I just read on Twitter that A Good Egg is opening a Mexican restaurant called Barrios Fine Mexican Dishes. The Twitter account is pretty new, and as such, did not have a lot of information. Does anyone here have any info about this place? I've never had anything less than a great experience at any of AGE's restaurants, and I *loooove* Mexican food, so I am really excited about this new addition.

In the old Swanson's Tire building. (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Swansons+Tire&highlight=swanson)

First look at the interior. The back patio / courtyard is going to be amazing and will be used pretty much year-round.

Shooting for Oct. 31 opening.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/barrios080216.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/barrios080216b.jpg

Here is a picture from today:

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This was taken on their future patio about 2 weeks ago.

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^
That is going to be a special spot.

Furniture has started to arrive!

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Drove by on Saturday. The exterior looks great. Will really bridge the gap between 10th St. and Elemental/Ludivine area.

The back courtyard is going to be amazing.

The back courtyard is going to be amazing.

I can't locate any plans which show renderings of how the back patio is supposed to look. If you have any images I'd love to check it out. Thanks Pete

They are about 2-3 weeks out now. It's a fantastic setting.

Hard to tell but the bar is all copper.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/barrios101316a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/barrios101316b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/barrios101316c.jpg

That is freakin' cool, I love patio floor.

They turned this old garage into an absolute gem. Super cool.

We're so lucky to have a company like Good Egg that doesn't just want to demolish old great buildings and instead can see purpose in them and reuse them in ways that echoes the past but looks so amazing and modern. Hats off to Keith and Heather!

A couple more pics.

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WOW this place is stunning!.. that breeze block floor of the patio is soooo cool

I didn't realize there would be so many other retail spaces. That's great.


Next month, the 25,000-square-foot building will open to the public as its first tenant, Barrios Fine Mexican Dishes, starts up on Nov. 2. Other tenant deals in the former tire shop include a Midtown branch for Citizens Bank of Edmond, two more restaurants, a bar and retail store.

http://newsok.com/former-swansons-tire-in-midtown-oklahoma-city-expected-to-house-restaurant-bar-bank-and-retail/article/5523124

I didn't realize there would be so many other retail spaces. That's great.



http://newsok.com/former-swansons-tire-in-midtown-oklahoma-city-expected-to-house-restaurant-bar-bank-and-retail/article/5523124

In this video from the Pivot Group's presentation at the Rotary Club's meeting, they mentioned a craft cocktail bar going in at the 45 minute mark called White Oak (their presentation starts at the ~17 min mark).

https://vimeo.com/184598731

In this video from the Pivot Group's presentation at the Rotary Club's meeting, they mentioned a craft cocktail bar going in at the 45 minute mark called White Oak (their presentation starts at the ~17 min mark).

https://vimeo.com/184598731

I know one the guys putting the bar together. He explained their concept as well as some of their plans for the space and I think it will be a big hit. Nothing really similar to it in the downtown area.

I know one the guys putting the bar together. He explained their concept as well as some of their plans for the space and I think it will be a big hit. Nothing really similar to it in the downtown area.

Sounds promising. Will the bar open before the end of the year?

This picture was taken today from a friend of mine.

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Opening November 1st

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Going Saturday night!

So jealous! Report back!

Going Saturday night!

Me too! 6:45 pm!

Went last night and everything was pretty great, from the food to the service to the setting.

We sat outside and it's one of the prettiest spots in OKC. The roaring fire, the lighting and great sound (personal plug but it really is excellent!) creates a fantastic ambiance. But truthfully, the inside looked just inviting.

For starters we had the mango chipotle guacamole which I absolutely loved. The best guac I've ever had. We also had a queso (fundido?) served in a small skillet with peppers and mushrooms. Very tasty but it sets up pretty quickly, so you have to eat it fast.

They also serve complimentary salsas (mild verde and a bit bolder roasted tomato) and the latter was fantastic. Their chips are the long, thicker type, similar to Cultivar.

Drinks: avacado margarita is going to be their signature drink. Loved it.

For mains we split the chicken sope which is a chicken breast served on a sope with all types of interesting toppings. Very, very good. And then had the pork verde tamale, which was delicious and served 'open face' on the corn husk.

For desert we had the tres lece cake which was moist and delicious.

I was a bonehead and forgot to take a picture of the menu.

They open to the public on Tuesday and this place is going to be a huge success.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/barrios103016a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/barrios103016c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/barrios103016b.jpg

Will you be able to make reservations once they open or is it first come, first serve?

I went Sunday night and I was fairly disappointed. The food was fairly bland. We asked the waitstaff for some spice and they brought us an additional salsa. It was better, but nothing special. There was a lot of confusion about a housemade hot sauce, but in the end no one was ever able to bring us any. We were also offered Cholula, but I think that's really a last resort at brand new place. I'm trying to understand your flavor, not cover it up.

Both the nachos and the fried taco were smothered in thick liquid cheese. Like concession stand nacho cheese. Like Taco Bell liquid cheese. Not sure who likes that, but it certainly wasn't what I was expected from a "Cali" inspired menu. To be honest, the chips were the best food we had. Thick and crispy and perfect for dipping. Other dishes were nothing to right home about.

Drinks were a highlight. As mentioned above, the Avocado Marg was aces. I had the Mexican Wedding Tea, which was very sweet, but paired well with the dishes. The atmosphere was fantastic. Sat on the patio and was plenty warm. Seems like there won't be much wind.

I can see coming here for drinks on the patio, but it'll be months before I try to food again.

Sixkiller - What did you and your party order?

Has anyone been any to either get a photo of the menu, or describe what this place really has to offer for food?

Sixkiller - So sorry you didn't have a good time. I hope you give us another chance after we actually get open. You forgot to mention that Sunday night was one of our soft openings, which is an invite only event and totally free. These dry runs are how new restaurants get practice and hopefully get ready for opening day. They are for the benefit of the staff and operation, no one else. I admit that we have work to do...sometimes takes weeks.

Sixkiller - So sorry you didn't have a good time. I hope you give us another chance after we actually get open. You forgot to mention that Sunday night was one of our soft openings, which is an invite only event and totally free. These dry runs are how new restaurants get practice and hopefully get ready for opening day. They are for the benefit of the staff and operation, no one else. I admit that we have work to do...sometimes takes weeks.

Man, Tuck is the best. What responsive customer service.

I was going to post that I just don't get the point in posting highly negative critiques of a local restaurant before they're open or in their first few weeks. Everyone knows they have kinks to work out and changes to make. I just think critiques should go to a manager, not an online community, out of respect for their efforts.

And, my point isn't to go after sixkiller because I only adopted that approach of giving feedback directly to the business after these very points were made on this board by posters like Urbanized. I'm definitely looking forward to trying out Barrios when I'm in town next week.

Hoping it isn't too crazy tonight and plan on giving it a try.
I agree it's poor form to give a harsh critique for a soft opening. That is the point of a soft opening and you were given an invite and free meal for your time. it takes some time to get everything running the way you like.

Man, Tuck is the best. What responsive customer service.

I was going to post that I just don't get the point in posting highly negative critiques of a local restaurant before they're open or in their first few weeks. Everyone knows they have kinks to work out and changes to make. I just think critiques should go to a manager, not an online community, out of respect for their efforts.

And, my point isn't to go after sixkiller because I only adopted that approach of giving feedback directly to the business after these very points were made on this board by posters like Urbanized. I'm definitely looking forward to trying out Barrios when I'm in town next week.

Also, TASTE is subjective. Some people like food certain ways, other people don't. Posting online should balance those thoughts...

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. My wife probably won't order what she had again, but I would order what I had. Some flavor profiles work better for some people more than others.

Also, regarding spice; isn't the spice and heat of "Mexican" entirely dependant on the region where the item is being grown/cooked/consumed? Mexican food is NOT always hot. We've eaten at Frontera in Chicago a few times (owned/operated by OKC's own Rick Bayless, an incredibly celebrated Mexican food expert), and never really experienced a very spicy dish.

Tuck is too kind to point out that they did *three days* of free meals and provided cocktails, appetizers, entrees and desserts.

Imagine the cost of that.

My meal for two was almost $100, all comped.


I really liked the look of their menu in that they had all the traditional offerings with some nice elevated twists.

It's also a nicer place and a great alternative to the dozens of gloppy Okie Mex places. 1492 is probably the only place in town that even comes close.

That's good to hear Pete!
I have been waiting for this to open for a while as I wanted another option for Mexican that wasn't the Gloppy Mexican as you put it..lol I am hoping this one fills the void that Iguana left when I stopped going there and sounds like it could exceed that void.

If I can, I am going to try and swing by today and celebrate MENT Apparel (http://www.mentapparel.com)'s 4th birthday on their birthday!

Does anyone have a picture of the menu?

They do take reservations but it seems for the time being you have to call them.

(405) 702-6922

Thank Pete!

http://www.opentable.com/r/barrios-fine-mexican-dishes-oklahoma-city?covers=4&dateTime=2016-11-01%2019%3A00

If I can, I am going to try and swing by today and celebrate MENT Apparel (http://www.mentapparel.com)'s 4th birthday on their birthday!

Does anyone have a picture of the menu?

http://www.barriosmexicanokc.com/

http://www.opentable.com/r/barrios-fine-mexican-dishes-oklahoma-city?covers=4&dateTime=2016-11-01%2019%3A00

Made reservation over phone, but requested patio and they said they aren't making reservations on patio :(

They just updated their website; menu can be found here:

http://www.barriosmexicanokc.com/menus/

Wow! Lamb tacos and the fajitas come with poblano peppers instead of bell peppers and I really don't like bell peppers, and the short rib Tinga chalupa sounds good. The enchiladas don't excite me, I guess I'm more of a "gloppy" enchilada man. Then the beers will send me home happy. Black Mesa ESB on tap and Anthem Uroboros in cans. I could grow to like this place. They have some other pretty good beers, but I prefer local craft beer when it's available.
C. T.

Went tonight with the wife. The chips were great, the two Salsas they brought were warm, which was unexpected, but they're quite good, very flavorful. The basic green salsa was my favorite, it was refreshing and well seasoned. I had the braised short rib enchiladas, which came with a mole negro and were delicious. Not too salty, well spiced, not greasy (like Teds, sorry, I hate greasy food), and there were two of them. Entrees a bit small perhaps, but not overpriced or anything. I was happy with mine, and will certainly have it again. The wife had the lamb tacos. I have no idea what they taste like because I was told that if I even reached for one, I'd be missing a hand. I take that as a good sign. We had the regular guacamole as well, and it was good, maybe a bit small on the portion size, but not offensively so. I'll get it again, it was very fresh and well balanced. We also had the pot de creme as a dessert, and it was great. I think it has some banana and some chile in it, and I really enjoyed it. Smaller portion, but relatively inexpensive. My only criticism is that drink service was slow, but it was opening night and it ended up fine. My wife enjoyed her mojito and I just had a beer. Service was attentive, but the hostess stand was disorganized. They'll work that and the drink issue out shortly, so I'm not concerned. If you're picky, give it a week and then go try it out. I suspect you'll enjoy it quite a bit.

I feel like you guys are being a little harsh on me. I said a number of nice things about Barrios, and neglected to say anything that I think is the fault of a soft opening. It was 75 minutes from ordering to the arrival of entrees. The bar was really really backed up. I know those problems are typical of soft openings, ergo I didn't include it my review. I thought it was clear that the opening night was Tuesday, so any reviews earlier would be soft openings. I tried to express that I was shocked by some of the food. I was very surprised to find so much bland liquid cheese. I wanted to share that parts of the menu (which I would assume are more permanent) were strange to me, not what I expected, and didn't taste good (to me). I did express to inquisitive staff that I hadn't expected it and didn't care for it.

OKCTalk forums seem to be a place where negative reviews are unwelcome. This is a business, not a community potluck. I like Good Egg restaurants; I frequent them all the time. I don't think they owe me anything, nor do I owe them. I didn't leave a Yelp review based on the soft opening, but instead some comments on a local forum for people who have been following Barrios' development closely. If only positive comments are allowed, what's the point? A circle jerk?

My party ordered:
Frozen Avocado Margarita
Mexican Wedding Tea
Mango-Chipotle Guacamole
Victory Club Nachos
Hot Chicken Sopes
Aunt Bonnie's Crispy Beef (taco)
with Refried Beans, Mexican Street Corn, & Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Pineapple Tres Leches
with complementary chips and three salsa

Oh! The corn (not sure why they don't call it elote) was very very good!

OKCTalk forums seem to be a place where negative reviews are unwelcome. This is a business, not a community potluck. I like Good Egg restaurants; I frequent them all the time. I don't think they owe me anything, nor do I owe them. I didn't leave a Yelp review based on the soft opening, but instead some comments on a local forum for people who have been following Barrios' development closely. If only positive comments are allowed, what's the point? A circle jerk?I'm not taking a position on this restaurant as I haven't been there, but I do want to second this. You are right on this part.

I feel like you guys are being a little harsh on me. I said a number of nice things about Barrios, and neglected to say anything that I think is the fault of a soft opening. It was 75 minutes from ordering to the arrival of entrees. The bar was really really backed up. I know those problems are typical of soft openings, ergo I didn't include it my review. I thought it was clear that the opening night was Tuesday, so any reviews earlier would be soft openings. I tried to express that I was shocked by some of the food. I was very surprised to find so much bland liquid cheese. I wanted to share that parts of the menu (which I would assume are more permanent) were strange to me, not what I expected, and didn't taste good (to me). I did express to inquisitive staff that I hadn't expected it and didn't care for it.

OKCTalk forums seem to be a place where negative reviews are unwelcome. This is a business, not a community potluck. I like Good Egg restaurants; I frequent them all the time. I don't think they owe me anything, nor do I owe them. I didn't leave a Yelp review based on the soft opening, but instead some comments on a local forum for people who have been following Barrios' development closely. If only positive comments are allowed, what's the point? A circle jerk?

My party ordered:
Frozen Avocado Margarita
Mexican Wedding Tea
Mango-Chipotle Guacamole
Victory Club Nachos
Hot Chicken Sopes
Aunt Bonnie's Crispy Beef (taco)
with Refried Beans, Mexican Street Corn, & Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Pineapple Tres Leches
with complementary chips and three salsa

Oh! The corn (not sure why they don't call it elote) was very very good!

I thought your review was fine. People should expect to hear unvarnished opinion, and you were polite. The business owners that watch the forum should appreciate that they can receive honest feedback in a limited audience setting.

Oh! The corn (not sure why they don't call it elote) was very very good!

Yeah... Wondered that about the name also.

I feel like you guys are being a little harsh on me. I said a number of nice things about Barrios, and neglected to say anything that I think is the fault of a soft opening. It was 75 minutes from ordering to the arrival of entrees. The bar was really really backed up. I know those problems are typical of soft openings, ergo I didn't include it my review. I thought it was clear that the opening night was Tuesday, so any reviews earlier would be soft openings. I tried to express that I was shocked by some of the food. I was very surprised to find so much bland liquid cheese. I wanted to share that parts of the menu (which I would assume are more permanent) were strange to me, not what I expected, and didn't taste good (to me). I did express to inquisitive staff that I hadn't expected it and didn't care for it.

OKCTalk forums seem to be a place where negative reviews are unwelcome. This is a business, not a community potluck. I like Good Egg restaurants; I frequent them all the time. I don't think they owe me anything, nor do I owe them. I didn't leave a Yelp review based on the soft opening, but instead some comments on a local forum for people who have been following Barrios' development closely. If only positive comments are allowed, what's the point? A circle jerk?

My party ordered:
Frozen Avocado Margarita
Mexican Wedding Tea
Mango-Chipotle Guacamole
Victory Club Nachos
Hot Chicken Sopes
Aunt Bonnie's Crispy Beef (taco)
with Refried Beans, Mexican Street Corn, & Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Pineapple Tres Leches
with complementary chips and three salsa

Oh! The corn (not sure why they don't call it elote) was very very good!

Nobody censored you or stopped you from expressing your opinion, they just expressed theirs as well.

Also, "It will be months before I try their food again" as a summation is pretty scathing as is "I was shocked by some of the food" -- especially for a free soft opening -- no matter what else you may say in your write-up.

People here have just as much right to express their opinion of your review (and point out the circumstances) as you have to express it.

^^^^^^^
Well put.

nobody censored you or stopped you from expressing your opinion, they just expressed theirs as well.

Also, "it will be months before i try their food again" as a summation is pretty scathing as is "i was shocked by some of the food" -- especially for a free soft opening -- no matter what else you may say in your write-up.

People here have just as much right to express their opinion of your review (and point out the circumstances) as you have to express it.

x2

Nobody censored you or stopped you from expressing your opinion, they just expressed theirs as well.
People here have just as much right to express their opinion of your review (and point out the circumstances) as you have to express it.

So this is now a meta review site where we review reviews? What is the point of that? I disagreed with parts of your review, Pete, but I didn't redline it. I think "the best guac I've ever had" is hyperbolic, but I didn't tell you that you had new restaurant rose-colored glasses on. I let your review lie. The people who follow and post on this site are deep into development. We know it's new, we know it's a soft opening, we know how restaurants open and develop. I go to plenty of places at their soft openings or in their first weeks. I don't often leave reviews because the topic has been covered. I left my thoughts on Barrios because I was really troubled and surprised at how much I didn't like some things. I think my voice matters, and people should have an opportunity to read it.

Why do you keep bringing up that this meal was free? Soft openings are the cost of doing business. I got a free meal, so I should say only good, kind things? I WAS shocked by the amount of liquid cheese! What else should I say? I left some feedback with the roving manager, and I'm glad I also got to share my opinion with the Good Egg associated person on this site. It is not my experience that soft openings are used to change the menu, but merely to get timing better, change staffing levels, figure out what was overlooked before showtime.

The "say only good things" problem has been brought up on different threads, but you're still taken aback when it happens to you.

. . .it was the "months before i try their food again" that got me. . .in my mind that is next to never. reminder to self:
opinions are just that. . subject to change and challenge!! :)

sixkiller...

This is a discussion forum with two-way communication, not just a place to post a review with no accountability or response.

And absolutely no one has insisted you "only say nice things"; you are creating a straw man to argue against when others have been pretty clear about what they see as the issues here.

I was having Dinner with a friend last night and she wasn't sure what time she would be done with work so I didn't make a reservation but figured we would give Barrios a Try being opening night PERHAPS we could slip in as a party of two and not much wait. I was completely wrong. Was told at hostess stand that they were Booked solid all night and were not taking walk ins at all as she couldn't even guess when or if they could seat us. Said the Bar would be our only option once something opened up there. Not a big deal we just walked over to Fassler and good for them for being booked solid opening night.

Had dinner there last night and it was great!

My wife and I ordered the pork and the chicken "Mollys". They were both delicious, but the chicken was amazing! My wife had the avocado margarita which I strongly recommend. The atmosphere was great and our server, Jordan, was very attentive and enthusiastic.

Can't wait to go back and sit on the patio!

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I went last night with my wife and two others. We sat outside and it was excellent. I thought the space outside was a great design, and with the fireplace going and a hint of what maybe was pinon burning, it was a great atmosphere. Our server was good, though struggled just a bit with explaining a couple things on the menu. For an opening night the service from the kitchen was timely, the server very attentive, but the bar was a little slow in bringing the avocado margarita (the wait was worth it though...it was great).

Among us we had the shrimp fajitas, the mushroom tamales, the crispy port tamales, and a chicken fajita. All were very good, especially the mushroom tamales. I enjoyed the chips as they were different...thicker and crispy without any oil. The two salsas were tasty and not spicy hot...which is okay, even though I enjoy very spicy. I particularly like they are served hot (temp). The table liked both.

Oh, the tres leches with pineapple is not to be missed!

All in all, I can't wait to go back and to take friends. This is likely to be a go to often place.

I was having Dinner with a friend last night and she wasn't sure what time she would be done with work so I didn't make a reservation but figured we would give Barrios a Try being opening night PERHAPS we could slip in as a party of two and not much wait. I was completely wrong. Was told at hostess stand that they were Booked solid all night and were not taking walk ins at all as she couldn't even guess when or if they could seat us. Said the Bar would be our only option once something opened up there. Not a big deal we just walked over to Fassler and good for them for being booked solid opening night.

It seems like new restaurants really get off. It is offputting to say the least. "You don't have reservations? Idiot."

It seems like new restaurants really get off. It is offputting to say the least. "You don't have reservations? Idiot."

I didn't take it that way at all. I know the attitude you are speaking of but they were very gracious and apologetic and were somewhat overwhelmed. They just couldn't accommodate which was fine. there were several opening doors and working the hostess stand and all seemed genuinely disappointed to turn anyone away and were all quick to say they hoped we would come back and give them a try.

I went on Saturday and echo what others have said. Food was great, the setting is great (sat outside) and the service was a bit slow. However, I have no doubt any squabbles I have will be fixed in time. My main reason for posting is to commend my server and especially the manager on Saturday night for how they handled the table sitting next to me, which was one of the rudest groups of people I've come across in some time. The manager was very respectful while not rolling over when some pretty outrageous things were said. Seems like the Barrios staff is working very hard and I look forward to going back.