ways you might not expect.

A DIY taco bar might seem like the more affordable route at first glance. You control the ingredients, the presentation, and the pace. But keep in mind, you’ll also be in charge of shopping, prepping, cooking, setup, and clean-up—not to mention any last-minute emergencies (like running out of guac). Time, effort, and the hidden costs of ingredients, warming trays, and serving utensils can really add up.

DIY Taco Bar

A DIY taco bar is a popular choice for those who want to save money and still create a fun, interactive taco experience. It gives you full control over the menu and presentation, which can be a creative and rewarding process—especially if you love hosting. You’ll handle the shopping, preparation, and setup, which means the overall cost is mostly determined by the ingredients you buy and the amount of labor involved.

On average, expect to spend anywhere from $5 to $8 per person if you’re keeping it simple with basic proteins like ground beef or shredded chicken, and essential toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Want to add premium options like carne asada, grilled shrimp, or homemade guacamole? The price per head will climb.

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of disposable plates, napkins, utensils, and food warmers to keep everything at a safe serving temperature. And don't forget—clean-up duty falls squarely on your shoulders. While it’s budget-friendly, a DIY setup is definitely more hands-on and time-consuming.

Pros: Lower cost, hands-on experience, customizable to your liking.
Cons: Requires significant time for preparation, and there’s no professional help to manage the event or clean up afterward.

Professional Taco Catering

Hiring a professional taco caterer is a more convenient but typically more expensive option. The caterer will handle everything from the setup to the cleanup, and they bring expert-level service that can elevate your event—especially if you’re aiming for a polished, stress-free experience. With a seasoned team on hand, you don’t have to worry about cooking, serving, or keeping food at the right temperature.

Most professional taco catering services offer a variety of packages that include proteins, toppings, sides, and sometimes even drinks or dessert. Pricing can range from $10 to $20 per person, depending on the menu complexity, number of food choices, and whether extras like on-site chefs or custom taco stations are included.

Pros: Stress-free, professional service, hassle-free setup and cleanup.
Cons: Higher cost due to labor and service fees.

If you're leaning toward professional catering, you can explore pricing options from Vatos Tacos to get a better idea of what to expect based on your event needs.

2. Menu Choices: The More Variety, The More You Pay

The type of menu you choose also affects your taco catering costs. The more variety you offer—think multiple meat options, a wide range of toppings, or specialty sides—the higher the price will be. Sticking to basics like chicken or ground beef with standard toppings (lettuce, cheese, salsa) will keep your costs lower. But if you want to serve crowd favorites like carne asada, carnitas, or grilled shrimp, expect to pay more per person.

Adding extras like fresh guacamole, elote (Mexican street corn), or churros for dessert? Delicious, but they’ll add to your total bill. Some caterers offer tiered packages to help you customize your spread without breaking the bank.

Meat Options: Beef, chicken, pork, fish, and veggie options all add to the cost. Specialty meats, like carne asada or al pastor, typically cost more.
Sides & Add-ons: Guacamole, chips, salsa, and Mexican rice can add up, especially if you go for higher-quality ingredients.
Beverages: Offering drinks such as sodas, aguas frescas, or margaritas will also influence your total cost.

The key is to balance your guests’ preferences with your budget. If you're catering for a crowd with diverse tastes, plan for a variety of meats and toppings, but keep an eye on how quickly costs can escalate.

3. Location and Travel Fees

The location of your event can significantly impact the overall cost of taco catering. Caterers often charge additional fees if the venue is far from their home base—especially when it involves transporting food trucks, large grills, or a full team of staff. Travel fees are particularly common with mobile taco vendors and taco trucks, as they need to factor in not just the fuel, but also travel time, setup logistics, and potential overnight stays if the distance is considerable.

If your event is in a remote area, a busy urban zone with limited parking, or outside of the caterer’s typical service radius, those logistics can quickly translate into added costs. Some vendors include a certain mileage in their base pricing, while others charge per mile once you exceed that range.

4. Service and Labor Costs

If you’re hiring a professional caterer, labor costs will come into play. These may include:

Staffing: The number of servers, cooks, or taco truck attendants.
Set-up and Cleanup: Professional caterers usually include setup and cleanup services, which may be priced separately or as part of the overall package.

Keep in mind that the more complex the event (e.g., requiring staff to serve, set up, and clean up), the higher the price tag.

5. Additional Costs: Rentals, Permits, and Gratuities

If your caterer provides a taco truck or needs to rent equipment like tables, chairs, warmers, or tents, these extras can quickly add up. These aren’t just nice-to-haves—they're often essential for keeping the event flowing smoothly, especially for outdoor gatherings or venues that don’t supply their own amenities. Some caterers bundle these items into premium packages, while others offer them à la carte, so it's important to ask what’s included.

Also, don’t overlook potential permit fees, especially if you're hosting your event in a public park or space where local regulations apply. Taco trucks often need special permits to serve food in certain locations, and your caterer may pass those charges on to you.

And of course, there's gratuity. While not always mandatory, tipping your taco truck staff or catering crew is a thoughtful gesture—especially when they’ve gone above and beyond to keep your guests happy. Most people tip around 15–20% of the total catering cost, depending on service quality.

Cost Breakdown: What You Can Expect to Pay for 50 People

Now that we've covered the factors affecting taco catering costs, let’s talk numbers. Here's a rough breakdown of what you can expect to pay to feed 50 people tacos.

DIY Taco Bar Costs

Ingredients: For a basic taco bar, you’ll need tortillas, meats, toppings, sides, and beverages. Expect to spend between $300 to $600, depending on the variety and quality of ingredients.
Labor: If you’re doing it yourself, labor costs are essentially zero, but don’t forget the time involved in preparing and setting up the taco bar.

Total for DIY: $300 to $600

Professional Taco Catering Costs

Catering Fees: Hiring a professional caterer for a taco bar setup for 50 people generally costs between $500 and $1,200, depending on the type of service and menu options. The price may go up for higher-end taco trucks or specialty meats.
Staffing: If you want staff to serve food or manage the event, expect to pay an additional $100 to $200 for the service.

Total for Professional Catering: $600 to $1,400

DIY Taco Bar vs. Professional Taco Catering: Which is Right for You?

Now that you know the price ranges, how do you decide between a DIY taco bar and professional catering? The choice ultimately comes down to your priorities and budget.

Go DIY if: You’re comfortable doing the prep work yourself, have a lower budget, and want to personalize the taco experience to your liking.
Go Professional if: You prefer a stress-free experience with professional service and are willing to pay extra for convenience and expert execution.

If you’d like more information about taco catering options, you can get in touch with the team at Vatos Tacos for personalized recommendations and quotes.

Tips for Saving on Taco Catering

Whether you choose to go DIY or hire professionals, there are always ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips to keep your taco catering budget-friendly:

Stick to Classic Meats: Avoid specialty meats like carne asada and opt for chicken or ground beef, which tend to be cheaper.
Limit Extra Sides: Offer a limited selection of sides and toppings to keep costs down.
Negotiate Service Fees: When booking a professional caterer, try negotiating service fees and travel costs, especially if your event is close to the caterer’s location.

Conclusion: Planning Your Perfect Taco Feast

Feeding 50 people tacos can be as affordable or extravagant as you make it. By considering key factors like menu variety, service type, and location, you can find a solution that fits both your budget and your guests' tastes. Whether you go the DIY route with a custom taco bar or opt for professional taco catering, the result will be a fun and memorable event that your guests will rave about for years to come. And, of course, tacos are one of those dishes that almost always guarantee a good time.

The best part? Taco catering is incredibly flexible, whether you're planning an intimate backyard gathering or a large celebration. Ready to start planning your taco feast? Whether you're crafting your own taco bar or booking a taco catering service, don’t forget to factor in all the essential elements—from the toppings and fillings to the service style—that will make your event unique and, of course, delicious!

If you're planning a taco party and need guidance on selecting the perfect catering option, don’t hesitate to reach out to a taco catering expert today for a personalized quote. Whether you're looking for a simple taco bar or a full-service taco experience, getting expert advice can help ensure your event is a success. Start your event planning with a taco feast that’s sure to be the talk of the town—and leave your guests craving more!