Delicious food, rather pricey but very good. White table cloths. Wonderful service. Went on Cinco Di Mayo following parade because most restaurants in Southwest Detroit were too crowded. This was a perfect alternative. read more

I LOVE El Barzon. This was my first time trying the Cecina el barzon and the flavor was incredible. The drinks are so good it's almost dangerous. The el enamorado is incredible. I will always recommend coming here. read more

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We've gone to El Barzon a few times for dinner and it is always good. The patio seating during the warmer months is my favorite. It is easy to make a reservation online and it has its own parking lot. The chips & salsa is very good. This most recent trip I got the Zuppa di pesce w/ black ink linguini for the first time. It was good, but I have gotten it without the black linguini and I think that is my favorite. Overall this place is delicious and one of my fav places in Detroit. read more

El Barzon - Zuppa di Pesce with Black Ink Linguini - Italian Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

This is an amazing restaurant hidden in the chaos on Michigan Avenue! Where can you get home made pasta while munching on the best chips and salsa? El Barzón. The margaritas are so amazing and over the top! I can't wait to try a different one (or two) each time I come here. We love sitting on the patio. The ambiance takes me away from the city and right to the countryside. I love this place! read more

the food was wonderful the service was very slow , which was disappointing. we had to ask several times for things the ambiance was great. the outdoor patio is always beautiful. very loud though. read more

A delightful Southeast Detroit gourmet Mexican/Italian restaurant. We chose the Mexican side of the menu. Started with the the octopus in a flavorful sauce. Dinner was chicken in their amazing authentic dark mole sauce. First rate service. We'll go back in a heartbeat. read more

Food was really good. We came here for a birthday and the staff was great! Appetizers and entrees came out quickly, and they were very attentive to our large party. Highly recommend! read more

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Amazing experience. Food is excellent. Staff is impeccable. Best dining experience in a long time ! Thank you! read more

I wish I would have seen Don Q's rating before I visited this establishment. I wanted to love this place, nice music playing in the background, nice ambiance....nice staff....but then the food arrived. Chips and salsa...... If all you are trying to do is satisfy Midtown College kids downing a Bush Light and chips, than maybe your green and red salsa will pass. For the rest of us that appreciate GOOD salsa, not so much. The Caesar salad (which I thankfully got the dressing on the side, finally came out). Worst dressing ever, and to Don Q's point, obviously out of a bottle. And where was the shaved parmesan cheese?...MIA. Just Romaine and a few boxed croutons. I asked the server for ranch or blue cheese dressing so I could finish the salad. About ten minutes later she came back with some kind of vinaigrette that was all olive oil. I asked very specifically...I would like ranch or blue cheese. "We don't have that". What kind of restaurant does not have either of the 2 most popular salad dressings in the restaurant business? Wait, I've not gotten to the dinner yet. Chicken Marsala Au gratin potatoes were good, broccoli was very nice. But this was the worst, piddly Chicken Marsala I've ever seen. It's like my dish was the leftovers at the bottom of the pot. Three small sliced pieces (about a 1/8 inch thick) of chicken. For a $25 plate, can I get at least one full chicken breast? For one guy: dinner, one drink and a tip...$50 I would have been much better off, (and more satisfied) going to Taco Bell. Never again. read more

Food was good, if you're ok with the risk and fewer precautions versus other restaurants. Warning for those who share the fear of covid: Restaurant was absolutely packed at 7pm Sunday, did not follow 50% guideline. Sign outside says "no mask, no entry" yet no patrons were wearing a mask and tables were barely six feet apart and all were maxed out in seating capacity. Only staff were wearing masks and no one was enforcing masks on patrons. I've never seen a restaurant this full in the era of covid. There is one part of the patio which can be considered outside. The 3/4 of the rest of the patio area is nearly enclosed, no airflow, but the area was packed with patrons. I wore my mask as much as possible but will not go again. Stay vigilant read more

El Barzon - The view outside during Covid pandemic; the view the opposite way was much more concerning. No patrons are wearing masks. Staff wore masks. - Italian Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Hit or miss lately. I had great service and a delicious drink but the main course and appetizer lacked seasoning.

Dined at El Barzon for their recent Easter brunch and the menu was incredibly diverse with many tempting options. We decided to go for more tradition mexican breakfast dishes and they did not disappoint. The chalupa was an interesting twist on traditional tostadas, loved how they turned it into a brunch dish. We also had the chilaquiles which is a personal favorite of mine, also delicious. Loved everything we ordered; as an aside our friends order the French toast and they absolutely loved it. I didn't try myself but I could see they enjoyed it based on how quickly they cleaned off their plate. Needless to say, we will be coming back to try the French Toast for their next brunch. Service was also great, attentive staff, beautiful restaurant, truly a hidden gem. Highly recommend ! read more

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It had been a while since we ventured into the part of Detroit featuring Mexican food. We remembered enjoying El Barzon, and our most recent visit confirmed our positive view of the place. First, the ambiance: the outdoor patio area was looking a bit spruced-up since the last time we visited, but we took a pass on dining outdoors, as the weather wasn't conducive. We were seated promptly and our waiter was a star performer. He answered our questions professionally and completely. We even got a visit by the front-of-house manager/sommelier, which always adds a special note to the experience. 2 of the 4 of us ordered the chicken mole, which they enjoyed. One diner got the gnocchi - glad someone explored the Italian side of the menu. This is one of the unique aspects of El Barzon. My co-diner got the green salad, which was large enough to enable him to share a bit (thanks, co-diner!). I was odd person out, and ordered the Barbacoa de Chino Al Horno (goat - don't knock it until you've tried it). My dish was outstanding: tender and flavorful, just the way I like it. Prices were fair for what was offered. Warning: the goat is on the high side, but I thought I got good value for my dining dollar. We got Tiramisu for our dessert, which was a bit disappointing - we have had better. Other dessert options were creme brûlée or flan. Overall, a good evening was had. read more

Outstanding food. We all ordered from the Italian side of the menu. Excellent and attentive service. One recommendation for the owners would be to turn down the music a bit. The restaurant was a touch loud. We'll definitely be back. read more

This place is amazing, I recommend it to everyone! It is Italian and Mexican, the perfect combo. I recommend ordering something from the weekly specials, the wait staff are great and will explain everything. It's on the pricey side, but worth every penny. read more

El Barzon - Sea bass - Italian Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

The food was delicious. Service was very good. Fast . A couple things... not sure if our waiter was new but we were constantly rushed. Trying to take away plates before being finished eating. Dropped off the bill right after we got a new margarita and kept coming to the table to get it. Also we asked for the second margarita to be a "little" spicier. It ended up being a lot more spicy. I asked for a remake . Not possible. I was told I would have to pay for the one I had because I did say a "little" spicier. No other option offered. Like some extra juice to make it less spicy. I had a little left of my original marg so I added it to the new one. read more

We dined her last night with another couple and are already making plans to return. Anna was our server, and she took good care of us; she was attentive and professional. We ordered 3 appetizers, A special on a puff pastry, the Fritto mixto Al Barzon, and the Pulpo Al Ajillo, and that was just the beginning of a culinary experience that still makes our mouth water. For our entrees, I had the Barbacoa- goat tacos. Our guests enjoyed the red snapper,the chicken with lemon and capers, and my husband got a specialty dish that rarely served Chile en nogada. Cocktails were delicious , and I enjoyed the Mexican coke. Thank you so much for a fabulous evening!! read more

Food does not disappoint, impeccable service. Patio is rather loud but beautiful surroundings and upbeat. Parking is free which is a huge plus! read more

I was a bit Leary with the location but the food and service were outstanding! The patio was very cool as well, very nice ambience and very expansive menu, my wife got the tres pasta and I got the veal and it was delicious!!!!! read more

A hidden surprise in Southwest Detroit . I have been to get carry out here once or twice years ago and have driven by this spot countless times but this last visit changed my whole outlook on life . Life is clearly all about position and perspective .... I've always entered through the front door and thought the place to be nice but this time I went around back and had a whole new perspective of the joint . Once you enter through ............. THE ALLEY of all places you are in a culinary conundrum, do I want Italian or Mexican ? Yep you read this right it's a Italian Mexican joint with a sexy ass patio in the alley ! ( enough said check it out for yourself ) read more

Impressive! Visited on 09/23/23. The Grilled Watermelon with blue cheese and balsamic was AMAZING for an appetizer! Our waiter, Gabby, was fantastic. My dining companion had the Kiss Pasta with grilled shrimp, and I had the lemon chicken. Wow. Just wow. read more

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I wanted to love this place. I really did. I made reservations here for Saturday at 9. They weren't in the system. I really think they should have a bigger sign to let you know you have to walk through a dark alley to get to their entrance. That's not safe. Ok for the appetizer we ordered one of the chef specials. It was Bruschetta. The waitress came back and told us they were out for next we ordered fried mozzarella. IT CAME COLD. HUGE BALLS OF COLD MOZZARELLA OVER BREADCRUMBS. I told my waitress it was cold. The manager came to our table and told us THATS HOW IT COMES AND HES STILL CHARGING US BECAUSE WE ORDERED IT. Paying wasn't the fuccing issue. The issue was the dish was fuccing cold. He was so rude. I never experienced that before. Next I tried to cool down and we both ordered lasagna. It was ok. I've had much better tho. I won't be back ever read more

El Barzon - Lasagna - Italian Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

One of my favorites! How can you go wrong with a half Italian and half Mexican restaurant!! Bacci pasta is amazing! And veal shank osso bucco is so goood! This place is so nice in the summer. They have great outdoor seating surrounded by a garden. I love coming here!! read more

El Barzon - Italian Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

This is a must try restaurant in Mexican town Detroit. It's an Italian and Mexican restaurant. The food and drinks are always amazing. Everything is so tasty and fresh. The staff is always quick and helpful. read more

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Great service and decor, with mediocre food. Ordered guacamole which was pretty good. Then moved on to the beef Wellington, not worth the $75. They covered it in a mushroom gravy which destroys the flakey puff pastry. I think they just wrapped the fillet in the pastry, without seating it first and with it the mushroom purée. The tiramisu was a C minus. read more

Terrible! El Barzon used to be one of our favorites. We hadn't been since Pre-COVID and decided to try it again on Saturday. The place was packed so it must have been full of first-timers because nobody would give this place repeat business. We were seated and not brought water or chips for 20 minutes. Finally the waitress came over and took our order of strozzapretti and the pipian verde with chicken. We waited and waited and waited. Our glasses are now empty and nobody has been to our table at all. We waited one hour for the food. The pasta was OK; for $27 it should have been amazing. It wasn't. The mole and chicken ($26 for one breast) was terrible. The sauce wasn't right. I love a good mole and have spent a lot of time in Oaxaca but this mole was just awful. On top of that, the chicken was so dry we couldn't eat it. Normally we would send it back but our server was MIA and we tried to stop one of the assistants but they were running around at full speed to create a very hectic (and extremely loud!) environment. Finally after nearly 1.5 hours, the server comes to our table which has now been cleared. I told her the chicken was not edible and her response was "Oh well" and walked away. We sat waiting for the check and she finally came to the table and told us the meal was on her and we could leave. No apology-nada. It appears the owners have forgotten where they came from and let the fame destroy their business. We won't be back. read more

El Barzon - Pipian Verde-Disgusting! - Italian Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Plenty of visits - celebratory and otherwise. Spaghetti, seafood platters, and steak were shared. The drinks flowing, as well. Their spicy margarita is made table side with a flaming jalapeño! read more

El Barzon - Outdoor seating - Italian Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Used to love this place when it first opened... I can say two things.... 1) this guy forgot where he came from 2) anyone that would pay over 20 bucks for enchiladas needs to drive alittle farther down Michigan make a right on west grand boulevard left on bagley..... superb enchiladas, half the price.........I understand food prices have increased... but his prices are ridiculous read more

Absolutely one of my favorite restaurants. I booked a large table for my friends 30th birthday and while I wouldn't recommend it for group dining again, it was still a fabulous experience. The atmosphere on the patio puts you in vacation mode immediately and the cocktails definitely set the tone too. All of the food tastes like it's from Nona's kitchen- so much attention to flavor it's unreal. I had the fish ravioli and the burrata and *chefs kiss* I am already looking forward to another visit. The prices are reasonable given the quality, as are the portions. The menu is vast but each dish is dialed in, they do not skip a beat! Some of the best Italian in Detroit, swear to god. Great for date nights, celebrating and ambiance. read more

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We celebrated Mother's Day with brunch at El Barzon. After a round of cocktails, including the delicious pineapple sangria, we ordered a little of everything - chilaquiles with steak, huevos con chorizo, strozzapreti alla norcina, and the salmon with poached eggs. Having Mexican and Italian options under one roof makes El Barzon one of our favorite spots in the city! read more

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Perfecto! Our party of four had four amazing meals this evening. I've heard about this place for years (at least 10) and finally decided to meet friends here. Now I'm disappointed that I missed so many great meals over the years, not to mention the service was the best I have had in years (thanks to Edgar and rest of the team). The ambiance is great and many people must come here for birthday celebrations as the staff sung happy birthday to three different tables. But, why not? I would definitely rank this as a top contender for my birthday meal. Anyway, all four of us agreed service couldn't have been better and the food couldn't have been tastier. We'll be back! read more

This is what I imagine heaven to be. Italian and Mexican food together under one roof. I honestly never would've imagined someone would've created something like this, but one day I was scrolling through my phone looking for a new place to try whilst I was visiting the area, and I stumbled across this gem. Ate tacos and carbonara the first time, never again. Destroyed my diet. Today, we celebrated my sisters birthday and she ended up picking here to eat! The food is as authentic as you'll get within the United States as far as Italian goes. The carbonara goes toe to toe with the best in Italy in my opinion. You can taste the egg and Pecorino when you take a bite, you can taste the freshness of the pancetta. It's stellar. My ONLY complaint about this place is the price. I went to uni in Scotland so I'm used to Italian food being entry level as far as prices go. £8 for a carbonara at my favourite joint back in Glasgow. Here, it's about 20 bucks. That said, I guess most people don't eat out as much as I do so it shouldn't be an issue. Additionally, they have some pretty weird hours which kinda sucks, but eh, can't be helped. Check this place out! read more

El Barzon - Spaghetti alla Carbonara(takehome) - Italian Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

The ambiance is great. The food is fantastic. I love that both Mexican & Italian are in the menu. The Italian was good but I think the Mexican food might be just a tad better. The poblano soup was an epiphany without being too hot. It really captured the taste of the poblano without a lot of heat. Great as a soup but dip your tortilla chips in for a real delight. The salsa were good too. I enjoyed the green over the red, but both were good. The Sangria was delicious! That calamari & zucchini appetizer is wonderful. The squid wasn't rubbery at all. The Fruti di Mare with squid ink pasta was divine. The grilled specialty was so perfectly prepared & the chicken enchilada suizas were just the best I'd had out. We all shared food so I could taste everything. (Yes, sometimes it IS all about me) it's a smaller restaurant with parking in the back but the locals know so it's always filled up. Be certain to make a reservation beforehand. Definitely recommend! read more

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The food is simply awesome. They have a good thing going. But the service......is slooooooow. I feel bad cause it looks like the wait staff is overwhelmed. That's a real negative unfortunately. They work on that, and then they would be right up there as the best overall. read more

A booshie spot in the middle of the hood... ...I should end my review right there. But no,, I LOVE this place. Just when I thought my quest for the Holy Grail of proper mexican booze and proper mexican food has ended. El Barzon definitely begged to differ. Proper Italian and Proper Mexican under one roof, who would've thought? I'm extremely impressed by their food. They have the good stuff, and when I say the good stuff. I mean the ones that deters the chicken fingers and fried potato sticks crowd. My friends did the Calamari,, OMG!! It's like marrying the Chinese salt and pepper squid with Italian Calamari. It's definitely gut punching good. My main event was the Barbacoa de Chivo Al Horno. That dish was a YAASSS!! break some extremely tender pieces off,, add it to a flour tortilla,, some arroz con frejoles, cilantro, onions and jalapeño. Roll it up,, take a bite,, and enjoy this new sensation called Euphoria. The patio was on point, super pretty. Open air dining is always a very big plus. Service could use a bit of polishing, but THE FOOD THO!! THE FOOD ALWAYS WINS!! That and the shots of Mezcal. WINNNER!! read more

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A large and pleasant restaurant. Good attention from all the waiters, delicious food and excellent drinks.

Took my wife here on a date and we were glad we came. First, the negative - The air conditioner was broken and we were sweating pretty bad but it did not deter us from enjoying our meal. I have to doc a star for comfort level as a result of that and I couldn't help but feel a little rushed. Just close down if you don't want guests while the air conditioner needs to be fixed. Now, onto the good. The ambiance was very nice as we sat in the patio which is mostly covered. My wife loved the decorations and they even had a fountain. We really enjoyed the food as well. The guacamole was fresh. The pasta dish I ordered I would get again and again. It was called the Tris Di Pasta. It was basically a sampler plate of 3 different pastas; the Cavatelli, the Strozzapretti, and cheese ravioli. All 3 were delicious and you never get bored! read more

El Barzon - Italian Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Wonderful Mexican food and delicious Italian. Don't find that combination as beautifully done and freshly made as you will here. Everything is delicious! I love the seafood dishes and everything I've had here. Mexican isn't my favorite food but my husband loves it. He loves the goat tacos which I agree are fabulous. I have a few dietary issues and they go out of their way to accommodate me. The Italian dishes are amazing. My only complaint is I feel they are priced to high for the portion size. Service is slow at times but the staff is very friendly and the food impeccably fresh and made to order. Great drinks and the patio is beautiful. The area throws some people but they have an attendant in back who secures the parking lot. Never had an issue. This is definitely one of our go to restaurants. read more

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I had high hopes. Nice patio. Service was less than adequate. App: Seafood trio calamari. It was very good, however the scallops never made it into the dish. Our server was nowhere to be found, so we just let it go. Then main dishes came, brought by runner. Pasta dish was hot. Fish dish was hot. Food was cold. No server in sight. Flagged down another server who got our waitress. Food went back. Came out 10mins later hot. Server disappears for 15mins and then comes back and asks if we want cheese on the pasta. Sad to say the pasta sauce tasted a bit like chef-boy-ardi I ate as a child at a friend's house. The fish, not much flavor there. I heard many good things about this place, but I was disappointed on many levels. Oh, mixed drinks were very good, but they were $14 a piece. read more

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We had reservations but were told the only place available was outside on the patio. Not ideal in February. Waited 10 minutes to be approached by a server. Had completely finished out drinks and appetizer before she even came to take our entree orders. Entrees came out lukewarm and with almost no flavor. With no salt or pepper on the table, and the server MIA, we are a few bites and asked for the bill from the first person we could find. An expensive mistake. We won't be back. read more