This place has an amazing location with nice indoor/outdoor seating. The drinks are actually good, especially the margs. Excellent tequila selection! The food however, is just average. Dog friendly patio is a nice touch. read more

Barrio Eat Mexican - Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I have been to this restaurant many times. The food is mediocre for the price and I had an allergic reaction to their crappy margarita mix. They also have a lovely outside patio where an angry old man sits and yells at kids on the sidewalk. This man - that I've learned is named Stanley- who frequents this restaurant, threw a chair on the sidewalk while my 12-year-old son was on his scooter to stop him from "going too fast." He proceeded to threaten him that he would hit him next time. Additionally, I watched him swing his arm at my son after he cussed him out, telling him to ride in the street. When I confronted him and told him to leave my Son alone, the "manager" or bartender at the time defended his actions. Said he was allowed to cuss my kids out on the sidewalk while he stood at her bar. When I had my awful margarita did I tell the lady I'd hit her next time she made me mad? No. I didn't. So the logic that her patrons can do this to kids is absurd. I'm sure the City of Carlsbad would appreciate how they treat people walking down the sidewalk. I will never come here again. I would suggest you take your business elsewhere too. read more

My wife was given a gift certificate for this place. We drove to Carlsbad to have lunch, and the waiter said they would not honor the certificate because the restaurant had recently been sold. El Barrio has no concept of "honor." We will neither eat there nor recommend it. read more

Horrible customer service. Waited 15 mins for waiter to take our order. When she was finally taking our order I asked her for a simple quesadilla for our child and she refused to place that order because "the cook was swapped". Mind you the table next to us placed an order for a quesadilla and that person got her plate within a couple of mins. I brought that up to her attention and still refused. As we were walking out we over heard her telling her manger we left because "we wanted a special order". read more

Love their food!! Always a good spot and nice location in the village. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Absolutely love the albondigas! Kaylyn provided us with fantastic service with a great knowledge of tequilas, would absolutely recommend this spot. Also taco Tuesday is a hit, and happy hour is solid too. Don't sleep on this locally owned restaurant! read more

We came to this small place to check it out. It has a lot of potential! The chips and salsa were the highlight of the show. The food was good as well, nothing spectacular but definitely enjoyable! Great service. The bar opens to the outside which is so cool. Hoping they do some improvements to have us back. read more

Barrio Eat Mexican - Carnitas Taco - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Quick and friendly service. Loved the organic margaritas and the pork and pineapple taco. read more

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Although the food is okay... the place is small and the wait can be long... we waited 30 minutes to get to the front of the line... they don't take names...and it looks like the patio area, (other than the bar) is the only area they serve‍‍‍.....We do love fur babies but there were at least 5-7 dogs on the patio....from little to Xtra large... most people are pretty good about making their dogs lay down.....but there were a few dog's out in the common areas....or trying to walk around.. The staff is friendly and I know they try to keep the tables moving.... So if you have a fur baby this is the place... they have a few items on the menu just for them read more

Barrio Eat Mexican - Yum yum a New Mexican place - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Well, that was...an adventure. As someone who's worked in restaurants and bars for years, I usually give a lot of grace when things get hectic. But this was one of the strangest, most bizarrely executed dining experiences I've ever had -- like someone read a restaurant manual once, in reverse, and decided to give it a try. We walked in to a moderately busy space -- clearly understaffed -- and waited around 10 minutes before anyone even looked our way. Eventually, a server approached and, without saying hello or even making eye contact, said: "You're going to have to wait. I have two people ahead of you so it's going to be ten minutes until I can tend to you." Cool, cool. Strong opener. No greeting, no menus, no offer of water -- just immediate boundary-setting with the warmth of a DMV line. After a few minutes, she brought over chips and salsa (which were genuinely great), so we figured maybe things were looking up. She returned, walked up to our table, and jumped straight in with: "What do you want to order?" We both blinked at her and said, "Uh... we haven't been given menus." She disappeared, then came back and said: "Here's a menu. One menu works for both of you." And then -- I swear -- she stood there waiting while we tried to share a single menu across the table and telepathically speed-read it together. After about 45 seconds, I asked if we could at least get some water. She came back maybe 15 seconds later with two waters and -- again -- asked: "Okay, what do you want?" At this point, it felt less like a restaurant and more like a weird pressure-based food challenge. We both panicked and picked something random just to end the interrogation. When our food arrived, I adjusted my fork -- and she walked by and just...took it. Gone. As if I had failed some invisible test. She also tried to deliver our extra limes to another table, then came back a few minutes later asking if we had requested limes, like it was part of an ongoing mystery she was still solving. And then -- the bathroom. Oh, the bathroom. The toilet tank lid was missing, replaced with a plank of wood and tin foil, plus a DIY PVC pipe "flusher" topped with a post-it note explaining how to use it. There were multiple empty toilet paper rolls (which I kindly changed out), and the paper towel dispenser was broken. It was like a bonus round of the strange dining experience Olympics. If just one or two of these things had happened, it would've been forgivable. But everything stacked together -- the greeting, the nonexistent menu process, the utensil disappearing act, the lime confusion, and the MacGyver'd bathroom -- made it feel like I accidentally walked into a live-action improv sketch. Would give one star, but two stars for the unexpected entertainment and epic story. Sad to see the old staff gone -- their absence was loud. read more

Been here many times. It has NEVER disappointed! I usually get the shredded beef or steak enchiladas with red sauce with rice and beans. The meat has always been flavorful and tender. Definitely a place that I crave if its been too long! read more

Barrio Eat Mexican - Steak enchiladas with red sauce - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We were walking by Barrio Eat Mexican on Grand Avenue in Carlsbad; we spotted four open seats at the outdoor bar so we bee-bopped in. Rachel and Rachel were great bartenders! Especially Rachel, LOL! She was funny and entertaining as hell. Ask her about her hubby picking up a "stray". That's some funny shit! No food, drinks only. Wouldn't mind going back for food sometime, it looked good. Prices were reasonable and of course the lovely and talented Rachels! read more

This place food is delicious staff absolutely friendly!! Currently under staffed and kitchen closes too early. Owner invest in your team you need a bar tender at least 2 waiters. Value the quality team you have before it's too late read more

This place was fantastic!! Rachel the bartender was awesome and made amazing drinks!! You gotta try the lobster taco!! OMG Amazeballs!! read more

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I am not a huge fan of Mexican food because most places sell a downgraded version if it, greasy and not very tasty. This place is different. Their menu is diverse and many items are very delicious while not being greasy. I highly recommend their spinach quesadilla, their 3 taco combo (I chose the street tacos with chicken, al pastor and carne asada -- amazing!) and their Casa Burrito with the meat of your choice (warning: it's humongous, if you are starving it's the perfect choice!). I save the best for last: their guacamole! It's one if the best I have ever tried. And if you combine it with their in-store made white corn chips, you will never be able to stop -- guaranteed! Their homemade red salsa is also very good, albeit not spicy Their indoor space is kind of small, noisy, has a bar of you want to have a drink but it's worth considering their patio seating which is decent. So, if you want some very good Mexican food, this is the right place to go and get it. You can sit in or call in an order for pick up. read more

Not a fan. Such a great spot, right in the middle of the village. They have great drinks and a good size menu! The food was terrible, probably one of the worst enchiladas I've had. The sauce was very odd. Drinks were great and cheap. Service was so-so. Great place for drinks but I probably won't eat here again. read more

Barrio Eat Mexican - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Usually we sit outside because it's nicer outside and they have canopy covers if you need it. The service is really nice and helpful. The food is very tasty.. I got carne asada enchiladas. The meat is really tender not too greasy but the cheese on top was a little much for me. read more

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Randomly walked into this restaurant with my cousins They have Really, really good steak quesadillas read more

Favorite place in Carlsbad! Their verde chicken enchiladas are our go to, but everything is delicious and they always start you off with complimentary fresh homemade chips and salsa. They offer many different flavors of margaritas, I love the blueberry. The staff is all very friendly! The kitchen staff will wave to our 4 year old through the windows. Fun and cozy environment. read more

Avoid at all costs. The food isn't fresh, the whole vibe doesn't make sense, and they're lacking in drink options. As soon as you step in you'll be confused. For a place called "Barrio Eat Mexican" they're not very Mexican. You're greeted by country music and very strange decor (think the corny Mexico scenes in Breaking Bad). There's a car door on one side of the restaurant and a car grille with an "automotive garage" type of theme. We tried to order their Mango Paleta Margarita which was on their menu but apparently has been removed. We then asked for the Santeria mezcal cocktail and that one was also apparently not available anymore. They brought out a printed neon green drink menu and said this was the new menu and to disregard their print and online menu. Ok..... For a place that claims to have over 100 types of tequila this was already a red flag. We went with the Chile spicy mango tequila and then ordered up some food. We settled on the chicken and three tacos (carne asada, Al pastor, and carnitas). The food was mediocre at best. No flavor, no good spices. The tacos tasted like old meat and the flautas were barely acceptable. Even the tap water tasted bad. I think the only tasty part was the chips and salsa ! Service was good but other than that it was a huge miss. Definitely avoid at all costs. read more

Barrio Eat Mexican - Chips and Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Amazing place. A menu for dogs? God love them. Kate ALWAYS takes care of my Pacifico addiction. You need to experience this welcoming place!!! read more

Nice staff and friendly and the food tastes great. With the complimentary chips, they don't have good choices for salsa, just a very mild salsa, if you want some spicy, they have 4 choices for $5 for the flight. We had the fajitas with chicken, rice and beans, there was some sour cream but no cheese or other toppings, just a plate with some refried beans, rice and some onions and peppers with some fajita meat. It had a good taste though. read more

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After a Mother's Day morning massage nearby we ventured out walking to spend our early afternoon in Carlsbad Village for a yummy lunch. Barrio was the choice that didn't disappoint! The Margaritas are delicious and quite affordable. We sampled their Cadillac, the Habanero, the Prickly Pear, Blueberry and their Mezcal. All under $15 and fantastic. They offer homemade tortilla chips and salsas. The house salsa is perfect for the masses; on the sweet side and palatable. I ordered their salsa flight which kicked every bite up a notch. The habanero is legit. It'll sneak up on you if you're not careful. My favorite was the smokey chile arbol. Get yourself some! The ceviche is a mix of mahi-mahi and shrimp. Freshness is the key to this dish and its success. It too is on the sweet side but paired with the tasty homemade salsa flight it was quickly devoured. We ultimately shared their taco trio of carnitas, crispy pork with pineapple and a shrimp taco. Both the shrimp and carnitas tacos are a must-order if you visit. The other just didn't work for us, for me it was the pineapple and for the wife it was the balance of the onion (too much). For 3 hours we took up prime patio space and the three Servers never faltered on the service. Great staff! This review is for anybody who wishes to hear my opinion... read more

Barrio Eat Mexican - Salsa flight and Cadillac margarita. L-R House salsa, tomatillo verde, roja, chile arbol, and habanero - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Friendly stuff and great reasonably priced margaritas menu, great guacamole... outdoor eating area... strongly recommended for easy and delicious margaritas and relaxing fun...we didn't try the food cause we just ate sushi read more

This was my first time trying Barrio Eat Mexican. I ordered the sizzling grilled carne asada and shrimp fajitas. The food was very delicious and freshly made. The portions are very generous and the prices are very reasonable. The atmosphere is very casual and pleasant. The staff are very friendly too. I will definitely come back here again. read more

Barrio Eat Mexican - Mango Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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You get Mexican with a joke here! Always on top of their game. Super original tastes.

Went here for a late lunch on a Friday afternoon and sat on their patio. Being super cautious because of Covid, we've definitely been doing more takeout than eating out, but this place made us feel comfortable and safe with the experience. Their patio is fairly large (with about 5/6 good sized tables and umbrellas) and everything is well-spaced. It's also dog friendly so we had some cute entertainment at neighboring tables while we ate. Wait staff was friendly, wearing masks, and very on top of refilling drinks and whatever else we needed. My mom and I split the tostada salad and chicken enchiladas plate while my aunt had the shrimp roll-ups and a green salad. Their shrimp rolls and tacos are her and my uncle's current favorites in the area. Chicken enchiladas were delicious. Large portion meant we had some leftovers to take home as well. The tostada salad was also yummy, the chicken was perfectly cooked and the presentation was really nice. That shell was fried to perfection. I was disappointed I got so full so fast that I couldn't eat more! As for Mexican food, to me the chips and salsa say a lot about what you should expect from a restaurant. Barrio's chips and salsa are delicious. You can tell the freshness of both and I only wish we would've had some more to take home with us. read more

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What a gem in the quaint downtown of Carlsbad !! Chips and salsa fresh and delish , service top notch , the whole team were amazing and fun ! Our meal was delish , and thy were the sweetest to my pup !!! read more

Good food. Good portions. I'm really we went here at a slow period. The place is a bit small but the service was really good. I'm not familiar with the area but I suppose this is known for being dogs friendly. I love my dogs but not sure about dogs yapping all thru your dinner which occurred a bit. But we went there for food, and food was good. Dogs and dogs not "fur babies" lol. Silliness!! Lol read more

I love this place so much! The food is so good and the ambience is super welcoming. One of my favorite spots in Carlsbad! I also love everyone who works here, super friendly and nice! read more

Being here on a weekday setting and as a visitor, being in the town obviously it offers different atmosphere. The Tacos and location make me feel like I'm in the center of Mexico eating the finest tacos. Amazing grilled tacos to be exact. Yeah, beer off tap. Can't loose here! read more

Barrio Eat Mexican - Barrios Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I had an absolutely amazing experience. The service is so sweet. I came with my two dogs and the server was incredibly accommodating and so sweet with my dogs. Brought them chicken and water. I ordered a veggie burrito which was perfect. And their habanero salsa is incredible. Will be back over and over. The he outdoor seating is so nice. Thank you! read more

The converted outdoor patio was a treat! Space between patrons were far enough. A bit scary so close to traffic but worked! Arrived on an early Tuesday evening around 4pm. The server was nice and the service was sufficient. the Chips and salsa was to die for.. sadly you had ti order food with drinks.. I get it we are in a pandemic and businesses need to make money! 1 loco coco, 1 kahlessi, 1 mango cart, 1 Cadillac margarita and an order of 3 tacos; fried fish, grilled fish, al pastor made the night! The fish tacos were good but im a sucker for a delicious al pastor.. all it needed was a little salt yo. if you are seasoning consciously for your patrons then put packets of salt on the table. Just a thought. thank you for being open during these trying times read more

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We have seen this place many times and finally decided to try. Well, nothing great to report. Drinks came first: blah. My husband gets his Paloma every place he goes, he said this one was the worst. "It's hard to mess up Paloma" he said. Food: nothing spectacular. Even salsa was blah. Service was great! read more

Barrio is an excellent, authentic Mexican restaurant. The atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. Service by Miranda was outstanding. I had the 3 taco deal for $14-carne asada, ground beef and fish. It was phenomenal. The light, crispy chips and salsa was also superior. Highly recommended. read more

Barrio Eat Mexican - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Due to COVID, seating is limited to outdoor. There is limited outdoor seating, but they were able to seat 6 of us + 2 dogs. The service was friendly and accommodating. The salsa is delicious. I ordered 3 fish tacos with a side of rice and beans. It was delicious, good portion size. I did feel like it needed a bit more flavor kick, but overall I enjoyed the dish. A bit pricey at $16. read more

Barrio Eat Mexican - Fish tacos - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Staff was very friendly. Food was well portioned. I ordered the chicken fajitas and grilled chicken for my dog. The chicken on my fajita plate was the same as the chicken for the dogs. The dog food was seasoned and when I asked they confirmed it has onion and garlic on it which can make dogs sick. The waitress apologized and explained the dog chicken used to not be seasoned but she was not sure when they changed it. They did take that off my bill but it's concerning for other pet owners. Also it's kind of upsetting my $20 fajitas is the same as their dog food. Very odd. The chicken was pretty dry as well. Would stick with tacos and burritos in the future here. read more

Outstanding food, very good friendly service, and ample outdoor seating, what more could you ask for. We've been several times over a few years and not been disappointed. We will keep coming back when in Carlsbad. read more

Food was good, however service was extremely slow. Went in on Sunday Sept 28th at 1130am for lunch, seated immediately and order was taken. We then waited a good 45 minutes for our food to come out. Keep in mind, we were the ONLY customers in the restaurant. When we asked why there was a delay, they said their computer system doesn't "communicate properly" to the kitchen. It would have been nice for the server to let us know this during our 45 minute wait. read more

The food was trash! i order a shrimp taco, it was cold, chewy, flavorless, and way over cooked! Chopped in weird chunks. The tortilla was uneditable, cold and breaking apart. The salsa taste like it was poured from a jar, NO flavor other than tomato. read more