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Barrio - Capitol Hill Reviews List
Barrio - Capitol Hill
Barrio is a restaurant that combines Mexican cuisine with innovative craft cocktails in an energetic urban environment.
Our menu takes a modern approach to Mexican Cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. To deliver the highest possible quality, we make most of our ingredients on-site, from our fresh tomato salsas to our handmade tortillas to our slow-smoked pork.
Dishes include everything from braised pork taquitos and ahi tuna crudo to dungeness crab rellenos and chile-rubbed carne asada.
Our cocktail and spirits program has been recognized as one of the strongest in the Puget Sound. In addition, we offer an excellent selection of beer and an array of wines (both by the glass and bottle).
See more Barrio - Capitol Hill details
Our menu takes a modern approach to Mexican Cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. To deliver the highest possible quality, we make most of our ingredients on-site, from our fresh tomato salsas to our handmade tortillas to our slow-smoked pork.
Dishes include everything from braised pork taquitos and ahi tuna crudo to dungeness crab rellenos and chile-rubbed carne asada.
Our cocktail and spirits program has been recognized as one of the strongest in the Puget Sound. In addition, we offer an excellent selection of beer and an array of wines (both by the glass and bottle).
71 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 71 reviews
5 stars
(34)
4 stars
(25)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(39)
- fit for foodies(36)
- good for groups(29)
- hot spot(29)
- vibrant bar scene(23)
- special occasion(18)
Barrio - Capitol Hill Reviews List
Review 1 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and decor
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went to Barrio's on a Sunday before attending a play. We had never been there before and were lucky to find parking around the corner. We were immediately pleased with the decor and wanted to go back at night when the wall of candles is lighted. Our food was served in a timely manner, and my daughter's dairy allergy was noted and accommodated. The waiter double checked that there was no dairy on her plate when it was set down. We enjoyed our meal very much although as the restaurant became more crowded it got harder to hear each other's conversation as it got quite noisy in there. I am excited to have found Barrio and plan to return."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Average place with attitude
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Because its location and constant influx of less seasoned restaurant goers this place has an attitude of a hot spot. It would have never survived in NYC, London or LA but for some reason Seattelite think its good enough for them .... No, it is just a young crowd oriented "hot spot" wannabe ..."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene
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Review 3 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very loud & not well lit.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very loud & not well lit. Our server was great but obviously busy. The food was amazing"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 4 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It's received a lot of hype,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It's received a lot of hype, so maybe I was looking for manna from heaven. I was slightly disappointed. Everything but a handful of items had cheese in it. Yes, it's a Mexican restaurant, but that's not entirely authentic. The food was good, but I had the cocktails on a high pedestal from what friends told me and they didn't do it for me. I had the margarita with chili flavored tequila. It tasted like any margarita I've had anywhere. I also had the Death in the Rio Grande margarita. Spicier, but I didn't love it. Barrio was just OK. I'd go back, but I wouldn't go out of my way or plan my evening around it."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 5 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Scallops, Ambiance and Service :)
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We really enjoy Barrio. It's difficult to find parking sometimes, but the scallops are really tasty-- so it's worth the effort. The ambiance is wonderful and the service is always top notch."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing Restaurant Week selection..
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing Restaurant Week selection... 3 words: Tequila Caramel Borwnies"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 7 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great night out
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"They were great. They have good food and drinks and filled my special request made with the reservation."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 8 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I love Barrio for its relaxed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I love Barrio for its relaxed atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling windows that make the place feel more light and open instead of dark and cramped. After having thoroughly enjoyed both a dinner and a brunch here I would definitely be willing to return again at any time of day. The food is well made with perfect portion sizes and is always absolutely delicious. When coming here I have always found the service to be timely and all of the staff friendly and helpful."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yummy and hip
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a very popular restaurant, especially on weekends. Reservations are recommended. I've been twice now and had great meals both time. It's an interesting, atypical Mexican menu that adds new twists to familiar favorites, like kale and mushroom enchiladas, or pork belly marinated in Mexican Coke served with golden raisins. I look forward to exploring more of the menu. There are half-price margaritas on Sundays. There's a salad with bacon and goat cheese that is to die for. The ambiance is dark, candle lit, can be intimate or really loud, depending on your seating."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 10 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
WE loved the food, as usual.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"WE loved the food, as usual. They have a great brunch menu that includes some items leaning more toward breakfast and some toward lunch. We have tried almost everything and have always been happy and many times surprised at just how great they can make an old standby taste. They take some typical brunch items and put their unique spin on them. Very tasty. But, music was a bit too loud to allow easy conversation."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, great staff, great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food, great staff, great ambience and really great margaritas!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 12 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Got a tan in my booth!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had the sliders trio and thought the chicken and pork were just ok. The spice fries were to spicy to eat and I eat spicy on the regular. My friend enchilada was good but over cheesy. She was told the side order of rice was big like family style and it really was small as my Chinese rice bowl (if your asian you know what i mean).
Can't say the staff was inviting/enthusiastic, but nor where they near rude. Our booth felt clauster fophobic and was directly in the sight of the sunset they didn't do anything about it. Instead said it should be out of our eyes in 20 minutes so we sat there over half an hour with the menu to our faces, great way to have a birthday dinner?
Great ambiance but ok food that not worth the $."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
INCREDIBLE!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were visiting Seattle and found this 'hot spot' on OpenTable. We couldn't have been more impressed. We were amazed at the service, the ambiance (gorgeous candles/lighting with a great vibe), and most of all the food! Delicious guacamole and salsa. Our table had two kinds of enchiladas (chicken verde and smoked mushroom & kale) and everyone raved about them both. Our server was very nice and professional -- he even helped me with making the roasted beet tacos vegan-friendly (and they were AMAZING!). We were excited to try this place, but had no idea we'd be so blown away. Incredible food, great service -- thanks for a wonderful meal!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 14 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great dining experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love the relaxed feel of this place. The decor is really cool. Food/drinks were excellent. I definitely would return to try more dishes.
The complimentary salsa they serve with the chips is awesome! It had a great flavor and the right amount of kick...and they bring it in a small bowl unlike most joints where they give it to you in really small amounts - they give you plenty! I especially liked the taco of the day menu. They offer "old school" and "new school" versions of some classic tacos. We tried both versions of a few and were not disappointed.
I wish I could remember our servers name. She was accommodating and welcoming and made the evening that much better. The cocktails were great too. This is a great dining experience."
The complimentary salsa they serve with the chips is awesome! It had a great flavor and the right amount of kick...and they bring it in a small bowl unlike most joints where they give it to you in really small amounts - they give you plenty! I especially liked the taco of the day menu. They offer "old school" and "new school" versions of some classic tacos. We tried both versions of a few and were not disappointed.
I wish I could remember our servers name. She was accommodating and welcoming and made the evening that much better. The cocktails were great too. This is a great dining experience."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was a repeat visit with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was a repeat visit with two friends who had not been there before. We asked for a quiet table via Open Table and we got one! The food was wonderful, they had great options for vegetarians and our server was polite, smart, quick and checked back with us often enough that we felt well tended but not invaded."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Barrio has a great ambiance,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Barrio has a great ambiance, the candles are lovely but the noise level is quite high. The food was very good, portions are adequate but you might need an appetizer along with your entree to feel full when you leave. The service was outstanding, just the right amount of attention and banter."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 17 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was a great find for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was a great find for after a dental appointment. I had the half-chicken not a huge portion but very tasty, and my husband had the enchilada (he called it Latin Lasagna, in a good way)"
Dined on 02/25/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 18 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We ended up at Barrio for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We ended up at Barrio for my birthday and it was perfect. They worked extra hard to make my day special, and the food was exactly what I wanted, saucy and full of flavor. Our reservation was originally for 6 but a late change to 9 was no problem. The candle wall was beautiful and the atmosphere was fun, but not too rowdy."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always good !!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love the ambience, food, and service. Christina at the entry is fantastic ...."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, drinks and service. The tiny booths are so cozy. Call ahead to reserve. Huge tequila menu and wonderful drinks. Waitstaff candid and very helpful."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Food and great party
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent Food and great party atmosphere!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Barrio - Capitol Hill
Based on the average of (50) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic