Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe Restaurants

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Barrio Cafe

Barrio Cafe Review

Owners Wendy Gruber and Silvana Salcido Esparza have taken Mexican cuisine to a new level. Expect guacamole made to order at your table and modern Mexican specialties such as cochinita pibil, 12-hour slow-roasted pork with red achiote and sour orange, and chiles en Nogada, a delicious traditional dish from central Mexico featuring a spicy poblano pepper stuffed with fruit, chicken, and raisins. The flavor-packed food consistently draws packs of people, but you can drink in the intimate atmosphere—and a specialty margarita or aqua fresca (fruit water)—while you wait for a table.

    Restaurant Details

  • Reservations not accepted.
  • Credit cards accepted.
  • Closed Mon.

Member Reviews

  • willinglendale, from Phoenix, AZ
    1/30/08

    This is very much a Portland, Oregon kind of restaurant: spare, local art on the walls, and clean organic ingredients in everything. All is light, full of varied flavors, and relaxing. Definitely a must if you have several mealtimes to fill in Phoenix, and want a not-anywhere-near-Scottsdale-hype experience. It won't feel like you're in Phoenix at all, but you may want to get away from what the Valley of the Sun usually caters to (that cross between an Evangelical megachurch and Las Vegas glitz that so many Phoenix restaurants do so....very...very...). All is lovely, thoughtful, and delicious, a great time. And have one of Esparza's agua frescas (I had hibiscus), they are amazing!

    Ratings details: Food: 4 | Atmosphere: 5 | Service: 5 | Value: 4
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