Barrio Tequila Bar
Restaurant Week 2009 came and went with minor fanfare for me. I had hoped to make it to three new places last week (I loved my two visits last year), but managed one – Barrio Tequila Bar. Although it was only one place, the tasting menu for $30 was exactly what I had hoped for.
But before I get to the food, I need to take a step back. You can’t go to a tequila bar and not drink a little tequila (or, maybe that’s just me). And my choice? Of course, I immediately ordered the Macho Camacho margarita. Up until l I changed my last name, I was asked on a frequent basis if I am related to Hector Macho Camacho. But, no, I’m not related to Hector or any other boxers (unless you count my dad who did a little boxing in college). Regardless, I was excited to try this margarita that shares my maiden name. And this drink did not disappoint – a citrusy blood-orange beverage that came just shy of a puckery knock-out.
Once our thirsts had been quenched, we could concentrate on the food. The tasting menu was actually a great value. We started with housemade guacamole, a trio of salsas (ancho chile, salsa verde and habanero) and queso fundido with crab. The best of these were the salsas, especially the salsa verde (I just love tomatillos!). I liked the guacamole but it could have used a kick and the queso fundido was good but I didn’t think it really needed the crab. These were all served with the tastiest of tortilla chips – honestly, so good…we went through three baskets and could have taken down more.
The next course was the pork posole – their version of this brothy soup consisted of a piece of tender pork shoulder served with lettuce, radishes and jalapenos. After stirring in a spoonful of their salsa verde, it was my favorite dish of the evening. Last, we were served a trio of tacos – steak, fish and pork. Again the pork reigned as the best of the bunch, as the steak taco was served on a fried tortilla shell and the sauce for the fish was a mask of mayo.
The downfall of the evening, however, was the service which can be only be described as unprofessional and uncoordinated. Do they really think it’s okay to hold a beer next to my face while I’m taking a bite – trying to get my attention to hand a fresh beer to my dining companion sitting kitty-corner to me? No – walk around the table and hand it to him yourself. And did they really think it was acceptable to bring my friend’s entree (who did not order the tasting menu) as she was eating her salad and while we were still on our first course (of a four course meal)? Absolutely not – we sent it back and had them remake it 45 minutes later when we were done with salads and appetizers and the entire table was ready for entrees. These incidents were singular events among numerous occasions of being asked by servers to hand them a dirty plate from across the table or having them try to take dishes away before they were finished. It’s unfortunate that these incidents happened, but it’s even more unfortunate that this doesn’t seem to be a one-off experience, as others have relayed similar experiences to mine.
Despite the service, Barrio is a great addition to the downtown scene with its sleek yet western throw-back vibe. And although it’s not my first choice for a casual neighborhood spot, I have a feeling that an ice-cold Macho Camacho and chips with salsa verde are in my very near future.
Barrio Tequila Bar
925 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN
Tags: Food, mexican, restaurants, twin cities
March 9th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Too bad the service was so broke. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve eaten there and it sounds like you had some good items as well. The “Enter the Dragon” cocktail is pretty amazing. Restaurant week is great for the deals, but I have to imagine there is a decline in service due to the sheer demand.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
I’m surprised you had bad service… I’ve had OUTSTANDING service there many times. Of course, I’m generally there during lunch, not when it was crazy buzy like it appeared to be in your picture. (don’t judge me for having lunch at a tequila bar).
Anyway, the chips are amazing. I can’t agree more with your review!
March 10th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Jason & HungryinSW – The odd thing about the service is that there were plenty of people on hand to take drinks, bring them promptly and clear dishes…it was that they just didn’t do these acts in a service-oriented way (and their timing was way off for the meal, too). I have heard that there has been turnover there, so perhaps the service will improve with more training.
And Jason – I’m not one to judge for eating lunch at a tequila bar…that sounds right up my alley!
March 10th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
The timing thing is my dining pet peeve. I like a leisurely meal, and I always make sure to tell my server that I’m not in a hurry. So it drives me nuts when they bring stuff out before we are done with an appetizer or salad or whatever.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Totally agree with the timing issue. Hate it when every course lands at once or in rapid fire mode. I want to take the time to enjoy a night out! I guess not every diner has the same perspective, but I wish everyone had the time to really appreciate a leisurely meal.
March 12th, 2009 at 6:55 am
I had similar service when I went to Barrio in February. Food & drinks were fantastic, but the service was dreadful. The waiter wouldn’t even give us eye contact when he walked by our table.
March 12th, 2009 at 7:25 am
I’ve been by Barrio a handful of times but haven’t wandered in yet. I’ll have to put this on the list of places to try. And as a recovering server, I’m still amazed at the lack of timing awareness some restaurant staff display at what some might consider higher end establishments.
March 18th, 2009 at 6:42 am
Man, this is making me want to travel…
October 28th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
[...] Roots is hiring a cook for their expansion into the catering market [hat tip: Kris], Katie has a spiffy write-up and photo set on Barrio, MNBeer reports that Summit is rolling out a new year-round beer this spring, and the [...]