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Barrio Chino
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Barrio Chino
8.3
Barrio Chino is a long-running Broome Street fixture pairing strong margaritas with a compact menu of tacos, enchiladas, and tequila-friendly snacks. The narrow, dim room gets loud and energetic, making it a go-to for casual dates and group catch-ups more than business dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole Enchiladas, Tequila Shrimp, Guacamole with House Chips
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Tequila-focused LES standby where margaritas and tacos anchor lively nights.
Who should go: Groups and friends prioritizing drinks and upbeat energy.
When to visit: Evenings for full bar buzz; earlier for shorter waits.
What to order: Guacamole, Mole Enchiladas, Tequila Shrimp.
Insider tip: Sit near the front windows if you want slightly less noise and more people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots are limited after 6pm on Broome and surrounding LES blocks, so expect to circle or use a nearby paid lot on Essex or Allen.
Dress code: Casual but stylish; jeans and sneakers are fine, though many diners lean trendy for nighttime drinks.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours; conversation can be tough in the back room but manageable near the front windows.
Weekend wait: 45–70 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is much calmer and faster.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options like veggie tacos, quesadillas, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and many mains are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for fun, casual dates than intimate ones. The energy is lively, drinks are strong, and the space can be loud; great if you want something relaxed and social rather than quiet and romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — but expect a wait during peak evenings. Arrive early or close to opening for the best chance at quick seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to the tight space and loud nighttime crowd. Older teens who enjoy tacos and energetic rooms will fare better.
Best For
Better for: Stronger margaritas and louder, party-leaning energy than most nearby Mexican spots; great for casual meet-ups and pre-going-out bites.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, upscale plating, or broader regional Mexican dishes — consider more refined LES options for those.
Barrio Chino
8.0
Barrio Chino is a long-running Lower East Side Mexican restaurant and tequila bar where tacos, guacamole, and margaritas have anchored nights out for years. The tiny room runs loud and tightly packed, making it a go-to when you want tacos alongside strong agave drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos Arrachera, Tacos Pescado, Guacamole with House Salsas
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A tiny tequila and taco bar that has quietly anchored the LES Mexican scene for years.
Who should go: Small groups who prioritize margaritas and tacos over space.
When to visit: Early evening to reduce wait times but keep room energy.
What to order: Tacos Arrachera, Pescado Tacos, chips with guacamole.
Insider tip: Come with two to four people max; larger groups struggle in the tight space.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect difficulty after 6pm on Ludlow and Stanton—give yourself extra time or use a nearby garage on Essex.
Dress code: Trendy casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean stylish for nights out on the LES.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with tight spacing—conversation is possible but requires raised voices.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; early dinner hours may see a short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian-friendly options include veggie tacos, guacamole, and several sides.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be made vegan, but most dishes rely on dairy or meat.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—corn tortillas help, but cross-contact is likely due to the compact kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want high energy and strong margaritas, but the room is tiny and loud—choose it for a fun, casual vibe rather than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during peak evenings. Aim for early dinner hours or be ready to grab drinks nearby while your name is held.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—tight quarters, loud environment, and an agave-heavy menu make it better suited for adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: A lively tequila-and-tacos night with strong drinks, tight energy, and a classic LES vibe.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, spacious seating, or a broader menu beyond tacos and agave-focused cocktails.
Barrio Chino
8.2
A cozy, tequila‑heavy Mexican bar offering handmade tacos, creative cocktails and a warm, brick‑walled ambiance — perfect for a casual dinner or drinks. Their handmade tortillas and varied taco menu stand out for quality and flavor. The small size and intimate vibe make it ideal for a relaxed night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arrachera Skirt Steak Taco, Pescado (Mahi Mahi) Taco, Cauliflower Taco (charred)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Handmade corn tortillas and agave‑driven cocktails in a cozy bar‑style Mexican spot.
Who should go: Couples or small groups wanting tacos + drinks
When to visit: Happy hour or early evening (Mon–Thu 3:30–6:30pm)
What to order: Arrachera taco, Pescado taco, a Patron margarita
Insider tip: They run 2×1 Patron margaritas on Patron Tuesday — ask for the deal
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; nearby metered spots fill quickly in the evening. No valet service, so consider rideshare for convenience.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and a nice top are perfect, no formal attire required.
Noise level: Moderate - lively but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without a reservation; shorter if arriving right at happy hour start.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quieter midday crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - a few tacos and sides can be made vegetarian; ask staff for recommendations.
Vegan options: Limited - options include certain veggie tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free; confirm fillings to avoid cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely. The cozy brick-walled interior and intimate table setup create a relaxed, fun vibe that’s ideal for conversation over drinks and tacos.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible during weekday evenings or early happy hour, but weekends are busy; reservations are recommended for groups of 2 or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The bar-heavy focus and intimate space make it better suited for adults; older teens may be fine with family guidance.
Best For
Better for: Handmade tortillas, creative tequila cocktails, and intimate ambiance make it a top choice for date nights or happy hour gatherings compared to larger, more generic taco spots.
Skip if: Avoid if you need a large seating area, kid-friendly amenities, or a fully vegan menu; consider larger Mexican restaurants nearby for those needs.