The service was extremely slow - we waited over 40 minutes for our first round of drinks. The tuna tacos were gross - the tuna was very tough and still had the skin left on it. read more

Really disappointing meal from Barra. There was a lot of hype, so we were very excited to give it a try. The food was an unfortunately combination of very overpriced and very unexciting. The aguachile and the grasshoppers were tasty, but everything else was just bland and heavy. And very expensive! read more

Extensive menu of mezcal, Mexican beers and cocktails and the staff knows their stuff and takes the time to explain it. The experience would have been enjoyable and even understandable for delays if up front the staff had explained the kitchen was under construction and food would be delayed. The issue was as we were waiting we saw other parties, some that arrived over an hour after we did, getting their food before us, which I think was more mismanagement of orders than the kitchen itself. We had nice conversations with the staff, too, up until the last hour when it felt like we were abandoned even though there were less people around. I'm to blame for not more aggressively flagging the staff down or asking for an update, but I'm the type that doesn't like to say much unless I find something strange in my food (which I didn't). Overall the outdoor seating is pleasant and fun to people watch and the drinks are great. I would not recommend coming with an empty stomach. read more

pre covid review: Standard drinks and disappointingly small plates. I enjoyed the mezcal margarita that I got, but I assumed that it would come salted since the bartender didn't ask and it did not. I think it calls for a more smokey mezcal to overpower the..... chemical taste of whatever sour mix they used. We were all disappointed by how small the food we ordered was. I had a stuffed purple corn triangle which tasted like nothing but corn until you put it in the salsa which was the highlight read more

How often do you hear "I went when they opened, it's better now" or "never go somewhere on the first day it's never as good." Well if this is the "never as good" for Barra, this place is destined to be the best spot in Union Square. Atmosphere is important, and I will start by saying that Barra has a simple, welcoming atmosphere. It literally feels like you're hanging out with your friend after their latest trip abroad. And the music is fantastic, at time rhythmic and entrancing, other times funky. Regardless you feel like dancing in your seat or to jump and and jive. Drinks are fabulous, thought out, and simple. Often times you see places doing the most and adding everything, including the kitchen sink, into their drinks. Barra relies on good quality and careful craft to create refreshing and reviving cocktails. And as someone who tends to steer away from agave and sugarcane based drinks, this place makes me want to dive head first into a pool of sotol, pox, or mezcal! I didn't partake in any of the food items, but they menu did look delicious. I especially like the fact that they charge less if you opt for the vegetarian option. Also, finally somewhere that embraces insects as a good source. I haven't been or heard of anywhere else that has grasshopper on the menu and I'm excited to give them a try the next time I come by. And there will definitely be a next time! The only think keeping me back from the 5 star rating is the potential of the space. Decorations and the flow of the workers have yet to be fully established, but these are things that only come with time. But I'm sure when I return in a week or two I will revise the review to 5 stars when they've gotten into the flow of things! read more

The food was overpriced ($9.50 for 1 small taco?!) but fine. Not great, not awful. The service, on the other hand, was awful. I would not eat here again. read more

I went here with a friend when we were visiting Boston a few weeks ago. The atmosphere is great! Staff were knowledgeable and polite, and food was good! We got the tacos with the grasshopper and it was so good! Highly recommend. We did get a reservation. read more

They just re-opened and it's a good first night! They're figuring out online menus but you don't even mind because the drinks are strong and the employees are friendly. Our food came out all together and we got quite an assortment! Lowish lights and a pop soundtrack make this feel like it could become a dance club. I got 2 tacos, the fish and beef and it was the perfect amount of food! Fish crispy and beef very flavorful, I would come here again. Fair price for Boston area, great location in Union read more

Good ambiance. But underwhelming for cocktails. Poorly balanced and overpriced. Go to Backbar down the street instead.

This has to be one of my most disappointing dining experiences in a very long time. Had been wanting to try this spot since it opened. Finally made it and the drinks lived up to the hype, but our service experience was completely terrible. We were seated pretty quickly on arrival and ordered not long after. It then took 40+ minutes just to get our drinks. At one hour, our food was nowhere in sight. The most frustrating part was that while our waiter was running ragged, it seemed like other restaurant staff were simply lounging around. We ended up leaving mad and hungry bc the service was just so poor. read more

Stumbled upon this place on a sunny day where the outdoor seating was perfect. The owners were so sweet and gave us some free boozy coffee, showed us the back patio. COVID safety precautions seemed great. Food was lovely. Cocktail list seemed great. Even the music they were playing was perfect. Just an overall awesome experience, encourage everyone to support these folks. They opened just before the pandemic started and Somerville really needs more places like this. read more

This place is absolutely delicious. We finally stopped by after passing it several times. The tacos are incredible - everything is so flavorful and well positioned on the blue corn tortilla. The drinks are excellent. We will definitely be back. Best tacos I've had in the area, no doubt. read more

Great atmosphere. Great waiter attentive without being intrusive. We liked almost everything we tried. The daily special was enchilada de mole. Would have been excellent with house made blue corn tortillas and chicken, just needed about 1/4 cup less salt read more

Went to Barra on a date night with my husband and boy were we disappointed. We had such high hopes but we waited for 3.5 hours for drinks and two orders of Tacos and ended up paying $159 pre tip. The drinks are tasty but the service is exceptionally slow and the price point unreasonable. My husband is from Mexico city originally and we were looking forward to a fun, somewhat authentic experience but were extremely disappointed on most fronts. We will certainly not be coming back and will be recommending against this place to our other Mexican friends. read more

Very cool spot! One of a kind menu with great cocktail options, their mezcal margarita was on point. Fun and relaxing atmosphere with a cute heated outdoor patio. read more

I was excited to try Barra but was very disappointed. The food wasn't bad and was well prepared, but it wasn't the best I've had. The real problem was that it ridiculously overpriced. I was with three friends, and we ordered small plates to share. The emphasis is definitely on small! We ordered what I thought would be empanadas (plural) because the price was so high and one little empanada came out that we cut into four little pieces. It wasn't even that great. The food was ok but with such small portions and high prices not worth it. We all left hungry. read more

Delivery on a whim through caviar turned out to be the best take out I've ever had. The ceviche, the stuffed jalapeño taco, the steak and cheese taco, and other things I can't remember-- so good! Presentation and flavor and texture and everything was on point. So good! read more

What an amazing place! Barra is redefining cocktails and the cocktail hour. They have a broad and varied selection of mezcals and sotols and the margueritas are fabulous- fresh and crisp. Beautiful patio seating under the stars. This is our new favorite place. read more

Yes, yes, and yes! I haven't seen a better Mezcal selection outside of Mexico and the food was excellent as well if a a bit spendy. Service was a little slow for the food but well worth the wait - our server was lovely and very kind. Awesome was the bottom line, though - nopal, cecina and chapulines made me quite happy read more

We had excellent takeout (food and cocktails) from here last night. The tacos were unique and delicious, cactus salads was great, and the cocktails were fresh and tasty. Curbside pickup was easy and it looks like a really cool space for when such things are relevant again. Highly recommend it. read more

I made a yelp just for this. Ridiculous wait time, took and hour to get a $10 half-sized portion of chips and guac. forgot my friends food, ok food (kind of salty. Not worth the 2 hour wait. Best part were the nuts they served at the bar. Not worth the wait or price honestly. read more

Amazing food, amazing drinks- it's really unlucky that they opened during COVID but there is amazing outdoor seating (in the front on the street, and in the back on a patio), and everyone is very friendly. The only silver lining of COVID times is its still easy to get a table here! This should be a neighborhood anchor like backbar or its neighbor Celeste- and I'm sure it will be with time! read more

This was the best meal I have had in I don't even know how long. Every plate and drink was crafted with great care and appreciation for the quality of each individual ingredient. I lingered over every bite and sip to savor the incredible flavors. And the fantastic service topped off this wonderful evening -- the owner was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. She transformed my dining experience into a learning experience as well. Barra has so many unique things to offer. Come with friends to relax over drinks and tacos. Bring a date to get cozy with over exquisite cocktails and shared plates. This place has it all, and I can't wait to go back! read more

This place is one of those that are hit and miss (mostly on the miss side). The first time I came I brought friends from California here after all the good reviews from food publications. I felt awful about my choice. Everything took so long, and while the food was mostly good, it ruins the whole experience when things are not coming out as they should. I understand the staff shortages for restaurants, but then lessen the amount of seats to the amount your staff can handle. The response might be that financially they need to have more tables/seats, but that right there is the equation you feel waiting for over an hour for drinks and then two hours for food. They have decided that they will just let customers have a bad experience, because hey, people become so enamored with what they've been told (one of the best spots in Boston! best tacos in Mass! Oh, grasshoppers!) they will still come. I feel like they must really put it on for food bloggers and writers, but then regular customers just have to deal with whatever their situation is that day and pay big $$ for the pleasure of sitting hungry, cold, and without even a drink. read more