Barroco Lakewood — Restaurant in Lakewood

This place is very hit or miss. Meaning, a pleasant and joyous experience will likely be followed by a forgettable one. This has happened to me time and time again when dining here. I will likely go on hiatus from here and try a different Latin American place when needing an Arepa fix.

We dined here on Friday, 8/22. It was mid evening when we arrived, and it wasn’t too crowded yet. When we were seated, we walked past quite a few empty tables on the way to the outdoor dining area. There was a bit of a chill in the air that night, and with the sun going down, we really would have preferred to be sat inside. When we told the greeter our preference, she brought us inside to a high top table. The chairs were unstable, and the seats were uncomfortable to say the least. Again, there were many more empty tables available including some with booth seating on one side. We pondered why we weren’t offered any of these seats as we went to the restrooms to wash our hands. When I got back to the table, I noticed a couple that had come in after us were seated at one of the booths. We were going to ignore at first, but given the reputation this location had with us, we decided to at LEAST inquire if the couple had a reservation. This would explain, possibly, why they got “preferential” seating which we were not offered. When I asked, the response I got from the greeter was “I’m not sure, I think so”. At this point, our experience took a turn for the worse. Although we brought this to their attention and we were ultimately moved to a more comfortable table (still semi outdoors), we just simply did not feel welcome anymore. On top of this, the drinks were watered down, the exact dishes that we had ordered just a week prior did NOT taste the same, and we were COMPLETELY taken advantage of for an upcharge. We had asked for egg to be swapped out for chicken. We knew there’d be an additional charge the same as it had been the last time. This day, however, instead of providing us with an entire side of chopped chicken, they put a few pieces on the Arepa and charged us the same price. We were astounded!

So again, this place is very inconsistent with both the level of service and the quality of food. It all depends on who’s working on a particular shift. Customers should definitely NOT have to experience this particular at restaurants which are supposedly...

Meet Liz G, a tanned princess who looks like she was plucked from a tropical throne and dropped into Barraco’s bustling dining room. This radiant beauty, with a glow that could outshine a beach sunset, was clearly destined for royalty but somehow ended up slinging plates. Yet, Liz G wields her serving tray like a scepter, turning the chaos of a busy shift into her own personal kingdom. Her elegance is almost comical—imagine a gazelle in an apron, dodging clumsy customers with a smile that screams, “I’m too fabulous for this, but watch me own it.” Liz G’s serving skills are pure wizardry. She navigates Barraco’s packed tables with the finesse of a ballroom dancer, delivering cocktails and appetizers without breaking a sweat or her megawatt grin. Her charm could disarm a table of hangry tourists demanding extra breadsticks, leaving them tipping like they’ve hit the jackpot. I once saw her upsell a side of fries with such flair, the guy practically begged for more. Her quick wit turns every order into a stand-up routine, all while looking like she just strolled off a yacht in Capri. Despite being a princess in exile, Liz G never dims her sparkle. She memorizes the daily specials like they’re royal proclamations and handles picky eaters with the patience of a saint. Her tan seems to glow brighter with every shift, as if Barraco’s dim lights are secretly fueling her radiance. She’s the kind of server who makes you feel like you’re dining at a palace, not a neighborhood joint. Happy Ending Alert: Word on the street is Liz G caught the attention of a TV producer who wandered into Barraco for a pizza. Her charisma and charm landed her a starring role on a travel show called “Tanned and Talented,” where she’s now jet-setting to exotic beaches, charming everyone she meets. Barraco’s still reeling from her departure, but Liz G is out there, ruling the world one sun-soaked adventure at a time. Five stars for the...

Always love finding these hidden gems around Cleveland! Barroco is pure Latino food from many different backgrounds with heavy authentic dishes prepared with quality ingredients in a truly unique environment. A great place to go for a lively experience with friends, family, or a chill meal with a significant other. Prices are not too bad. Service is excellent. Parking can be a bit tough off the street if you go during busy hours. But the food is by far 100% worth it!

Details:

The food is by far the star of this restaurant! The super flavorful dishes are kept fresh and updated with new menu options every few months, and will take you on a delicious journey across many Hispanic countries with authentic preparation and ingredients. The result will surely blow you away with amazing flavors and variety that will leave you full but still craving more. Their drinks are also pretty unique. Overall their prices are not bad considering the value you get to experience.

In terms of service, it was wonderful to have friendly waiters that help you navigate the extensive menu and ingredients, and we even got complimentary lime shots on our way out! No wonder they won so many awards over the years. Vegan and vegetarian options are available and many dishes can be modified as needed, just ask.

The atmosphere is truly unique. From the lively Hispanic music, one-of-a-kind walls where you can leave other guests (or your future self) a message, to the overall vibe, Barroco really does it well enough to stand out. Mostly indoor seating with decor as vibrant as their dishes.

Restrooms were well maintained. Parking can be a challenge if you go during peak hours as it is free off the street. You may need to walk a little to get there however it'll be more than worth it for the flavors.

Overall this is one place I will be keeping track of to experience their constantly updating menu of exceptional flavors....