Bàrbaro Taqueria

"There are all kinds of taco spots in Chicago, and Bárbaro Taqueria Y Cantina, a small Mexican restaurant in Humboldt Park, falls right in the middle of the taqueria spectrum. It’s casual and affordable enough for a rent week date, but also feels a little like a cocktail lounge that would impress your friend who drove in from Schaumburg. And it’s Bárbaro’s great bar that makes it more fun to hang out in than your average neighborhood taqueria, but still more relaxed than a place like Big Star, where the patio crowd can be seen from space. In fact, great drinks are the main reason we enjoy spending time here. Like their piña colada, which is made with fermented pineapple, swaps rum for mezcal, and is our favorite in the city. For the most part, the tacos here are fine - like the standard (and somewhat bland) carne asada. But there are exceptions, like the delicious pancita (pork belly) taco, or the pescado with a beer-battered piece of whitefish and a spicy habanero sauce that sneaks up on you after a few bites. Between the tacos and the excellent drink menu, Bárbaro’s a reliable option if you’re in the area. Food Rundown photo credit: Sandy Noto Pancita Taco This pork belly taco is the best one here. Order it. photo credit: Sandy Noto Taco Bárbaro The carne asada here is solid, but too bland on its own. Go for the Taco Bárbaro which adds nopalitos and queso fresco. photo credit: Sandy Noto Pescado Taco This has beer-battered whitefish and a very spicy habanero salsa. The ideal place to eat these would be sitting on a beach somewhere in Southern California, but then we’d be tempted to drink the ocean water to cool down the heat. photo credit: Sandy Noto Milanesa De Pollo Torta If you’re looking for something filling and don’t feel like ordering six tacos, get a torta. Our favorite is the one with breaded chicken. photo credit: Sandy Noto Gorditas These are stuffed masa, and the options for fillings are pretty similar to the tacos. Get the chorizo with potatoes, skip the ensalada de nopales (cactus, onion, tomato) - it’s boring and unpleasantly squishy. Cocktails Occasionally we find ourselves just coming here for drinks. The piña colada is a big reason why, but the rest of the drinks are exciting too, with spirits like raicilla and ingredients like mole and habanero bitters." - Josh Barnett

"Step into this Humboldt Park haunt, and you might think you’ve stumbled into a bar in Coyoacán. Part watering hole, part street food haven, the menu has a way of making you second guess your latitude. You will find a few known favorites among the always-available options, like tostadas, gorditas, and enchiladas, and the sopes are memorable. Their masa — thick, fresh, and with just the right amount of chew — is the perfect vessel for a smoky chipotle tinga or your pick of any of the available toppings.  A short list of tacos includes asada, al pastor, and “campechanos”, which means they are a mix. At Barbaro, the mix consists of asada and the sausage known as longaniza, which is similar to chorizo with Spanish roots. And while I confess to being an al pastor purist, I must say that the restaurant’s take on this beloved dish did not disappoint. Among the specials, we were pleased to discover a pork torta baptized in a light tomato broth. The concept might be reminiscent of an Italian beef au jus dip — except here, the soaking has been done and calibrated for you. Don’t overlook the taco gobernador, a shrimp taco with cheese and peppers that can show up among their specials, too. Salsas are great. The drinks? The list is as creative and spirited as the place itself." - Brenda Storch, Eater Staff

"In a city flush with Mexican food, two Chicagoans are setting out to create a space that brings the food of their youth to the mouths of locals. Enter Barbaro Taqueria y Cantina, a new Mexican restaurant and bar from David Morales Castañeda and Hector Herrera Yepez (La Haciendita Taqueria). The pair plan to open the restaurant on Tuesday at 2525 W. North Avenue in a space that formerly housed West Town Pizza Shop. 'We wanted to make a space where we would hang out and grab a cocktail or food, but also a place that our parents might want to hang out,' Morales said. 'It’s not ‘too cool’ for them, they’d feel the space is welcoming.' Morales and Herrera plan to feature familiar taco options like al pastor and carne asada, plus rotating regional specialities with seasonal ingredients. This won’t be a basic take on Mexican food as they’ll also serve cabeza and lengua. Barbaro’s cocktail menu also offers takes on classic drinks including margaritas and palomas using fresh citrus and house-made syrups. Morales favors the piña colada: 'I wouldn’t order it in most places because it’s too sweet, but this is one we’re really proud of.' Drinkers can also expect a signature michelada, rotating drafts with three Chicago beers, and bottles and cans of Mexican brews. Barbaro Taqueria y Cantina is slated to open in Humboldt Park next week. Stay tuned for news of the opening." - Naomi Waxman

"Bárbaro Taqueria y Cantina opens next week at 2525 W. North Avenue." - Naomi Waxman

"“Coming soon” signs are up for Barbaro Taqueria y Cantina. The space was previously occupied by West Town Pizza Shop." - Naomi Waxman