Barrio

We had a gift certificate for this restaurant. Great location next to the theater. We just had come from a movie and wanted to grab a bite. There were 4 adults and my two daughters. The atmosphere is gorgeous!!! The blown glass fixtures near the bar looked like Chihuli sculptures. It was a beautiful day and so pretty with the extra large window open. A+ for Décor
The food was not a hit. It sounded interesting and yummy when we read the menu but when we tasted the food it was not that good. My husband had something with chirezzo and it was swimming in grease. I had fish tacos and they were bland. Everyone at the table was unimpressed with there food. All ate it but said they would never come back. The service was very good.

2.5 Stars
I’ve been twice off of Groupons and can’t say I’d ever go an pay full ticket for what you’re getting. (12.00 for a quesadilla with chicken???)
I do enjoy their mole, chips+Salsa are good, service is fine but it just comes down to the cost.
I guess if you’re not willing to drive into the city you’ll have a good overall experience at Barrio, its a very kool space.
I just don’t see it being better than my favs in South-​West or my local: Imperial.
(For all those people who complain about service @ Imperial you’ll have a much better time at Barrio)
With drinks expect to spend a minimum of $ 20 per person…

Chips & Salsa were great. Food is over priced, but I had a Groupon. Décor was cool, but place was dead. I went on a Thursday evening at 8 pm with a girlfriend. Staff was very friendly and assertive.
We started with the traditional guacamole which was horrible and $ 8 for a small bowl of it. It was flavorless and ugh, just not good! We were not impressed.
I ordered the «mushroom enchiladas» b/​c I looooove mushrooms and I was very excited to try this dish b/​c of its uniqeness and that I have never had it before. It was not good, the «green looking cheese» on top was not tasteful, and the enchiladas were over cooked that I couldn’t even cut through the bottom of them. I barely finished half of one of the two. The side of rice was dry and tasted like it was out of the box. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED! My friend ordered the shredded beef enchiladas and said they were very good.
So the 3 stars was for my over-​cooked, crappy mushroom enchiladas, and that the menu was very expensive.
I would go back again and try something new and would get a margarita too.
I think this place would be fun with a group of friends, and I mean, I love some chips and salsa.
Mexican Town is always my first choice!

I was wowed. We arrived just in time for happy hour (4−7pm). There was a short wait for a table so we immediately got over to the bar and flagged down the bartend so we could get at least one drink special ordered. I had the red sangria and it was great Fruity with real fruit in a stemless glass. My partner ordered a beer cocktail which was a beer with a salted rim, lime juice, jalapeño juice and tequila. It’s a winner too. That mixture manages to transform beer into something entirely new.
At the table we order the guacamole because it comes in those traditional stone guacamole grinder that I love. They make it from 2 avocados, so it was LARGE. Unwilling or make just unable to make a decision we ordered the chef’s choice 5 tacos with 3 sides. Each taco was a different meat: fish, chicken pull pork, chorizo and beef. They were all topped with a unique crunchy addition. the sides included rice, corn salad and beans. Everything was very good but our favorites hands down were the rice (with lime), corn salad, fish, chicken and chorizo tacos. We almost went back the next night to try some more things on the menu. It was that good and the environment was really fun. Unique décor includes every 1970’s boys dream bicycles. You’ve got to see them.

I like coming here for drinks and appetizers. I typically get the guacamole to share and usually ill split tacos. I have had the swordfish and chorizo tacos. I liked the swordfish better, the chorizo tacos were pretty greasy and messy.
I am probably in the minority but I absolutely hated the margaritas. I tried a few different kinds, all way too strong and in my opinion un drinkable. I tried to fix mine by diluting it but overall it was a lost cause. It was wayyyyy too bitter.
I do like the sangria a lot. If you’re not a huge tequila person this is a good alternative.
One time I was here I was craving dessert and they have the most amazing brownie which is cooked in a frying pan served with vanilla ice cream. Delicious.
The service is good, I typically sit in the bar area… Bartenders are nice and a lot of fun. I like the higher booths, very comfortable.
Similarly to a lot of other reviews I give this place only 3 stars for price. The food is good, however my bill is always pretty high when I come here…

Nice décor (except the lights kind of threw me off… they’re these sun/​fiery looking things), clean/​open space, nice service. The food is pricy, and while it’s good, it’s not THAT good where I’d go out of my way to frequent this business.
My bf and I ordered:
— Pork belly tacos: SOOOOOOO GOOD… but so filling and hearty. The tacos come with 2 tiny sides of rice & beans, but honestly, you don’t even need them bc the tacos themselves are so filling.
— Fried swordfish tacos: again, reeeeally good. I recommend trying these before the pork belly tacos bc you may be underwhelmed otherwise. The flavors are light, definitely not as heavy and strong as the pork belly, but good in its own way.
These two 3-​taco plates really filled us up. The prices are a bit high for tacos, which makes me want to give them 3.5 stars. HOWEVER, the excellent service bumps them up to 4 stars.
The manager and hostess let us know that our table was next to a sweet 16 birthday party. They offered to first show us the table but definitely warned us that it would be loud and may disrupt our meal. Luckily, they cleared a quieter table for us, but I still thought that their gesture was very thoughtful.
Tips: call and make a reservation. We went on a Thursday ~7pm thinking that we’d have no problem getting a table. Wrong! There was a 30 min wait. just goes to show how good the tacos really are.

Went on a recent Monday night and there was hardly anyone there which resulted in very good service for us. 5 stars for the tequila selection. Food was tasty all around if not mind-​blowing. Reason I’m going with 3 stars instead of 4 is price and portion. Go take a look at Imperial in Ferndale. Tacos just as good with same level of ingredient care but at half the price. Makes a difference. Still an above average spot…

Mm amazing guac! Although the guac is the only thing I have had on the menu, the menu looks great and I can’t wait to go back!

Always empty, as a friend pointed out «almost racist décor», but pretty solid swordfish tacos.

Went on a groupon and was satisfied overall. We had leftovers if you can believe it as the tacos were seriously the smallest ever. Boy was the charizo DELICIOUS though. Had the rice bowl too and it was just the yummiest ever. We just ate the leftovers for lunch. Service was great. Place was very trendy and upscale. Oveerall a very good experience.
What didnt I like? My husband is hearing impaired and the echoing loudness made it difficult for him to hear anything. The price was a little high and the margaritas fairly weak and small for the price. I really wanted wine but choked on the prices they wanted for a glass.
Not sure I would go again though. The price was just a little steep for me even though the food quality is top notch. The problem with Birmingham is that these eateries have to charge to make a profit after the high rent they have to pay.

Giving the place 2 stars based on my experience with drinks only.
The place was a little empty and it was a Friday night at like 7:30. The drinks were okay (although we just got beer) but what I didn’t like is all the hovering staff. Waiters and bartenders just lolly-​gagging around. It was uncomfortable, like they needed to cut the floor fast!
The other thing that bothered me is the bartender was talking to us about the movie we were going to see when another couple sat down. They were there maybe 30 seconds when from across the bar (which was aways away) the manager or owner started yelling at our bartender to say hello to the newly seated couple. The manager /​owner guy could have gone over and said hello but instead he interrupted us to tell the bartender to do it. The bartender, obviously frustrated, looked at the guy and made the «I got it» eyes, but rather than leave it, the mgr said, «What, do you think this is a joke? Do you think I am joking? Cause I am not.» AWKWARD…
The drinks were good and the bartender was nice, but I wouldn’t go back.

I know I know. Traditionally not the best reviews. But I can’t help it. I don’t think I am giving this four stars in the face of Mexicantown tacos. I am giving it four stars when competing against other locales in Birmingham that I might hit after work for food and drinks.
I haven’t had any bad experiences here. By reading the reviews I get the feeling that it’s because I have a gift when it comes to ordering food or eating… whichever.
So here is my hit list. The Calabaza quacamole is a serious winner. I’ve never had anything quite like it (cumin roasted butternut squash) and I love it. I’ve also really enjoyed the avocado taquitos for an appetizer and the Chicken Tinga and Pescado tacos. Basically braised chicken and mahi mahi tacos.
I’ve also had pretty good luck with their drinks. I generally stick to the margaritas and I love them. They make their own mix so they arent too sweet. They also have a great tequila menu to pair it with. Not that you want to get crazy expensive tequila for a margarita but a step up does make a big difference.
Service has been good for me as well. So all in all. I’d recommend a trip t decide for yourself.

Being out in Birmingham and not dressed to be «out» partying — we decided to come here to have drinks and snacks. We weren’t too hungry but had heard about the guacamole — which is more than enough of a selling point for me.
The guacamole (minus cilantro) was EXCEPTIONAL, seriously good. It didn’t necessarily have anything out of the ordinary in it so I’m not sure what makes it taste so great, but it does. Try it. Also their salsa is served slightly warm — it was good. Trust me.
Their non alcoholic flavored waters — made in front of you are okay. Which was good bc their Sangria was much too sour.
This is where the good ends. The noise level was out of control. The bar area gets a wonderfully cold and totally disturbing MI winter blast every time the door opens. This was really awesome bc the bartender totally forgot about us and didn’t give us our bill until 35 minutes after we finished despite the fact that it wasn’t crowded anymore by 1130 on a Saturday night. I love being indoors and feeling drafty and cold.
Their Guacamole and Salsa are by far their saving grace.

It was a toss up between 2 and 3 stars. Tonight, armed with my Groupon, would have been 3 stars… but I won’t always have a Groupon so then the question becomes would I have been happy with a $ 60 bill for 2 for some tacos? Nope. Sorry.
A quick run down of the pros and cons —
Pros:
Excellent guacamole… no really, it was super good. Also liked the salsa verde
House made chorizo.
Very warm and friendly greeting by the hostess
Cons:
Price — way too expensive for what you get
Sides — really the smallest dishes I have ever seen for rice and beans. And the rice was awful.
Noise — I read that it was noisy but wow… I mean, it’s really really noisy.
I really don’t think I’ll go back without a Groupon or BOGO deal. Sorry, Barrio, but you’re just not that good.

It was promising to see that their tacos were served with corn tortilla and not flour, but the impressiveness stopped there. Their plating is nice and presented well and clean, but if only I can just look at it instead of eating it. Not sure if they fail on execution of the dish or in the conception of it. We tried lots of food, so get ready.
Starting the meal with their guacamole and chips. It’s served in a nice stone bowl, its nice and creamy and flavored well. We thought we were in for a good dinner.
Since our first dish was successful, so why not the next. Well, this one fell flat on it’s face. The tuna ceviche, well, it’s not a ceviche at all. It appeared and tasted just as though they took tuna sushi-​grade, and mixed it with a watermelon lime juice. I’m not sure how long it was marinated in the sauce, but the fish didn’t take on any of the flavor. Not a ceviche.
On to dinner. We ordered a variety of tacos to try out as many as we can. Starting with my least favorite were the tacos I picked, asacado, fish tacos. To sum it up, too little fish, and too much cabbage. I could barely taste any fish in it. I think the cabbage was added for texture and feeling of freshness, but really it was a corn tortilla with a cabbage salad. Not a winner. Next were the mushroom tacos, a step up, a little. The mushroom tacos were better with the choice of tomatoes giving it a freshness and the acidity needed with the mushrooms. The mushrooms had a nice earthiness to it, but still not enough mushrooms and its flavor was also masked by the condiments. Lastly, the mole tacos, the better of all the tacos. I could have easily just ordered these and sent the rest back. I made sure that I ended with one to have at least one good taco in the meal. It was pulled pork, marinated well, still juicy, and served with a nice cheese on top to compliment it well.
On the side, we tried the green rice and beans, and grilled corn. The green rice was a «lime» rice, but really lacked in flavor. It was really only rice with a tint of green and didn’t help to compliment the beans well. The beans were only black beans. It lacked in flavor and heartiness. It was a sad representation of beans in a Mexican restaurant. The corn was grilled well, a little over done, but the grated cheese on it gave it a little extra to make it better.
Our last dish was the tostada. I probably would have given a rating of one star, but the tostada is worth one extra star by itself. After mentioning how good it is to the server, she then mentioned that it’s their most popular dish. We should have heard that in the beginning. It has a nice crispy shell on the bottom, served with pulled pork that was on the mole tacos, black beans, avacados, lettuce and cheese. This was the saving grace of the whole dinner. It was really really good, an exceptional dish. I would have been sadly disappointed with the experience if we didn’t end with the tostada. Get it, you won’t be disappointed.

I finally made it over to Barrio for a quick dinner before a movie at the Palladium. It’s location makes it the perfect spot for such an evening and the menu was enticing all the same. I have to say the pineapple guacamole was a delicious beginning — combining a bit of sweetness to that rich avocado taste I love.
The salsas had a sufficient kick and gave way to my entrée of Wild Mushroom Enchiladas. Three perfectly proportioned corn tortillas were neither doused in sauce nor covered in oil. Everything I tried tasted delicious. I also loved the fact that I had so many options as a non-​meat eater. While the carne asada looked amazing, I had a million other great choices.

I’ve only enjoyed lunch appointments at Barrio Birmingham up until last night when I booked a private party for 25 friends from a networking group with Tara Grey.
We opted for the Taco Bar and drinks in the lounge and everything was beyond our expectations. The tacos were amazing — I especially liked mixing steak and shrimp for a surf and turf taco which at a recommendation of one of the staff I topped with pineapple habanero salsa. The guac was exceptional, I almost dove in headfirst because I couldn’t scoop it up fast enough with the chips.
I know I drove the bartender crazy with my virgin specialty drink requests however the Horchata was well worth my prodding. A special thanks to Bushoa who went above and beyond to keep our group with drinks in hand and having a great time.
I read some complaints about the noise level but we were having a party and it felt like a party atmosphere. I haven’t had that issue when I’ve had business lunches there during the day either.
Others complain about the prices, but I have to say, we got our money’s worth and had lots of fun. I’m sure they’ll be some photos of our group on Facebook complete with fake moustaches, poinsettia hair pins, sombreros and maracas. (Props not included but well worth picking up at a party supply store.)
I’d highly recommend hosting a gathering at Barrio. The feedback from all in our group is that we had a blast and would definately do it again.

Been wanting to try this place so the Groupon deal made it happen tonight.
Made a reservation and were seated promptly. The noise level was such that we had to yell across the table and repeat ourselves throughout dinner. Maybe it was the room we were sat in. All glass walls and some big parties in the same area.
Oyster nachos were decent. The oysters tasted better without the chips though.
We opted for the butternut squash guacamole. Could have used a bit more spice and salt.
Had the crab enchiladas and carne asada entrees. Crab enchiladas were smallish, cold, and lacking on flavor for the price of $ 22. Carne asada was seasoned well but served cold.
The drinks were pretty good. The alcohol level was acceptable for us — compared to other reviews that stated they were weak pours.
Fried ice cream is nothing to speak about. Ice cream tasted like the cheap stuff from a grocery store.
Our server seemed stressed out and kept apologizing which was nice but when you are paying $$$ you expect more.
Probably won’t come back here. Really wanted to like this place. Oh well… perhaps next we will try a place in Mexican town.

I have avoided this place since opening based on other reviews. Maybe we just got lucky? The reviews are very evenly split but I have to give it four stars, bordering on five actually.
I saw another review pushing for the chorizo tacos, which, yes! Are amazing but I’m going to see you on the Zacatecas Moe Verdes. Wow!
Awesome! Basically a tender brisket taco with a wonderful green mole sauce.
I see complaints about charging so much for chips, salsas and guacamole but honestly, those are expensive items unless you buy them Already made, in bulk. Everything here is fresh, made to order. If you appreciate that, than you won’t mind paying for it. Otherwise, you should be at one of the chains. You’ll be happier there.
We were there during happy hour so the drinks were a steal. Happy hour wines all quality, nothing cheap. Very impressed.
It was 5:30 on a Friday and we were the only ones there. Within an hour tables were filling up so go early and avoid the wait mentioned in previous reviews.

This review will be one sided. I repeat WILL be ONE sided. The sheer deliciousness of the Chorizo taco still has me swooning. I notched up my original 3 star impression to a 4 for the Chorizo Tacos alone. If you’re wondering…“Hmmm…what should I order?” There you have it. Chorizo Tacos. Sure, it’s expensive in comparison to our Mexicantown neighbors but it’s house made Chorizo and someone back in that kitchen knows their stuff. It came topped with an avocado-​tomatillo pico de gallo and queso fresco & fresh chopped romaine lettuce. What a happy little taco nugget. Holy smokes! It’s greasy but I don’t care that’s probably why it tasted so fantastic. I wouldn’t change a thing. Oh, and the Taco’s come in 3’s.
Yeah, the wait is long, it’s a new place getting a lot of buzz in Birmingham and it’s right next to it’s biggest theater. What do you expect people?! Anyways, we ate at the bar. My husband and I got Gauc & Chips to start out. We watched a girl up at the end of the bar make the Gauc from scratch. I thought the Gauc was very fresh with nice little hints of jalapeño, cilantro, garlic and lime. The chips are perfectly crisp and thin, not too salty, not too bland. Just right. They also came with tomatillo salsa and a milder almost chipotle salso but I’m not certain about that.
The drinks? The margarita Traditional & Signatura are good. Signatura has a bit of a cajun flavor but is basically a traditional margarita with a bit of a spicy kick. Either one, I’d recommend. I tasted a bit of the frozen pomegranate margarita and it’s not for me. I’ve had better and they’re priced really high for how small of a pour you get.
The atmosphere is nice and light with all the windows. I have mixed feelings about the décor. It’s half leftover glam from the previous Quattro and half trying to be Urban Chic/​LA/​Mexican influenced with the graffiti and the low-​rider bikes… it’s a bit confused feeling. Something more simple would fit it better, like the feeling you get from their website. I’m being knit picky though, it’s nice. Until next time Chorizo tacos!!! :D