Barrio Tacos Willoughby — Restaurant in Willoughby

My husband and I came here because I wanted to try the shrimp tacos again. We had them years ago in downtown Cleveland, and they were pretty good. We did visit this particular restaurant location, probably six years ago, and I now remember why we said we would not come back. It was a nice day so we wanted to sit outside. We came in through the back patio entrance, and we were forced to walk all the way into the inside of the restaurant up to the entrance basically to be seated back outside. The inside to me seemed very musty, not clean and just dingy. They have a small patio, which actually could be very pretty, but no one has bothered to pull any of the weeds that are growing alongside the brick, which would not take more than 15 minutes. They also have an opportunity to plant some very pretty annual flowers but instead they have let weeds grow everywhere. They have a plug in water fountain feature that even has a spot for a pretty annual flower pot, but none is there. It really is amazing to me that it’s such a small task, but no one has bothered to take it upon themselves to make it pretty outside. It wouldn’t take much money or time. Very un impressive patio to say the least. Also, this place is mostly for young people, as they don’t even have real silverware that they give you or a plate. They bring everything out in a basket and you can just eat over that. It’s pretty much like Taco Bell, Only I truly feel in my heart Taco Bell is better quality than here. When the shrimp tacos came out, they were pretty much cold and the tortilla wrap was chewy instead of being warmed up. It’s not like they were very busy either. Honestly, it tasted like a 12-year-old made it.

I will say they made a very good margarita. The servers were more than kind. So my low review is basically for the atmosphere, food quality and the lack of a basic plates or silverware You normally get while dining out. We will not be coming back. I’m surprised they are still in business.

On a sidenote, we had visited the restaurant Sol, right by this one, before coming here the same day. Completely different atmosphere over there and food quality. Hands-down, I would go to that place over this place any day. They actually have a very pretty patio with real flowers, amazing drinks, and the food comes out hot and delicious. The prices aren’t that much...

Taco Tuesday brings $1 off tacos! I got 3 different kind of tacos. I always seem to have to get the special, which for July was the jerk chicken. The cilantro rice with the mango salsa was so fresh and pleasant. I ALWAYS have to get Coca-Cola marinaded steak. They did hike up the price a little for the steak since my last visit but I honestly go here FOR it. The steak is always tender! My 3rd option was the Thai chili tofu which the flavor is amazing! I will say the tofu has been cooked better, this time it seemed dry. Like it was almost sitting out for a bit. The tacos are very filling and I recommend the green goddess taco shell. The guacamole in the shell is super fresh and adds great taste to whatever you choose to put in the taco. We also ordered buffalo chicken queso as an appetizer, and requested the Bleu Cheese on the side since he loves it and I don't. This queso is always a joy and delicious. Our server was friendly and very attentive, making sure our drinks were filled promptly. The only thing is they crank the ac up to the point my fingers were like ice cubes and we both actually felt uncomfortable. My boyfriend remembered this when we were there a year ago and purposely wore long sleeves even though it was 80 outside just so he wouldn't freeze inside. We just wanted to eat and leave with how cold it was inside. Again, this is a problem we had going August 2021 and this time July 2022. I get the cooks want a colder atmosphere since they get warm, but I had to sit on my hands in the middle of eating food! Overall a great place, but I will go on a nice day that I can sit outside and enjoy the great flavors this place produces...

My husband and I have enjoyed going to Barrio for quite some time. We live in the Willoughby area, but always drove to the downtown Cleveland location. We were excited when a Barrio opened up in downtown Willoughby. However, we have been highly disappointed. The service is terrible! Very rude hostesses and servers. This is the third time that we’ve gone in right around 10:00 and they’ve told us that we have to sit in the bar area. We completely understand that they would close up the back booth area, but why in the world wouldn’t you allow your customers to sit in the dining room away from the bar? It’s literally a step away. Very bad business. We’ve expressed that we would like to be away from the bar and the alcohol and that we would like to sit in a chair, not a stool with no back. Sadly, they didn’t care. The manager even came over and said some very rude words to us. One thing she told us was that having people sit in the other area would just create more work for her. Haha! Yikes! Also, it seems like every server we’ve had later at night is very annoyed to help us—or that we are even there. Why is it so hard for people to do their job? Anyhow, we will not be back to this location. We will continue to drive to downtown Cleveland. This location may want to take a better look at the people they have working here and running the place. Very disappointing! :-/

**Update: Someone from Barrio commented on my review. They asked me to email them. I e-mailed, and never heard anything back....