How to visit Barrio Cafe one last time before the iconic Phoenix restaurant closes
On March 20, one of Phoenix's most influential chefs, Silvana Salcido Esparza announced her decision to close her longtime Mexican restaurant Barrio Cafe.
Esparza opened Barrio Cafe in 2002 to "elevate popular perceptions of Mexican culture through my food," she said ahead of her 2022 acceptance of the ASU MLK Jr. service award. “... at the Barrio Cafe, I was able to change perception merely with my cooking.”
Since opening, the restaurant has become a staple in Phoenix, drawing diners from all over the state and earning five stars from The Republic's former dining critic.
Since the announcement of its impending closure, diners have been lining up for one last meal, sometimes waiting up to two hours for a table.
Diners have until the end of service on May 31 to visit the restaurant one last time. There are no reservations. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Details: 2814 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-636-0240, barriocafe.com.
'That was my opus': Phoenix's most iconic chef is closing her historic Mexican restaurant
Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How to visit Phoenix Mexican restaurant Barrio Cafe one last time
