Barrio is a kind of locations that I had walked previous dozens of instances however was at all times on my strategy to elsewhere and by no means went in. A number of weeks in the past, I lastly had the pleasure of stepping via the doorways and having one of many higher meals I’ve had in Chicago. My plus one and I arrived famished so what follows is a gluttonous feast of what we had, couldn’t end however then loved each little bit of for lunch the following day.
To begin the feast off, our waitress beneficial the Cornbread – a sizeable skillet of a roasted poblano chile batter lathered with a candy however salty agave sea salt butter. It was exhausting to not polish off this appetizer however figuring out we had a lot extra meals to return, we resisted the urge and saved the remaining for the following day’s leftovers.
A nibble I first loved at Select Chicago’s First Bites Bash for Restaurant Week again in January, Barrio’s Tuna Ceviche Tacos have been simply as unimaginable as they have been on the Subject Museum that winter evening! A superbly crisp wonton shell effortlessly carries a heap of tuna, pineapple, avocado, purple onion and serrano pepper served with a honey soy sauce for dipping.
When you actually wish to indulge, get the Grilled Lobster Quesadilla. Although it didn’t include sufficient lobster meat for my liking, I nonetheless couldn’t get sufficient of this shareable appetizer. Loaded with charred Vidalia onions, poblano peppers and three forms of cheese (Manchego, jack and cotija), it was exhausting to not replenish and clear the plate.
Maybe probably the most disappointing platter of the night was the Rooster Al Pastor Enchiladas. Enchiladas are usually considered one of my go-tos at Mexican eating places, so it was a little bit of a letdown after such a powerful begin at Barrio. They aren’t unhealthy by any means, however they have been the weakest hyperlink throughout our standout meal expertise. Every rolled up tortilla is at capability with shredded hen, jack & cotija cheeses, garlic crema and native cabbage. The Al Pastor choice options ladles upon ladles of salsa rojo that got here off extra as a mole. They have been definitely tasty however not my favourite of the evening.
As if we hadn’t already had sufficient, Barrio’s Grilled Octopus Tacos sounded merely irresistible, so I HAD to get them. I used to be not disillusioned. Although the crispy bits of octopus have been visually hidden among the many numerous, scrumptious toppings, the proper char from the grill and the pure, stunning taste of the octopus shined with each chunk. This trio of tacos was probably the most colourful variations I’ve had the pleasure of consuming, crammed with sea salt potato crisps, a sliver of roasted jalapeño, sliced avocado, shiny chimichurri and a easy garlic crema, all hugged by hand-pressed, heirloom blue corn tortillas.
One other employees favourite landed at our desk – the Quesabirria Tacos, a trifecta of heirloom blue corn tortillas full of succulent braised quick rib, merely garnished with Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses. A aspect of steaming consommé accompanied the tacos for dipping, making a dripping, scrumptious mess.
In any case that, are you shocked we didn’t have room for dessert? Whereas we handed on the sweets this time round, I’ll positively make an effort to avoid wasting house for Barrio’s Cinnamon Churro Bites or Chocolate Tres Leches!
One of many coolest points of Barrio’s cocktail menu is the chance to strive a flight of margaritas, three full-sized drinks for under $35! When you’re like me and may’t resolve, this can be a nice choice to strive all those that you’ve got your eye on. I notably love the Pear Ginger made with Gran Centenario Plata, Creyente Mezcal and lime; and the Blood Orange that includes Gran Centenario Tequila, triple sec, agave and lime. After all, should you solely wish to choose one, the Scorching Mezz with Creyente Mezcal, watermelon, jalapeño, lime and sage comes extremely beneficial from me and the Barrio employees!
Barrio is positioned at 65 W Kinzie on the intersection of Clark and Kinzie. They’re open Monday via Thursday at 4pm, Friday at 2pm and on the weekends at 10am.
