Barbacoa Artisanal Burger House — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

Barbacoa Artisanal Burger House truly stood out in every aspect! From the moment we walked in, the fast service caught our attention, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. Our waitress was not only attentive but also displayed a level of professionalism that added to the overall satisfaction.

All the appetizers were delicious, with a special nod to the cauliflower appetizer—a delightful introduction to the meal that set the perfect tone. The creativity and attention to detail in each dish reflected the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence. The cauliflower appetizer, in particular, was an absolute standout, showcasing flavors that no one should miss.

Moving on to the main course, the quality of the meat surpassed expectations, solidifying Barbacoa's reputation as a premier steak restaurant. Adding a personal touch to our experience, owner Eddy was remarkably polite and made us feel as if we were the only guests in his restaurant. This personalized attention elevated our dining experience to a whole new level.

What made the entire experience even more remarkable was the very fair pricing. Despite the exceptional quality of the food and service, the cost was reasonable, providing excellent value for the overall dining adventure. Additionally, each plate came with a generous side dish, enhancing the overall value and satisfaction of the meal.

With such an outstanding experience, we are undoubtedly planning to return to Barbacoa Artisanal Burger House. A solid 5-star review for delivering an unforgettable evening filled with delectable flavors, outstanding service, a welcoming atmosphere, and especially memorable appetizers. We're definitely...

-Atmosphere- We came here as a party of 8 to celebrate a birthday. Our waitress seemed to be on some sort of substance. The restaurant was depressingly empty and there was no appealing ambience. The restaurant looks like a knock off version of Fuego in Miami.

-Drinks- We each ordered $18+ alcoholic beverages, all of which did not have alcohol. I called one of the waiters over and asked if he can bring a shot so we can see them pour the alcohol into our drinks. He said that he has a charge us extra for the shot even though the original drink didn’t have any in the first place…..

-Food- The food is extremely expensive given its mediocre quality. We ordered plenty of appetizers and each got their own burger. The restaurant doesn’t believe in giving french fries as a side for each $27 room temperature burger. I asked to speak to the manager because charging this much without giving any sides is ridiculous. The manager was not receptive and did not take care of us in any sort of way. We spent over $750 and there was no gratitude or slight appreciation for our business. Dessert wasn’t even on the house! How cheap can an owner be!

-Stomach Pains- After eating, several members from our party ended up with stomach pains. We had to go to a pharmacy to pick up alleviating OTC medication.

Overall, I always want to support local businesses but this is one restaurant I will never come back to. I do not recommend this place to anybody...

I’ve always wondered what makes a good restaurant experience? Is it the food, the company, or the ambience? Like dating, it can be hard to know exactly what tips the scales from potential to perfection.

Barbacoa, on the surface, had all the right ingredients. The space is stylish, the vibe aspirational, and in a refreshing twist, they’ve even eliminated tipping, one of the banes of my dining existence. The menu read elaborate and promising. And like the start of a promising relationship, things began well. Our server was warm, attentive, and genuinely seemed to care.

But then, the cracks began to show. Orders went missing before they even hit the kitchen. A medium steak arrived well-done, and when returned, came back nearly raw. The chimichurri chicken and salad, supposed staples, had the whiff of produce past its prime.

It wasn’t a disaster by any means, there were glimpses of charm, flashes of what could be. But ultimately, Barbacoa left me feeling like I’d invested time, money, and hope without getting the return. There’s potential here, but only if the kitchen gets retrained or reimagined.

Bang-for-buck score: 4.7. Because sometimes, potential just...