Barrio Queen

Wanted to indulge in some Mexican flavors, and I must say, the tacos did not disappoint. They surely were bursting with flavor and freshness. The menu offers a variety of options to suit every palate.

While the food was undeniably delicious, I found the service to be somewhat lacking. Although the staff was friendly enough, there were noticeable delays in receiving our food. Drinks followed the food while it should have been the other way around. Could have been the weekend traffic but needs to be handled better.

Despite the service needing betterment, the standout tacos definitely made up for it. Just be sure to bring along some patience and an appetite for authentic Mexican cuisine.

First and foremost our bartender Lou was professionally friendly a well informed mixologist not only did he know the drink menu but he exactly what we wanted to eat as well we explained what we wanted and he made it happen when we go back I hope he is our guy.the food was incredible we order one of the special meals it was a shrimp meal with an incredible sauce over Mexican rice with breaded union rings the shrimp were huge a tasted fresh it honestly was an amazing meal I was very impressed drinks are the best in surprise bye far we couldn't be happier thanks Lou and my hats off to the queen of the Barrio

Our first time at Barrio Queen and they did not disappoint! I have the seasonal puerco pastor fajita quesadilla which was wonderful. Full of flavor just the right amount of spice and sweetness. My husband had the steak and shrimp fajitas which he really enjoyed. We shared the elote ribs and they were so good! We sat out on the patio and the service was excellent even though they were very busy out server was very attentive. The only downside for us was how loud it was. I do like having music in the background it was just so loud combined with other customers talking what my husband and I couldn't have a conversation. Even with that we'll be back!

Venturing into Barrio Queen in Surprise, Arizona, I was immediately taken by the expansive and lively ambiance the restaurant offered. The vibrant decor and paintings adorning the walls, coupled with a layout that boasts openness, set a promising stage for the evening. A standout feature at the entrance is the striking Barrio Queen sculpture, setting a unique tone from the get-go.

The architectural design incorporating large glass garage-style doors that open up to the patio merges indoor and outdoor dining seamlessly, creating an inviting and dynamic space. The wrap-around bar with high-top seating further enhances the venue's social vibe.

Despite visiting on a Monday night, the restaurant buzzed with energy, a testament to its popularity. This bustling atmosphere, however, hinted at the need for reservations, a tip I'd eagerly pass on to potential visitors.

However, not everything lived up to the initial impression. The seating arrangement, with a scarcity of booths and a predilection for closely packed two-top tables (so small there is barely enough room for plates as shown in one of the photos), felt cramped and less than ideal for those seeking a bit more privacy or space.

The culinary experience and service somewhat mirrored this sentiment of slight disappointment. Having savored the offerings at Barrio Queen's original Phoenix location, the expectation bar was set high, perhaps unfairly so. The dishes, including the Black Mole Enchiladas and the side offerings like chips and salsa, while presented with care, lacked the robust flavors and finesse I fondly remembered. The decision not to offer smaller, side portions of items like guacamole felt like a missed opportunity for both guest satisfaction and incremental revenue. While the chips were warm and fresh, they were quite greasy.

The beverage experience, specifically the margaritas, felt underwhelming both in size and presentation, being heavy on ice and light on the distinctive flavors one might expect from a premium cocktail.

Service, too, was a mixed bag. The initial promptness with beverages gave way to delays in ordering and an extended wait for the bill, contributing to a feeling of disconnect between guest and server.

In reflection, while Barrio Queen in Surprise shines as a venue with its vibrant atmosphere and appealing decor, it falls into a middle ground where the dining experience doesn't quite match up. The prices, while reasonable, don't fully compensate for the culinary and service shortcomings experienced during my visit. This leaves me rating Barrio Queen a 3.5, with hopes that feedback can inspire improvements that align the dining experience more closely with the high standards set by its aesthetic and ambiance.

The happy hour specials are very reasonable with a decent selection. The margarita is a bit heavy on ice. You really don't get much margarita. But what can you expect for $5.00? That's not a complaint, just an observation. These days, not a bad deal. I had the chicken flautas on the happy hour menu. Beautiful presentation and delicious. We shared the pastel de chocolate for desert....fabulous. Overall, very good and we will definitely be going back.