Barrio — Restaurant in San Francisco

I ate here the evening of 8/21/24. I had noticed Barrio when I was visiting Andrea's Fountain the previous day and thought it looked like a great place to have a couple margaritas and food with an amazing view of the Marina waterfront.

I had lost my wife the previous December and I traveled from the Boston area to scatter her ashes at the Golden Gate Bridge - which was her wish. On August 21, what would have been her 57th birthday, I took a chartered boat alone out of Sausalito in the early evening to do this. Afterward, full of emotion, I drove back to the city and made my way to Barrio.

I had wanted to sit out on the deck and decompress - but it was full. Inside, no tables for one were available so I sat at the bar. First, the food was excellent. I believe I had the chicken taco platter and the margaritas were also excellent. The atmosphere was lively and the views of course were extraordinary, especially it being about sunset.

But most importantly - the bartender Jessie (pardon if that's not correct spelling) was wonderful. She was attentive, as she was to all her patrons at the bar, but beyond that - was keen to my emotions seemingly from the moment I sat down. I did share with her my story and why I was in San Francisco. Sitting next me at the bar was one of her (Jessie's) close friends whose name I won't use for her privacy. She joined in our conversation and I will never forget the emotion that this woman showed while she allowed me to share my story and speak about my wife.

It is a remarkable thing to walk into a restaurant alone and meet two people who share such kindness and humanity to a complete stranger. Something directed me to that stool at that bar in that city at that time and I am grateful for it.

It was a lovely meal in a beautiful setting with two exceptional people to help make it a memorable end to what was a very emotional day in my life.

PS: when / if I am back in the city by the bay ... I will certainly drop in to...

I came here to celebrate my dad’s birthday with my wife and newborn, and unfortunately, the visit was completely soured by how we were treated. We had a table and had already ordered a couple of drinks. While waiting in line for the bathroom, I decided to order a shot at the bar. After placing the order and heading to the restroom, I was stopped by the bartender on my way out and asked, “Why didn’t you tip?”

I was taken aback — I’ve never been questioned like that before. I explained that we already had a table and were tipping there for our drinks. He responded rudely, telling me, “If you want to be respected, tip next time.” I was shocked by the tone and just walked away, trying not to make a scene.

The whole experience ruined the mood. I even tried speaking to someone about it, and the waitress mentioned it was either the manager or someone else in charge — I can’t recall exactly, but it was definitely someone representing the establishment. I do want to clarify from my previous review that the rude person may not have been the owner as I originally assumed, but I’m certain it was the bartender working at the time (yesterday).

I felt completely disrespected. I understand tipping is customary, and I always do — but if you’re already tipping at your table, should you really be expected to tip again for a quick shot at the bar? Especially when the service wasn’t anything beyond basic? I used to bartend, and I would never treat customers like that — especially with how expensive things are nowadays.

If tipping is mandatory, put up a sign. But don’t berate your guests — especially when they’re there to celebrate...

Despite the disgusting rain we’ve had all day, decided to get out of the house and book some glow in the dark mini golf. I’ve tried a few of the surrounding restaurants when bringing tourists to Ghirardelli Square so this one was next on the list.

I immediately chugged a glass of water because there’s no way in hell I was paying $6 for a soda. The waitress thought it was funny and claimed that patrons always came in thirsty from walking all day. Sadly, I only walked to and from the vet’s office this morning because the dog is a Prozac girlie. ✨

I ordered the vegan chorizo tacos (comes with refried beans and rice), while my friend ordered the chicken tinga burrito. After slamming a few more waters, I ate the rice and half of the beans.

Based off looks, I expected the tacos to be properly seasoned and flavorful but they fell just a bit flat. The texture was there but as a lover of all things spicy, I wasn’t overwhelmed with what I had ordered. This could easily be fixed though with adjusting the spices.

My plate was whisked away upon my last bite of tacos and if I wasn’t among the clean your plate community (thanks mom), I would’ve finished off the last of the beans.

Tl;dr quick, friendly bite for tourists visiting Ghirardelli Square but if you’re a local, go to the Mission for move flavorful food.

P.S. Our waitress was very thoughtful when it came to ensuring my food met my dietary restrictions. However, I’m very lax when it comes to things like cheese and refried beans so check if you’re...