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$$ | Mexican/American
Barrio is the darkly hip tequila bar from Josh Thoma and Tim Mckee. The original space on Nicollet Mall is packed with irreverent décor and beautiful people, while the new Lowertown location simply offers them more room to be stunning. Tequila and mezcal dominate the drinks list, and the menu is stacked with finely crafted Mexican bar nosh: small plates, bigger dishes, plus tacos and enchiladas under $7.
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- Critics’ + Eaters’ Ratings »
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WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
Critics' Scoring
Scores will be assigned based on a 0-100 scale broken down as follows:
100 = Perfect
90 = Excellent
80 = Very Good
70 = Good, not Great
60 = High Average
50 = Average
40 = Low Average
30 = Disappointing
20 = Nearly Without Merit
10 = Poor
00 = Worthless
94
City Pages | Rachel Hutton
11/10/08
And after sampling roughly half the items on Barrio's dinner menu, I didn't find a single item I couldn't recommend.
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90
Minnesota Monthly | Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl
11/08
I could rhapsodize forever on the many highlights of the menu, but I will say that the smaller plates offer more bang for the buck than the larger ones.
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90
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine | Peter Lilienthal
12/08
Although the fare is cast to play second fiddle to the tequila and potent libations created by standout mixologist Johnny Michaels, the breadth of flavors, fresh-tasting ingredients, colorful presentations, and affordability rate superlatives in their own right.
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87
Secrets of the City | Jeremy Iggers
01/28/09
Barrio is darker and funkier, and more fun, and maybe most importantly, they've got the food right.
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87
StarTribune | Rick Nelson
12/24/08
He takes staples of the Mexican chain-restaurant stable ... and breathes invigorating new life into them through a potent blend of ingenuity, enthusiasm, cooking prowess and impeccable ingredients.
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84
Metromix
09/09/08
All the food at Barrio is either good or great, but if you're hungry, go big or continue to go hungry.
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82
Twin Cities Eats
10/02/08
We are not talking about Taco Bell here. These were excellent quesadillas made with good cheese, solid mushrooms and then topped with crunchy lettuce and herbs.
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73
MSP Restaurant Critics
04/26/09
Very Good. A mixed bag on the food - many stellar dishes but a few that were ho-hum, but this place sure knows how to mix up Tequila.
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69
Gayot
The colorful storefront space has a 24-hour-party vibe (even in the less lively balcony) and is constantly packed with a young, great-looking crowd.
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BUZZ
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
Best New Restaurants '09
03/09
It's almost always mobbed, so if you want a calmer dining experience, try lunch.
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Metro
Top Ten New Restaurants
... the space feels more like a hip European-style club for the grown and sexy 25+ crowd.
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City Pages
Best New Restaurants '08
it's an innovative concept, with a fun vibe, and tasty, consistently good food.
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Minnesota Monthly | Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl
Where to Eat Now
11/09
Fantastically good tequila drinks and $3 tacos from the previously fine-dining-oriented La Belle Vie crew.
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Advertisement
Lunch
$10
Starter: Fresh made guacamole, chips and our signature salsas
Entrée: Battered shrimp tacos with avocado alioli and pineapple pico de gallo
Dinner
$15
Starter: Fresh made guacamole, chips and our signature salsas
Entrée:
(Small plates)
Potato sope with goat cheese, salsa and herb salad
Build your own tacos
Chicken Pibil
Carnitas in Red Chile Sauce
Served with frijoles charros, roasted chiles and traditional garnishes |
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- No Smoking
- Kid-friendly
- Outdoor dining
- Wine and beer only
- Late night dining
- No alcohol
- Entertainment
- Wheelchair accessible
- No credit cards
- No personal checks
- Notable
- Our dining editors' favorites
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