Barrio Cafe

[flautachica]

I've been hearing a lot about this place lately, so I thought I'd check with you CHer's and get your thoughts...thanks!

[tabe1978]

Agreed with above. Easily in anyone's discussion for best Mexican in town, and my personal favorite. But I haven't been in over a year due to consistently long lines (over 45 minutes for dinner, no res taken, small waiting area).

[danieli10]

I agree with JK, totally overpriced and IMO underexecuted. We won't go back. It was so underwhelming that this is truly one place, ala PB, that I just don't understand its popularity.

[bortukan]

I suspect Barrio Cafe's biggest hurdle is its own reputation. I think it's quite good, but given its relatively high price compared with other Mexican places (but not other types of food, really) and the frequency with which it's called one of the top places in town, people tend to get disproportionately upset if their meal is anything less than mind-blowing. In my experience, some days approach mind-blowing and others are merely pretty good, but it's harder for people to forgive the "pretty good" ones than it would be at any other Mexican place in town. Anyway, if you're looking for non-Sonoran Mexican food it's definitely one of your best options.

[JK Grence the Cosmic Jester]

I think it's a solid contender for the best Mexican food in the Phoenix area. However, I also think it's overpriced to the point I haven't felt any compulsion to go back after the one very delicious meal.

[Phoenix99]

I've always enjoyed Barrio Cafe and the cochinita pibil in particular. You'll find disagreement on this website although in honesty some of it may be misdirected. I remember one writer taking BC to task for their chunky guacamole but took that to be someone who thought Americanized smooth guac was authentic.

[hohokam]

There have been some recent discussions here, which you can find by searching using "Barrio" or "Barrio Cafe" as search terms. You can also bring up some relevant threads by clicking on the Barrio Cafe link under the map on the right-hand side of the page. --->

[johnseberg]

I haven't been to Barrio Cafe in a long time. I've been meaning to have a solo lunch, there, but, I don't ever seem to make it. The food has been pretty good, in my experience. My strategy is to go during off-peak hours and save room for dessert. You can read the menu on their website to get an idea of the food. I don't think they serve rice or beans at all. The biggest reason I don't like to go - it's loud and crowded.

-----
Barrio Cafe
2814 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

[johnseberg]

I had my lunch at Barrio Cafe, today. I was brought some crusty white bread with a tapenade to start. I ordered the fish tacos, which includes a small salad. And, I saved room for the flan. Everything was excellent. My only complaint was that the halibut was a little dry, and I might go the shrimp, next time. But, everything else was truly excellent. With tax and tip (no beverage) my total came to $32. It's not a place to have lunch every day, but, I'm not going to say it's over-priced.