Taco News
Family-run Arlington restaurant Goldbar @79 serves homey, unique tacos
A family-owned restaurant in Arlington is a new go-to place for tacos and wings. Called Goldbar at 79, it opened in early 2024 in the former Wakanda Bar and Grill at 2535 E. Arkansas Ln. #361, right off 360, where it's doing tacos in some unusual varieties.
Owner is Corey Mooney, assisted by his aunt and his mother, who previously owned a lounge. Mooney, who is also a musician performing under the name Como Tha Golden Child, was living in Philadelphia when he came back to Texas to help his mother with her business.
Mooney and his friend Prophet started serving tacos and it took off.
“We put together 'free food Friday,'" Mooney says. "He’d get two Fridays out of the month to prepare a dish, and I’d get two Fridays. One of those Fridays, I decided to do tacos, and everybody loved them. I was just like, well, every time it's my Friday, I'm coming back with tacos.”
He built a following robust enough to go ahead and open Goldbar at 79. "I've always been a fan of gold, and I've always been a fan of cooking," he says.
Tacos are the main draw, and he offers them in eight varieties, most of which stand out from the usual taco fare: shredded chicken & bacon, ground beef with potatoes & cheese, steak & shrimp, brisket, salmon, a veggie with bell pepper & avocado, and a Philly-style steak with peppers & onions.
"It's unique — something that you’re not used to," Mooney says.
You can get them solo for $3.25 to $5, but most people go for the generous platter, which comes with four tacos and sides like lime rice or mac & cheese, for $15 to $19.
He's continually expanding the menu, adding Southern dishes like chicken & waffles, burgers, and fried catfish.
The place has a fun atmosphere with hookah and events like watch parties and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. There’s no bar — it's BYOB — but during happy hour Tuesday-Thursday from 5-9 pm, they offer free margaritas.
“The reward is being able to walk in everyday, I get to unlock the door to something that’s mine,” Mooney says. “Plus, people tell me everyday this is the best taco they’ve ever had or they can’t believe they’ve seen my posts and are just now getting to try these tacos.”