Barrio Cafe Inc   

2814 N 16th St
Phoenix, AZ 85006
602-636-0240
www.barriocafe.com

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A gourmet Mexican restaurant that can take its place among the finest anywhere has brightened an unlikely stretch of Thomas Road. You would expect to find the Barrio Cafe along the Camelback Corridor, not in a transitional neighborhood. Tables are set with tall candle glasses and real linen, surrounded by walls covered with art from local artists. Owner/chef Silvana Salcido Esparza and partner Wendy Gruber have done a masterful job of decoratng. An experienced chef, Esparza traveled throughout Mexico to gather ideas for her revolving, bargain-priced menu. Her appetizers and soups are at least equal to anything found in Phoenix. The entrees are just as exciting. It's difficult to single out one or two items, but Enchiladas del Mar are hard to overlook. They're made from blue-corn tortillas, rolled with scallops, cheese and crab and topped with three large shrimp. The chile en nogada is a poblano pepper filled with chicken, apples, pears, raisins, pomegranate seeds and Mexican white cheese covered with an almond cream sauce. Esparza's mole sauce is famously rich and dark. Desserts include the likes of fresh guava, sweet potato and ice cream in sugar syrup, and fritters filled with cajeta and soaked in espresso and Kahlua sauce.