Calculators
Taco Bar Calculator
A taco bar runs lighter on protein than a brisket cookout. This layout uses 50 guests with 0.25 lb cooked protein per guest and a beer-forward drink split.
Controls below let you raise protein or switch bar style. Raw purchase weight uses the stated 0.7 shrink factor.
Estimates only. Adjust sides and appetizer rates for your spread.
50 guests · 3 hours · Beer forward · 38 drinking · 12 not drinking
| Category | Needed | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | 106.4 drinks | 5 cases |
| Wine | 30.4 drinks | 7 × 750 ml |
| Spirits | 15.2 drinks | 1 × 750 ml |
| Main protein (cooked serve) | 12.5 lb cooked | 12.5 lb on the plate |
| Main protein (raw purchase) | 12.5 lb cooked | 18 lb raw at the store |
| Sides | 37.5 lb total | 38 lb |
| Appetizers | 600 pieces | 600 pieces |
| Dessert | 55.0 servings | 56 servings |
Assumptions
- Drinking share: 75% of headcount (38 drinking guests)
- Duration: 3 hours → 4 drinks per drinking guest
- Bar split: 70% beer, 20% wine, 10% spirits
- Pour sizes: 5 oz wine, 1.5 oz spirits, 4 oz sparkling
- Ice: 1.5 lb per guest (60% chilling, 40% serving)
- Mixers: 2 L per 750 ml spirits bottle
- Main protein: 0.25 lb cooked per guest
- Raw purchase weight: cooked ÷ 0.7 shrink factor
- Sides: 3 × 0.25 lb per guest
- Appetizers: 6 pieces first hour, 3 per hour after
- Dessert: 1.1 servings per guest
Supplies checklist
- Ice — 4 bags (20 lb each)
- Cups — 100 (2 per guest)
- Napkins — 150 (3 per guest)
- Mixers — 2 L
- Garnish (citrus, olives, cherries)
- Serving utensils and bar tools
- Coolers and ice tubs
Estimates only. Adjust the per-guest rates for your crowd.
The Handy Pages · thehandypages.com
What you need at the buffet table
- Disposable plates and cutlery sets for self-serve lines (opens in new tab)
- Insulated beverage dispensers for punch, water, or iced tea (opens in new tab)
- Aluminum catering pans with lids for oven-to-table service (opens in new tab)
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