A World-Traveled Chef Brings His Modern Take On Mexican Cuisine To Alabama
By Lisa Battles|Published January 11, 2024
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Lisa Battles
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Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
North Alabama residents can enjoy a distinctly different and delicious take on south-of-the-border specialties at Barrio Modern Mexican Cuisine in Madison, Alabama. Barrio is the latest adventure for world-traveled Executive Chef Justin Haefler, who launched the restaurant with his brother and co-founder, Travis, in mid-December 2023.
The brothers’ careers took them far beyond their native Detroit. Justin has worked in and opened restaurants in Hong Kong, Dubai, and Los Angeles, to name a few (Yes, you’ll find him featured in food magazines and on shows). Travis served in the US Army and then went to work in the defense industry, which brought him to the Madison area.
About a year prior, Justin and his wife, Michelle, were in a family decision mode about where their next adventure should take them. The biggest consideration was choosing the best environment for their school-age kids, he says. Discussion with Travis led to the birth of Barrio – Spanish for “neighborhood.”
So now you know what brought them to this neighborhood, let’s talk about the food.
While the complimentary chips and salsas are tasty and plenty to enjoy as you peruse the menu, don't stop there when it comes to starters. Which to choose? I will make this simple. The street corn is where it's at. If you don't eat anything else, get that street corn. You can ask for an additional piece to evenly share with others. Don't ask how I know about all of that, but the talk-to-text version is "corn emoji, pig face emoji."
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Point made, we can't stop at the corn. You won't want to anyway, especially once you've tried it. Like everything at Barrio, the guacamole is made fresh and in the traditional style with avocado, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime. We asked about the level of jalapeño heat and were told it's tempered with the amount of citrus. True to word, it gave more of a gentle shove than a kick.
As for the queso fundido, consider that Justin's vegan version of it at a California restaurant rose to food fame While the version here isn't vegan, vegetarians can skip the chorizo – just ask. Rounding out the apps are a quesadilla, nachos, calamari, and aguachile, which is similar to ceviche.
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As for the entrees, online reviews indicate some folks already are showing up once a week to make their way through them all. Meals are beautifully plated and prepared. You'll find the primary proteins: carnitas, pescado de dia, asada, and pollo mole.
While the ingredient list for each dish seems simple, expect the unexpected. It could be a pepper you're not used to (the chef loves flexing what they can do) or complexity in the sauce. For example, the house-made poblano mole has over 20 ingredients. Saucy talk brings us to the enchiladas, which are available with chicken, cheese, or a crab and shrimp combo. The latter comes with a creamy poblano sauce made with a family recipe handed down by Michelle's mom.
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No doubt we're living in a taco-trending world, and they get the attention you'd expect. In addition to traditional steak or chicken street tacos, there are five custom creations. For example, the Piglet is made with crispy pork belly tossed in salsa negra and lime-garlic cabbage, all topped with roasted pineapple salsa. You'll find an ode to Huntsville in the Rocket City. It features grilled steak rolled in cotija cheese and topped with chili aioli, guacamole, and pickled red onion. While you do have a choice of flour or corn tortillas with anything, it may sway your decision to know the latter are made in-house with fresh masa.
Desserts range from the light street fruta (seasonal fruit tossed in lime juice and tajin) to the more moderate flan or tres leches to the decadent churros served with caramel sauce and ice cream.
While I've only tried a bite of my sister's tres leches birthday slice, we exchanged the same wide-eyed, delighted expression as I did with my cousin when we tried the street corn for the first time. "Have you tried the corn yet? Try that corn, now," she said. As for the tres leches, imagine bites of the fluffiest, coconut snowflakes that cooly melt in your mouth.
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While the chef and team will make you feel super welcomed if you stop for a casual dinner, the whole vibe is well-suited for special occasions, too. The food and atmosphere are all well balanced to feel elevated, approachable, and warm. Bring a friend, your family, a date, or a group. Try different things and compare notes for next time.
When you go, note that while the address is Madison, it's in the western reaches that lie within Limestone County. Look for the tall roadside sign and the brightly lit facade.
Barrio Modern Mexican Cuisine, 25951 Huntsville Brownsferry Rd Ste A, Madison, AL 35756, USA
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Barrio Modern Mexican Cuisine in Madison, Alabama, also begins serving fresh margaritas, frozen mojitos, and a selection of handcrafted cocktails in late January.
We think you’ll enjoy a visit if you’re in the Madison area. Any time you’re spending a day or two in North Alabama, pick up the North Alabama and Huntsville Multi-Attraction Pass to get the most value in visiting the region’s top attractions.
Let us know if you’ve had a chance to visit this new spot and your thoughts about the experience.
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