"About 10 or 15 years ago, new Valencian restaurants modernized and ditched the timeless stainless steel bar. Barbaric didn’t bother. It’s an old-school neighborhood spot that feels familiar yet fresh thanks to a killer natural wine list and a curated music selection that drifts from neo-soul to ’70s funk to modern indie. The menu shifts constantly but stays sharp, with things like fried oysters topped with sweet-spicy mango-habanero salsa that hits like a night in Mexico City, or duck tartare laced with gochujang for an extra umami kick. Barbaric believes high-end food shouldn’t be reserved for the folks with a second beach house and a boat—it’s a pull-up-a-barstool, light-up-your-tastebuds place, and easily one of the most exciting seats in town. RESERVE A TABLE" - David Neimanis