Barrio Cafe

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2814 N. 16th St. Phoenix, AZ 85006

602-636-0240

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5 User reviews Write A Review

Critics'
Pick
Best Cochinita Pibil
Award Winner 2011

Cuisine(s): Contemporary, Mexican

Hours: Sun 11am-9pm, Tue-Fri 11am-2:30pm, Tue-Thu 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10:30pm

Price: $$, $$$

Payment Types: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover
Attire: casual

Features: Takeout, Catering, Wheelchair Accessible

Serving: Dinner, Lunch

Entertainment: Live Entertainment
Alcohol: Full bar

Reservations: Not Accepted

Parking: Lot Available

Description

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza brings magic to this art-filled hole-in-the-wall, with regional specialties of central-southern Mexico. For extra impact, she adds French accents, with marvelous results. Dishes change monthly, but highlights include posole verde, spinach-crab-mushroom-cheese crepes, fresh fish grilled in a banana leaf, and 12-hour roasted pork. Insist on desserts, like a goat's-milk caramel crepe with vanilla-bean ice cream.

"Mi Tierra: Paintings and Photos of Bolivia"

Every Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat., Sun. from May 3 until June 3

2011 | Best <i>Cochinita Pibil</i>

At Barrio Café, you won't find standard, Sonoran-style Mexican fare. Instead of delivering burritos served with cheese-smothered refried beans, chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has created a menu of modern Mexican food for the urban masses. Complex and creative dishes like the cohinita pibil are what keep us coming back for more. The Yucatan stewed cochinita pibil is a mass of saucy pork slow-roasted in banana leaves until fork-tender. Sour orange and achiote paste lends the dish a rich... More »
2010 | Best Calle of Dreams

Barrio Cafe chef Silvana Salcido Esparza turned 50 this year, and she was pissed. It wasn't the number of candles on her cake or years she's spent building her restaurant business on 16th Street -- it was Arizona Senate Bill 1070. Esparza's been glued to the news and images of Arizona's Mexican community in all its lackluster glory on the big screen. "Oh, we have a vibrant community here," she says. "We just need a center for that community to really shine." So she started with her back... More »
2010 | Best Cochinita Pibil

There are few greater tributes to the glory of pork than how chef Silvana Salcido Esparza does it at Barrio Cafe. Yes, her cochinita pibil is one of her most famous dishes and, no, it can't be bested by anyone around. Slow-roasted for 12 hours -- until it's falling apart and truly does melt in your mouth -- the pork is smothered in achiote rojo and sour orange, just the way they make it in the Yucatán. If you have the time and appetite, we recommend just ordering the... More »
2009 | Best Badass Chef

There is only one chef in the Valley who would have no qualms about referring to the majority of the men in the culinary world as "10-foot-high tokes."With her cropped hair, unedited demeanor, eclectic art collection, and some of the best leg tattoos around, Silvana Salcido Esparza is clearly as badass as they come. Oh, and she's also one of the Valley's best-known and most respected chefs. Esparza owns and runs Barrio Café with her partner, Wendy Gruber, and serves up some of the... More »
2009 | Best <i>Mole</i>

We're pretty convinced that the more ingredients there are in a mole recipe, the quicker you'll be hooked on it once you try it. But of course, we'll never know for sure because the best mole recipes also happen to be the most closely guarded -- and for good reason. The flavors are so rich and complex that it takes only one taste to fall under mole's charms. There are numerous styles of the sauce in Mexico, all made with various kinds of chile peppers, herbs, spices, and other... More »
2008 | Best Modern Mexican Restaurant

Too many restaurants treat Mexican dishes like diner food -- they crank them out quickly and cheaply, and if the stuff happens to be tasty, well, you're lucky. In the hands of a talented chef, though, Mexico's culinary traditions can be downright sophisticated, not to mention surprising. At Barrio Café, guacamole, prepared tableside, is anything but run of the mill, while even the humble chile relleno is transformed by a filling of shrimp and scallops. Chef-owner Silvana Salcido... More »
2008 | Best Tequila Selection

Finding the best liquor selection is just a matter of geography. If you want a killer poured pint, visit an Irish bar. For wine, try a European bistro. So, it's no surprise that we discovered the best tequila selection at a top-rated Mexican restaurant. Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza's neighborhood cafe boasts more than 250 top-shelf, premium, and Super-Jalisco tequilas, from the classic and relatively inexpensive Jose Cuervo to rarer, extra-añejo (well-aged) varieties. Because the... More »
2007 | BEST MEXICAN BRUNCH

A lot's been written about chef-owner Silvana Salcido Esparza's creative, contemporary Mexican fare, from the fresh guacamole with pomegranate seeds, prepared tableside, to her hauntingly delicious cochinita pibil, fork-tender pork that's been slow-cooked for 12 hours.Indeed, we still think Barrio Café is worthy of every "Best of" we've given it. But brunch here is still -- 'til now, anyway -- an unsung pleasure, with distinctive dishes you won't find anywhere else in town.The... More »
2006 | BEST MODERN MEXICANA RESTAURANT

A craving for Mexican food and a craving for Barrio Cafe's memorable fare are two completely different things. It's almost as if chef Silvana Salcido Esparza intentionally set out to defy diners' expectations, combining her own dazzling ideas with traditional flavors found in southern Mexican cuisine. Looking for chips and salsa to land on your table Instead, you'll get a basket of soft, fresh bread with garlicky homemade olive spread. Think quesadillas are all about chicken and melted jack... More »
2005 | BEST TATTOO

Silvana Salcido Esparza, owner and executive chef of Barrio Cafe, is proud of the series of tattoos that decorate her right leg. For her, tattooing isn't just the trendy thing to do, but a way of expressing and paying homage to her culture. "I didn't start getting tattoos until I was 35," says Esparza, who's now 45. "So it's not like I'm some kid who runs into the tattoo shop and runs out half an hour later with a new tattoo." In fact, Esparza reports that her tattoos took countless hours... More »
2005 | BEST MEXICAN DESSERTS

We've been sampling fancy desserts at Mexican restaurants in this town for so long that -- we're embarrassed to admit -- we remember eating deep-fried ice cream at Willy and Guillermo's. Thank goodness we've grown up, and so has Mexican cuisine in Phoenix. One of our favorite adults is Barrio Cafe, where you can top your meal with incredible French press coffee and a dessert that will make you happy you skipped that second basket of bread. We love anything chef Silvana Salcido serves that's... More »
2004 | BEST MODERN MEXICANA RESTAURANT

Barrio Cafe may be the ultimate proof of the existence of karma. This slammin' little eatery on 16th Street has been hailed by all and sundry, from the New York Times and Food and Wine magazine to nearly every rag in P-town, save maybe for Erotica Phoenix. All Barrio needs now is for Yahweh to part the heavens and reenact his Sistine Chapel shtick with a nekkid chef Silvana Salcido Esparza playing Adam with tattoos and breasts. But, hey, we ain't here to playa-hate. Esparza and business... More »
2003 | BEST HORCHATA

If you haven't tried horchata, the sweet, refreshing Mexican rice drink, you're depriving yourself of dessert in a cup. Made with rice, sugar and cinnamon, it's a beverage you'll find at most Mexican restaurants in the Valley. But there's something extra special about the horchata at Barrio Café. Served in a charming, old-fashioned glass bottle, it's got the luscious, creamy consistency of chocolate milk and a flavor reminiscent of rice pudding. Sipped between bites of Chef Silvana... More »

92: Silvana Salcido Esparza

By Lauren Saria | Mon, May 21, 2012

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others... More »
10 Favorite Chefs in Metro Phoenix

By Laura Hahnefeld | Mon, April 30, 2012

They are visionaries, highly devoted to their craft, inventing fresh ideas for dishes in kitchens all over the Valley using top-notch ingredients and seasonal fare. We love their food, expect an exper... More »
All About Achiote

By Dominique Chatterjee | Wed, March 28, 2012

Here in the Southwest, chances are pretty good that everyone's had their fair share of Mexican food. But as much as we all love to eat the stuff, how much do we really know about the flavors that we'r... More »
American Graffiti

By Claire Lawton | Thu, March 15, 2012

In the spirit of Art Detour 24, Barrio Cafe, Por Vida Gallery, Viejitos Car Club, and Calle 16 cultural arts district will provide a diversion from the gallery madness that will descend on Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue, and the Central Corridor. Bet... More »
Silvana Salcido Esparza's Barrio Queen Now Open

By Erica O'Neil | Mon, December 26, 2011

Erica O'NeilChef Silvana standing proud in front of her Barrio Queen.?Last week Jackalope Ranch got a sneak peek at Silvana Salcido Esparza's gorgeous efforts, boasting Mexican food and tequila galore... More »
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phoenixnewtimesbestof | Phoenix, AZ | 315 Reviews

| Wed, May 6, 2009

Too many restaurants treat Mexican dishes like diner food � they crank them out quickly and cheaply, and if the stuff happens to be tasty, well, you're lucky. In the hands of a talented chef, though, Mexico's culinary traditions can be downright sophisticated, not to mention surprising. At Barrio Caf�, guacamole, prepared tableside, is anything but run of the mill, while even the humble chile relleno is transformed by a filling of shrimp and scallops. Chef-owner Silvana Salcido Esparza's a well-traveled lady, and it shows, from Mexico City-style chicken enchiladas topped with tomatillo cream sauce to slow-roasted, fork-tender cochinita pibil (pork with achiote rojo and sour orange), a Yucatecan specialty. Even the desserts are unusual, including goat's milk-caramel-topped crepes, caramel-filled churros, and Oaxacan chocolate cake. With so many luscious flavor combinations and mouthwatering presentations, Barrio Caf� will give you a whole new perspective on Mexican cuisine.
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cjones311 | Phoenix, AZ | 31 Reviews

| Wed, June 23, 2010

you know how something is awesome? "PHOENIX NEW TIMES BEST OF 2009 BEST BADASS CHEF SILVANA SALCIDO ESPARZA" Blammo. Best badass chef. This place is killer. Definitely go check it out for a glass of wine and some great food.
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divinepd2 | Phoenix, AZ | 1 Reviews

| Thu, July 15, 2010

The guacamole is tossed not mashed, the pulled pork and pulled pork tacos are amazing! If you like mole, you'll love it here. Cool vibe and interesting artwork. Nice top shelf tequila selection. Oh, and I've heard the coffee here is the best!
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JessicaHill
Phoenix, AZ
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Phoenix, AZ
annieloyd
Phoenix, AZ

Main Menu

Ensaladas & Sopas

$14.00

Mango, Tomate & Camaron
avocado, tomatoes, garlic shrimp, sweet mango & a spicy vinaigrette

$15.50

Ensalada De Pato
tamarind glazed seared breast of duck sliced over a bed of tossed spinach, pine nuts, spicy naranja supremes and rich roquefort cheese with queso fresco

With Grilled Chicken $13.00
Meal Portion $11.00
Side Portion $7.50

Ensalada Del Barrio
spinach with a sweet & spicy vinaigrette, toasted pecans, queso fresco, roquefort, apples and slow roasted tomatoes

$8.00

Sopa De Chile Morron
roasted sweet & spicy pepper soup

$8.00

Posole Verde
pork & tomatillo posole soup with cabbage, radish & onions

Entremesas

$10.50

Guacamole Casero
elegant real avocado guacamole prepared table~side at dinner only

$14.00

Quesadilla De Camaron Borracho
garlic & tequila shrimp served on a corn tortilla with melted oaxacan cheese and queso de cabra

$16.00

Quesadilla De Langosta Borracha
garlic & tequila lobster served on a corn tortilla with melted oaxacan cheese and queso de cabra

$10.00

Crepa De Spinacas
queso de cabra, spinach & mushroom filled crepe in a jocoque cream sauce

$10.00

Queso Fundido
roasted poblanos, sauteed spinach, mushrooms and melted oaxacan cheese with queso fresco & chorizo

$14.00

Mojo
shrimp served in a roasted garlic-wine sauce

Platillos Fuertes

$19.00

Cochinita Pibil
our famous 12 hour slow roasted pork with achiote rojo & sour orange with salsa yucateca

$21.00

Chile Relleno
poblano pepper stuffed with a delicate blend of shrimp & scallops topped with a fontina and oaxaca queso

$21.00

Chiles En Nogada
roasted poblano pepper stuffed with chicken, onions, garlic, pecans, apples, pears and apricots finished with a delicate almond sacue and pomegranates

$21.00

Pato En Tamarindo
seared breast of duck in a striking sweet & sour tamarind & chipotle pepper sauce

$26.00

Filete De Mi Tita
grilled filet mignon topped with a mexican style crab, longaniza and an ancho chile sauce

$26.00

Filete Azul
grilled filet mignon topped with bleu cheese crumbles, longaniza and caramelized shallots

$23.00

Pescado Del Mar
pan seared halibut filet topped with shrimp, scallops, crab and lobster all with a white wine-shallot cream sauce, chorizo and poblano peppers

$21.00

Mojarra De San Agustin
achiote rubbed tilapia filet with onions wrapped in a banana leaf finished on the grill

$19.00

Pollo Poblano
chicken breast with roasted poblano peppers, caramelized onions & queso fresco all in a tomatillo buerre blanc with queso de cabra & pinon nuts

$19.00

Pollo En Mole
bold & flavorful mole sauce over chicken breast with a choice of red or oaxacan black mole

$21.00

Enchiladas Del Mar
shrimp, scallops & crab topped blue corn tortillas with queso de cabra in a jocoque sauce

$18.00

Enchiladas De Mole
white corn tortillas stuffed with queso fresco, grilled chicken with a choice of red or oaxacan back mole

$17.00

Enchiladas Suizas
mexico city style enchiladas stuffed with chicken with a delicate tomatillo cream sauce

$17.00
Add Shrimp $22.50

Enchiladas De Hongos
sauteed wild mushroom melange with queso de cabra and aciete de trufa blanca.

Tortas & Tacos

$12.00

Torta De Cochinita Pibil
slow roasted mayan style achiote rubbed pulled pork with salsa yucateca with a hint of sour orange

$11.00

Torta Del Barrio
roasted poblano pepper stuffed with melted oaxacan cheese served with a baja sauce

$15.00

Torta De Filetito
grilled filet mignon, chorizo, roquefort cheese & chipotle sauce

$12.00

Torta De Pollo Y Jaiba
crab topped grilled chicken breast with a spiced hollandaise style sauce, sliced avocado and oaxacan cheese

$12.00

Torta De Mole Negro
grilled breast of chicken topped with a rich & exotic black mole sauce & sesame seeds

$13.00

Torta Poblana
spice rubbed seared chicken breast topped with a delicate blend of cabra and oaxaca queso, roasted poblano & caramelized onions all finished in a tomatillo sauce

$12.00

Tacos De Cochinita Pibil
mayan style slow roasted pork tacos with salsa yucateca with a hint of sour orange and queso fresco

$13.50

Tacos De Camaron
tequila sauteed shrimp, cabbage & rosarto beach sauce

$14.00

Tacos De Carne Asada
grilled tenderloin strip tacos with cabbage, queso fresco, salsa yucateca and avocad

$14.00

Tacos De Pescado
halibut fish tacos with cabbage & avocado, baja sauce

$10.00

Quesadilla De Chile Con Queso
quesadillas filled roasted poblano peppers and a blend of cabra, havati & oaxaca queso

Domingo
Sunday Brunch, Served From 11 To 3 Pm Guitar Soloist From 12 To 2 Pm

$10.00

Huevos De La Capital
over easy eggs topped with a creamy hollandaise-style sauce & chorizo

$10.00

Huevos Rancheros
eggs cooked any style served over corn tortillas then topped with a spicy sauce and mexican cheese

$10.00

Huevos Con Chorizo
eggs cooked any style served with lean longaniza chorizo and queso fresco

$11.00

Crepa De Pollo
chicken and asparagus filled crepe with a jocoqui sauce

$11.00
Add Grilled Lobster $16.00

Crepa De Chorizo
chorizo, spinach, green onion and queso fresco filled crepe topped with a hollandaise-style sauce and avocado slices

$15.00

Crepa De Mariscos
seafood filled crepa with a cheese melange

$10.00

Pastel De Calabazas Con Queso
omellete filled with sauted zucchini, cheese and roasted sweet and spicy peppers finished with a tomatillo sauce

$9.00

Momosas
guava or mango sparkling wine momosa

$13.00

Sangrita De Toro
spicy bloody mary made with milagro tequila blanco

Refrescos

$2.50

Importe Bottle Of Mrxican Coca Colaa

$2.25

Coca Cola

$2.25

Diet Coke

$2.25

Rootbeer

$2.25

Sprite

$2.25

Lemonade

$2.25

Iced Tea Passion Fruit

$2.50

Mexican Style Lime Juice & Sparkling Wtr.

$4.00

Agua Sole
imported sole sparkling or still water

Agua De Sabor
flavored house made refreshing mexican

$5.00

Arroz Rice

Person $2.75
$8.00

Cafe Dela Casa Barrio
silver tequila strong & killer house margarita on the rocks, barrio's own special blend of chiapas iztapa coffee served in a press

$12.00

Barrio Coffee Beans
bag of our special blend chiapas iztapa coffee beans

Postres
Add A Kahlua & Coffee Sauce To Any Dessert For $1.75

$10.00

Crepas De Cajeta
warm goat's milk caramel topped crepes served with vanilla bean ice cream

$10.00

Flan De Mi Mami
delicious & tradicional flan served with candied pecans

$11.00

Churros Rellenos De Cajeta De Cabra
goat's milk caramel stuffed fritters served with vanilla bean ice cream

$11.00

Pastel De Chocolate Ala Oaxaca
oaxacan chocolate & almond sauce filled chocolate cake

Looking for another city?

Barrio Cafe

2814 N. 16th St. Phoenix, AZ 85006

602-636-0240

Description

Every Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat., Sun. from May 3 until June 3

2011 | Best <i>Cochinita Pibil</i>

2010 | Best Calle of Dreams

2010 | Best Cochinita Pibil

2009 | Best Badass Chef

2009 | Best <i>Mole</i>

2008 | Best Modern Mexican Restaurant

2008 | Best Tequila Selection

2007 | BEST MEXICAN BRUNCH

2006 | BEST MODERN MEXICANA RESTAURANT

2005 | BEST TATTOO

2005 | BEST MEXICAN DESSERTS

2004 | BEST MODERN MEXICANA RESTAURANT

2003 | BEST HORCHATA

By Lauren Saria | Mon, May 21, 2012

By Laura Hahnefeld | Mon, April 30, 2012

By Dominique Chatterjee | Wed, March 28, 2012

By Claire Lawton | Thu, March 15, 2012

By Erica O'Neil | Mon, December 26, 2011

phoenixnewtimesbestof | Phoenix, AZ | 315 Reviews

cjones311 | Phoenix, AZ | 31 Reviews

divinepd2 | Phoenix, AZ | 1 Reviews

People Who Like Barrio Cafe