4. Restaurants

BarRio Taco & Tequila Bar

3855 E 96th St, Indianapolis, IN, 46240
  • (317) 218-3186
  • Store is closed

BarRio Taco & Tequila Bar Menu

  • Soup
  • Tacos
  • Shareables
  • Over The Border
  • Postres

Healthy Meal suggestions for BarRio Taco & Tequila Bar

  • Soup
  • Tacos
  • Shareables
  • Over The Border
  • Postres

  • Holly V.

    The margarita was amazing, and the server/service was great. The food was not great. The tacos were bland and the queso was nothing special. I would go back for drinks.

    (3)

  • Lucy P.

    I would give Barrio 0 stars if I could. We went on a Saturday afternoon and were the only people there. The only server working did not have her liquor license (at a TEQUILA BAR) but she didn't tell us until AFTER she brought us the drink menu after we asked for it, when we were ordering our drinks 15 minutes later. The carne asada tacos were so bland, it's like they didn't season the steak at all. I had 2 bites and left the rest. We ordered the salsa flight as well but the server had no idea what that was. Worst dining out experience I've ever had.

    (1)

  • Justin O.

    Sorry. But the service here is still going downhill. They have some good things but there is a service issue and some serious coordination issues. I'm calling it now. Last 2 visits have been hopeless. I really had hope for this place but the dream is over. The look of confusion and despair on the bartenders face made this 100% clear to me.

    (1)

  • Amanda S.

    Do yourself and whoever you are with a favor and don't go here. My first red flag went up when the place was empty at 8:00 on a Saturday night. Barrio: +update your website +you are more of a bar than a restaurant +your staff was quick to greet our table of 8, but ultimately we walked out because there was no sense of urgency to assist your ONLY customers in the BAR.

    (1)

  • Gordon W.

    What a joke. Came in on a Friday night at 10:00 pm expecting a fun experience, only to discover a DJ set up and sitting at his equipment with no music playing, and the two employees were struggling to serve all of the 12 customers in a timely fashion. After taking our order (5 shots, not too hard) they took a personal phone call and stood around talking to the other customers before pouring our drinks. I'm pretty sure the bartender was drunk (I saw him take three shots within the 30 minutes we were there) and the other employee seemed incompetent. One of the shot glasses we were served was clearly someone's wedding party favor. I have definitely seen better bars on Bar Rescue! I will not be back, judging by the other reviews our experience was about par for the course.

    (1)

  • Peter P.

    I want to give this place a chance to be successful because there is a definite need for a good taco joint on the north side of town. There are plenty of tacos and tequilas available so the name does not lie. The tacos are in the $3 to $4 range so nothing new there. The taquito was pretty good. Fried well and served with guacamole. Presented pretty artfully. I also tried the ghost pepper queso. I'm pretty sure the queso was straight out of a jar and wasn't hot at all. On to the tacos. They're just not very good. The ground beef had hardly any seasoning at all. The skirt steak tacos weren't any better. There are a lot of different bottled hot sauces on the table and these definitely needed them. The biggest sin of all, however, were the tortillas. These were definitely straight out of a plastic bag. They were stale and cold and falling apart. Each taco had 2 tortillas, and they still broke apart in my hand and spilled meat onto my plate (actually a basket). They really nickel and dime you by charging $3 for chips and salsa. They also charge you for anything you add to your tacos (sour cream, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, etc.). You order your tacos in two or threes, but they have to all be the same (no changes). 2 tacos will be $7-9 and 3 will run you $9-11. $2 extra for a side of rice or beans. $1 for a side of salsa. Service was kind of blah. Friendly enough, but not polished at all. The bartender didn't know what was in the taquito. He asked the cooks and they didn't know either. Finally, the manager knew. I was the only customer there and he didn't keep an eye on my beer glass so I was dry a couple of times (he was doing dishes about 6 feet away from me). They were out of one of the drafts and one of the bottled beers. They definitely have quite a selection of tequila, but I didn't try any of them. The space itself is actually quite nice. Don't let the strip mall location fool you. The owner definitely put some money into this place. It's being sold as a sort of restaurant/bar/live music venue (which is fine). If you think of this as a music venue with decent food and drinks, then it might be OK. But as a strictly food/drink destination, I'm not sure it can survive on that alone. It just lacks the vibe and laidback cool of the taco place on Mass Ave or the hipster/punk kitsch of the one in Fountain Square. And I can get better tacos at the Mexican grocery store.

    (2)

  • Ron R.

    So I was here last night for what some people were saying was the grand opening. Boy does this place need to shape up quick if it is going to make it. I was with a group of about 12 that came to see a friend who was the DJ. When I showed up around 11, there was a band just finishing up that sounded good, but did not really fit with the whole Mexican theme. Also, what is with the name Bar Rio? Is this supposed to be Mexican or Brazilian? Everything points to Mexican. Between the 12 of us, we ordered quite a few things like the Queso, Guacamole, several Tacos and this peanut butter and banana Chimichanga thing. The tacos were decent, but in no way compared to places like Bakersfield. On top of that, they were all 8-10$ for 2 tacos that were slightly bigger than a street taco, but smaller than a full taco. The Queso was good, but nothing really amazing. The Guacamole tasted good but not sure if it was freshly made, I hope it was. The tortilla chips they bring out I believe they fry fresh in their kitchen. The problem is, both batches we received were WAY over cooked and dripping in grease. Gross! The Salsa had some really good heat to it, I think the salsa was my favorite thing here. The Dessert Chimichanga had a banana in it and coated inside with peanut butter. It was not very good. I really was hoping it would be, because I am a sucker for desserts. The chimichanga shell was so tough that when you go to cut it, the banana explodes everywhere making this a sloppy mess that you may as well spoon into your mouth versus cutting. Lastly, the house margarita. I hate to sound so negative, but wow...this is a joke. It tastes like pure mix with some cointreau on top. It was atrocious! I imagine it is pre-mixed and the sour mix is rising to the top when they pour it out. At around 12:30, our friend we came for began DJing, and while I love a good DJ...this place just doesn't fit. There is a small area up front in case people wanted to dance, and the rest of the place is tables which would make sense...if the kitchen didn't close at 12!!!! So this place is open until 3, yet the kitchen closes at midnight. So people are supposed to come to the middle of nowhere 96th street for a small bar with restaurant tables everywhere to drink 5$ coronas and bad margaritas? If the owners read this, please make some changes quick. As when I talked to everyone in our group last night, everyone agreed this place isn't going to make it. Hopefully things change soon.

    (2)

  • Chris G.

    Food was brutal. Chips were stale, Tacos were bland, all over priced and poorly made. Service was horrendous.. Only 3 employees were working and it was difficult to even get our drinks refilled.. No wonder here was only one other table being occupied at 730 on a Wednesday night. Stay away. Anywhere else is a better option. You're welcome.

    (1)

  • Jose D.

    This place has changed since prior reviews. Staff was helpful and food the tacos were good. I had carne asada, carnitas, fish and chicken tacos. I was pleased. Salsa and chips were good. The atmosphere took a moment to get use to. Cool place. I want to check it out on a Friday or Saturday. I will definitely come back.

    (4)

  • Alex W.

    My review is based on a Latin Dancing night weeks after BarRio opened. I really want to like them, but they need to look at a lot of things to improve their business. I came with friends for a girl's birthday. She & her boyfriend really played up how awesome it was going to be -- great drinks, big dance floor, and sweet music. Meh to it all. We arrived around 11p under the impression that the DJ would start spinning around 1115/1130. Not the case -- there was a 3-piece alternative/indie band playing until about 1215. Totally didn't make sense for them to be playing at BarRio, it seemed very awkward. While we waited we had a few drinks. I was hoping for a fresh marg, but it was just premix from Meijer, tequila and some sour mix, all for $4. I powered thru just to be nice. Stick to the bottled beer and basic drinks. One of my girls and I got hungry, but they only serve small [overpriced] finger foods past 11, didn't seem worth it. Unfortunately the Subway next door [yes] isn't open late either. Once the DJ started spinning, the music and dancing was good. However at random times there were times were it was just a handful of people on the small dancefloor and lots of people watching.

    (3)

  • Kira T.

    NO BUENO!! I'm so bummed to have to write this. The concept of having a place with street tacos on the northside is a really great idea. We like to go out to eat. We like tequila. We like tacos. We had a Groupon, so why not. My mistake for not reading the other Yelp reviews prior to purchasing said Groupon. The whole restaurant seems to be more focused on being a night club rather than a taco place. Complete with stage, really bad Latin dance music on repeat, and flashing disco lights. There were probably a total of 4 tables in use. The GM made a point to seat us and introduce himself. Not sure why, but I appreciate the effort. He was a little too enthusiastic of his menu presentation. He asserted himself to tell us what was good and he stated their carnitas were amazing and slow roasted for 10 hours. He stated the steak was tender and juicy. So I got the steak tacos and my date got the carnitas. We also got sides of rice. I need to start off by asking why the tacos were $11 for 3?? There is a chain burrito/taco place right next door that has organic veggies and grass fed meat and it's only $5 for 3 amazing tacos. Also the name of the restaurant suggests it would have something to do with tequila. But there was no "tequila menu" or margarita menu or even mention of such. I really wanted a margarita too...but nobody offered one and I don't order them at restaurants unless they are on special. Tacos arrive, picture my face turn into a disappointed frown. I was so damn hungry that I ate it. You know that scene in Christmas Vacation where they are all crunching down on the dried out Xmas turkey? That was us and how my tacos tasted is how I imagine that turkey tasted. So hard and dried out. No way in hell those carnitas were slow roasted for 10 hours...maybe deep friend for 10 hours. Steak?! Try charcoal nuggets. Tasted burnt and were very well done. And I'm pretty sure the "rice" was the same rice my mom used to buy in a can in the Mexican aisle at the grocery store. I hate to be so callous with this review, but I'm really so disappointed. Can someone else take over this place and make it into a real street taco place? Also I should note that there were 2 "chefs" but only 1 cooking because the younger one was involved in a domestic dispute in the bar area and then parking lot. Keeping it classy. I won't be back and wish I could get my money back.

    (2)

  • Kevin D.

    Well, I thought it was "Barrio Taco & Tequila Bar" so I think Yelp gets a poor rating for the inaccurate name. Awesome service and the best steak tacos I have ever had while sober. Everyone is friendly there and the beer selection and food is outstanding.

    (5)

  • Chris R.

    What an amazing meal. Chefski has out done himself with the menu at Barrio Indy. From the salsa flight and the mixture of flavors and heat to the Guac it is over the top. The Queso with the Ghost Pepper is addictive. I had the carne Asada and carnitas tacos so better than That other place on Mass Ave. Followed up by the peanut butter banana Changa was unbelievable. All the tastes and flavors bested all the other taco joints in Indy. If you haven't tried Barrio Taco & Tequila Bar yet you aren't even livin!!! Get here and take flavor to the next level!!

    (5)

  • Doug B.

    We came here and waited over 1.5 hours to get food. We were the only ones we arrived and about half full when we left. The food was okay at best, but very small portions. We had to got out for dessert because family was still hungry. Then the server kept messing up our bill over and over. It was still wrong and I was overcharged, but I was ready to leave. Service was so bad, it was like we were being punked.

    (1)

  • David B.

    We went there for Dinner with a group of 4 and we all agreed it was the worst restaurant experience of our lives. 1 hour to get drinks, 1.5 hours to get food not to mention they were out of what I ordered (didn't find out until 1 hour 20 min) Manager tried to give us shots instead of our food as an apology but told us the kitchen was backed up (they were dead). HORRIBLE. Also a suggestion, if you are going to have 'Tequila Bar' in your name you might want to have some drinks on the menu.

    (1)

  • Marcus W.

    A friend of mine and I tried Bar Rio's for the second time this weekend in the hopes the place could redeem itself from the cold, stale food served to us last time. They didn'. To start us off, they were out of hard cider at the bar and fish tacos in the kitchen, though the waitress assured my friend that they were getting more fish as we spoke, but she wouldn't tell us from where. My friend ordered three chicken tacos and I ordered two chorizo tacos and a basket of chips and salsa before the entrees. Yes, you pay for your chips and salsa here. A couple sitting near our table ordered an item from the menu, and were told they were out of that, too. The first small basket of chips were average, commercial chips. The chips in the second basket were so stale as to be inedible. The salsa had no flavor, but rather had a nauseating, unidentifiable aftertaste. Both sets of tacos were cold and without any flavor. My friend stated that the chicken had the texture of canned chicken. My chorizo was cubed like the pepperoni on a Pizza King pizza without any flavor and so dry, it seemed to suck the water out of my mouth. They claimed that it had pico de gallo and a spicy sauce, but both had no more flavor than the meat. They charged $8.00 for those two chorizo tacos, which was about $7.50 too much. My friend's three chicken tacos were $9.00, but should have been free. The entire time we were there, they played speed metal way too loud. There is a time and place for everything, but speed metal during dinner, while trying to have a conversation? No. The standard $4.00 margaritas were the only item they served that was good. Well, and the waitress wasn't overly uncouth. All in all, Bar Rio's is the worst place for food and ambiance and has absolutely no similarities to authentic Mexican food. Stay away.

    (1)

  • Laura O.

    Wasn't very impressed with the food or service. Queso and salsa are good, but I probably won't recommend to my friends.

    (3)

  • Blaire D.

    We ordered a large catering order today from this restaurant. They are located .07 miles from us. They arrived 30 minutes late after telling us that they were "pulling into our parking lot" 15 prior to their arrival. The delivery person showed up looking like she just rolled out of bed and didn't even bring all the tools necessary to set up our order. She also had to leave and come back with our invoice. After she started the warmers and left, we found that the parchment paper in our tacos that she heated with the warmers caught on fire in the bottom of the pans. Unbelievable. Never again.

    (1)

  • J P.

    The food was awesome!! I ordered the steak wet burrito and nachos locos. I've also tried their steak tacos and they may seem simple but they are full of flavor! The service was great, very friendly staff. And the margaritas... yum! I will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Brian K.

    A group from the office went there for lunch today. This place is right around the corner from my office, so I was really hoping it would be great. First off they charge $3 for unlimited chips and salsa. If they are going to be charging for chips and salsa it better be homemade and amazing. It was far from homemade or amazing, basically poured straight from a jar with a sprinkle of cilantro on it. The tacos looked good on the menu and you can get them in two's or three's, but you can not get a mix and match. Fortunately there were three of us so we each ordered three different types and shared (Pollo, carnitas, chorizo). The carnitas were dry and bland. Not sure how you can dry out carnitas but they figured out how. The pollo had some good flavors but was also dry. The Chorizo was the best of the three but that is not saying much. This a taco and tequila bar so you would think they would also make amazing margaritas. Guess again, pre-mix margarita mix and some well tequila and sour mix. They also need to work on their service. We went at lunch on a friday and there was only one server. The place can probably seat around 100 people, and there were only 12 people in the place. Even with one waitress having 4 tables the service was really lacking. I was really hoping this would be a great taco place, but if they do not get their act together then I give this place about a year before the doors close. Come on man you're in the Keystone area with a bunch of great places to eat. The quality of the food needs to be a LOT better. Unless they can turn it around neither I or my coworkers with be returning.

    (2)

  • Dave M.

    There is a lot of good Mexican food in the Carmel/Fishers area, unfortunately this isn't it. Not sure what they are shooting for, but we were hoping for some good, reasonably priced Mexican food within walking distance of the office. Instead what we found was an overpriced ala cart menu and food that was mediocre at best. Two carnitas tacos - $7 bucks. Side of beans - $2. Coke - $2. Chips and salsa, extra. Three of us for lunch - $43 without tip. We checked for specials, but all that was offered was on wine, which doesn't make much sense for lunch in a location that serves a professional office park. Hopefully their business model will make more sense to an after hours crowd.

    (2)

  • Amber W.

    Amazing authentic tacos, salsa and queso. They even had REAL tortillas, I haven't had those since my visits to Texas. I went in for a late lunch and had the best, attentive service I've ever had. Even the manager came over, sat down and had a conversation with me about the restaurant, how long it's been open, the happenings and the vision. I will definitely be going back, telling my friends and taking my clients there.

    (4)

  • J C.

    Bummer... Server was really sweet, which is the only reason for the second star. Margaritas were decent too. Food had no contrast of flavors; the descriptions on the menu led to thoughts of sweet and smoky and spicy, but delivered none of that. Carnitas were very dry. The guac was the only thing other than the chips that they used salt in and it was way too much. It was also $7 for about 3-4 oz. of guac. Pretty disappointed, but I should have known better when we walked in on Friday night and we were 1 of 2 tables. We won't be back. If you want good guac, tacos, and margaritas with a west coast flair, please go to Bakersfield on Mass Ave. Everything I Barrio was not delivered.

    (2)

  • Carey G.

    We met some friends here just for drinks after having had dinner elsewhere. It was around 8:45 on a Friday night. The three piece band that played was talented but SO LOUD. I don't know who thought that they would be enjoyable at such a volume. It was heavy metal concert loud for no particular reason! we had only the chips and salsa, and they were actually very good, and the server brought more without us having to ask for them. We had 3 different margaritas from the menu, and were disappointed that they "didn't have all of the ingredients" to make the spicy one. The listing of drinks on the menu sounded interesting (although I would have preferred more selections of tequila beverages than things like the Moscow Mule...love those, but not what I want at a tequila bar!). Unfortunately, the ones we had just all seemed watered down, and overly sweet. Great ideas like fresh cilantro and a spiced sugar rimmed glass, but bells and whistles can't replace a sub par drink. Decor was great, service was short of adequate, and we easily could have been upsold and talked into maybe trying some fancy tequilas, but we couldn't hear the poor girl. Then as we all sat with our half finished drinks, she asked if we needed anything else. We didn't, at that moment, and she quickly returned with our checks. It was 10 pm, they had much later hours posted but the band was packing up (thankfully) and the waitstaff was all hovering as if they were ready to go. I am unclear as to whether they were closing, having a shift change, or what, but we didn't feel like we had any choice about leaving. They have a great concept, but are failing miserably in their execution. And that is too bad.

    (2)

  • Marlene B.

    Service staff and bar manager were great, BUT the kitchen closed early so we weren't able to get main menu items. We ordered chips and queso. The queso was great but the chips were chewy and oily. The margaritas on the rocks were great. The frozen margaritas left a lot to be desired. The waitress was courteous and prompt. Brad (the bar manager) is a gem in the hat of this joint. He brought shots for the table to apologize for the frozen margarita debacle. Both he and our waitress were extremely knowledgeable about tequila. I will try this place again specifically because of the service staff.

    (3)

  • Joe P.

    Some co-workers and I went here for lunch on a whim. I should have known when we were the only people in the establishment that it was going to be so-so. We went on a Thursday and all had the tacos, they were having a special 3 for the price of 2. I had the shredded pork (Carnita) tacos. The tacos had good flavor, but the meat was very dry, so I was really going through the water. The atmosphere is not bad, kind of like a bar on a beach; however, the music was mostly 90's slow jams, so I felt like I was at my junior high homecoming dance. I am also amazed they charge $3.00 for chips and salsa when every other Mexican restaurant gives them out for free. The five of us that were there all agree we won't be back, the only reason for a 2nd star is because the staff are very friendly. My guess is the place will go down the path of the previous restaurant and be closed in a few months because I never see anyone there.

    (2)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :10:00 am - 3:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Good For Dancing : Yes
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : No
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Categories

Mexican Cuisine

If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.

Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.

Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.

BarRio Taco & Tequila Bar

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