05/19/09

Love this place!!!

by scgirl09

Every time I come home to visit family in San Antonio I have to stop by this place! Amazing Enchiladas Mexicanas! Love them! I can't get tex mex like this in New York...and I miss it!

• Pros: great food, great service, amazing margaritas

02/26/09

The worst Tex-Mex I've had in YEARS

by Ripshin

After twenty years in SA, I finally decided to try out this "famous" Tex-Mex restaurant. Well, I really regretted it. The place smelled heavily of ammonia...the margaritas tasted like a mix...the cocktail de camaron was tasteless (even the rubbery shrimp had NO taste - how is that possible?)...the salsa was average...the ceviche was incredibly bland. The service wasn't horrible, but neither was the staff personable. WHY is this place popular??!!! HOW can Tex-Mex have no seasoning? Never again...

• Pros: None
• Cons: Lots

12/24/08

Not what it used to be...

by Moonprincess

After a day of touring missions, we took company from Seattle to dinner at Los Barrios. Unfortunately, after bragging about how wonderful it was, we left very disappointed. The chips were greasy (some not even fried crisp), the salsa had a vinegary taste, as did the green enchilada sauce. The rice was overcooked and had no flavor. The fajitas also lacked flavor and seasoning. This was not our first visit to what WAS once an award winning destination, but with so many other great Mexican restaurants in San Antonio, it will be our last.

10/18/08

Solid fare, good service, great management.

by EvaChasida

The Barrios family is well-known and well-loved in our community, and their late matriarch is surely smiling down on her children's faithful efforts to continue the tradition of excellence for which Los Barrios is remembered. At the Blanco location, a recent remodeling has enhanced the ambiance, but the food is good as ever. Menu prices have risen slightly, but are not out of line for other Mexican restaurants in the area. Staff turnover appears low, which contributes to the "family feel" (but several of the newer female servers could learn a thing or two about thorough service from the male servers who've been there forever.) Lunch specials and drink specials help keep prices reasonable for those on a budget. Good food, good service and a fair price; Los Barrios continues to be on my family's "favorite" list because we appreciate Viola's legacy of hospitality and her children's commitment to seeing it live on here in San Antonio.

• Pros: Popular family restaurant with solid fare and fair prices
• Cons: None

08/11/08

Less Than So-So

by tead9250

As I followed my Garmin?s directions to this restaurant, I began to feel more than just a little uneasy. Based on the reviews we saw on Food Network, we elected to hold our mini-family reunion here. Since we all love ?authentic Mexican? food it seemed like a good idea. I?ll not turn this into a huge editorial other than to say that while the atmosphere was grand (inside the restaurant), the food was only adequate. Certainly not good enough to warrant the rave reviews and associated flocking that?s occurred since the airing of ?Throwdown?. Not only were the Puffy Taco?s lacking any flavor at all, the same held true with all the other entrees we ordered (there were 12 of us total so I got to sample a wide variety of unfinished food!) On the good side, the refried beans were very tasty with a nearly perfect texture which is very hard to come by!

Obviously, everyone has their own tastes and so I?m not knocking all the other folks who?ve said this place is wonderful. It could be the best place to eat Mexican ever to them but I?ve had much better at places that have enjoyed far less attention. These staged events and judging serve the purpose of filling airtime and getting his recipes out. His Puffy Taco recipe, by the way, is simply awesome! Gosh, if it only had not been for that ?authentic? portion of the judging in the throwdown!

Since the restaurant is now absolutely drowning in business since the airing, is there some kind of side deal taking place here? You see, I spoke with a few ?local? patrons who made it very clear that it was only until very recently that they ever had trouble getting seated. Our hostess also made a comment to that effect. So, for all of you who discovered this place all on your own?good for you and bon appetite! For the rest of you thinking of heading that way, my opinion is that it?s not worth the trip!

• Pros: a very happy atmosphere...perfect for families
• Cons: a really bad neighborhhod

07/01/08

Great Food, Awful Service

by jpd08

I visited the restaurant on the afternoon of June 28th. I was warmly greeted and seated. The bus boy promptly delivered chips and salsa. Then, I was totally ignored! No server for more than ten minutes.

I walked out. No one was in the lobby. I doubt they ever figured out what happened.

The service at the Hacienda is much better for the same food, but at higher prices.

06/27/08

Its ok,,but not great..

by eeyhoyboy

I was born and raised in SA , I tasted the food here. it's ok , but not exceptional...somewhat Texmex but not border food...the prices are high for mexican basic food,,you could probably get same food for less at other mexican restaurants..Blanco Cafe for one...we have tons of mexican restaurants to choose from too.....it's all hype and gimmicks ..nothing really special here.

I was in Tulsa, Ok. and called a mexican restaurant to ask if they served barbacoa..and they said

"Barabra who?" ....... I just hung up.

05/20/08

The Best Puffy Tacos and Enchiladas

by luckytina19

I saw the food Network show on Los Barrios and I just had to try it. I am so happy that we went. We are from the valley and just moved to San Antonio, and we hadn't found a reasonable and tasty Mexican restaurant. I recommend the Enchilada Sampler Plate and the Chicken Puffy tacos.

03/10/08

Great Mexican Food and Margaritas

by AFSanAntonio

Los Barrios has been a staple fine mexican food for years. It is demonstrated by the multiple plaques and awards on display near the hostess stand. i have gone many times lately and the only thing lacking in this San Antonio Mexican food embassy is the service. It is suspect at best. I have spent stints of up to 30 min. without even seeing our server. On one occaision, upon asking how to receive our check or some of the outstanding sopapillas, we were told our waitress had left?!?! I will continue to go back despite the poor service due to the quality of the food. I have had many things on the menu including the diverse "Snacking Platters" and incredible "Enchilada Assortment" coming with one of each of the five house enchiladas. Of the other dishes I have tried, I would have to say the fish tacos are some of the best I have tasted, as well as what looked like traditional Tacos Al Carbon served with avocado. Make sure to make it into the restaurant on a Tuesday or Wednesday for Fajita night and Margarita night, respectively. The Margaritias are outstanding, and strong, but be sure to order them on special, they are quite expensive at regular price.

• Pros: Great Food, Fun Atmosphere
• Cons: Poor Service, Expensive Margaritas

03/03/08

SO Awesome!

by justamom2008

I love this place. I used to live in San Antonio and since I moved away everytime I visit I make sure to come to Los Barrios. I brought my family while we were on vacation and even the "picky" eaters enjoyed the yummy food! I will definately be coming back soon!

• Cons: parking