delicious food and cocktails!! love the inside ambiance but so disappointed by how understaffed they were. it was a busy friday night (4th fridays on retro row AND national tequila day) but there were only two servers working. they both did an amazing job but were running around like crazy. it is just too much work for two people. it truly baffles me how restaurant management loves to keep their businesses so understaffed. I will be coming back on a slower night. read more

September 16 is normally a lively Mexican holiday, so I expected a little more celebration in the air. The vibe was happy and welcoming, although the occasion itself didn't seem to play much of a role in the evening. The food definitely leans toward a newer Mexican-fusion style. We went with the $25 unlimited tacos, and the carnitas were the standout--tender, flavorful, and easily my favorite of what I tried. Several people in our group also loved the baked, churro-ish postre, which disappeared pretty quickly. What really came through was the neighborhood support. The place had a cool, local energy and people genuinely seemed happy to be there. The staff were working hard and wearing several hats at once, which likely contributed to the long waits between ordering and actually getting our food. Overall, it's a cool neighborhood spot with its own personality and a modern approach to Mexican food. Is it completely my vibe? Probably not--but I'm old, so take that part of the review with a grain of salt. I can still appreciate a place that knows the crowd it wants to serve. read more

Gave this place a try. Indoors is spacious but I can see how outdoor parking could be a challenge. We tried the fish ceviche, shrimp ceviche, and a few tacos. By far the shrimp ceviche with mango salsa was the best, along with the carnitas tacos. Will return to try additional food! read more

See all

I love this place. Get the Saladito margarita if you're looking for something special, lightly spicy, and sweet but not too sweet. Jeff is the best bartender in all of Long Beach, California. Items you can't go wrong with listed below: - potato tacos - ribeye fajitas - loaded fries with tinga Credentials: I've been coming here for 3+ years read more

El Barrio Cantina - Saladito margarita - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

Great food!!! Aaaaah! Delicious thanks Jeff and the staff for serving us. They had a DJ so it was fun and beautiful inside. read more

El Barrio Cantina - Enchiladas steak - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

A fun night was had here for the Mexico game last night. We didn't have plans to watch it anywhere hence we ended up here. It was open seating when we arrived which majority of the tables was taken where all the television were. The main dining area had a television set up but main bar area was where the action was taking place. We got lucky as there was a table available along the wall with perfect view of the game. Of course it was rain delayed so more time to enjoy food and drinks. Also it was happy hour and taco Tuesday all at the same time. As the game was happening, one of the tequila sponsors was there offering deals. Shot and a jersey. Tony took care of us that night and he was amazing. Made sure that we got everything we needed. Very sweet as well. Happy hour menu offered a good amount of items for a great deal. As well as draft beer and cocktails. Regular menu is great as well which we've had before. Food, an order of the tostada both with shrimp and aguachili. Served with two small tostada and handful of crevice on top. Both were quite tasty and very well flavored in the juice. Also two of the street tacos with birria. They were quite small but did have a major punch of flavor to it. And well priced at 2.50 a piece. Of course the crinkle cut loaded fries with added carne asada. Seemed like it was a popular item as every table had it. It was good but a little skimpy with the topping. Lastly the chicken wings, lemon pepper flavor. Six piece tossed in the sauce. It was good but way too salty for my liking. We still enjoyed everything we had. As we got the shot with the jersey earlier, the person who was affiliated with the sponsor brand was walking around with more shot. I must say, it does hit the spot big time...lol... The crowd was lively with everyone all there for the same reason. The game and good company. First time for happy hour and it was nice. We had a great time and everyone working was the sweetest. And Tony was amazing. Took very good care of us. read more

See all

Popular eatery/ bar located on 4th street in Long Beach - which I think is the downtown area? Or at least a very popular area (as evidenced by the extremely hard to find parking) I came here specifically for potato tacos, but there's a pretty extensive menu along with the full service bar. I came here. Also a little later in the evening in the middle of early season Dodgers game. So I sat down at bar table with the some other folks. Nothing brings Angelenos together like a Dodgers game! I had a few beers with my tacos, and the tacos were crispy and delicious. By the end of the game, I was high-fiving with people that I considered strangers to me when the day started. Just a fun, lively vibe here on the weekend evenings with delicious food and beverages. read more

See all

Went back to try this place again because the food and drinks were too good. Service was so much better this time around, in the evening on a weekend. So glad we tried it again!! Drinks: specialty cocktails are made really well. Food: the chicharron de salmon is still my absolute favorite. Taco plates were good, just don't get the shrimp gobernador. Parking: street and small lot across the street. read more

See all

Love love love!! They were so attentive and amazing! We literally took over like half the restaurant for me and my twin's birthday! Great food! Great vibezz! read more

El Barrio Cantina - Group photo for birthday! - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

I loved this place! Great food, music and ambiance! The tacos de papa were good, our molcajete was great, our steak tacos were delicious and our margarita pitcher was a MUST!! It was crowded but the servers made sure we were taken care of. I will be returning for their steak tacos again! read more

See all

I had the asada taco and the carnitas tacos which full of flavor, maybe missing a little bit of spice. read more

See all

Did someone say TACO TUESDAY RECESSION MENU?! This place was a vibe and served some heavy pours in their margi-rita's. We tried the jamaiica, cucumber, and regular ELBC margi-rita and I can guarantee you we felt a nice buzz. For food, we ordered taquitos de papa, half dozen oysters, 6 tacos (carnitas, carne, and pollo), quesadillas, and the el crunchy shrimp tempura roll. Our spread was litty! Prices were reflective on their recession menu which I think was cleverly designed. Service and ambience were great. Catching up with friends on taco Tuesday is always a good time. Shout out to the friendly bartender who effortlessly set us up next door for a last minute reservation. Thank you so kindly, your kindness and service will not be forgotten! read more

El Barrio Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

Hubby and I were headed to the LGBT center for the NoH8 shoot and decided to stop and have some food beforehand. I'm surprise that I haven't reviewed it yet, we've been here a few times. Usually for brunch time on the weekend. The first time I've ever had a Tlayuada was here a while back and have always enjoyed it. I was actually craving some since it's been likely over a year since we last visited. The hubby had 2 tacos plates. The birria was very good, the asaea delicious but very rich. I've never been a fan of black beans but these were tasty. My Tlayuada hit the spot and chase it down with a Penelope. When we arrived we were the only ones there. The server was attentive and check on us throughout our visit. Engaging and friendly. The interiors are cost and warm with plants and green as the main color. Nice murals throughout. read more

See all

Maria can do it all!!! I've been wanting to come here for so long (I know, this place has been here for almost 4 years Maria said. Yet I just now came here) At first, I thought it was just street parking. So I came as soon as it opened so I could get a spot. Turns out they have private parking across the street in a lot for free. My bad lol) She also explained that they are technically connected to the very popular speakeasy - Tokyo Noir I loved the atmosphere and color scheme they used. (A beautiful pink and green) the green booths worked so well with the nice pink color. It was very Florida, but in a great way And then they get crazy on the weekends. On Friday and Saturday they have a DJ. We were immediately greeted by the one and only, Maria. Who blew me out of the water!! She sat us down, asked if we have been here before, explained the menu ANDDD asked if we had allergies! She handed us the menus and explained the happy hour menu. Or shall I say their - Recession menu lol hours are - Tuesday - Thursday - 3 to 10 pm Saturday is 12-12 am Sunday 12-9 pm We came on a Tuesday which was happy hour all day long! It was our lucky day We put in our drink orders and no joke I ordered 4 of the same cocktail. It was THAT delicious!!! The drink you ask? The Horchata colada 1800 COCONUT TEQUILA, HORCHATA, CHOCO LATE ABUELA DUST. MR. BLACK. 10/10!!!!!!! I asked who the bartender was because all the drinks were amazing. And that's when Maria said she does it all. She was making the drinks, taking orders and waiting on people. And yet she was still on point! She also explained it's a great place to share little plates Besides the best drink ever. We got Passion fruit sangria (One other cocktail that was too Smokey for me) Now for food. -Chips and salsa. (They are not complimentary here) -Brirra potato balls with black beans, avocado salsa, crema and Queso Fresco -loaded fries with the works!!! And asada! -Birria street tacos added cheese and minus the onions and cilantro -TAQUITOS DE PAPA Fried Potato Tacos, Avocado Salsa, Creama, Queso Fresco -RIBEYE FAJITAS Ribeye Sliced,Rice, Beans, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole Everything was absolutely amazing Maria asked if we wanted it all brought out at once or whenever it was ready. We told her we aren't picky. Whatever is best. And I asked her to keep the drinks coming!!!! We finished it off with a churro donut sundae Other great things is the place is pretty clean Happy hour is great Maria works here lol and is AMAZING! They also have a cute Photo Booth by the bathroom to take pics I can't wait to come back!!! This place can be on the casual side or dressed up for drinks with the girls or date night PS they have tequila flights read more

See all

This place is great! The food is tasty! I do wish there was a slight bit more of a variety to the menu. I always get great quick service at the bar. In the dining area it seems to be a bit to get refills on drinks or new drinks. The ambience is always great and I love the decor! I recommend stopping in here! read more

See all

El Barrio Cantina is a really good Mexican spot on 4th street in Long Beach. I came for their "Recession Menu". It's their happy hour menu that is daily from 3-5:30. They have a pretty hefty chunk of their regular menu at very reasonable prices. Today, from their happy hour, we got their Ribeye Fajitas, their Yuzu Aguachile, chips/salsa, and a passionfruit sangria. The ribeye fajitas, priced at $22, gave a generous portion of steak, rice, beans, and tortillas that was very filling. I really recommend their aguachile over tostada as it was spicy, lime-forward, and refreshing. I've been here previously for their tacos and I really enjoyed them. For the "recession menu", you can get it for $2.50 each; however, they're good at any time of day. I definitely would come back to this spot to try more of their fun menu and strong drinks. I also want to check out their popular speakeasy, Tokyo Noir, located in the alley of this restaurant; however, they would highly recommend reservations on OpenTable for that spot. read more

See all

This was my first time here. When we walked in, we were greeted immediately. Our server Marie was so sweet and kind. She always checked back on us, making sure everything was great. The Lemon pepper wings were delicious and so were the loaded fries. And they have Happy Hour Saturdays 3-5:30! read more

El Barrio Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

The food is awesome. Some of the best food that I have had outside Mexico. They have a small parking lot across the street. The area is close to Retro Row. The decor is nice, light and airy. The seats are comfortable. Service is friendly but very slow. The food takes forever to come out, which is okay and means that they are really cooking fresh. We started with the Ceviche (with black sauce) which was outstanding. One of the best that I have ever had. I would go back just for this. I had the shrimp and smoked Marlin tacos. Both were excellent. We then headed to Tokyo Noir which is right behind in the alley. read more

See all

I got a bogo deal of the potato taquitos on the Uber Eats app. ​ And they were absolutely AMAZING. Tasted fresh, delicious and the wet toppings were packaged separately to preserve the crunchy mini tacos. I appreciate the care the restaurant put into packaging and the delicious food that I have been served. 5 Stars to this restaurant. So many restaurants neglect the packaging for our delivery orders that can take 30mins-1hr to reach us. And on top of that, the food tasted great. I would definitely order from this restaurant again!! read more

We love this place and their entertainment. The food is always good and the service is on point. The tacos I ordered were fresh and delicious. The drinks are a little expensive but still wonderful. We were here on a quiet Saturday morning and enjoyed a peaceful brunch. read more

See all

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Great happy hour deals and awesome service. Came here for a weekend afternoon bday gathering with my crew and we had such a great time! We got here in time to take advantage of their "recession menu" and we were impressed! Great selection of food and drinks at reasonable prices. We got a big variety of items from that menu (can't remember them all; check out my photos). We also got a margarita pitcher for the table which came in a fancy dispenser--ooh la la! The staff couldn't be friendlier, even bringing out plates and forks for the cake we'd brought with us. We are definitely coming back for more of that recession menu! read more

See all

This is my go to place for a great michelada (shout out to the bartender, he's so cool) and their famous potato tacos that I can't get enough off. read more

Can't believe I haven't written a review for El Barrio yet. Been here several times and have enjoyed the food, drinks and fun vibe this Cantina has to offer! I also like coming for the free Secret Service house parties when the kitchen closes Saturday nights! They make some fantastic margaritas! My recent favorite is the 400 Coñejos Mezcal Joven Margarita. Not too sweet and love the smokiness. If you've never tried Tlayuda, "Mexican pizza," I highly recommend it! A thin, crispy blue corn tostada is topped with black bean spread, queso, cilantro crema, cabbage and choice of protein. I like it with chicken tinga and the salsa gives it a nice kick! Taquitos de Papa (potato tacos) are delicious with avocado saldo, cream and queso fresco on top. They have many types of tacos to choose from as well and you'll get more bang for your buck by getting the plate with rice and beans for $16. I was a little disappointed with the size of the Pulpo con Papas (grilled octopus with garlic fingerling potatoes). It was cooked just right though. In addition to traditional Mexican dishes, they have some unique fusion creations like the Mexican Hot Fried Chicken, Birria Lasagna and Chicken Curry Mole. What I truly appreciate about El Barrio is how they partner with community organizations and serve for a cause. I came last night to support a fundraiser for Órale LB, an organization working to end criminalization of immigrants and secure protections and opportunities that allow for immigrant communities to thrive. For $13, you can get 2 taquitos de papa and a margarita and 100% of the proceeds go to Órale. The offer ends 6/15/25. The DJ plays various Mexican genres and gets people on the dance floor. The servers and bartenders are nice, though they can get busy. The busers are super on top of things! Street parking and a small free parking lot is available across the street. read more

See all

Amazing food and drinks will always be made well. Employees are always nice and friendly as well read more

El Barrio Cantina - Ceviche de Pescado and hibiscus margarita - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

Most recently swung by for a drink (the Saladito is so refreshing) but I order from here online quite frequently and have been in with friends many times. The service has always been great and folks have been friendly and engaging. All of their tacos are delicious, but I love the taquitos de papa (potato tacos), carnitas and gobernador tacos. Both are so flavorful. Aesthetically, the place is very chill with a neutral color scheme and pops of sage and salmon. It's a great setting for brunch! I'll continue to be a frequent patron read more

El Barrio Cantina - The Saladito - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

This place it's in Long Beach 4th street known because it has many good restaurants open along that street I love their food, specially that vegan ceviche that it's totally different and delicious, the campechana it amazing and it brings memories from my rancho Service it's great and the ambience perfect for the family read more

El Barrio Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

Went here today for lunch and really enjoyed it. The menu was quite extensive. The server was very pleasant but did end up disappearing towards the end of our visit; probably a shift change. The feel is definitely trendy, I loved the wall mural of a luchador wrestling an octopus. It was legit!! I'm interested in coming back for a happy hour! read more

El Barrio Cantina - Tlayuda - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

I love the vibe in here. The music was my kind of music. We got sat right away. The drink menu had so many choices to choose from. But the food was really amazing especially the fusion. I would recommend this place 100% for girls night out. read more

See all

Good food and good service. Cocktails are very delicious and ambiance was perfect for huge group Of friends to go out highly recommend although parking is super hard at times read more

Wow the food is AMAZING and the service is awesome!! Everytime I fly into Santa Ana, this place is a must!!! Had to get 3 oders to take home to Sac this time. read more

Went on a Thursday evening with a group of friends for a small Birthday dinner. We started off with some Aguachiles and Ceviche for the table and then ordered two tortad ahogadas, the octopus plate, and the carne en su jugo. All very delicious and good portions! The ambiance was great and our server was very attentive, constantly checking in on us and how we were doing. Definitely want to come back and check out the rest of the dishes! read more

El Barrio Cantina - Carne en su jugo on the bottom, two tortas one on the left and one on the right, octopus at the top, and a shrimp taco on the bottom right. - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

I've been to this restaraunt 2-3 times already and it's amazing!! I've always had amazing service, everyone is very attentive and kind. Firstly, the taquitos de papas are FIRE!!!! I have to get them every time. I will say, try to make it during their happy hour for a better price :) Overall, the food and drinks are amazing and the overall ambiance, decor, and lighting makes it such a great place to catch up with friends and take cute photos. I know certain nights they have a DJ and the vibe completely changes, it's super fun and feels almost like a club (?) but I've only seen this once on a friday night so not too sure but it's so cool that they implement this!! read more

El Barrio Cantina - Flowers for Benny, Mangoneada - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

During our June stay in Long Beach, I read reviews and was very excited to try the El Barrio Cantina for their recession hour. Relying upon the restaurants own website, we thought we were visiting during happy hour, listed as 11-530 weekdays. Somewhere along the way they changed this to 3pm weekdays, posted it only on the chalkboard outside and not on their website. This was not updated as much as a month later, although it does reflect the new hours now. Having arrived at 2pm, we were refused happy hour even though I pointed out that it was still on the website as 11-530. Starving, we begrudgingly ordered meals anyway, finished them, and were then offered happy hour specials at 3:00 p.m. when we had completed our meal and requested the bill. Disappointed, to say the least. And the business lost money because we would have ordered cocktails. I ordered an enchilada dish, because I wanted something hot and gooey and cheesy. What I got was completely bizarre and cold, even though it took the kitchen forever to prepare. The tortillas were stiff and hard, barely softened enough to be wrapped around the plain chicken contents. The dish was covered in stone cold crema, to the point that I could not taste anything else. There was some green sauce and cheese under the crema and sprinkling of cotija with herbs. But the tortillas were dry, so there was no gooey and cheesy thing going on here at all. Just crema. This dish was supposed to be served on black beans but I requested rice, so there was a smear of rice underneath the three enchiladas but hardly even a three bite side dish. Very strange and unsatisfying. It also took an extremely long time to prepare this dish, as my husband's meal came out and mine did not. For a long while. No explanation or apology. Our server acted like this was the norm. Husband ordered two taco plate with rice and beans, one with chorizo and one with chicken and cheese. The pollo tinga was a large slab of chicken, not pulled or shredded but very tender. The chorizo was good and plentiful, but overwhelmingly one dimensional in flavor. He was glad he only ordered one with this meat. Rice and beans were fine. I see the menu has changed since we were there, perhaps an improvement, because I no longer see the awful enchiladas. The taco plate no longer comes with sides, unsure if the price reflects. The day we were there there was a large group of ladies having a party, with a giant dispenser of margaritas on the table. I am sure this is a fun place for brunch as it is pink and girly inside. I cannot recommend the food, although the restaurant gets many a good reviews our experience was different. read more

See all

Visited on a busy Friday night and was greeted with great music that was playing by a live DJ! Maritza was our amazing hostess and friendly server who is very helpful if you have any questions about items on the menu. We ordered the Tlayuda Pizza, squash fideo pasta, and tacos de asada, carnitas, birria, and chicken tinga. The Tlayuda pizza was huge and loaded with a lot of flavorful bean spread, cheese, crema, cabbage, and choice of protein or veggies; it was delicious!!! The squash fideo pasta was creamy, yummy, and had a little kick to it! The taco plates were served with rice and beans and every protein that I chose was yummy! The paloma drink and old fashioned drinks were delicious too! Loved the vibe, the music the live DJ was playing, and all the servers! Parking for customers of the restaurant is available across the street! read more

See all

First time here and Mary was awesome! Súper patience and giving great recommendations. The place was clean, cute and cozy. The food exceeded our expectations. Especially the chilaquiles divorciados. read more

See all

Maria was our waitress and she was very friendly and offered great suggestions! My husband and I had the shrimp marinero ceviche and the aguachile verde camarones ceviche both great but the aguachile, wow!!!!! Then we got the birria beef tacos and what a little slice of heaven those were! They griddle the cheese inside the tortilla!!!!! I had the suggested pomegranate margarita which was very good. Service = 10 & Food = 10 Please check it out!!! read more

El Barrio Cantina - Shrimp marinero ceviche and aguachile verde camarones ceviche along with guacamole and pomegranate margarita - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

The restaurant inside is spacious, beautiful, and has a great vibe. Our server was incredibly nice and the food was packed, I mean PACKED with flavor. I've been dreaming of the carne asada ever since. 10/10 would recommend! read more

El Barrio Cantina - Carne asada taco plate. So good, I forgot to take a picture until halfway through! - Mexican Near Me - Long Beach, California

I found out about this restaurant as they were one of the vendors at a Yelp event that I had attended the prior month. I had reserved a day in advance via Yelp for my best friend's birthday. When we got there, it was around 5pm on a Tuesday and it wasn't packed so they didn't need to look up my reservation really. The overall ambiance of the place is aesthetically pleasing. Service was great as well as our waitress made sure to check in on us every so often. As for the food, we ordered from the "recession menu" which is their happy hour menu. For the overall price and delicious food options offered during happy hour, I would definitely recommend coming here! We ordered the 2 mocktails La Penelope & La Esmeralda. As for the food we got the Taquitos de Papa, Tostada Marinero, Rib Eye, and Chimichanga. To top it off, since it was my bestie's birthday, they gave a complimentary Chu-Nut Dulce De Leche (churro donut with ice cream). It was not overly sweet and just the right combination. read more

See all

Amazing service and Mexican pizza! Appreciate the free marg too Will be back for sure

Have heard amazing things about this place and it more than lived up to the hype! The ceviche is probably the best I've ever had. It was fresh and full of flavor. It almost tastes Asian fusion-y bc of a Mexican hot sauce they use that tastes very similar to a chili crunch. I'd go back just for this dish! The salmon chicharrones, taquitos de papa and chicken wings were all very delicious starters. All were perfectly fried with yummy dipping sauces. Would order these again. And for our entree, we got the dino short rib which was juicy and just melted in your mouth. The tortillas and dipping sauces made it the perfect meal. Service was great and loved the ambiance. There were so many other yummy sounding things I need to go back and try! read more

See all