we came in on a Saturday with 7 and no reservation. they were very prompt seating us and our server Yolanda was very attentive. enjoyed our experience read more

found this restaurant by chance, the food was tasty, the environment charming, and the service from my server, Yolanda, was excellent!

Celebrated August Cinco de MeeYo with a couple of friends for our August birthdays. We had a great time. Excellent service, excellent food and excellent atmosphere. We were seated quickly and our server was so attentive. Seth came to our table straight away for our order. Chips and salsa came out in a flash. Never had to ask for a refill. Excellent service. I loved the Fajita Parrillada. it was so yummy - mix of steak, chicken, carnitas and sausage. The portion of guacamole and sour cream was perfect. The house made flour tortillas are incredible. One friend had the fish burrito and she said it was so well made and flavorful. She could only eat half. Other friend had tamales which she said were very delicious. She enjoyed the cheese and sauce on top too. read more

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Its Monday, so its a slower day. Stopped in for lunch Plenty of parking close by Restroom inside Great for groups and intimate Patio seating. Services were spot on, very attentive. Free chips and salsa and taster of black beans. Delicious Monday was buy one get one margarita free. Kids eat free. Food was hot and fast Great place to stop in if you're on tour, or local. Enjoy! read more

Barra Barra - Guacamole appetizer - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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I know Old Town is a tourist trap, but it's one of the few that is actually historic, and charming. so we decided to give this place a shot. The Bad: The service was slow. Our server really should have been writing things down, as we had to ask several times just to get a milk for my kid. When the chips came out, they were warm but stale. For my main course, I ordered the chile relleno, but it didn't taste anything like what was described on the menu--there was no pomegranate and no blackened chicken. I ate it anyway just because I was hungry and didn't want to wait around for a remake. To top it off, someone who looked like a manager was walking around doing table touches, and he literally checked on every single table around us except ours. It was just weird. The Good: On the positive side, kids eat free with a paid adult, which is a great perk. The bean dip that came with the chips was actually delicious, and the view is nice. It also seemed like other servers were on top of their game. I think I heard one of them say her name was Claudia, and she was absolutely crushing it. In the time it took us to just flag our guy down for a refill and a box, I watched her check on four tables, grab two refills, and bring out boxes for two other parties. Our server was kind, but he just seemed completely overwhelmed. The home made tortillas were fantastic read more

My family and I stumbled upon this place due to the amazing smell coming from the restaurant. The moment we stepped into the perimeter, all of the staff treated us very well!!! On top of that the food was bomb.com. As you can we we started digging in before I could take a picture. Do not be scared to try this place, you won't be disappointed!! read more

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This was my second time visiting Old Town San Diego in the last few weeks. This time my family decided to try out Barra Barra Saloon. The restaurant itself is beautiful. Beautifully decorated, very similar to what I enjoyed while in Mexico. Service was quick. We were seated. We had to check our stroller at the door which was fine, but they did not have a high chair for my son. I found it odd considering this is a family restaurant. Lucky my son is 3 and is able to sit in a full-size chair with assistance. The food was all great. Plenty of options to choose from. Steak was tender, shredded beef was full of flavor. Loved the homemade tortillas. Tasted just like my mom's. One down side was a soda was 5.50! Wow. That's pretty excessive. I did want to mention that a 4% sur-charge is added on to your bill. This is supposedly to help defray costs. read more

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Came to Old Town, looking for food and saw their Taco Tuesday special. Justin explained it to us, joked with us, and made our experience very pleasant. He warned us the tacos were large, but I had no idea. I was only able to eat three, as they were loaded with cabbage and pico. The bean dip was amazing and the chips were nice and light. I had the carnitas- nice, but could be crisped up a little, baja fish- excellent, and asada- didn't have the asada feel like street tacos . It's the kind of place that you could come and relax with your friends. The prices weren't bad, especially for the location. read more

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The place is magical it's not a restaurant! It's home away from home. It has top quality service like family members who welcome you home. The food has its own way of being cooked like the old way.Fresh and hot from the kitchen to your plate to your table. They have fabulous kids meals that our grandkids love my fiancé and me travel from Orange County almost twice month to enjoy vibe & this place we call home with such beautiful memories. Martin & Jeana read more

Barra Barra - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

I fear that people might visit Barra Barra as their one and only Southern California Mexican food experience, and walk away thinking that Mexican food is just alright. San Diego has some of the best Mexican food in the country, and this place ain't it. But it's also in a touristy area (Old Town San Diego), so it's difficult to expect much. First, let's talk about the sangria. No alcohol was harmed in the making of my sangria, I'm sure of it. It was all sweet stuff and no booze, which is a shame because it was almost $20. The choriqueso, I'm pretty sure, did not have any chorizo in it. Instead, it had ground beef. But it does come with homemade tortillas, which you use to eat the queso. We also got a kids' bean, rice and cheese burrito, which my child loved. And the ceviche, which comes with chips. And the carne asada plate, which comes with rice and beans. The one thing that I loved was the complimentary chips and salsa, which is also served with a dish of refried black beans. They are replenished throughout your meal, and they're amazing. Honestly, I should have just gotten a beer and chips. That would have made a great meal. The location is great, if you're visiting Old Town San Diego. The patio seating is beautiful, and you should take advantage of the nice weather and sit outside, if you can. read more

Nice restaurant near the entrance of Old town. Ordered shredded beef enchiladas and they were perfect. Chips and mole were also fresh and tasty. Service was great once I got help. read more

Barra Barra - Beef enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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OK at first I thought kids eat free every day of the week was a ploy to get people in to the restaurant and it definitely was but for good reason. The main platters were really good. The Carne Asada was restaurant quality super juicy not dry at all. Food came out really fast and I was a little skeptical of the quality because it came out so fast, but it was really good. My son's chicken tenders was a healthy portion. There was more than enough food to go around plenty of rice and beans to share. Carnitas's platter was good I guess, I didn't try it cause I don't really like pork like that. Salsa and chips and black bean dip were really good. We did order a side of guacamole for dipping. That thing was 15 bucks, wasn't my favorite part of the experience. Besides the food quality, our Server really made the day. She didn't really do too much special, but I will say she is of the boomer generation and in my experiences, they haven't been the most hospitable. She was very sweet, very kind, and not in a rush. Anything we needed she made it happen and most importantly she didn't seem like we were an inconvenience or an imposition. I think that's the biggest thing. Definitely hospitality focused so that's something I can appreciate. Good food, good service my boys eat free and they like the food. You can't go wrong. read more

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We had been to Barra Barra in the past and decided to return this year for Cinco de Mayo on our vacation. We had two dishes: steak fajitas and carne asada with shrimp. Both were delicious! They were served with homemade tortillas, beans and rice. The meat was tender and seasoned to perfection. The tortillas were fantastic! We can't get these at home in Sacramento. The meal was also served with chips, salsa, and bean dip. The atmosphere is old Mexico. Bougainvillea covered patio, cacti, Mexican folk art all around. My idea of paradise! To top it off, our waitress, Gabriela was amazing! Helpful with suggestions, efficient with refills, made us feel like we were really taken care of. She puts her heart into her work! I highly recommend Barra Barra to others who visit Old Town San Diego! read more

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Barra Barra Saloon is on of overlooked and underrated restaurants in this area. The only drawback is that they don't offer pitchers of margaritas. The service is great, wonderful outdoor seating. The portions are huge! I ended up taking home my leftovers. read more

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Food is great. Service with a smile. Shout out to Gabriela she's authentic and made my experience real, yumm!

Lots of signage indicating specific and special celebrations for you on the 5th day of your birthday month and a free meal on your bday! The menu is huge with lots of customized options to choose. I was in love with the service of our server who was very patient with us, he came back often and made suggestions. We loved the texture of the complimentary tortilla chips tasted like they were made in house. Ambiance was festive with a live band nearby! They served us with the chips with the most delicious warm refried black beans and mild red salsa. We ended up ordering the combo I did two items and my partner chose 3 items which ended up being too much! His tamale was thick masa with strips of green chile and chicken in red sauce. Spanish rice was bomb with peas, carrots, little bit of onion and it was the first thing I ate before devouring the carne asada with crispy strips of steak. My shredded chicken enchilada was so enjoyable with white melted cheese inside and melted creamy orange cheese on top with savory refried pinto beans. The umami flavors were amazing and I ate my whole plate. read more

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Located in old town San Diego. Came on a Friday night wasn't packed, you can either sit inside or outside. They have a bar area with seating as well. The menu is expansive. Be sure to check the menu for daily specials. Upon seating you get complimentary chips, salsa and black beans. Tried the chicken fajitas, comes with sautéed bell peppers, rice, beans with cojita cheese, pico, sour cream, guacamole. Ordered a Jamaica agua Fresca (tasted like sangria and apple juice). Food was okay. The guacamole was quite flavorful everything else kinda lacked something. Service was decent, one waitress was servicing 4 tables alone. Ambiance gives off a touristy vibe. read more

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We're locals here in San Diego, and to be honest, we don't come to Old Town very often because... well, tourists.. all the Arizonans, utahans, and nevadens... But every once in a while we like to stroll through, and Bara Bara Saloon makes it feel worth it especially for parents. First off: kids under 10 eat free. LET'S GO That alone deserves a shoutout. Food: We ordered the carne asada and camarón platter and it was more than enough food. My wife got the taco salad, which she enjoyed, and the kids went classic with quesadilla and mac & cheese (plus milk). No complaints from anyone which is a win when you're eating out with kids. The complimentary chips, bean dip, and salsa were a hit too. Always appreciated. Vibe: The atmosphere honestly reminded me of Encanto colorful, lively, and made me feel like I was on a little mini getaway in Mexico. You forget you're in a tourist zone for a bit, which is nice. Service: Overall, service was quick and solid. Our server was amazing super attentive, kept checking on us, and stayed on top of water refills. The only downside was the host. When we asked for a table for four, he didn't say hello or really say anything at all, no eye contact or greeting, just nodded and walked us to our table. We kept saying "thank you," but maybe he was having a rough day. It happens. All that said, Bara Bara Saloon is a solid spot. Good food, family-friendly perks, great server, and a fun vibe. If you're in Old Town and want a place that actually feels welcoming for families, I'd recommend giving it a try. read more

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We stopped for a quick break to have a drink. Didn't order food other than a small salad. Our server was great, the chips are great, my Acapulco margarita was great, the ambiance is great. The bean dip that comes with their chips is pretty good but the salsa can use improvement. It's puréed and a bit bland. People around us ordering food seemed to enjoy and the portion sizes are large. I'd come back hungry next time. read more

First off the food was good. But the big sign out front stated buy a beverage and get 50% off one meal, once it was time to check out it was discovered that deal was only for "locals". Other than it being a little pricey I could go back read more

Barra Barra - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Immaculate vibes, delicious food, wonderful music, it was my favorite place to eat out of the 5 nights we were here for comic con. Ask for Yolanda, she is the best! read more

Stopped in for lunch. The place had a truly authentic old town look about it. Our server was real nice. The chips, Salsa and Beans were delicious. The food was prepared quickly and was delicious. I'd highly recommend this restaurant for authentic Mexican food read more

Barra Barra - Carnne Asada and fish tacos w beans and rice - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

The vibe of the restaurant is great and our server was excellent. That being said I gave the benefit of the doubt against the advice of most commenters and we paid the price... We got two fajitas and two drinks on their Friday fajita deal (25% off fajitas with a drink purchase that basically makes the drink free) and I could not have been more disappointed. Our experience was the same as many, the food was beyond bland, the horchata had no taste other than "sweet" and there were three 1/2 inch strips of chicken & steak, a dry pile of pork and a sausage that was blackened and paid $60 for it. We also saw a waiter drop a couple plates as they were coming to a table. Go somewhere else (Doc Hollidays was amazing) trust the numerous reviews and don't let the "kids eat free" fool you. read more

Went with the Family, including our four month old grandson. Hostess said we could not take stroller in. We had to leave stroller outside. We were seated in outdoor patio, on the way to our table, we passed two people eating, and they had a stroller next to them, with a dog inside. Also service was extremely slow. Server was extremely overwhelmed. Lastly, there was a 24% service charge added to our bill. read more

Such a beautiful location and the food is great too! We had a very attentive and patient server when only half our party was there. We got a delicious queso and guac while we waited and Yolanda checked in often with everything we needed! read more

We came back again having flown in from Hawaii for a conference. This time we sat in the front and for whatever reason, it was so much better than inside. The food was much better than 2yrs ago, more flavorful and much approved. I remember ordering the tamale 2yrs ago and it just wasnt good (hard). This time wanting to try something different, the veggie burrito did not disappoint. It was flavorful and so much that I took back half for later that night. We were the last patrons to enter with the restaurant empty but they still took care of us without making us feel rushed. read more

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I went to old town to have dinner with my friends for the Barra Barra Wednesday and Thursday 1/2 price entree special for locals. I found the service to be outstanding! Justin, our server was checking on us continuously and efficiently bringing us everything that we needed with a kind and professional attitude. The ambience was very pleasant and authentic. I recommend Barra Barra for a great evening out! read more

Do not sleep on this dog and kid friendly restaurant in Old Town. We used to come here before having our Little One and knew they were dog friendly but we were pleasantly surprised to find out they also have kids eat free every day with the purchase of an entree. The high chairs were very clean which was unexpected but so appreciated. Our awesome server was super attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. We were sat next to two fire stations to keep up warm and all the food came out so quick. We were even sat near a TV to watch the NFL playoffs. Honestly could not have asked for a better dinner! read more

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The service was top notch! We sat outside but it started to rain the staff accommodated us very quickly. The tamales were amazing!! The ambiance was fantastic and all of the small details really made the setting inviting. The fireplace was the highlight for me. I was sad that we had to go inside, but to our surprise we sat right by the fireplace inside. Great atmosphere and great food. read more

We rode The Coaster down to San Diego Old Town and after a short walk from the transit station we wound up here for lunch. Sure glad we did. Finding something to eat for the picky eater can always be fun at a Mexican restaurant but she likes the carnitas from Chipotle so we gave the Pork Carnitas Platter a shot with the request that everything but the pork be on the side. :-) They delivered perfectly and the roast pork was flavorful and not spicy. She loved it and I had all the other "stuff" available to me if I wanted it. I ordered the Tamale, Taco and Enchilada Combination and it was a great choice as well. Pork tamale was tasty. Pollo Guisado Indian Flatbread Taco was tasty and I loved the softness of the Indian Flatbread. Beef Machaca Enchilada was tasty. Sides were good and it was all very filling. We sat outside on a pleasant day and the service was worthy of a generous tip. The only complaint was that the hard wooden chairs were a little hard on this old boy and I was a little stiff standing back up. We enjoyed ourselves enough that I would gladly take The Coaster again just to dine here and order the same things again. read more

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We stopped in while visiting old town. Great outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather. So delicious and plenty of gluten free options. Our server Yolanda was friendly and knowledgeable about celiac and options. We enjoyed beef enchiladas with a read sauce, it was a nice flavorful enchilada and tender shredded beef. The carne asada tacos were delicious and a corn salad in lieu of beans with a nice level of spice! All of us enjoyed the food, and the kids too! read more

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To the response to the general manager stateton, that they don't use lab grown meat bye, says that it's highly au. Authentic meat used at their restaurant now. I don't know if this gentleman has not sat at a table at his restaurant, but the meat is all the same. It's all prepared from The freezer to the grill and there is nothing authentic about the meat except of the aroma. The smell from the chips and salsa. I thank you.Definitely.Need a sit and eat a plate at your own restaurant and see exactly why my preview stated all these concerns.Thank you again, but this is definitely not authentic mexican food, but poison read more

Yolanda was excellent and happy and cool! We came in 18 deep, and hungry. The staff and especially Yolanda took great care of us. And the food was top notch! For San Diego that's saying something! read more

Highly recommend this place. HD great service from our waitress Yolanda. Very attentive and friendly. Food was so good! Great atmosphere to enjoy a lunch or dinner. read more

When visiting Old Town San Diego with my family or when entertaining friends there are plenty of safe options for Mexican food and Bara Bara Saloon is a great option if you want to avoid the other more popular spots. . The restaurant has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of seating and shade. Right next to the Reyes Shopping Square next to the stage with daily performances. The restaurant is in a beautiful historic building with great decorative arts. This is a definite tourist treat with friendly staff. While you cannot call the food authentic Mexican, they do have a delicious variety of dishes that will fill your belly and please your taste buds. If you want to enjoy a day of feeling like a tourist this is a great option. read more

Appeared to not have enough servers. Very slow. Food was not great - some items were very greasy. Would not return

Stopped by with a friend to try the food here and was disappointed. While the location and seating area is pretty, especially on a warm day the food was sub par. I ordered the Pollo Chile Relleno and was disappointed when I saw a small overcooked piece of chile drowning in cheese with maybe three or four small pieces of chicken inside. The cheese wasn't cooked thru all the way either and a bit cold the further inside the chile I got. The accompanying Spanish rice was ok but the black beans were a bit off as well. I would avoid this place and head next door to Casa de Reyes instead, which I think is managed by the same team, yet has better food. read more

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Came here for lunch and it definitely made me appreciate Mexican cuisine more! Authentic, delicious food just like you'd hope for. It was a hot day, so we sat outside. It has a clean setup and super friendly service. I don't have a ton of experience with Mexican cuisine besides Taco Tuesdays, but everything we ordered was tasty. The flour tortilla that came with the dishes were freshly made, soft, chewy, warm and huge. Could've used a little more spice here and there, but hey .. Tapatío to the rescue! Would definitely come back to try more dishes! read more

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Visited Old Town SD today and we were hungry so decided to come here for dinner. Here's the reason for my overall rating: 2 stars: Delicious barra barra pork carnitas platter with flour tortilla. Enough portion to share for 2 people. Definitely worth getting again. Tender carnitas meat with plenty of guacamole and refried beans and rice. Upon being seated by the manager, he quickly brought out complimentary chips, salsa, and warm black bean dip. This was nice as the black bean dip was delicious. The chips also had this seasoning that was delicious. This manager was friendly and greeted us and even gave us a selection of tables to choose from. 1 more star: Busboy Omar gave us refills on our chips, salsa, and black bean dip without even asking. He even refilled out drinks without even asking. Reason for 2 less stars: Then came our waitress.I didn't get her name but she was totally absent and when she was present she was rude and had attitude. Took her a long time for her to approach our table and get our order. When I asked her for extra napkins she looked at me as if I had asked her to do a lot of work. Then she just plopped them down after waiting for 5 minutes. When my hubby saw her interactions with other guests at other tables, she was actually pleasant and checked in on them often. When we tried to flag her down to get refills of water she completely ignored us. Then when we tried to get her attention, my hubs had to call out loudly to her and she paused before she turned around and slowly came towards us. This was just one table away and I was the one that saw her roll her eyes and sigh before coming to our table. Please note that we didnt trouble her at all because we knew she was unpleasant and absent with us to begin with. We only flagged her down to get the check and leave. Definitely docked her on her portion of her tip. Also there's an automatic 4% surcharge to cover for their operational cost. Whatever that means. I missed getting our waitress's name...otherwise, I would have told the manager directly about her extreme lack of service. It was getting late and we wanted to go back to our hotel to rest. Overall I would say come here to good tasting food and TGTO try their delicious black bean dip. Hopefully other people will get other waiters that actually care about your dining experience. read more

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Yolanda was amazing, super energetic and easy going. They had an amazing all you can eat taco Tuesday deal with so many varieties. We came on cinco de mayo and they were a well oiled machine which is rare for holidays like these for most restaurants. I would highly recommend you come check it out. read more

Barra Barra - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California