Restaurant Review: Barrio Urban Taqueria

This is a Mexican restaurant with a little twist and class to it. The owner and operator Dorian is actually a friend of my cousin’s from school, so needless to say we were treated very well. It’s located at 714 W. Diversy Pkwy. Chicago, IL. 60614 right in the Lincoln Park/Lake View area. I ordered a drink that the owner had recommended to us called a Paloma Fresca. It is a mixture of Tanteo Tropical, X-rated liqueur, Hibiscus Syrup and grapefruit juice topped with a little bit of squirt.

The atmosphere in this place is amazing, very classy, and cultured with Mexican art on the walls. I ordered the tacos, which comes as a choice of 4 different meats. I went with the Carnitas (slow simmered pork), Asada (skirt steak), Pollo Verde (chicken in green sauce), and Al Pastor (seasoned pork). As much as I dislike saying this because I loved the place, I didn’t enjoy the tacos very much. There was way too much going on with them. The Pastor was way too pineapple-y, it was almost like eating a tortilla filled with just pineapple chunks and no meat. The Carnitas had some sort of sweet sauce in it, which made them a little bit awkward tasting. The Asada as usual was on point and the Pollo Verde was pretty good as well. I guess when you grow up eating Mexican food and at Mexican restaurants, you get used to things being a certain way. When someone tries to put a little twist on it, it doesn’t seem the same. Don’t get me wrong, the food was not bad, just a little different than what I’m used to.

I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone, maybe for a nice little date or something. It’s a little pricey, but given the area, it’s understandable. There’s a great variety of infused drinks, wines, imported beers and cocktails at this establishment. Imported beers include Victoria, Bohemia, Negra Modelo, Pacifico, and Corona. Domestics include craft brews, Goose Island Matilda, Half Acre Daisy Cutter, Three Floyds Alpha King, Gumball Head, and Pride and Joy. All in all, it’s a nice restaurant and I recommend it to anyone looking for a little change in their Mexican food routine.

Price range- $$

Atmosphere- 5

Food- 3

Drinks- 5

Staff- 5

DOPENESS FACTOR