Bartaco: Beach Vibe On Wilton Road

Bartaco is a couple of miles from Compo, as the seagull flies.

But it’s got a cool beach vibe.

And — if yesterday’s soft opening is any indication — it will fill a huge void downtown.

Bartaco will become the go-to place for intriguing tacos (spicy chorizo, felafel, curry shrimp, wild boar, sesame ribeye…), over 25 types of tequila, and a relaxing patio overlooking the river.

Right next to Save the Children on Wilton Road, it’s a shot across the bow that Saugatuck is not the only cool place in town to eat and drink.

The creative menu fills a culinary need. And the casual interior fills a need for a comfortable hangout.

Like all of Sasa Mahr-Batuz’s restaurants — he owns 3 other Bartacos and 8 Barcelonas, from Boston to Atlanta — his own stunning photos fill the walls. But the former Staples student also put out a call for local images.

Nearly 100 were submitted. The most compelling shots were scanned, enlarged on parchment, then put into custom-built frames. (The yellow pine stools are hand-made too.)

Owner Sasa Mahr-Batuz stands in front of one of his own photos: a dramatic beach scene.

Photo donors include a Who’s Who of Westport: the Playhouse. Longshore Sailing School. Coach Paul Lane.

It rained for yesterday’s opening. It was hardly beach weather.

But inside Bartaco — Westport’s newest restaurant, 2 miles from Compo — life was chill.

Ben Root and a large staff prep in the open kitchen.