Barrio - Traverse City

Barrio, located on Front Street in downtown Traverse City, is a Mexican restaurant with decorations that celebrate Día de Muertos. While the build-your-own ordering process is unique, it felt somewhat more complex than necessary, as order cards are required for all menu items, including appetizers. Although the food was tasty and served in generous portions, the attentiveness of the service could be improved. The restaurant offers ample seating options, including indoor, outdoor, and bar areas, and it is well-maintained. Overall, the dining experience felt similar to that of a good food truck, but within a trendy, decorated diner setting that includes a tequila bar. Will visit other Mexican restaurants in the area before returning.

The build-your-own taco concept was super fun, and the menu was full of creative and unexpected options. We tried a bit of everything—the queso was bomb diggity and the salsa was incredible. Everything we tasted was flavorful and well done. Unfortunately, the service didn’t match the quality of the food. It wasn’t busy, our server took a long time to greet us due to chatting at the bar rail and forgot our waters. Great food, but the experience was soured by the lack of attention.

I’ll start with the menus as it was confusing to use. They gave you a sheet and you had to bubble out what you wanted but the directions on doing so was complicated, it felt like I had to work to get my food. When the waiter brought out my Pepsi It tasted like pure sparkling water and the color did not look right. I mentioned to my server about my drink and he had apologized and mention to me that they barely ever check the bag in box which was alarming to hear. I was not satisfied at all with the quality and taste of food, especially how much they charge for it. You’re better off going to Taco Bell. The only good thing about this place is that the staff is reasonably friendly.

Brunch and taco/nacho 'build your own' menus. Friendly staff and good food. When busy the venue is a little loud but what place isn't? Nice drink selection and bar. Overall a wonderful 4.5.

My first time in! Walked past many times and decided to stop in. If you are a people watcher, the walls facing Front Street are transparent garage doors that when open allow you to observe folks going about their day in the heart of the Cherry Capital. If you are new to the Barrio, they openly specialize in tacos and tequila, but the atmosphere takes you back to old Mexico and the Day of the Dead but with a definite upbeat attitude with a terrific twist on contemporary south of the border food. When you are seated, the wait staff will explain the ordering system which allows you to build your own custom tacos or you may enjoy one of the kitchens own creations through daily specials. I ordered a top shelf margarita which was small in size, but big in flavor. One of the daily specials was a Smash burger taco, which was basically just that: a burger in a wrap. Delicious! The combination was the perfect start to a day of walking and enjoying the splendor that is Summer in Traverse City. Grade B+

I absolutely love the food and the menu here. I will make the drive from Gaylord just to come out to Barrio. However, on Friday, September 19 at 4 o’clock we did arrive for lunch after picking a friend up at the Traverse City airport. Waited for 5 minutes at the door to be seated. The restaurant was dead. This visit was the worst experience yet at barrio. Server had short black hair went missing from the floor for 20 minutes. I had to go to the bartender and ask for refills for my friend and I when I ordered my food. I ordered it without Lettuce, when the food came out the tacos physically had the lettuce. I know it’s small, but it’s something that the server should have checked before bringing the dish out to the table. When we were ready to leave, I asked for two boxes because the friend and I are going to two different locations And the server said the box was big and that we only needed one. Upon checking out we were not given our receipt as requested. The tables were left dirty and unbussed while the wait staff a bartenders hung out. I am far from a Karen. But I do expect a $75 tab to have some sort of customer service that reflects the price tag. Especially when there’s only 3 other tables dining at the same time. Very poor experience all around.

The BEST spot for late night eats. Love this Barrio location! Tons of street parking in a cool area with a lot of shops where a 5 minute walk isn’t that bad. Build your own taco is the way to go, tons of options! Get the “stoner shell” to house your taco, you will not be disappointed. Pineapple salsa is also great with anything! Definitely serves a college crowd primarily, drinks are strong and the seasonal menu changes pretty frequently. Very cool decor!

Barrio is always an awesome experience and this location is no different. Amazing tacos that are customizable with so many different options. Choose anything and you can’t go wrong. You could close your eyes and mix the weirdest things together and it will still taste good. We sat outside and the vibe was just great. Right on the main st at sunset, you can’t beat it