Barrio Cafe PhoenixAnd Now For Something Completely
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| The Barrio Cafe Phoenix has a simple exterior that’s easy to miss |
Of course, the real reason to visit Barrio Cafe is for the incredible "I can't believe its this good" Mexican cuisine.
Don't go expecting run-of-the-mill burritos, tacos and fajitas.
Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza takes the wonderful, rich ingredients of Mexico and elevates them to fine cuisine.
While the food is exquisite, this isn't a stuffy restaurant.
The atmosphere is comfortable and warm; the service friendly and efficient.
Best of all - especially for cost-conscious diners looking for a gourmet meal - many entrées are under $20.
And, if all those fine qualities aren't enough to get you into Barrio Cafe's door, the extensive tequila, Mexican wine and beer list should.
The Cuisine at Barrio Cafe Phoenix
Taco Bell or Chevy's, Barrio Cafe is not.For those who think that there is no such thing as fine Mexican cuisine, Chef/Co-Owner Silvana Salcido Esparza's food will set them straight.
Think Diana Kennedy, Patricia Quintana or Rick Bayless and you'll be on the right track.
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| The enchiladas del mar at Barrio Cafe Phoenix |
Chef Esparza takes traditional Mexican ingredients like corn, tomatillos, chorizo, avocado and a rainbow of chilies and creates her own version of contemporary Mexican cuisine as well as cooking the classics.
Take the guacamole casero ($10.50).
Prepared table side, the luscious mashed avocado gets a flavor boost from the addition of olive oil, two types of onions, cilantro, tomatoes and pomegranate seeds. Its tradition taken to the next level.
Everything is delicious, however, the variety of entrées is where Chef Esparza's talent really shines.
The Pollo en Mole ($19) gives you a choice of red mole or the black Oaxaca mole.
Both are velvety, aromatic sauces redolent of chilies and herbs, draped over a succulent chicken breast.
Chiles en Nogada ($21) is a classic Mexican dish that celebrates Mexican independence by using the colors of the Mexican flag.
Esparza's variation features a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with a rich blend of chicken, garlic, onions, pecans, dried peas, apples and apricots blanketed with a delicate creamy almond sauce and dotted with jewel-like pomegranate seeds.
Barrio Cafe's most famous dish is Cochinita Pibil ($19), a specialty of Mexico's Yucatan region whose preparation is said to go all the way back to the ancient Mayan civilization.
Chef Esparza takes pork and rubs it with rich red, ground achiote seeds and marinates it in sour orange juices and other ingredients.
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| Jamaica, a refreshing hibiscus flower drink, comes in a Mexican Coca-Cola bottle |
The pork is then slow roasted for 12 hours. The result is a meltingly fork-tender meat served with a Yucatan salsa and corn tortillas.
Vegetarians can also find a home at Barrio Cafe with dishes like crepa de espinaca ($10), goat cheese spinach and mushroom filled crepes, and sopa de chile moron ($8), a roasted sweet and spicy pepper soup.
Barrio Cafe Phoenix may not be as well known for brunch, but it should because it offers one of the most flavorful collections of brunch dishes that are sure to wake up your palate.
There's the classic Mexican breakfast dish of huevos rancheros ($10), eggs cooked any style and served on corn tortillas, then topped with a spicy chile and tomato sauce and cheese.
The crepa de pollo ($11) is a chicken and asparagus stuffed crepe draped with a creamy jocoqui sauce.
Pastel de calabazas con queso ($10) is a Mexican take on an omelet, filled with sauteed zucchini, roasted sweet peppers and chilies and cheese finished with a tomatillo sauce.
You can round out your brunch with a glass of mango mimosa ($9) or sangrita de toro ($13), a spicy bloody Mary given more kick by the addition of Milagro Tequila Blanco.
A guitar soloist serenades diners from noon to 2 p.m. during Sunday brunch.
Atmosphere at Barrio Cafe Phoenix
It's easy to miss Barrio Cafe, tucked in among other shops, along busy, older north 16th Street. |
| The dining room at Barrio Cafe Phoenix fills up during lunchtime |
We drove past its simple white exterior twice.
But once inside, simplicity falls away to a vibrant, warm interior.
The large, ornately carved antique wood bar first caught our attention.
Its ample size is equally amply stocked with a premium selection of over 200 tequilas, a variety of Mexican beers and wines from the Valle de Guadalupe in Baja, California, an emerging wine region.
Not sure which tequila to try? One of the helpful bartenders at Barrio Cafe Phoenix will suggest great pairings to accompany your meal.
Barrio Cafe's two dining rooms are cozy but not cramped.
The light-colored walls are decorated with colorful paintings by local artists.
The tables are simply set with white linen tablecloths and the tall, saint-embossed votive candles found in Mexican markets throughout the Southwest.
Our Meal at Barrio Cafe Phoenix
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| The Barrio Cafe's churros are filled with goat’s milk caramel |
We started with the ensalada del barrio ($7.50 side portion), a refreshing variation on spinach salad.
Barrio Cafe's version takes spinach and combines it with chopped apples, toasted pecans, slow roasted tomatoes and two cheeses - Roquefort and the Mexican queso fresco.
The salad is tossed with a sweet and spicy vinaigrette. This delicious and colorful salad was the perfect, palate teaser for our enchilada entries.
The enchiladas Suizas ($17) are a Mexico City specialty.
Tender strips of chicken and grated Swiss cheese are rolled into a corn tortilla and topped with a delicate and creamy tomatillo sauce.
This dish is rich and flavorful, yet not too spicy. So its perfect for diners not accustomed to chile heat.
The enchiladas del mar ($21) were a "too die for" dish of blue corn tortillas topped with a succulent mix of shrimp, scallops, crab and goat cheese and garnished with grilled vegetables and salsa.
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| The Oaxacan Chocolate cake at Barrio Cafe Phoenix |
Their velvety texture and creamy sauce made me consider ordering a second helping.
But instead we wisely opted for dessert.
We’d heard a lot about the Barrio Cafe Phoenix churros rellenos de cajeta de cabra ($11) and we weren't disappointed.
These weren't the typical churros found at mall eateries.
Barrio Cafe's churros are two ruler-long crispy fritters filled with a luscious goat's milk caramel and served with a dollop of slightly sweetened whipped cream and strawberries.
The generous portion was enough for two people to share. They were delicious and I don't even like churros.
The pastel de chocolate a la Oaxaca ($11) was a dense chocolate cake stuffed with a Oaxacan chocolate and almond sauce.
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| Crucifixes decorate the bathroom wall at Barrio Cafe Phoenix |
The cake had a good crumb and wasn't too sweet.
Other Barrio Cafe Phoenix desserts include crepes filled with goat's milk caramel, flan and tres leches cake.
And about the bathroom - you'll never see a bathroom like this anywhere else.
Colorful tiles, crucifixes, portraits of saints and the Virgin Mary decorate every vertical space.
Creativity reaches into every detail at the Barrio Cafe Phoenix. It's no wonder its consistently voted one of the best restaurants in Phoenix.
Barrio Cafe's delicious food will get our vote every time.
Restaurant Fast Facts: Barrio Cafe Phoenix AZ
Lasting Impressions: Excellent food showcasing southern Mexican cuisine in a warm and comfortable setting.High Points: Delicious food, friendly and knowledgeable staff, good atmosphere
Low Points: Parking can be difficult.
Location: Central Phoenix
Address: 2814 N. 16th Street, Phoenix AZ 85006, 1½ blocks south of Thomas Road.
Google Map Directions: Click on "+" and "-" signs on Map Controls in upper left hand corner to zoom in and out on the location.
Phone: 602-636-0240
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (There is no lunch on Saturday)
Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday: the cafe is closed.
Reservations: No Reservations - first come, first serve only.
Dress: Casual
Vegetarian Options: Yes
Good for Families/Kids: Kids are welcome although there is no kids menu. Unless they're foodies in the making, the food may be too adult for them.
Wine List: The cafe has an extensive menu of Mexican wines, beers and over 250 tequilas.
Smoking Policy: Non-smoking
Parking: There is street parking only and it is limited. We parked on a nearby side street in a residential area.
Credit Cards: Yes
Prices: $$ - $$$
Pricing Key (based on cost of entrées):
($) Inexpensive: entrées $10 and under
($$) Moderate: $11 -$15
($$$) Expensive: $16 - $25
($$$$) Very Expensive: Over $25
The information in this review was accurate at the time of our visit. All contact information, availability, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the resort, golf course, restaurant or spa before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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