Barrera's Cocina

I really recommend this restaurant, Cozy place, with a 2nd floor with a nice outside view. The atmosphere is really nice. Once you are inside eating, talking and enjoying you will not feel time, how fast it flies. ✅️Food is great, really good seasoning❤️ ✅️Prices are very affordable✅️ ✅️Great customer service 👏 👌 You should try it. And you will see 👀 and have a great experience..

I wish I took photos of the food I just ate. I was too hungry to so I apologize. UPDATE: I went back home and made myself a taco to fill me up and cleanse from Barrera’s. I uploaded it here. Let me start and say these were the smallest portioned tacos for $14 I ever ate. The photos on google led me to think they were decent sized, but no!!! I finished both in 4 bites!! The birria and pastor tacos fell flat on taste. I had to ask for any hot sauce to spice it up, which in turn the gave me CHILI OIL. Chili oil on Mexican food was a first for me. The 3rd dish we ordered was a $19 augachile, and let’s say we only tasted a shrimpy taste that seems like it’s been sitting out for a hot minute. Maybe it just wasn’t marinated long enough? The shrimp was rubbery at the end of each bite. Very flavorless dish. This place posts ai voiceovers on Instagram claiming there are bold, fresh flavors. Nope! Tostadas were not provided. A drive to Hayward for aguachile is a far better option. If you are looking for flavor in Mexican food, this ain’t the place. I left disappointed, $60 spent bad. They had such an opportunity to hit the mark here but nope. Please I hope the restaurant sees this review and knows that we felt so underwhelmed with the food. The atmosphere was really nice, it reminded me of the time I spent in Mexico City. The severs were really nice, but that’s where everything stops. They focused on more of the beautiful atmosphere than they did on the actual food.

Barrera’s Cocina Mexicana is a fantastic new addition to the neighborhood, taking over the old Creola space with warmth, charm, and seriously good food. From the same team behind InoVino, this place brings elevated Mexican flavors with thoughtful presentation and great ingredients. We tried a few tacos, and they were delicious—especially the Baja fish, which was perfectly crisp and light, served with fresh toppings on handmade tortillas. Everything tasted fresh and well-balanced. Prices are very reasonable for the quality, and although they’re still waiting on their liquor license, the vibe and attention to detail suggest the cocktails will be just as impressive. The owner was there, and the staff were friendly and clearly invested in the restaurant’s success. It’s exciting to have such a well-executed spot just down the street. Can’t wait to come back!

I hope this feedback helps, as I want Barrera Cocina to succeed in our neighborhood. I'm a huge fan of Mexican food and love supporting local businesses. While the restaurant has a great concept, a few key areas need improvement to make it a long-term staple. Value: The small plates concept is fantastic, but the portion sizes are extremely small. I suggest either adjusting the menu prices to better reflect the size of the dishes or making the dishes themselves larger to match the current cost. Flavor: The food lacks a vibrant, authentic Mexican flavor profile. There’s a great opportunity for the kitchen to get more creative with their spices and ingredients. Adding a homemade hot sauce selection would also be an easy way to elevate the dishes. Service: While the decor is beautiful, the service feels disconnected and cold. A warmer, more attentive staff would create a more inviting atmosphere that matches the restaurant's potential. Barrera Cocina is still new, I'm hopeful for future improvements and look forward to updating this review at that time.

As Cole Valley natives we were really excited to see this new restaurant opening in the neighborhood. We went for lunch on a Thursday, was completely empty, staff was very kind, interior is colorful but super cozy. Exterior is beautiful. Most importantly the food was fantastic. Al Pastor tacos were sweet & spicy and so tender, Baja Tacos were crispy, extremely flavorful and not greasy at all. Birria tacos were wonderful too! We will be back to try more! Prices are alittle steep for tacos but 100% worth it for a fancier date spot. They don’t serve alcohol but hopefully they will soon, margaritas would pair perfect with the Baja tacos.

I think we must’ve ordered poorly, the tacos were tiny and boring, and the ceviche was warm. I don’t plan to return, but if I do I’ll try the entrees, they look much more promising based on other reviewers. The service and atmosphere were great! No complaints there.

This was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had. The host Carla was so attentive and truly treated me like family. The food was so fresh and delicious. I had the best Birria, chips and guacamole, and the flavors were amazing! Also, the pineapple water was very refreshing. I highly recommend to anyone.

Thrilled to see high quality dining experience at this location. Tacos and chips were outstanding. The funky layout makes service a little challenging but the wait staff generally was able to maintain their attentiveness. Would avoid the tables by the chilly front door.