Barrio Café

Mexican restaurant · Bronze Boot

10

@eater

"When chef Silvana Salcido Esparza (a James Beard nominee and semi-finalist many times over) opened this art-filled, white-tablecloth restaurant in 2002, she rejected the usual Mexican restaurant tropes to illustrate how sophisticated Mexican cooking could be, mashing pomegranate-studded guacamole tableside and plunking down baskets of bread and butter instead of the requisite chips and salsa. Her regional menu still features smoky, achiote-rubbed cochinita pibil from the Yucatan, nut- and dried fruit-studded chiles en nogada from Puebla, and velvety chicken mole, which may be draped in one of four different classic Oaxacan sauces. Start with a fun cocktail (the restaurant’s tequila selection is enormous) and finish with dessert churros, crunchy with sugar and drizzled with goat’s milk caramel." - Nikki Buchanan

18 Essential Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix

2814 N 16th St #1205, Phoenix, AZ 85006 Get directions

barriocafe.com
@thebarriocafe

10 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

Mariscos Playa Hermosa

Seafood restaurant · Central City

Dive into Mariscos Playa Hermosa, a vibrant cantina where Phoenix’s best seafood meets colorful decor and a menu overflowing with Mexican seaside favorites.

4 Postcards

Bacanora PHX

Mexican restaurant · Roosevelt

Bacanora is a vibrant, compact eatery in Phoenix serving up robust Sonoran comfort food, where smoky grilled dishes and fresh flavors steal the show.

15 Postcards

LATHA

Restaurant · Cooper Square

In a charming Victorian bungalow, Latha serves vibrant pan-African dishes and colorful cocktails, all set to a lively Afrobeats soundtrack.

6 Postcards

Harvey's Wineburger

Sports bar · Central Phoenix

This laid-back dive bar has been flipping juicy burgers since the '50s, where friendly service meets expertly crafted comfort food amidst pool tables and shuffleboard.

1 Postcard

South Mountain Park and Preserve

State park · Ahwatukee Foothills

Spanning 16,000 acres of stunning desert, South Mountain Park offers a wild escape with trails for hiking, biking, and scenic drives featuring breathtaking city views.

3 Postcards

Gallo Blanco

Mexican restaurant · Roosevelt

Gallo Blanco offers a fresh, inventive take on Mexican cuisine in a charming, artsy setting, complete with an inviting patio and standout drinks.

5 Postcards

Fire At Will

Restaurant · Firebrand Ranch

Fire at Will is the cozy neighborhood gem where Chef Dom Ruggiero serves up elevated comfort food and creative cocktails in a moody, stylish space perfect for date nights and lively gatherings.

3 Postcards

Heard Museum

Art museum · Encanto

The Heard Museum in central Phoenix is a treasure trove of Native American art and history, showcasing over 44,000 artifacts with a special focus on the rich culture of the American Southwest.

4 Postcards

Camelback Mountain

Mountain peak · Camlback Corridor

Camelback Mountain, a striking camel-hump peak in Phoenix, offers two challenging trails and panoramic views that reward dedicated hikers who brave the ascent.

5 Postcards

The Coronado PHX

Restaurant · Encanto

In the heart of Coronado, this cozy vegan haven serves scratch-made Mexican-inspired dishes and garden-fresh craft cocktails amidst palm trees.

3 Postcards