This Mexican Restaurant In Arizona Was Named The BEST In The Nation...And You’ll Want To Visit

Arizona’s Mexican food scene is expansive and diverse. You can find the Sonoran-style dishes that most Arizonans associate with the cuisine, TexMex, New Mexican, street food, fast food, Mexico City-style, Oaxacan, and even some of the bland stuff that out-of-staters tend to enjoy. Like most cuisines, it is always evolving and once in awhile a restaurant pops up that really takes the state by storm. One restaurant that has consistently done that? Barrio Cafe, which was also just named the best Mexican restaurant in the country by food community and blog, Tabelog.

Barrio Cafe by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza/Facebook

Barrio Cafe by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza/Facebook

Barrio Cafe is located in Phoenix on 16th Street, one block south of Thomas Road. The restaurant, which first opened in 2002, features a bold, modern vision of Mexican food from Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, who comes from a long line of cooks, bakers, and other professions in the restaurant business.

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Barrio Cafe/Yelp

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Barrio Cafe by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza/Facebook

It is this location that has skyrocketed to the top of Mexican dining lists, earned the chef four James Beard Award nominations, and earned her a spot in the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame back in 2004. Some of the standout dishes include the guacamole (which is handmade at your table), chiles en nogada, posole verde, and the banana leaf wrapped cochinita pibil. The menu also frequently features seasonal dishes.

Barrio Cafe by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza/Facebook

Barrio Cafe by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza/Facebook

Other locations popped up not long after, including the Barrio Cafe Airport restaurant, Barrio Urbano, and Barrio Queen, which Esparza is no longer affiliated with. Just this summer, a third location was opened at McKinley Street and Grand Avenue. Called Barrio Cafe Grand Reserva, this location sits in a tiny building that offers a more intimate experience. Seating is limited to just 27 people and features a menu with the restaurant’s most popular options as well as some new innovations.

That food looks quite tasty! If you’re in the mood for Mexican in other areas of the state, check out our articles on where to get delicious chimichangas and tacos.