Tio Taco + Tequila Introduce
For New Jersey residents craving a vibrant blend of authentic Mexican and crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex cuisine, Tio Taco + Tequila in Clifton stands out as a premier dining and bar destination. Located conveniently in The Promenade Shops, Tio is more than just a restaurant; it’s a full-service bar and grill that captures a lively, trendy, and casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a flavorful lunch, an energetic dinner, or a spot to enjoy late-night food and drinks with friends, Tio offers a consistent, high-quality experience.
The menu is a testament to the versatility of Mexican and Latin American cooking, featuring classic favorites alongside innovative, signature dishes. Diners can indulge in everything from savory, customizable Burrito Bowls and sizzling Fajitas to the highly popular, rich, and tender Birria offerings, including the Birria Taco and Short Rib Birria Quesadilla. Tio has earned a reputation for serving "absolutely delicious" food, maintaining a high standard of flavor and freshness across its diverse offerings.
Beyond the food, Tio Taco + Tequila lives up to its name with a spectacular bar area that is spacious and well-stocked. It boasts a "huge bar area with a lot of different drink options," celebrated for both its "great beer selection" and "amazing cocktails." This focus on quality beverages, combined with regular weekly specials—like the highly recommended Taco Tuesday with half-price tacos—makes it a top choice for a fun, value-driven dining experience in North Jersey.
Customers consistently praise the commitment to excellent service. While the front-end staff might vary, the servers are frequently described as "polite and friendly." Furthermore, the personal touch, such as the General Manager stopping by to introduce himself to patrons, seals the deal for many, ensuring that a visit to Tio Taco + Tequila is not just a meal, but a memorable experience. It’s the perfect spot for everything from a date night to a family outing, offering high chairs and a dedicated kids' menu to accommodate younger diners.
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Tio Taco + Tequila is ideally situated in Clifton, New Jersey, providing easy access for local users across Passaic County and beyond. The restaurant’s address is 850 NJ-3 #105, Clifton, NJ 07012, USA. It is prominently located in The Promenade Shops at Clifton, a well-known shopping center that ensures excellent visibility and convenient entry from State Route 3.
Accessibility is a strong point for Tio, as the establishment is designed to welcome all guests comfortably:
- Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The main entrance is easily accessible.
- Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Free, on-site parking is available, including designated accessible spots.
- Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Facilities are fully equipped for all guests.
- Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Designated seating areas ensure comfort for those requiring accessibility accommodations.
- Parking: Ample free parking is available on-site in the large parking lot serving The Promenade Shops, making any visit hassle-free.
The restaurant's hours are accommodating for both lunch and dinner crowds. For dining ("eat tacos + more"), the schedule is generally: Sunday 11 AM - 9 PM, and Monday through Saturday starting at 11 AM. Bar hours ("drink tequila + more") often extend later, making it a great late-night spot: Sunday until 10 PM, Monday through Thursday until 11 PM, and Friday and Saturday until 12 AM (midnight).
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Tio Taco + Tequila provides a full suite of dining and bar services to ensure maximum convenience and a great experience for North Jersey patrons:
- Dine-in and Outdoor Seating: Guests can choose to enjoy their meal inside the trendy, casual dining room or on the outdoor patio.
- Delivery and Takeout: Convenient options are available for those who prefer to enjoy Tio’s delicious food at home.
- Reservations Accepted: For large groups or busy times, the restaurant accepts reservations, making planning easier.
- Full Bar Service: A bar is onsite offering a great selection of Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, Cocktails, and Wine.
- Dedicated Happy Hour: Happy hour drinks are available, making it an excellent post-work spot.
- Table Service: Full-service dining is provided for all seated guests.
- Catering: Although not explicitly listed in the provided menu, other Tio locations offer catering, suggesting this service may be available for large events and gatherings.
- Payment Flexibility: All major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments are accepted.
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Tio Taco + Tequila is distinguished by several key features that make it a favorite among New Jersey diners, transforming a simple meal into an enjoyable social outing:
- Legendary Weekly Specials: The highly praised "Taco Tuesday with half-price tacos" is a major draw, offering incredible value and a perfect reason to visit midweek. Other locations also feature Half Price Margaritas on Mondays and Half Price Flights on Wednesdays, which are worth checking for local availability.
- Exceptional Bar Program: Known for its "Great cocktails" and "Great beer selection," the massive bar area is a centerpiece of the restaurant, ensuring a lively atmosphere and expertly crafted drinks, especially during Happy Hour and late-night hours.
- Signature Birria Menu: The Birria selections, including the Birria Taco and Short Rib Birria Quesadilla, are must-try, modern takes on traditional Mexican slow-cooked meat that have cemented Tio's reputation for delicious, high-flavor food.
- Family-Friendly Environment: Tio is considered "Good for kids," offering high chairs and a dedicated Kids' menu featuring popular items like Kids Gringo Tacos, Kids Cheese Quesadillas, and Kids Chix Strips, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner.
- Broad Menu Appeal: Categorized as a Mexican, Latin American, and Tex-Mex restaurant, the menu successfully offers comfort food, small plates (Botanas like Loaded Nachos and Elote De Calle), and substantial entrees like Churrasco Skirt Steak and various Fajita options, ensuring there is something for every taste.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: The restaurant is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with a lively environment that caters well to groups and adds to the overall dining experience.
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For reservations, questions about weekly specials, or to place a takeout order, New Jersey residents can use the following contact information:
- Address: 850 NJ-3 #105, Clifton, NJ 07012, USA (Located in The Promenade Shops)
- Phone: (973) 773-5044
Current dining hours for the Clifton location are generally: Sunday 11 AM - 9 PM for food, and Monday - Saturday starting at 11 AM. The bar operates later for late-night food and drinks. It is highly recommended to call ahead or check their website for the most current daily specials and holiday hours.
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Tio Taco + Tequila is worth choosing for New Jersey residents seeking a complete dining and entertainment package. What truly sets Tio apart is the successful fusion of high-quality, flavorful Mexican cuisine with a sophisticated, social bar atmosphere. It’s not just a quick taco joint; it’s a destination for a full night out. The food is consistently praised as "delicious," with highlights like the robust Birria selections and the "consistently good" Nachos and Fish Tacos.
The commitment to great value is another compelling factor, most notably the Half Price Tacos special on Tuesdays. This kind of consistent, popular weekly promotion is a huge win for local diners looking to enjoy high-quality dining on a budget. Furthermore, the combination of "amazing drinks" and a fun, trendy ambiance makes it perfect for both date nights and group gatherings. Patrons have noted the exceptional service from servers and the management team, ensuring a warm, attentive experience every time. For North Jersey locals, Tio Taco + Tequila offers the best of both worlds: serious Mexican and Tex-Mex food and a fun, serious bar program in an easily accessible, welcoming location.
Tio Taco + Tequila Menu
Fajitas
- Chicken Fajita $21.00
all fajitas are served with our house guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese, caramelized peppers and onions, rice black beans and warm corn masa tortillas
- Shrimp Fajita $22.00
all fajitas are served with our house guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese, caramelized peppers and onions, rice black beans and warm corn masa tortillas
- Chicken And Carne Asada Fajita $22.00
all fajitas are served with our house guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese, caramelized peppers and onions, rice, black beans and warm corn masa tortillas.
- Veggie Fajita $18.00
all fajitas are served with our house guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese, caramelized peppers and onions, rice black beans and warm corn masa tortillas
- Chix & Shrimp Fajita $22.00
all fajitas are served with our house guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese, caramelized peppers and onions, rice black beans and warm corn masa tortillas
- Carne Asada Fajita $23.00
all fajitas are served with our house guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese, caramelized peppers and onions, rice black beans and warm corn masa tortillas
- Shrimp And Carne Asada Fajita $23.00
all fajitas are served with our house guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese, caramelized peppers and onions, rice, black beans and warm corn masa tortillas
Tacos
- 2 Tacos $0.00
MIX AND MATCH: MINIMUM OF TWO ALL TACOS SERVED ON FRESH MASA CORN TORTILLAS (GF)
- Taco - Multiples Of The Same $0.00
Beverages
- BTL Still Water $4.00
- Jarritos Lime $3.50
- Bottle Coca Cola $4.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
- Jarrito Grapefruit $3.50
- Jarrito Mandarin $3.50
- Red Bull $4.00
- BTL Sparkling Water $4.00
Kids & Sides
- Fajita Fries $5.00
- Kids Chicken Quesadilla $10.00
- Fried Plantains $5.00
- Black Beans $4.00
- Queso Dip $4.00
- Kids Cheese Quesadilla $8.00
- Kids Chix Strips $10.00
- Kids Gringo Tacos $10.00
- Kids Chicken Nachos $10.00
- Arroz $3.00
- Cilantro Jasmine Rice (Vegetarian) $3.00
- Refried Beans $3.00
Burrito Bowls
- Carne Asada Bowl $17.00
JASMINE RICE WITH CARNE ASADA, BLACK BEANS, QUESO FRESCA, SHREDDED LETTUCE, SCALLION, GUACAMOLE AND TOMATILLO SALSA
- Barbacoa Bowl $16.00
JASMINE RICE WITH PULLED SHORT RIB, REFRIED BEANS, ROASTED CORN SALSA, THREE CHEESE BLEND, SHREDDED LETTUCE, GUACAMOLE AND RED ENCHILADA SAUCE
- Classic Burrito Bowl $15.00
YELLOW RICE AND BLACK BEANS, CHEDDAR JACK CHEESE, SHREDDED LETTUCE, PICO DE GALLO, GUACAMOLE AND CILANTRO CREMA. CHOICE OF PROTEIN.
- Blackened Shrimp Bowl $16.00
JASMINE RICE WITH BLACKENED SHRIMP, MANGO SALSA, BLACK BEANS, SHREDDED LETTUCE, PICO DE GALLO, GUACAMOLE AND CILANTRO CREMA
- Guajillo Chicken Bowl $15.00
JASMINE RICE WITH DICED GUAJILLO CHICKEN THIGHS, BLACK BEANS, FAJITA VEGGIES, CHEDDAR JACK, LETTUCE, GUACAMOLE AND RANCHERO CREMA
Birria
- Birria Taco $16.00
Two corn tortillas dipped in birria sauce, toppped with short rib, our three cheese blend, pickled onion and cilantro, served with a side of birria consome
- Birria Crunchwrap $22.00
Flour tortillas stuffed with short rib, guacamole, our house three cheese blend, pico de gallo, crispy tortilla and shredded lettuce dipped in birria sauce and grilled. Served with fajita fries and birria sauce.
- Short Rib Birria Quesadilla $23.00
three tortillas dipped in birria sauce topped with cheddar jack cheese, short rib, roasted corn, pickled onion and cilantro, served with sour cream, pico de gallo, birria consume with rice and beans
Grande/Entrees
- Burrito $16.00
rice, black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, assorted cheese and lettuce, wrapped in a flour tortilla, served with rice and black beans. Choice of: pulled chicken, pulled pork belly, carne asada
- Coconut Mango Shrimp $23.00
COCONUT BREADED JUMBO SHRIMP, MANGO SALSA, SWEET CHILI SAUCE, SERVED WITH CILANTRO JASMINE RICE, BLACK BEANS AND FRIED PLANTAINS
- So-Cal Burger $16.00
DOUBLE SMASH PATTIES, THREE CHEESE BLEND, AVOCADO, LETTUCE, DICED TOMATOES AND CHIPOTLE MAYO ON A POTATO BUN WITH FAJITA FRIES
- Chicken Enchiladas $17.00
pulled white meat chicken, wrapped and baked in a flour tortilla with classic enchilada sauce
- Short Rib Enchiladas $19.00
tender pulled short rib, wrapped and baked in a flour tortilla topped with house made enchilada sauce
- Churrasco Skirt Steak $25.00
Marinated skirt steak grilled and topped with chimichurri sauce served with rice, beans, and fried plantains.
- Chimichanga $17.00
deep fried flour tortilla stuffed with blackened chicken, rice black beans and melted cheddar jack cheese, topped with pico de gallo and cilantro crema, served with rice and black beans
- Pork Belly Enchiladas $17.00
pulled pork belly wrapped and baked in a flour tortilla topped with housemade salsa verde
- Tio Trio $23.00
chicken, short rib and pork belly verde
- Quesadilla $14.00
Masa corn tortilla stuffed with assorted cheeses, pico de gallo, and scallions, served with rice and black beans.
Botanas
- Chips And Salsa $5.00
Housemade salted lime tortilla chips with "Tio" salsa verde and roasted salsa rojo
- Elote De Calle $12.00
Grilled street corn dipped in crema, topped with cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro, ranchero aioli, served with fresh lime.
- Chicken Empanadas $12.00
Fried house made dough stuffed with pulled enchilada chicken and assorted cheeses, topped with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, cotija cheese and cilantro crema
- Guacamole $0.00
Served with housemade salted lime tortilla chips.
- Beef Empanadas $12.00
Fried housemade dough stuffed with seasoned beef, "Tio" sofrito, garlic, and olives, topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, chipotle crema, and cotija cheese.
- Loaded Nachos $12.00
Housemade salted lime tortilla chips topped with our assorted Mexican three cheese blend, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and cotija cheese, served with sour cream, salsa verde, and refried beans.
- Chicken Flautas $12.00
Pulled white meat chicken, poblano peppers, onion, and our Mexican three cheese blend wrapped in a fried masa tortilla, topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, ranchero aioli, and lime crema.
- Chips & Queso $6.00
- Carne Asada Fries $15.00
Fajita twist fries topped with carne asada, queso blanco cheese, scallions, guacamole and lime crema
- Mango Habanero Shrimp $16.00
Crispy, fried jumbo shrimp tossed in mango habanero sauce, topped with crispy tortilla strips and green onion
- Wings $16.00
Marinated crispy jumbo wings in a smoky spicy rub with avocado crema and ranchero aioli
Specials
- Coco-Loco Ice Cream Tacos $12.00
Three waffle cookie shells, stuffed with edible cookie dough and vanilla ice cream, topped with a hard chocolate shell
- Birria Grilled Cheese $19.00
pulled short rib, melted cheddar jack cheese, pico de gallo and pickled onions on toasted country bread, served with birria sauce and fajita fries
- Mango Shrimp Ceviche $18.00
Shrimp marinated in citrus juices and tossed with mango salsa, house verde sauce and pico de gallo, topped with diced avocado, tajin and cilantro, served with housemade salted lime tortilla chips
- Lobster Guacamole $23.00
Our house guacamole topped with lobster meat, mango salsa and chimmichurri, served with housemade salted lime tortilla chips
- Ranchero Guacamole $20.00
House Guacamole with pork belly, pepita seeds, queso fresco and pickled onions, served with house made salted lime tortilla chips
- Ice Cream Sand Trio $14.00
Strawberry shortcake, cookies and cream and chocolate brownie ice cream sandwiches
Ensaladas (Soup and Salad)
- Tio Salad $11.00
Spring mix lettuce, grape tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, pepita seeds, and queso fresco with lime vinaigrette.
- Taqueria Salad $15.00
Shredded romaine lettuce, seasoned ground beef, avocado, cheddar jack cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, and roasted corn salsa with avocado ranch topped with lime crema and crispy tortilla strips.
- Cobb Salad $17.00
Romaine, blackened chicken, black beans , roasted corn salsa, cherry tomatoes, avocado and queso fresco with ranch dressing.
Dessert
- Cheesecake $9.00
- Plastic Utensils $0.00
Need plastic utensils? Let us know how many!
- Van Ice Cream $5.00
- Tres Leches $9.00
Three milk soaked sponge cake with fresh berries and fresh whipped cream.
- Cinnamon Crunch Fried Ice Cream $12.00
Vanilla iced cream coated in cinnamon crunchies and deep fried, topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and cinnamon crunchies
- Churros $8.00
Crispy cinnamon sugar churros with bittersweet chocolate sauce.
Tio Taco + Tequila Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- On-site parking
- Parking
Tio Taco + Tequila Photos










Tio Taco + Tequila Location
Tio Taco + Tequila Reviews
margaritaflightbartenderhappy hourappetizerempanadaeveningsportswalkingtaco tuesday
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I like going to Tio to reminisce about its former resident Zinburger. The place is a good size with spacious booths. Huge bar area with a lot of different drink options. Front-end staff is hit or miss, but the servers have been great. Very polite and friendly. Food is pretty decent. They have good specials during the week that are worth checking out. Taco Tuesday with half-price tacos is one of them. Nachos are consistently good and I enjoy the fish tacos. I will continue to come back here.
April 05 · Frank RanuI’ve officially been here three times. Two times with my boyfriend and once with my daughter. I. AM. HOOKED. The food here is absolutely delicious. The drinks are amazing. And the service sealed the deal. The general manager stopped by our table and introduced himself which was great. And our server made sure to come by and check on us to ensure everything was good. This was a great spot for mom and daughter time for sure. My suggestion, if you haven’t been, go!
November 23 · Dania FresnelI’m nuts about Mexican food but the food here was terrific. High quality. Service was fantastic. Family friendly. My only suggestion would be to lower the music slightly and add espresso to the menu. Otherwise, highly recommend!
June 01 · Joseph DragoJust bought a house in the area and wanted to cheers. Came here with the wife and sister. Sat at the bar it's 2:20pm on a friday and sat at the bar. The bartender was very UNPROFESSIONAL. On the phone with her ear piece and in a bad mood. Only 5 people at the bar, that's including us... Food was GREAT, ATMOSPHERE WAS PLEASENT.. BUT the vibe from the lady bartender was killing the mood. Drinks were soft and had to switch to beer. She (the bartender) was hard to reach cause she was to busy on her phone. Service wasn't even mediocre , it was bad. I give it another shot. But won't sit at the bar.. Unprofessional
September 26 · fidel cintronWent on a Friday night with friends. We each had different dinners and cocktails. The guacamole was delicious! Our server was amazing! She had helpful suggestions and was attentive. The restaurant was very clean. Food was delicious. Overall, a win. We will certainly return.
March 23 · Alicia Ortiz
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