"Inside Barra Callao, Hector Lavoe hits blast from the TV, everyone is on their second or third Pilsen, and the chef whips up intricate plates of pulpo al olivo and ceviche while singing along. There’s so much happening in this tiny seafood spot, but food is the focal point. The 12-seat counter makes it easy to point to the beautiful plate of choros a la chalaca from across the room and tell the chef you want that next. The person to your right will tell you they come here every Wednesday for lunch, and the person to your left might say it’s their first time. Everyone leaves with the same desire to become regulars. There are only 12 seats at the counter and Barra doesn’t take reservations. You’re pretty much guaranteed a wait for a weekend dinner. Go for lunch on a weekday if you’re short on time. If you plan on coming with a bigger group, avoid the weekend altogether and drop in on Monday." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino