Gina C.

Third visit to Barroco Grill this weekend. I've had the chicken arepa and empanadas in the past, and they were both delicious. This time I had the barroco churrasco (steack w chimichurri, rice, fries). It was good, but I probably wouldn't get it again just because there are more interesting things on the menu to try. My husband got the chicken tostones, which were just incredible! Sort of like nachos, but better. My sister got the cheesy corn, which was really tasty, but too rich for an entree. That one would definitely be better as an appetizer to share with others. This place gets a lot of things right, in my opinion. The food is good, and the prices are reasonable. I like that it's BYOB with no fees, and that they have the menu online with prices. I think next time I need to try the black bean soup.
(5)
Kaitlin D.

Barroco is such a filling and delicious treat! The atmosphere and decor are all great. Everyone is calm, even when they're busy and the staff really knows how to handle customers. (Particularly indecisive ones such as myself.) The cheesy corn is a must try. Seriously. So. Much. Cheese. If you like cheese, don't go to Melt to satisfy a cheese craving. Head to Barroco and eat a bowl of cheese dotted with little pops of sweet corn kernels. You'll never forget how delicious this dip is. The empanadas are fantastic and though you'll probably be full from cheesy corn, they are so worth the scarfing and stuffing. They are full of flavor and a good hearty choice. The sauces are to die for. The pineapple is an interesting sweetness (paired with the chorizo arepa--so good), the garlic is super garlicky but worth the bad breath, the chimichurri sauce is my personal favorite (so light and flavorful!), ranchero is a perfect creaminess to the meat and potato in the empanadas. Finally, shrimp ceviche. OH MY GOSH. This stuff is flavorful, not too fishy and so delicious. It even tastes just as good the next day! If I could have this for a meal once a week, I'd be one happy girl. Go here hungry and ready for a great experience. You'll leave full and happy!
(5)
Lilly S.

I have been here several times now and have always had a wonderful time. I had seen all of the great reviews and was very excited to finally try it. The first time, we got the food to go but picked it up. Park on the street, for one. There is lots of parking in that area. The decor is cute. It's a small but inviting space. Staff was very nice and happy to explain our options for sauces, etc. Our food was ready in 10 minutes from when we called - they were also pretty slow because it was a weeknight.. but still! I have gone back many times with friends and loved everything. I always get the veggie arepa with pineapple and jalapeno. My friends have gotten other arepas and entrees and been very happy every time! The sauces are all awesome - especially the chimichuri and peanut ones! Fresh chips, delicious fries and some of the best black bean soup I have ever had! Also, there's a cheesy corn dip that's awesome and comes in a vegetarian version with mushroom and pepper. I love it! The arepas are big enough that I sometimes only eat half and reheat the rest in the oven later. I can sometimes finish one if I'm very hungry! Last tip, it's BYOB and they're very accommodating to that. They'll keep your beer in the fridge if you want! This is one of my favorite places in Lakewood and I recommend it to people constantly. Love it so much!
(5)
Eric C.

Got the Cubano sandwich and a side of fries to go. The sandwich was very good (although I was surprised that there were no pickles or mustard) and a great portion size. The fries were also very good and fresh. I am looking forward to trying the rest of the menu.
(4)
Bum D.

Great, innovative menu with something for pretty much everyone. Cool South American soft drinks, interesting flavors everywhere. Beer coming in a month after remodeling, they said! The waitress was very pleasant and attentive, though she might've been the only one in house at the time who could handle customers...but she explained the menu very clearly for us and other first-time diners who arrived after us. We were there for a late lunch at an odd hour, and it was pretty empty. Loved the atmosphere in general. Their long string of recent awards seems well-earned. I'm planning to tell everybody in the area about this place!
(5)
Shannon C.

Been dying to try this place and it was absolutely worth the wait. For apps we did the empanadas and chorizo cheesy corn. The empanadas were fine, different from the puerto rican ones I have grown accustomed to. I wouldn't order them again unless I was in a large group. However, the cheesy corn is very original and unique and definitely not what I was expecting. It was like a cheese dip, with corn and chorizo in it. An absolute must have, every time I dine here. For entrees we did the ropa vieja and the bisteak. The ropa vieja was delicious, its going to be so hard for me not to order this every time I return. I took the plantain, topped it with the garlic aioli, added the meat and some of the spicy house made sauce on top and went to town. In one word, incredible. The bisteak was not what I was expecting either. Instead of little steak medallions, we received a huge, tender, cooked medium, 12 oz steak. Seasoned or marinated to perfection and grilled just how I like. This was a great steak and if you go with this it will not disappoint. Great concept and even better food.
(4)
Alicia N.

There are so many reviews for Barroco that there is only one reason that I'm writing this review. Everyone mentions the fact that it's BYOB, its appearance is extremely unassuming from the outside and the arepas are nothing short of phenomenal (kudos to the suggestion to ALWAYS add grilled pina and jalapeno to your veggie arepa)! Unfortunately, I witnessed most of my fellow yelpers missing one key point: the shrimp ceviche. There was one mention of it, but it did not do the ceviche justice. It comes chilled with huge, hot, and salty tostones (toast-tone-ays) (fried plantains). Forget the sauces (they are delicious, but please). All you need is that cool, creamy ceviche and the amazing tostones and you are set. Be sure to arrive early on weekends to get your ceviche, because it runs out very quickly. I can only imagine that more people will order the shrimp ceviche and I will be doing myself a great disservice by suggesting that you do so, but it is a must. I promise, I have not led you astray. Quick! Grab that chilled bottle of pinot that's been sitting in your fridge and run!
(5)
Joyce H.

Yum! Great place for Colombian street food. Came here with a groupon deal (yesss) for the arepas. We heard a lot by word of mouth from Rachael's friends that this is the place to go for delicious sandwiches. We got there, and the environment is laid back, colorful, and unique. (Lots of pics and even writing on the wall.) Our server was really fun and candid! A+ for the service here. She made some recommendations (like, don't destroy the cheesy corn otherwise you will be too full for the main meal!) and we took them to heart. Now, for the dishes.... THE AREPAS AND SIDES: I got the vegetarian one and bf got the chorizo one. For sides, we both got the black bean soup, which came with a little scoop of rice. There was also a small side of coleslaw. I have to say, it's really hard to make tasty vegetarian food, and this place was SO GOOD! So much flavor. It definitely had more of a sweet flavor, so I recommend the chimichurri and/or the pineapple. For the chorizo, my bf said it was excellent, and he liked the spicy peanut sauce and garlic. Very very good flavor overall. THE HOUSEMADE SAUCES: Pineapple, garlic, chimichurri, spicy peanut, and ketchup+ranch. THE CHEESY CORN: delicious but huge! Definitely good for a group of 4+. It comes with pieces of toasted corn chunks (fail.) So cheesy with corn, chicken, and bacon. The only thing was that I found it to be very pricy -- $12 for arepa+side. I'd come back and pay the same amount tho. I will come back for more!
(5)
Chad S.

Prices are a little high but definitely worth it in terms of quantity and quality! Food is absolutely delicious and the menu has a great range of options. Service a bit slow but not bad. Atmosphere is really cool, great decor and music. Only real suggestion is better air conditioning, a little hot in here!
(4)
Samantha F.

OMG! Flippin' amazing food! I've been reading the amazing Yelps and I completely trust Angela S's taste in good food so I really wanted to check out Barroco. Last night I asked my mom to join me for some errands and dinner at Barroco. Neither of us has had Colombian food before and were excited to try it. Barroco is a little lacking on set up on the inside, but it was clean and bright with some interesting artwork. Our waitress Rosa was just the cutest thing, she was so excited to tell us about everything on the menu and to make sure our first experience was great so we would come back. Mom ordered the Hawaiian Arepa with black bean soup. I ordered the Chicken Tostones. We also had an appetizer that was heaven sent and so rich and heavy it could have been a meal itself. I must say I'm typically not a Hawaiian fan of food but this Arepa was like meaty sweet and salty goodness in my mouth! (Please sir, I want some more!). I LOVED the Chicken Tostones. In fact, I loved everything so much I can't stop talking about it to my friends and co-workers. There were six sauces for the food too and the Garlic was amazing as was the spicy peanut! Seriously, I cannot wait to come back and try other menu items. The food was very heavy and some of it so heavily fried you can only eat a little. The nice thing was that I probably have several meals sitting in my frig at home for me to enjoy over the next day or so. The price is right too! Average entree is $10. If you're a vegetarian you can certainly find some Veg-friendly items amongst the carnivorous menu options. The kitchen is making your food to order so sometime you have to wait a bit, but lemme tell ya! Barroco is WELL WORTH THE WAIT!
(5)
Jennifer W.

I reaallllllyyyyy wanted to love this place, but... I don't see myself going back anytime soon. It wasn't terrible, but, based on the hyped-up Yelp reviews, I thought it was going to be a religious experience. It wasn't. Everything that could have been great turned out to be disappointing. Server was friendly, but slow and not attentive (ie, took a long time to take drink orders, no refills, a million years to get the check). Corn appetizer was super delicious...for the first three bites. Once the cheese started to congeal, it was kind of gluey and gross. The bread fries that came with it were rock hard and bland. Two solid vegetarian options... We ordered one of each - both were flavorless... To be fair, this place seems like it is known for their grilled meats, so that is understandable. Bill was $30 before tip - not terrible, but seems kind of expensive for "fancy fast food". There is no good place to wait for a table. It was irritating to have the choice of either freezing outside, or crowding into the claustrophic 3x3 entry with a bunch of other people so you didn't lose your place in line...
(2)
J K.

Yes, $12 for a sandwich and side sounds pricey. But the sizes of the servings are deceptive. An arepa and a cup of chili is a full meal. And they were exceptionally good. The cornmeal "bread" works very well. Firm enough to hold up to the last bite, neither dry and crumbly nor wet and messy. Not as strong a corn flavor as in your average tamale, so the flavor of the filling dominates, The tray of sauces made for fun experimenting. I didn't consider most of them to be hot, and the one exception was easily tamed, if need be, with the sour cream that comes on the side. The chili, too, was more about flavors than heat. I'd say I got my money's worth.
(4)
Samantha H.

This place is soo good and one of those places you will most likely feel way too full when leaving. Also the service here was really great, the servers were fast and gave a whole shpeel (sp?) about all their sauces and menu items. We got the cheesy corn as an appetizer. It was amazing. Those little corn chips are so good that they give to dip with. This 'appetizer' however was enough for us both to be full. we took most of it home. Then we had chorizo arepas. They let you add in or out any of the arepa ingredients. It was a perfect vehice for trying all the different sauces at the table. The garlic one was super garlicky and good. I couldn't pick a favorite though. The fries were just standard. I'll be back. I would like to try something from the gourmet menu like the shrimp ceviche or the steak with chimchurri sauce.
(5)
Allan N.

My favorite restaurant in Ohio. Chorizo, peppers, fried eggs, hot sauce, cheese, onions, avacado...if you like these things, you're going to fall in love. The empanadas are the best I've ever had, the cheesy corn is delicious and the arepas are killer. They bring you 6 sauces, all of which are awesome. The pineapple sauce has one ingredient: pineapple! Service has always been great and their bathroom is cleaner than mine at home. Remember to BYOB.
(5)
Gigi B.

Awesome! You must get the cheesy corn appetizer! So good! I usually get the perico arepa (scrambled eggs, chorizo, mozzarella, peppers, and onions) and I sub the chorizo for bacon! The Barroco loco sandwich is really delicious as well! The housemade sauces are the stars here, my favorite combo is the garlic sauce and the pineapple sauce, ridiculously good! Great ambiance, don't let the hole in the wall look fool you.
(5)
Mike K.

Great restaurant! Unique atmosphere, very pleasant waitress, excellent food! Don't forget to try all the sauces - authentic and delicious!
(5)
Alexis D.

Fun atmosphere and amazing food. The food had so much flavor and I'm not Columbian or even grew up with this type of foot but it could be my comfort food. It was amazing, go there, you won't regret it!
(5)
Tarik L.

Love this place....great food and always a fun place to hang out with friends.
(5)
Frieda W.

Yummy! You can bring in your own alcohol and it's priced just right. I love the decor and you can write your name on the wall. Only thing I dislike is the male/female restroom is a shard restroom. The food is delicious and priced just right! One of my favorite spots.
(4)
Carlos J.

It became my favorite place in Cleveland. The downtown location is a bit phony- the Lakewood location is the real deal. Ask the employees there what they eat- they know better than you. This place doesn't disappoint. Unless you don't like Cuban/Venezuelan/Latin cooking- then this place will suck for you.
(5)
Kimberly B.

LOVE LOVE LOVE! This Colombian restaurant cooks amazing!! I had the churassco which is a flank steak with chimichurri sauce, tostones (fried plantains) and rice!! I am hispanic so I am very tough on Hispanic Restaurants. However, i felt like I was eating a home cooked meal! It was absolutely wonderful. We had the amarillos as an appetizer, which were loaded with ground beef and cheese... Perfection! I would not mind eating here every weekend if I didn't gain a pound!!
(5)
Aaron S.

If it wasn't for Yelp, I probably never would have went here. I'm glad I did. The food was amazing and the staff was very friendly. It was definitely an interesting place. How many places let you BYOB?
(5)
Lauren S.

Ugh, if I could give 3.5 stars, I'd be all over it. I just can't bring myself to give 4 stars for one reason. First, let me just say: cool atmosphere, great service, good food, and it seemed clean. All good things. However, the menu is TINY. And kind of intimidating and weird at first. My boyfriend and I couldn't really decide on anything because it all sounded so strange, but we liked what we ordered. The variety is sparse and the options are sparse, and that's why I can't give higher than A-Ok. I feel by ordering an Arepa and a Superdog, we've sampled their entire menu. If they expand the menu, we'll be back for sure.
(3)
dawn v.

Awesome food!!!, We had a summer special, "rope vieja" , the cheese corn appetizer and a pork/chorizo arepa. They're known for the arepa, so don't skip that, but the special was simply amazing. The cheese corn with bacon gratin is so rich that you'll need four people. A little sale goes a long way as you'll have plantain chips to dip into it. We two ordered these three dishes, 2 drinks, total about $35, filled up on less than half, and took the rest home for lunch tomorrow.
(5)
Adrienne W.

I've had a bit of everything so far. No matter the choice, it's always been awesome. They hook you up with a lot of sauce which is a big deal once you've tried them. The wait is a bit long but it's all made fresh. I prefer to call ahead to place an order for pick up since seating is limited. I've never had a better arepa, their tostones are perfect and their empanadas are magical!
(5)
january z. j.

Out of this world freshness and quality of food. They make their own corn arepas in house and the flavor really shines through.
(5)
Rachel B.

This was an unexpected (well, ok, kinda expected based on high reviews) treat and I am so glad I came! Derek and I stopped in for an impromptu "date lunch" yesterday. We were in that very rare but coveted place in time where our daughter was at daycare but we both happened to be home because we were preparing to go out of town. So we decided to give this place a try because a) I had heard great things, and b) it seemed unassuming, fairly expedient, and low-maintenance (three things we were looking for out of our lunch yesterday). When we saw the small interior and "takeout' atmosphere, we thought, wrongly so, that we would have to place our order at the counter and bring it to a table. Nope! A really friendly guy came right over to us and asked if we were dining in, then offered us any available table. He came right over, went over the menu when we told him we were first-timers, and then quickly brought our drinks as we looked things over and decided what to order. It was not an easy decision! But I went with the chicken arepa with regular seasoned fries, and my husband had the chorizo arepa with arepa fries. We decided not to get the cheesy corn, which I'm a little sad about, but as soon as all the food was brought to the table I realized there would have been no room for the cheesy corn (on the table or inside of us). Everything was hot and wonderful. There was another very pleasant and cheerful waitress who brought us a variety of sauces and explained each one. I was a big fan of the ranchero, garlic, and the chimmichuri until I tasted the pineapple sauce. From that moment on, pineapple went on EVERYTHING. It was a big surprise because I don't usually go for pineapple with hot stuff (blame a particularly violent case of Montezuma's Revenge from eating a Hawaiian Pizza in Mexico). I tried not to finish everything .... it didn't work. The fries were only ok. But the arepa is what stood out. The all-white corn tortilla was sturdy, crispy, and a welcome reprieve from either regular thin tortillas or regular bread. It was a great experience. Next time we come back, we're going to share an arepa and the cheesy corn. (Although I'd really be interested to try the empanadas as well...) Note: to me, it wasn't a great place for kids because it was a bit cramped in there. However, they were friendly toward a couple who came in with a two-year old and they brought out a highchair for her. So, it is an option for those of you who are debating it.
(5)
Matthew D.

Went here for first time last night. OMG The food was soooooooooo good; and our waitress was so sweet and knowledgeable about the menu. Loved the wheel of sauces ... Gotta feeling this will be my new go to hot spot...
(5)
Richie O.

Seriously!? Finding Vegan food let alone finding restaurants willing to accommodate vegans in Ohio is a pretty big challenge and also considering my wife is very skeptical of many restaurants that are veg friendly due to cross contamination. Barroco grill is more than accommodating when it comes to veganizing their menu. My wife and I had the vegan version of their vegetarian arepas, guacamole and fried plantains, and another dish that was recommended to us by the lady that took our take out order (which was her favorite dish). I must say that when we got home to eat, the food was soo amazing and packed with amazing flavors! I cannot thank barroco grill enough for bringing such amazing flavors and food into our stomaches! Thank you to the lady that took our order and for the awesome recommendations! We'll be back to eat in very soon! Yummy!
(5)
Crystal W.

Love this place! It's hard to get in and there is no close parking but the food is great! It comes out fast and fresh! I am only giving 4 stars because there are not many modifications you can make on the food.
(4)
David M.

It's been two amazing years for Barroco. Every time I've gone, they've found a way to improve something, and that's saying something given the frequency with which I'm over there. Everyone I've taken to it is in love with it. I can't help but wonder what their next trick will be. If you're choosing between Barroco and another place, it's not really a choice; GO HERE.
(5)
Jessica S.

Great service. Food portions were very large. Come hungry. I was full after my appetizer. The corn queso is amazing. The entree was so so. Nothing that I would come back for. Over all a decent restaurant, not somewhere I would go back to twice.
(3)
Alysse B.

This BYOB latin, "street food" inspired restaurant is a gem. The arepas are delicious but don't overlook the empanadas - they are wonderful! The best part of Barrocco are their homemade sauces that accompany every meal... they are fantastic (especially for dipping fries in)... don't forget that you can take some home with you in your "doggie bag" The interior is funky, the servers friendly and the food is quick.
(4)
Sarah F.

This place is amazing! My husband and I both chose an arepa, he the puerco and me the mexicano. They were both delicious! Each was served with a spicy sour cream on the side. He chose chili for his side and it was spicy but not hot and delicious. I had the black bean soup. It was by far the best black bean soup I've ever had. All of their meals are served with 5 homemade sauces that compliment the flavors of the dishes. I found it interesting that they're a BYOB with no corking fee. Be sure to take your own beer or wine with you. It's a small place but very clean and inviting. You can't go wrong!
(5)
Karla M.

Fantastic place!! I came here with friends for a casual Friday night dinner. It was a hot night and their a/c was barely just working. It didn't matter though because the service was friendly, the food was awesome and came out quickly. For starters we had the empanadas, the guacamole and plantain chips and the cheesy corn dip( can't remover the name). All was great-- a special call out to the empanadas and the cheesy corn dip-- scrumptious. I had an arepa which was a real treat. If you can stuff it in, their deserts are great also. I will be back.
(4)
Sarah B.

I absolutely love this place!!! Unfortunately, I was reminded of how much I love it when the new W 6th street location completely destroyed the whole concept for me this afternoon. It was like Chipotle had stolen the arepas, stripped them of their authenticity and freshness and put them on the assembly line. Sorry folks, you still have to drive to Lakewood for this one, I promise it's worth it. Amazing service, consistently great (like, oh my god I have to tell you how good this is while I am still chewing, great) food, reasonable prices and BYOB.
(5)
Tiffany W.

Pretty good food and fun atmosphere in Lakewood. You have to try the appetizer called "mazorcada". It's not on the menu, but is delicious: pieces of chicken breast, corn, cheese, onions and crushed potato chips (sounds odd, I know, but believe....it's great!) I ordered the ropa vieja arepa with fries. For all you meat lovers: there was so much beef that I had to eat it with a fork! Definitely good value for the serving sizes. Oh and it's BYOB and no uncorking fee! (sorry, I'm from the DC area where they charge for EVERYTHING!) :)
(4)
Cec P.

We have been to Barroco twice and will make this a regular place to eat. Food was fresh, delicious, prepared well and good size portions. French fries were plentiful and crispy! Loved the arepas. I got the veggie arepa which was stuffed with all kinds of tender crisp veggies and cheese. Sauces on the side. I also got the black bean soup which was so good, we ordered another one to go for dinner later. The soup came with fried cornmeal bread. All homemade. Very clean place, although small. Waitress and all the people working there were very friendly. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking to fill up on great tasting freshly made Columbian food!
(5)
Michael J.

This was my second visit to Barroco Grill. The first thing I noticed was, "WOW, they raised the prices, and by A LOT." I'm glad I wasn't the only one to notice, as the table that sat down next to us made the exact same comment. It's one thing to raise an entree 50 cents or a dollar, but some of these items went from 8 bucks to 12 bucks with smaller portions! Needless to say this place has been dropped from my "I don't feel like cooking and want to grab a good, but cheap dinner" list. The Arepas are good, but not worth 12 bucks. The food is greasy and the place is kind of a hole in the wall. Hence, if I want to spend at least $15 for a dinner, I'd rather go to a place with a nice atmosphere and gourmet food. If I want greasy street food, I'd gladly pay $5-8 in a hole in the wall. Unfortunately Barroco Grill doesn't fit either of those.
(3)
Rachael N.

Barroco. I heart you. The same Colombian friend suggested that we try out Barrocos, for some good Colombian food. Okies, we said, and off we went... I went once just for the cheese corn, and the second time, I actually got the arepas. A small hole in the wall place in Lakewood, this place is always full when we frequent it. We sat down at a small table and took in the view of the place. Super colorful, with unique art along the walls, scattered with writings, and a view behind the small bar, to where the chefs are cooking the food. Cool. Not that I'm a super pro at Colombian food, but I must say, the food here is quite good and definitely the "heart-warming" type of food. Filling and hearty and tasty. Mmmmmmm. The first time I went, I got the cheesy corn with chicken/bacon/melted mozarella and arepa fries. We shared one and it was HUGE and oh so good. The second time I went, I got the actual arepas- I mixed mine with a chicken/chorizo combination, and he got the pork. Omg, they came out piping hot and so so so good. The meat was flavorful, tender, and moist and it was just the right amount for my big appetite and left me super satisfied. What's cool too, is that they have their own house made sauces- garlic aioli, pineapple, spicy peanut, some type of ranch, and ... something else I can't remember. All were really really good. I like the spicy peanut the best- mostly because I just like spice. Big kudos to the owner though- he has definitely stopped and talked to us, each time we're there, suggesting items off of the menu or whatever it may be. The last time we were there, he suggested having us do a combination- thus, my chicken/chorizo. Cool. He's a cool guy- I always love that personable feel. Mmmmm. Go go go to Barrocos if you haven't tried it. Fast service, fast food, good price, and good people. Mmmm. Definitely a great place if you're in the mood for arepas! Mmm.
(5)
Rick W.

Pork arepa WOW! What a nice change of pace and new flavors. The guacamole was fantastic, and the side sauces were great. My favorite was the cheesy corn dip. We will go back for sure!
(4)
Stephanie W.

I am always looking for great veg-friendly places around the Cleveland area, so I was excited to try the Barroco Grill last night with my family. I like little hole-in-the-wall type places, so I enjoyed the atmosphere; however, I can see how insane the tiny place could get on a weekend evening. (We were there around 4:00pm.) The "small parking lot" in the back is actually just four spaces that appeared to be for employee use - don't bother going back there, just find a spot on the street. I ordered the veggie arepa with the menu's recommendation to add the pineapple and jalapenos, and a side of black bean soup. Even with, I have to say I was surprised that the arepa wasn't packed with flavor. The sauces were a nice bonus, and we liked trying those on our arepas and fries. The corn wrap was kind of hard - not what I was expecting. The black bean soup was decent, but I was not wowed. For $12 per arepa, I would not go back here again. It really is just glorified fast food or food truck food, but with gourmet pricing. There are many other places in Cleveland I would rather spend my money on, where is would go much further. So, while we agreed that the food was decent and different than the norm, it was not worth the money and we will probably not go back, especially with so many great restaurants in Lakewood.
(3)
Paul W.

Ah, sweet, original Barroco location ...you're so near my home that access to the cheesy- corn dip is mere moments away. Juan and crew know what they are doing.
(5)
Derrick W.

I had heard about this place from a friend and finally decided to try it out. The decor and atmosphere was very nice, fun and cozy. Our waitress was maybe a little over zealous in her explaining the menu but I would rather have that than an absentee wait staff. I honestly don't remember the arepa I got but it was great! I usually don't go for the corn tortillas, especially when they are soft. These are home made and wonderfully crispy. My arepa was filled with chorizo, red beans, jalapenos and cheese. It is unfortunate that they do not sell their sauces because they were wonderful and a real highlight of my experience. I asked the waitress what kind of food this was and she told me the preparation is Venezuelan and the method of cooking is Colombian. All around a great experience.
(4)
Meri R.

The food is good but way overpriced. The prices have literally doubled and the portions are now smaller. The actual arepas are thinner and harder than in the past. The servers are always friendly but the tacky decor and aprons are distractingly ugly. I wish there was at least one additional vegetarian choice although the veggie arepa with black bean soup is a nice meal. It's nice for some diners that there are a variety of table sauces but they are all mayo excet for the syrupy pineapple. I guess since they just opened two new restaurants, customers get to pay for their debt. To clarify others' reviews, there is a small parking lot in the back as well as an additional dining area in the back.
(3)
Jeanne R.

Tonight we had a wonderful dinner at the Barroco Grill in Lakewood. We started with the guacamole. Excellent. Creamy and delicious. My entree was the Ropa Vieja. I decided to order it without the chimichurri sauce since I don't like cilantro, and it was outstanding. Very lean braised beef in a delicious sweet hogado sauce, served with perfect caramelized plantains, and black beans and white rice. A perfect combination of flavors. My dinner companions thoroughly enjoyed their arepas, the restaurant's specialty. I'm looking forward to my next dinner there.
(5)
Marcella B.

Hands down one of my top 3 favorite places to eat in Cleveland. Everything I have eaten there is delicious. The wait staff is pretty good. Their sauces are amazing. And it's BYOB, which I haven't taken adventage of yet but is a nice little bonus. My only suggestion is to try to avoid weekend nights - they get very packed & the wait is much longer, as it is a smaller place.
(5)
Kim R.

We tried this place after purchasing a Groupon, and we are glad we did. We tried the Ropa Vieja and the Cuban Sandwich, both of which met our expectations. I was excited about the variety of flavorful sauces made available with my sandwich. We will likely try it again. I'd like to try the black bean soup for sure, and now that we know about the BYOB option, we may take advantage of that as well. First experience there was a good one. Looking forward to trying the rest of the menu.
(4)
Erin O.

Omgyummy. Yeah - this place was incredible. The boy often has this look of dread on his face when I recommend a new place - especially when I warn him that I think it will be a "really good hole in the wall joint". So - my assumption was dead on. But, the inside was mad cool. Very industrial in a put-together way. Now the bad news... the cheesy corn? Yuck. My fellow Yelpers had built it up so much that I couldn't wait to try it. It was melted cheese - lots and lots of melted cheese - with a little bit of corn and chicken in it. Umm... Cheesy corn sounds like it should be more cheese than corn. It was like fishing in cheese sauce to find corn and chicken. The corn cakes served with it were good though. Now, the arepas. YUM... on mine. I got the chorizo arepa. Because - well... I get chorizo on anything. It's on the bacon level in my book. It was amazing. And, the different sauces that they serve were incredible... especially the chimichuri sauce. It wasn't normal chimichuri with oil... more like a dressing. But, SO good. The boy got the Hawaiian arepa. It wouldn't have been my first choice. But, I am not a huge fan of ham anyways. He liked it... but it was too much ham and not enough flavor. Not bad (I mean, he ate it all...) but, he'd probably pick a different one next time. Next time... yeah. We will definitely be back! :)
(4)
Cami T.

Holy Moly! I had to check this place out because I've been hearing crazy buzz....and now I see why! We ordered an Arepa and a Cubano plus the side of cheesy corn. I am pretty sure I had an out of body experience with the corn...the cheese was perfectly melted in with roasted corn and bacon/ham. OMG! The Arepa's corn tortilla was delicious but it was hard to tell because I was enjoying trying all the many sauces on my super stuffed chorizo arepa. The Cubano was excellent too and huge...with enough to save for lunch the next day. Totally check it out. These guys are passionate and they're doing some great things!! I'd also like to note that they made our food fresh and it was impressively quick!
(5)
Kris F.

My first 5 star review... In Spanish, Barroco translates to elaborate, or more obviously, baroque. I don't know that I'd choose those words to describe Barroco, but, well, you'll see many choice adjectives here soon. I really don't understand the choice of the name Barroco here, as the place's charm comes from it's more rustic nature. Maybe it's an ironic name. Like when you call your 6 4, 400lb friend "Tiny." My first piece of advice: go to Barroco on a Tuesday like we did. I can't imagine the mad house this place is on the weekends. From the road, it's easy to miss. The parking is all street parking, and even walking in to Barroco doesn't inspire a lot of confidence in what you've just gotten yourself into. Ignore your first instincts. We opted not to observer the kitchen, and instead headed to the back into the dining area. There are a lot of two person tables back here, and the tables are quite small. I wouldn't walk in with more than four and expect to be seated immediately. Although with how friendly and helpful the staff is, I imagine they'd figure something out for you. So we sat down and were handed a very small menu full of Columbian classics, none of which I'd ever seen, but not once did I feel lost or alienated reading the menu. This is a delicate act and one that's rarely done right. To start, I really wanted to take the "try new things" thing to an extreme and even go with a drink I'd never had. I ordered a "Columbiana," an item which had no description on the menu. The waitress told me it was like Champagne, one of her favorites, and assured me I'd love it. I believed her. And right she was. It was a cherry/citrus soda and it was very good. Also at her recommendation, we ordered the "Cheesy Corn" as an appetizer (pic below). I realize it doesn't sound appetizing, but let me tell you, it's labeled the "Star of Barroco" for a reason. It's cheesy, it has chicken and bacon,and it's amazing. When you go, get it. For dinner I ordered a steak (mid-rare as it should be) topped with a tomato and onion sauce and a fried egg, plantain chips, and cilantro rice, all for $15. Incredible. Moreover, my steak was cooked perfectly. How is it that this tiny Columbian restaurant can season, cook, and top a steak so perfectly and all these STEAKhouses can't even manage the basics? It's a travesty. Honestly, next time you want a steak, skip the chains, hit up Borroco. Even if you aren't looking for any of the trimmings, put them to the side and eat the best steak you can get for under $30. Everything on my plate was new to me, (except the rice of course) and I couldn't be happier I tried it. It really was wonderful. I used their assortment of delicious sauces (even though one of them was clearly mostly Frank's Red Hot haha) on everything, and it was overall a great experience. Finally we come to dessert. The dessert was an espresso/butterscotch tasting flan-like dessert. I don't normally care for anything coffee flavored, but this was well balanced. The only complaint I have is that it was very sweet. My girlfriend really seemed to enjoy it though, so maybe it was just me. Overall, Barroco was incredible. I know now what people mean when they describe somewhere as "_______'s best kept secret." Barroco is unassuming, but you'll never forget it. The decor is simple and interesting, and they completely pull it off. The food is amazing, the staff is very cheeful and helpful, and I will absolutely be back, and often. Hopefully with some people from out of town so they can leave with a great sense of what Cleveland food can be. I also have one thing left to explore. A few tables had six packs of random beers (Shock Top, Great Lakes Dortmunder) on their tables. Not sure if they're brought from outside or bought there, but either way, it's awesome. Next time you're trying to decide on a place to go for dinner, head to Lakewood to try something new. You won't regret it. See OnBecomingLost.com/Barroâ€¦ for the pictures.
(5)
Stefanie F.

Like RBJ, I wasn't prepared to like this place as much as I did. It was pretty darn good. I remember this place used to book shows. I saw Clan of the Cave Bear here years ago when it was a pizza joint. But now, it serves some pretty delicious Latin American inspired noms. I had never had an arepa before. I tried the pork filled (har har) arepa and loved it. Arepas are very filling, so I could barely finish more than half of mine even though I was starving. Everything was seasoned pretty well. Having had "Mexican" the previous evening that was extremely bland -- yeah, this place was just what I needed. My favorite part of Barroco was the different sauces they brought to the table. I liked them all and it was pretty awesome to have so many choices to dip my french fries in. I love dipping. This place is great for lunch or a really cheap dinner. It's not meant to be fine dining. The only negative was that it was super hot in there. It was a 90 degree day and they had a window AC unit. The poor kids working in there. Uggh. Hopefully if they do well enough they can invest in some central AC. Yikes.
(4)
Alan S.

Recently got the opportunity to get back here and I need to NOT wait so long next time. It's as good and fun as it's been every time I've visited--which is a lot more than the number of reviews I've left for it. Side note: I'm sure most Yelpers understand there are sometimes other than altruistic reasons people leave reviews. When I read below how "the horrible artwork ruoins (sic) the mood" and then see the same person gave a bowling alley down the street FIVE stars, well, not hard to figure out what's going on. Then when you see those are his ONLY two reviews, credibility just put on a party hat and left the building. Of course, maybe it "ruoins" (sic) his mood because he views Latin American food as impressionistic and his favorite style is contemporary. Yeah, that's probably it. Heck, anyone would get queasy in that case. Barroco Grill is one of the most fun little gems in the entire city. We are blessed to have a place like this and I'm damn glad we do.
(5)
Lewis S.

Food was delicious! I had the cheesy corn and the Cuban sandwich and both were tasty. I will definitely take a trip back when back in the area. The prices were great and the place seemed laid back.
(5)
Lisa G.

I went to this place due to a voucher purchased from Groupon. It is a very small place but wow is it amazing! The staff is very helpful and nice. Being our first time there the waitress explained the menu and even made suggestions. We tried the Chicken Arepa and Cuban Sandwich. Both items were WONDERFUL! The Cuban is a foot long! The arepa was great. I am not a big corn masa fan but theirs are not as strong, and it is more like a crispy pita, than a corn tortilla. Parking is a little difficult. We had to park down a side street and walk to the location. But it was well worth the walk. I can not wait to go back and try other items. The food the people got at the table next to us looked very tasty.
(5)
Teri W.

3.5 stars Next to the dearth of Middle Eastern and Persian restaurants in town, there's an equally unfortunate lack of good Latin American food. And while I probably prefer Peruvian cuisine to Colombian, Barroco Grill is definitely worth a try. Many Yelpers are extolling the virtues of the arepas (I had the pork and it indeed was overflowing and quite succulent), the accompanying black bean soup is the real winner in my opinion. As an added plus, it's BYOB and the waitstaff is so genuinely nice, you can't help feeling the good vibes.
(4)
Leigh C.

I feel like I have found the most holy place of Colombian arepas! If you don't know what an arepa is you should do some research and be sure you're not looking up Venezuelan arepas because they're different. Barroco is like a neighborhood spot you're glad to have in your neighborhood. The servers are really sweet and let you know what each of the items on the menu are and offer up their suggestions. I go for the Hawaiian and that's enough to fill me up each time. Though sometimes I can convince myself to split a flan... If you're the sort of person who loves a frou frou dining experience you may not love the atmosphere. Check yourself and take it down a notch and you'll be glad you did. The food is affordable, the food is fantastic, the people are real and did I mention that the food is fantastic? Oh, and it's BYOB.
(5)
Angela S.

For not looking like much on the outside, Barroco Grill delivered on the inside! When you initially walk in, it's teeny tiny & hot as heck. I'm not sure if the air conditioning was broken on the particular night I went but... phew, it was a bit steamy in there! Besides this fact, our server was very friendly & the food came fast. I heard this place was known for their "arepas", a white corn, grilled, pocket-like tortilla stuffed with deliciousness. I chose the classic chicken arepa with a side of black bean soup. The dishes also come with their famous homemade sauces. The arepa was a good size & the soup was as well! My first bite I didn't have any sauce so I could taste the flavor of the arepa. Very good. Then I moved on to the 5 sauces they offer... Sweet Georgia Brown, these were good sauces. The top 2 I stuck with the rest of the meal were the creamy garlic & chimichurri. Both were absolutely delicious & paired perfectly with the arepa. The black bean soup was also very good! We had an order of fries on the side which were spiced with paprika & a hot little something. Very good as well! I ended up taking half of both my arepa & soup home! Plenty of food for a great price of $9! The experience at Barroco Grill was great & I would highly recommend it!
(4)
Jimmy S.

Found this place on yelp while on a business trip to Cleveland. Great place to eat! We ended up coming back the next night for dinner and would have again if we hadn't been travelling home. The arepa was delicious and the sauces were even better. A perfect combination. The second night I had one of their steaks. It too was phenomenal...and quite large for the price. The environment was a unique, very hip and happening place. Our waiter was great and he helped explain everything about the food/sauces. If I'm ever in Cleveland again, I will definitely be back!
(5)
Raul R.

Great local spot found it on Yelp so decided to give it a try with a buddy and it was a great choice. It's a more colombian/American restaurant we had the Steak Arepa and the Chicken Tostones and I must say they were great if your in the mood for something different or south American dishes this is a great choice. Only reason why's wouldn't give it a five star is because it's a bit small and the art work is kinda creepy.
(4)
Mike C.

I found this place on yelp today. Came here with my wife who is very picky tonight. What a find. I'm not sure what the waitress was telling me so I just said yes alot. Cheesy corn is a home run. Everything is incredible. Got food to go just to try tomorrow. We will definitely come back.
(5)
Adi S.

Absolutely delicious. Exceptional, friendly service. This was my first time at this location as well as my first time eating Colombian food. I was with a small group, so we ordered the tostadas con todo to share and I had the chicken arepa. The plantain chips were amazing; I had had plantain chips before but nothing similar to the larger, heartier ones they serve here. Must try all the sauces that come with the meal, you can't go wrong with any of them; my personal favorite was the spicy peanut. I wouldn't consider myself to be a big pork fan, but the hogado here is flavorful and tender enough to melt in the mouth. Great portion sizes, everything tasted fresh and extra points for traditional drinks such as the Colombian coffee. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Anna J.

Had the empanadas very good! Can't wait to try something new! Been here twice. Very nice spot for a date
(4)
Christa T.

Really enjoyed my first experience at Barroco. We went on a Tuesday, about 4:45 and no one else was in there. The service was great from the moment we went in. We took beer and a flask of rum, as it is BYOB. We started with an amazing appetizer of Cheesy Corn. So good! For my entree, I had the veggie arepa. I am not a huge french fry person, but I ordered the fries as my side because of the variety of sauces to try. My personal favorite was the spicy peanut, but the others in my party liked the garlic better. All I can say is that they were all good. I mixed the spicy peanut and sour cream together on my arepa and WOW....it was delicious. One person I was with ordered the buffalo chicken arepa. I tried the chicken and it was to die for. The other chose the chorizo with he said was fantastic. I cannot wait to go back.
(5)
Meredith D.

Meh. I went here about a year ago and never Yelped about it, so keep in mind that this review isn't recent. However, I just wasn't that impressed. It tasted like, apart from one or 2 of the sauces, something I could easily make at home by myself, and much cheaper. Didn't taste authentic to me. If you're looking for authentic Latin food that will blow you away (and a similar concept to an arepa) at a buck sixty a pop, get pupusas at Pupuseria La Bendicion. I know, arepas are Colombian and pupusas are Salvadoran, but my point is--Barroco was nothing special. La Bendicion is.
(2)
Matt C.

Barroco is SO GOOD! I loved it so much, I felt like I was cheating on tacos. They serve Arepas, which are thick, fried corn tortilla pockets - sort of like a pita/tortilla hybrid that are filled with your choice of beef, chicken, veggies, chorizo, etc. These come with seasoned fries and wasabi coleslaw - all for $9. The arepas themselves are about 4-5" in diameter, but they are FULL of whatever delicious choice you have made. They bring you a bunch of napkins, which is good, because they are so stuffed, that it can get messy. I had the chorizo, which was combined with peppers and onions. My fiancee had the veggies, which was mushroom, onion, peppers, tomatoes, jalapenos. Both were incredibly delicious. The fries are nothing too special, seemed like seasoned Oreida's, but there's nothing really wrong with that, but what makes the fries is the SAUCES! They bring you a holder full of 5 sauces: a spicy peanut (like a mexican hot sauce, thai hybrid), a creamy garlic sauce, a ranchero sauce, a creamy chimmichurri sauce, and a pineapple sauce. These go on both the fries and the Arepas. They have a "no ketchup" sign and for good reason - I never want to have ketchup with fries again - I want to choose a sauce individually for each fry like I could here. We did one Arepa with fries and one with soup - THEIR BLACK BEAN SOUP WAS BY FAR THE BEST BLACK BEAN SOUP I'VE EVER HAD. Black bean soup with rice, with a big ole scoop of chimichurri on top... I almost regretted being the one who got fries (almost). One thing that fell short was the Wasabi Cole Slaw - it sounds awesome, but I didn't really get the wasabi punch I was expecting. Over all, delicious, good, friendly service, cool little atmosphere and I would definitely go again and again and again! OH - KEY POINT - BYOB! If you're going for dinner, you'll save $$ on drinks and bring whatever you really want to drink!
(5)
Kyle S.

Very small inside. Food is great! Its something you can't find everywhere. Make sure you try all of the sauce options. Order the chorizo arepa and thank me later. BYOB! They have a new location opening soon on W6th downtown.
(5)
Nicholas K.

My FAVORITE Cleveland area locally-owned and operated 'hole in the wall'. Arepas are outstanding, and well priced. I always opt for the Hawaiian Arepa, b/c the pairing of ham, bacon and pineapple creates my ideal flavor palette: salty/sweet/crunchy/smooth. Staff is always pleasant, courteous and willing to go out of their way to accommodate all guests. I am not a fan of the fries, but that's only b/c I'm always smashing at least two arepas. Black bean soup is a great winter treat - and not too salty, which is important to my taste buds. Lakewood location does not have a liquor license yet, so it is BYOB, which many people seem to prefer. My only small complaint is they lack sugar-free/non-soda beverage options. I've gotten into a habit of bringing my own bottled Iced Tea, when I stop in for lunch - which is at least twice a month.
(5)
Bridget G.

A gem in Lakewood. The food was phenomenal. Service was so-so, but not bad by any means.
(5)
Joao Pedro L.

I really loved this place. My expectations weren't too high because I love Colombian food and the location made me wonder. Once you go inside you see how friendly the atmosphere and staff are. The menu is very simple, not good if you like your decent amount of choices, but if you really love food you won't mind, since the few selections are all delicious. And you can adapt your favorite combinations of toppings to your arepas, for instance. Also, do a favor to your self and order the Maduros con Queso as appetizer - delicious fried banana with cheese - decadently good!
(5)
PETER T.

Sorry to write. Update food getting a bit greasy and they no longer make their own corn wraps for their sandwiches. Pick up the slack. Was there when they opened I hate to be there when they close. Its the details that kill a good eatery.
(2)
Michelle S.

My absolute favorite restaurant. Good service, great food, and amazing sauces! You can't go wrong with anything on the menu! Love the atmosphere and I would really like to check out the live entertainment. I recommend this place to everyone and have yet to hear any negative feedback. Check it out!
(5)
TM L.

We went to Barroco Grill for the first time tonight. It was 7:00 p.m. on a Saturday and we were seated right away and had very attentive and quick service. We ordered the Cheesy Corn that was delicious. My husband had the chicken arepa and I had the pork and they were both excellent. I loved all five sauces, the chimichuri was my personal favorite and my husband preferred the garlic. The staff was super friendly, very accommodating and I loved the friendly casual atmosphere. You also can't beat the prices. We will definitely be regulars. Wish it were closer to home.
(4)
Molly F.

My boyfriend and I have been to Barroco several times and have always had a good, but different, experience. The first time we went we ordered our meals at the front counter took our meals to a table and enjoyed. The second trip, we ordered at the counter and they brought the food to us. The third, we sat down immediately and were served by an extremely friendly waitress. I have always stuck to the areapas- they are always amazing and very filling. My favorite arepa is the chorizo, you will never be disappointed with the chorizo arepa! My boyfriend has tried something new every time, he has always enjoyed his meals, one being the Shrimp Ceviche. Make sure to try out the different sauces, there are 6 different flavors and all are very good. I really like the decor, lots of bright colors and artwork all over the walls. The restaurant is small but we have never had a problem getting a seat. The service is always great as well-everyone is SO nice and attentive. I am a huge fan of Barroco!
(4)
Fallon S.

I ventured here because of a Groupon, but will venture back because it's amazing, start to finish. First thing you need to know: This place is BYOB. Yes, bring your wine, bring your beer, even bring your liquor although that's more of an after dinner thing. I wish all restaurants were like that! The kitchen opens right up into the dining room. You get a real "homey" feeling, like you're in someones house and they're serving you straight from their oven. Our server was so sweet. She was so helpful with recommendations and very attentive. They bring a tray of sauces out for your food and she explained what each one was. The food came quick and she actually acted like she enjoyed being there. I had the Hawaiian Arepa. This little corn dough pita may be bland itself (they're supposed to be from what I understand) but it's absolutely packed with flavor! I guess the chorizo one is their claim to fame but mine was stuffed full of ham and bacon, topped off with a perfect amount of pineapple and mozzarella. It looks small but was so filling! And yes, we tried the cheesy corn. It was really freakin' good! It was a bit too rich and heavy for me though. I felt like it lined the insides of my belly, which I guess isn't necessarily a bad thing. I like the little cornbread-like fries or wedges they served with it though. They should substitute all their fries for these things, and they went really well with the sauces. The Chorizo sauce and the Garlic sauce were my favs. If you're looking for spice, the Peanut sauce is where you'll find it! The price overall, sans the Groupon, was pretty reasonable. It was about $30 for the both of us but we left stuffed and with a lot of leftovers.
(4)
Matthew U.

I dont understand long reviews. No one wants to read your book. Size: small-avoid busy times to get a table Price: Very affordable. 2 people can eat like kings for under $25 Location: Easy to find but parking can be a challenge Food: Very good and very unique. Its like modern mexican....if your looking for traditional mexican go to MiPueblo. If you want something funky and different then come here. Staff: Very friendly but the service is a bit lacking. OVERALL: Its definatley worth stopping in just for the cheesy corn if anything else.
(4)
Howard D.

Killer sammies and sauces!
(5)
Laura R.

This place is such a wonderful little flavor haven. It's TINY, so be prepared to either wait awhile if it's busy or get there early. The food is incredible, the arepas are SO DAMN GOOD. They give you this big selection of sauces with your meal and they're all really good. I actually ordered some tortilla chips just so I could sample all of them. The service is friendly, but slow at times if they're busy.
(4)
Sai L.

columbian food that is very authentic to taste and region. great flavors and well prepared. you can't find food as tradition and made with love as my mamma use to make it. and the staff was A number one. nice to find a place like this here in downtroden cleveland.
(5)
Sonny P.

A friend of mine had a Groupon to this place and asked if I wanted to go with him. I love trying food from different cultures so I was very excited to hear of a Columbian restaurant in Cleveland. I tried the Chorizo Arepa (Best Seller) and it was one of the most fantastic things I have ever eaten. The food was so great I took my sister & her friend a few days later. I highly recommend trying this Cleveland gem. The service is fantastic.
(4)
Michael S.

One word: unremarkable. Burgers and fries. The "famous" arepas are simply pita pockets... made... out... of... corn. C'mon people, the entire menu is just pretentious "sandwiches." The food was overcooked, and the service was beyond slow. Four employees couldn't keep up with 6 orders during a 45 minute period. Word of advice, get a coupon or something... You need about 50% off to bring the value in line with the price. One redemption was the cheesy corn, but honestly, how can you screw up melted cheese with chunks of chicken and (bagged, frozen) corn kernels. This is a fad restaurant, and I'm honestly surprised that it's managed to stay open as long as it has, and shocked at the level of notoriety that it has reached. Hands down there are better, more interesting "ethnic"/fusion restaurants in Lakewood. Try any of those, and skip this place.
(2)
Frank S.

We ordered the ropa vieja and chicken tostones, along with the cheesy corn as a starter. Cheesy corn was delicious, and the arepas served with the dish were crispy. Unfortunately, the main dishes didn't live up to expectations. The shredded beef had an unusual texture, while the chicken in my main dish was overcooked and dry.
(2)
Allison F.

YUM YUM YUM!! This place is cozy and funky -- with scrumptious food! the "cheesy corn" is super delicious!! The staff is always cheerful and helpful and ready to serve you!! Its BYOB - which is always fun :) Great for dates, lunch or anytime of day, really!! YUM YUM YUM!!!
(5)
Shayna R.

I looove this place! I really can't wait to go back, I had a great experience. The food was incredible! We got the chorizo arepa and steak arepa, as well as the cheesy corn. The cheesy corn was insanely good - anything that combines corn and cheese and bacon is a winner in my eyes. And the sauces that came with the arepas were delicious! I loved the pineapple sauce with the chorizo, and the spicy peanut sauce was perfect with the steak. If they bottled those sauces, I'd buy all five of them. Besides their regular menu, there's also a gourmet menu on wine bottles on the table, and everything on that menu looked delicious as well. The dining area is small, but it definitely added to the funky charm of this place. The servers were friendly and cheerful. Love!
(5)
Patrick G.

Wasn't as good as everyone says it is, overpriced, wouldnt be able to enjoy it without the 6 sauces they provide, but i guess it was ok.
(3)
Stephanie P.

I probably go to this place every week, it's definitely my favorite spot around Cleveland. The food is exceptional, the atmosphere is very cool and laid back, it's a great value for the price, and the staff there are so friendly and the service is great. I always get the guacamole or cheesy corn dip (make sure you try it with the plantains), and the arepa mexicana with the black bean soup (its to die for). I have also tried the plaintain sliders, which really aren't what I would define as a "slider," it's really a huge pile of meat and plaintains, but equally delicious. I am also in love with their sauces....there are 5 that they give you on one of those little trays and they are all fantastic. My favorites though are probably the spicy peanut and the garlic. It's also BYOB, so run to your favorite craft beer vendor, pick your own 6 pack, and just go to town. Top the night off with their banana dessert :)
(5)
Sarah F.

I've been here 2 more times (just a bit obsessed). The black bean soup and rice is awesome! And our waitress is always super sweet.
(5)
Kara L.

I am in love with Barroco! I crave their arepas on the regular. The chorizo arepa and Hawaiian arepa are both pretty much the bomb. I haven't tried much else on the menu because I am in love with these, but I'm sure everything else is awesome, too. The staff is great - very friendly and accommodating. They packed up about 20 sauces for us when we ordered carryout without any question or rolling of the eyes. :)
(5)
Ha T.

If only I could move this place to East Cleve.. I'd be compelete. An awesome father and son duo. Very kind and helpful when ordering. The specialty is arepas-- so it was an easy choice. My fiancÃ© loved it! Very crispy on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside. My choice was impulsive, and I ordered the hotdog. We shared the queso dip. All delicious! I wanna go back to try the sandwiches. **disclaimer: kinda hard to see because it looks like a house, so go slow. Also, be patient, dynamic duo didn't have an extra hand, so the latin street fast-food wasn't so fast.
(5)
Maggie P.

Barroco is my "happy place". Any time I need homemade, fantastically delicious food, Barroco is it for me. I've loved this place since the first time I tried it well over a year ago. I've never been disappointed and love that they add new menus to the menu. Also, the environment inside is eclectic, fun, and perfect for a date or for out-of-towners.
(5)
Brian C.

I finally checked this place out after hearing some good things and I'm sorry to say that I was disappointed. It was kind of a busy night (on account of a groupon?) and I won't count that against them... although I did feel bad for the family of five that came in seconds after us and had to wait... and wait... and were still waiting even after we left because there are only a few tables that can seat more than 3 people (and an obnoxious group of four who had finished eating before we arrived were just sitting there chatting). Where do I begin? I guess I'll start with. "if Barroco Grill was a food truck, I might give it a three" because it is basically that caliber of a meal (right down to the paper cups). I found it quite humorous when an over-dressed group of four waltzed in with two bottles of wine. I was sad that we had to leave before they were seated because I wanted to see them drink their wine out of paper Pepsi cups (I imagined the plastic lid with the "merlot" dimple depressed). I guess that brings me to my gripes: The fountain Pepsi products were the only beverages. The spoonful of "wasabi" coleslaw came in a plastic condiment cup and I could scarcely detect the hint of wasabi. The fries were pretty bland and barely seasoned. I'm not sure why the only cheese that they serve is mozzarella. I also didn't care for the sauces everyone else is raving about. They were disappointingly mediocre. I like spicy stuff, but the only spicy sauce was also peanut and the spicy clearly came from Frank's Red Hot (which, at full strength, isn't all that spicy). The cheesy corn looked good. I kind of wished we tried it because I'm not so sure I'll come back.
(2)
Lisa S.

First time eating Colombian food. The arepas were delicious and the cheesy corn is wonderful! Better yet, the server was enthusiastic and spent time with us discussing the food and teaching us how it is eaten in Colombia. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Brian K.

Checked this place out after getting a half off Groupon. My wife and I went on a Friday night, and it was packed! We were seated right away, and had an attentive waitress right from the start. The place is cramped, and there was a house band playing so loudly that you would have to scream in order to be heard, but we honestly didn't mind. It was an overall fun atmosphere. By the way, this place allows BYOB! The food was great. My favorite part were the homemade sauces that they bring out to the table at no charge. Mix and match, and put them on everything! The Barroco Burger was fantastic, and my wife really enjoyed her Hawaiian Arepa! We'll be back
(4)
Kristen M.

Was introduced to this spot by some friends and could not have been happier. The food was amazing and dinner for 4 came to $54 - really can't complain about that. I've been thinking about it for the last few days and my husband admitted he's been craving it as well. Can't wait to go back. Only downside - maybe I'm old but I thought this place was SO LOUD! I could barely hear the folks at my own table. Loved the BYOB aspect though - wish more places would do this.
(4)
Peter W.

A friend sent me a link to an article announcing the opening of Barroco, and I started chomping at the bit to get in and try it. Located in a tiny white store front toward the east end of Madison, the small dining area is adorned with colorful art that is a perfect companion to the bold flavors of the food. The menu consists primarily of sandwiches with a Colombian take, as well as a couple of other dishes based on Arepas (ground white corn meal patties). I'm a sucker for a cuban sandwich, so once I saw that on the menu there was no question as to what I would be ordering, but I couldn't stop there and ordered the Cheesy Corn too. The Cuban was a stellar example of the species, perfectly grilled and melty. I also opted to go with the pineapple sauce rather than the garlic mayo which really went well with the pork. The Cheesy Corn is a piping hot bowl of Chicken, Bacon, White Corn, and a hot white cheese sauce. It was also delicious, though it's super rich, and after the sandwich I could only manage to conquer about half of it. Both were accompanied with Arepa fries which were pleasantly crisp on the outside and soft inside. These were a really nice change from the usual french fries and made a great dipping tool for the variety of house sauces -Ranchero. Pesto, Hot, Garlic Mayo, and Pineapple (my favorite) as well as the Cheesy Corn. The staff was super friendly, and very forthcoming with information about the food, which was helpful for making the difficult choice of which delicious looking dishes to try. Barroco Grill is a great addition to Lakewood, inexpensive, delicious, and most importantly bringing some new flavors that had been lacking in the diverse culinary offerings on this side of town. I cannot urge you strongly enough to visit and fill up on the goodness.
(4)
Jessica S.

BYOB and delicious, unique food. Nothing else needs to be said.
(5)
Jessica I.

Thanks to a Venezuelan friend, I've long been a big fan of arepas, so I was excited to try this. Maybe I just went at a perfect time, but it really just hit the spot. I went for the veggie arepa with an order of arepas "fries." My husband went for a cubano, as he's been seeking one since Lelolai apparently went out of business after moving to the Old Arcade. We both really enjoyed our meals, though the arepa fries - even shared - were a bit of overkill for us. Delicious, but sooooo dense on top of the rest of the meal. The BYOB factor kept the tab really small, and we enjoyed the service and cute tiny space. It's a really nice option in a town with few similar restaurants.
(5)
Rich S.

The food is good and priced well. This place is good to throw into the 'every day' rotation but isn't going to wow you . No reason not to support this local business. The fries are nothing out of the ordinary but great with the garlic sauce. Keep in mind that the restaurant is small and the service may struggle to keep up when it gets busy. The menu is so simple that any confusion can be sorted out quickly.
(4)
Jessica Z.

Love the arepas and get the black bean soup as the side!!
(4)
M M.

This is one of my favorite eating establishments in Cleveland. Every time I go I bring someone with me who has never been there before. I've frequented Barroco Grill a dozen times now with newcomers and it's nearly unanimously loved (a group of hoity toity consultant coworkers did not like it, but they eat at 4-star restaurants every day). Recommendations: - Cheesy corn - a must-try - Black bean soup - good level of spicy, lots of flavor - Buffalo chicken arepas - they're all good, but this seems to be the favorite - All of the 5 sauces, in many combinations. My favorite is the garlic. I wasn't so impressed with the ropa vieja and empanadas - Barroco Grill decided to add more upscale items to its menu a few months after opening (they originally offered only burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, arepas, and cheesy corn) and I don't know, maybe these just need tweaking before the flavor's there. BYOB - Wine and beer are totally welcome here. They'll even provide the appropriate glasses Reservations - This place is a small hole-in-the-wall kind of joint. You do have a waiter (well, it's been a waitress every time I've gone) but it's the kind of place where a couple of tables that seat 2 are arranged in various formations. Not the kind of place you make a reservation at (though I did once for a party of 8 and they were able to make sure to save us a spot) Decorations - The art is all done by a friend of the owner, I think, and it look snazzy! Sign your name on a wall before you leave!
(5)
Prince P.

The food is great! The portions are deceiving. They appear small but are sure to fill you up. Very inexpensive. B.Y.O.B and sign your name on the wall. All they need is more space, an extra bathroom, and an alternate route to the bathroom instead of through the kitchen.
(5)
J. R.

Stopped by mid-week for lunch and had a pork arepa. The pork was flavorful and cooked properly and thought if every arepa is like this, I'll be back again and again. (Though, I'll try the cubano-- I've had a hankering since Lelolai vanished.) I loved the selection of condiments and the feel of this little hole-in-the-wall on Madison. A pleasant quick informal place for a sandwich. I also enjoyed the photos of the Gordon Square-Detroit Shoreway area adorning the walls.
(4)
Jen M.

Cool little joint. I recommend sitting in the back. The servers pool their tips so expect to encounter a few different waitstaff during your dining experience. I opted for the Mazorcada and the boyfriend opted for the Chorizo arepa. My Mazorcada was heavy-handed on garlic. And wow, it's rich. But good. The Chorizo arepa was good. The tortilla chips are nicely seasoned but dare I say not as good as the ones Antonio makes up the street at El Tango Taqueria. The black bean soup was disappointing...tasted weird. The house-made sauces are good. By far I thought the spicy peanut sauce (which tasted nothing like peanut) was the best. Lots of hot sauce in that baby. BYOB.
(4)
Kate S.

The food is delicious (plus all the "salsas" that come with with dish" Cheesy corn (per yelp recommendations..) was amazing! pretty heavy but it didn't stop us from eating it all! byob Is super fun BUT they charge you a fee which I guess is understandable but we had twist off beers! so they didn't even need to do anything!
(5)
Ashley B.

Hands down, The best service I've had in a long time. I told our server to surprise us and he did! The food was amazing, the service was amazing and the atmosphere was superb! Thanks, guys!
(5)
Jackie C.

so i was craving some guac and plantains and HAD to make a spot at barroco for some dinn. Let's just say this time around it was even better! I know you're thinking how could this be possible (it was carryout too!). The plaintains were seasoned to perfection and the guac is seriously like the best thing i've ever eaten in my life. I got the chicken arepa this time since i'm not doing my vegan thing (thank god) and it was SO SO SO SOOOOOOOOOOOO good. A lot better than the veggie and i didn't get jap's on it this time around which was a smart move.
(5)
Daniel G.

Barroco Grill is one of family's go to restaurants. Being a hispanic family, we are always trying new hispanic restaurants to find some good Latin American food, and this is definitely the top of the top. Their arepas keep us coming back for more! I always get the chorizo arepa (my favorite), but have tried all of the arepas and all are top notch. Plus, their sauces are amazing, and i always try to take some home with me. Besides the arepas, another must try food is the cheesy corn dip. What seems like an average appetizer becomes a staple in every dining experience. The staff is very friendly (and speak spanish!), and you're able to write on the walls of the restaurant, making for an excellent atmosphere. Highly Recommended!!!
(5)
Mark C.

Great ambiance and nice waitress. I had cuban sandwich that was good, but served on a normal roll-type bread, not pressed, but was still good. Table Sauces were good, garlic almost too garlic and I love garlic. One in our party had a dish with the plantains and said they were tough to eat. Guacamole was AWESOME. Would definately return to try more of the menu.
(4)
John P.

Yuuuuuussss. simply amazing colombian food,=.
(5)
Helen G.

This might be my favorite restaurant in Lakewood. The food is absolutely amazing, authentically made, and unique. You can't get this type of food just anywhere (in Cleveland). We always start with the plantain chips and guacamole. So good! Also, they don't serve alcohol, but you can bring your own. We usually bring a few beers for the meal. Also the staff are so friendly here, which definitely adds to the charm of the place. Just lovely people. They just recently re-modeled, and it can get pretty crowded and busy on the weekends, so expect to wait. They really pack people into the back room, which is colorfully painted, so the atmosphere is lively and upbeat. This would be a great spot for a fun dinner with a group!
(5)
Jean S.

Another one of Lakewood's culinary best! You have not savored the flavor of Hispanic food made fresh from the best Latino chefs around! Moderately priced and wow the food is great! Has a great atmosphere and family oriented. Service is great and when I ordered Plantanos Fritas con Camarones I thought I was back in Puerto Rico! One of the best Latino restaurants around! Just luv it!
(5)
Jennifer B.

If I could give this restaurant more than 5 stars I would! I was really excited to try this place out as I saw they had arepas (my grandma makes them from scratch and they are amazing!) They didn't beat hers but they came pretty close! I ordered the veggie arepa and added jalapeÃ±os and pineapples. This was an option on the menu and the waitress suggested I try it as the conflicting flavors made it delicious, definitely recommend! In addition to the awesome service and food, the interior was fun and unique. The inside features colorful artwork with Christmas lights strung from the ceiling. In conclusion, I can't wait to return and try other things from the menu. If you're in the area, it's a must that you check this place out!
(5)
Damira C.

Steak Patacon and Maduros con Queso are the best! Love this place! You can tell that the owners poured their hearts and souls into this place.
(5)
Bernice R.

Thanks Yelpers! I got the cheese corn dip, arepa (ropa vieja), black bean soup, and apple soda. Wow, that cheese corn dip (with bacon- a pleasant surprise) was really good. In fact, I practically filled up on that alone and could only eat half my meal! The dip and the arepa fries were so hearty and oozed out "comfort" every bite I took. The soup was good but the main entree, the ropa vieja, was awesome. It had very tender meat and combined with the sweetness of the veggies, it just made the sandwich come alive. The apple soda was also very refreshing and paired nicely with the whole meal. This was first time I've had arepas and this type of Latin American food. Thanks for a wonderful experience. I can't wait to try more of this type of cuisine! OH! Besides the food, our waitress was so pleasant! Great attentive service. Also, don't forget to bring a sharpie because you can leave your mark and write on the walls in this place. Fun paintings and funky decor!
(4)
Dave B.

Holy crap! The worst meal I've had in a very long time! The bandeja had nothing paisa about it and the ropa vieja was horrible! The meat was over seasoned with horrible tasting spices and the beans were probably canned. The rice was over cooked and salty and the service was terrible. As a Hispanic it is embarrassing to know they are restaurants calling themselves Latin and offering horrible tasting food. In just a few words expensive and horrible tasting food. Will never ever return or recommend.
(1)
Scott S.

Every time I go, I eat until I almost puke. It is so good, I can't stop. Guacamole, plantains, all the sauces, lean meats, super fun decor, good pricing, BYOB... I don't really know how I could do it justice with a yelp review. Stop contemplating where to go and start driving to Barroco now.
(5)
Michael M.

Appetizer: Shrimp ceviche served w/ plantain "potato" pancakes 1st EntrÃ©e : Steak Maduros (marinated shredded steak over a caramelized bed of plantains 2nd EntrÃ©e: Ropa Arepa (braised beef and red peppers in a corn meal bread shell My girlfriend and I were on our way through Cleveland and stumbled across Barrocco Grill on our lunch web search. The high reviews are for good reason. BG is definitely deserving of the praise. I tend to be intrigued when I'm unfamiliar with the majority of menu items offered. Pan-Latin cuisine is a refreshing palate change and was seemingly well represented in BG's dishes. Whether you have a taste for meat, fish or veggie, BG can accommodate you. Be sure to try all five sauces they offer. They range from sweet to spicy and everything in between. We will definitely make a stop on our way back to Chicago.
(5)
Grace R.

Wow. We came here for Valentine's Day/anniversary and it was soooo good. Love the plantains mixed with savory meat. It's Byob! The service here is AMAZING! Our server gave us some rest suggestions I had the steak Madura and he has the tops vieja and iwe were very pleased!! I am so happy with this place if you can't tell already. Also has a fabulous atmosphere! You will be missing out if you don't come by.
(5)
Chris S.

The Colombian food is amazing, plenty of options to choose from. We had an amazing appetizer, it was one of the dips. Plenty of tasty entrees to choose from, as well as multiple options for the side including french fries, black bean soup, tortilla chips, and more. Overall great experience! Highly recommended the service was exceptional!
(5)
Cynthia C.

I learned of this place via the Food Network's 50 States, 50 Sandwiches. Barroco won best sandwich in Ohio. The arepas are all they're cracked up to be and more. They are so good that I don't even mind that the Food Network is now much cooler and hipper than I am. We went to the Lakewood location and had the arepa puerca and the arepa paisa. My friend said, "I just got a bite of something that tasted like pure fat. It was so good." Those would be the chicharrons and they are decadent deliciousness. The chicken was an explosion of flavor. Normally, I can tell what spices are used, but I have no idea how they spiced this chicken so exquisitely. I have never tasted anything like it. Instead of my normal I've-already-sampled-everything-the-world-has-to-Âoffer state of food ennui, the completely new tastes made me feel like an excited-to-try-everything food noob! However, you should know that I'm a complete sucker for homemade corn tortilla type things, be they tortillas, pupusas, sopes, or even just grits. Arepas and Columbian food are now at the top of my corny cake list. The fried plantain chips/discs were outrageous. I've never had better. I'm going to go back and sample everything and I will keep you posted on the results :-)
(5)
Brooks M.

It's small, and like many ethnic restaurants in or near big cities, it is rather dumpy and easily overlooked on the outside. The food and service are excellent, and I can't add much to the above comments by others. You will not be disappointed. By the way, they are getting a liquor license very soon.
(5)
Elizabeth D.

There are not word's for Barroco's pure deliciousness. It's the best parts of Southern American cuisine mixed with freshness and lots of options to customize. I got the Mexican Arepa with tortilla chips and guacamole on the side. The guacamole was incredibly fresh tasting and not too overpowering on the spices. The marinated beef is simply to die for; not too spicy and falls apart in your mouth. They put out a bunch of different sauces on the table to make your food even more delicious. This place is a picky eater's dream because you can pick and choose different ingredients to put in your arepa. For those not into the corny goodness of the arepa, there are sandwiches that are quite tasty. The cuban sandwich was also very good!
(5)
Rodney W.

Food quality and service is excellent here! Tonight, my wife asked if we could visit Barroco with the kids. I have been hungry all day, so I said, 'Yeah, lets go!' Upon arrival, we were promptly seated and given menus. Our waitress was friendly and she spoke Spanish. We ordered an appetizer of tortilla chips, avocado, and fried plantains. The plantains were delicious, especially when dipped in the five different sauces offered here. The sauces were really, really tasty. The guacamole was good, but not amazing. I ordered the Ropa Vieja Arepa and it arrived shortly after. It was difficult to pick up off the plate because it was loaded with Latin goodness. It was very tasty and very filling. I couldn't eat ever last bite of it. My wife couldn't finish hers either. They do not serve alcohol, but you can B.Y.O.B.! How cool is that? The very existence of this restaurant in Cleveland is a welcomed surprise for us. I'm sure we'll be back to try the Cubano and the Churrasco. Can't wait!
(4)
Linda F.

I've been to Barroco again and again and I am never disappointed. The service, atmosphere, and food is unbeatable. Authentic Colombian food at Barroco is to die for and the entire dining experience is very unique. I recommend it to all my friends. Even if you're not in the area, it's worth the drive.
(5)
Michael S.

This place is damn delicious. I love that their food is actually different than a lot of restaurants. The Patacons or Maduros are really damn good. Now I want to go there just thinking about it. The service has always been awesome and I really like the small cozy atmosphere in there.
(5)
Eric R.

I have never had such exceptional customer service. I've ordered from them at least 25 times, and one time they messed up an order and Juan couldn't have been nicer about it. Everyone makes mistakes but the way he handled it was above and beyond. Will be going to this place for years and will tell people about it every chance I get.
(5)
Claire M.

The food here is fantastic. All of the different types of plantain dishes that I tasted are fantastic, try the Chorizo Maduro.
(5)
Nick X.

Don't forget to BYOB (beer store on 117th/Madison). The arepas come with a side- ordering an appetizer makes for a meal too large. A down side of the otherwise excellent arepas: they are somewhat dry and rely on your application of the cornucopia of sauces provided. Service = Some of the best I've experienced. Atmosphere = Quiet, mellow, with warm decor.
(4)
Stevie N.

This is my go to place for lunch on the weekend. The arepas are outstanding. I get the chicken and add pineapple and jalapeÃ±o. The sauces they have for the chips are super tasty and cover the full range from sweet to smoking hot. Service is always good. I always try to take company here when they are in town because there is no other place like it!
(5)
Young P.

Barroco Grill is the real deal! I love this place. Not like the one in downtown, reminds me of metro-Chipotle. My favorite thing ever is the Cheesy Corn. After that, the Tostadas Con Todo, Arepas, Empanadas Colombianas, and the strawberry soda. Try any of the dishes with their special homemade sauces. I always end up taking leftovers home.
(4)
Joe F.

Food was very good, plates were large, and the waitstaff was pretty responsive. Note that it is a pretty small building and seems fairly popular, so expect a bit of a wait if showing up during peak hours. Also, it's a street parking location.
(5)
Gene G.

This place is fantastic, and the byob policy makes it that much better. I've gone twice and had a steak both times. Cooked to perfection and topped with peppers onions and an egg. It's fantastic. My friends had the various sandwiches and things that they make and I've never heard a bad review from them. I love this place, we use it as a nice, relaxed place to start a Friday night. I'd recommend it to anyone
(5)
Liz L.

I've been here twice so far, and both times I had wonderful food coma after eating their food. On my first visit, the staff were very nice and walked us through the menu and explained what arepas were etc. I think it's GREAT how the restaurant takes time to explain to customers what their speciality is, and what the dish is made out of. Sometimes, customers that are new to a certain type of ethnic cuisine have no clue what to order, or what dishes are famous for that region. ::high-five to you Barroco Grill!!:: Food: For appetizers, get the empanadas! If you love potatoes like me, you will enjoy this dish a lot!! Marinated beef and potatoes in pockets of fried deliciousness- yes, please! You must order an arepa as well! I got the chicken one this time around, which was good. I think next visit I'll have to get it with some chorizo, mmmh. The portions are also fairly big, so it's hard to leave hungry...unless you are a big hungry bear in disguise. I also tried the cheesy corn, which was a bit too heavy for me. But if you are in the mood for something rich and filling, and you love cheese and corn, this dish is perfect for you! Also, you must try their four different house made sauces. My favorite is the pineapple, because you can actually taste pineapple in it...and it's not some watery pineapple flavoring liquid. The saltiness of the chips, and the sweetness of the pineapple is great! This is a great place for food, and I heard from friends they have great live music during special days. I guess I will have to come back during these live band music nights so I can enjoy yummy food AND hear good music!! Stimulation overload?
(5)
Jenn S.

We've been here twice now and both times it's been amazing. The building is small, street parking or there's a very small (5 spaces) lot behind the building. We were greeted as soon as we walked in. They don't have any liquor there, but I honestly didn't miss it...the food more than makes up for it. We started with the Cheesy Corn which is an absolute must get. The arepa fries they are served with is the perfect compliment to the cheesy dish. The first time we both got arepas (the Mexicana and the Paisa) both were delicious but I think the Mexicana was just a little bit better. The second visit we got Patacon PisÃ o's (steak and the chorizo). Both of them were delicious and full of flavor. The steak was falling apart and it was topped with an amazing guacamole. It looked like there was a lot of cheese at first ( I was kind of expecting it from the "queso bed" description) but it was actually the perfect amount if you kind of mixed / dipped the steak in it. The sauces they bring out are tasty as well. We loved the chimichurri one so much we got 16oz of it to go. The ranchero also is very good. It's a bit of a drive for us (45 minutes) but it is well worth it!
(5)
Melanie C.

I've watched Barroco grow and grow, and mostly it's only gotten better and better. I was lucky enough to try them for the first time just after they opened, and since then many things have changed, but the arepas are still delicious, and the sauces are still fantastic (pineapple!), and the charm has only grown with the expansions. It's hard to try everything, because so many things are now "my favorite" and I want to get the same things over and over -- but I'm glad I try something new every time I do. Today's hit was their take on fajitas - with cheese arepas. Thinly sliced steak with what is essentially a classic fajita seasoning, with onions and peppers and sour cream and guacamole -- with a little side of arepa triangles grilled with melted cheese. Delish - and more than enough food for two meals. The pineapple sauce will always be my favorite of the sauces. Seriously, it's like crack. But each of them have their fans -- the spicy peanut sauce is remarkable to me because it is hot -- really hot sometimes -- but still tastes mostly of peanut. The only thing I've tried on the menu that I'm not completely in love with is the plantains -- I'm just more of a fan of soft and squishy plantains than the hard fried versions they serve up. Most of the sweetness of the fruit is lost in their prep, so it's just sort of a bland chip like thing to me. They've upgraded from disposable cups to glasses over time, and have slowly become more of an eat-in place, though I have to admit most of the time I prefer getting take out from there. Everyone there is super nice and friendly, but it always feels crowded to me, even when there are only a few other people there, and the service can sometimes be a little on the slow side. (Always crazy friendly though - I will never fault them for that.) I actually love the atmosphere - lots of fun art, lights, sanctioned graffiti - but there's something about the setup of the tables and the space that just always feels cramped. Definitely worth a try if you've not been there yet.
(4)
Ben S.

Really friendly staff and a laid back atmosphere. The back dining room has a really cool vibe and the ceiling is impressively decked out. Fast kitchen service. Decent sized portions of food. In and of itself I'm not sure I would be a fan of the (dare I say bland) grilled white corn arepa, however the various options for stuffing the area are wonderful. For my first time I tried something simple - a Chicken Arepa with green peppers, mushrooms, onions, corn & mozzarella. Next time though I think I will try a Maduritos (loaded Sweet Plantains) because the maduros I got as a side with my arepa were really good!
(5)
Rosa B.

No flavor. There was one vegetarian entree option, it was terrible. The black bean soup was too salty. The service was awful. Horrible quality for the price.
(1)
Alyssa S.

One time while I was eating at Barroco, I was reading the writing on the walls and one line said "if you like Barroco watch the movie Chef" (or something like that). Barroco is one of the few places in Cleveland you can get Colombian food and it is GOOD. I can't help but get the Super Dog whenever I go, even though I always end up only eating one hot dog (comes with two). The FRIES are amazing because of all the sauces. The maduros are also really good, as is the chili. This place is pretty authentic, according to my Colombian boyfriend. They even have Colombian sodas. The prices are right and the atmosphere is kitschy--a perfect place for foodies (hence, the Chef quote was spot on). I am so happy that these guys decided to open a Colombian restaurant near me, so now I don't have to travel to Miami to get this amazing food :)
(4)
Bobby B.

Simply amazing! Julie, she was the absolute best server that we have had in any establishment near or far. The food was to die for. Cubana was amazing! Keep up this great place! We will all be back!
(5)
Lindsay L.

Love the food here! Great food and great service!! I've been here quite a few times, and never once have I been disappointed. Actually, every time go I am more and more pleased! The Arepas really got it going on! Keep up the great work barroco!
(5)
Cristin M.

Believe the hype, this place is really good. (Bonus: their arepas are gluten free). Great decor, small back patio, amazing menu (BYOB fyi), and talented servers who leave you alone to enjoy your meal instead of rushing you through.
(5)
Chris C.

The Cuban sandwich is amazing. Empanadas Colombianas are bomb, the Arepas you get the point a must try place to eat, it's a byob! They have live bands sometimes. It gets a thumbs up!
(5)
Lauren B.

What an awesome surprise! A friend and I had agreed to meet at a place down the street which ended up being closed. We wandered down the street in search of grub and stopped here. The outside didn't particularly draw us in but it was close and there were a good amount of people inside who looked satisfied. We were soon some of those inside, satisfied folks We sat in the back room which was a bit dark but the place is covered with eclectic, Latin inspired graffiti-esque art. Very cool. The food was great too. We both had arepas which were bomb and shared the guac with a mix of regular and plain rain chips. The plantain chips are a must try! My buffalo chicken arepa was delish although a tad spicier than unwound have liked. I'd rather add more spice myself but that's just me. It paired great with the pineapple sauce. The variety of sauces definitely added to the adventure, I just wish 4/5 weren't mayo based. Last thing to mention.... Service was good but being in the back room alone we had to call their attention a bit. Nothing major, just a call out to them to not forget the people on the back!
(5)
Jocelynn H.

I had the arepa fajita. It was to die for. The most delicious thinly cut beef with sautÃ©ed onions, peppers, in a delicious sauce. There was guacamole. There were these yummy triangles from heaven with cheese in them. Also, grabbed apps - guacamole with tortilla and plantain chips and the shrimp ceviche. The plantain chips weren't the run of the mill plantain chips - they were warm and crispy and soft on the inside and homemade and perfect. I want to go back. Now. Also, it's BYO. We stopped at Rozi's wine house before dinner and grabbed a light and refreshing Argentinian white. The gal at Barroco served us up glasses with ice and lime wedges. Perfect!
(5)
Topher O.

As a recent transplant from the SWFL area to the Westside Cleveland area, I am accustomed to some great Colombian restaurants. Or so I thought. Barroco Grill is a small unassuming restaurant on Madison avenue in Lakewood, and they are cranking out some the BEST Colombian food I have ever experienced. My partner and I started out with an order of the Cheesy Corn. This is so wonderful that I could eat it with a spoon and consider it dinner. One small caveat, you might ask to substitute tortilla chips for the arepa fries, as we found the fries to be a tad unwieldy and a little heavy for an appetizer. The blending of corn, cheese, chicken and bacon was a tremendous delight, and will be a must order on all of our future visits. My partner opted for the Cubano sandwich, but thinks he might have liked the Barroco Loco better (same sandwich with shredded beef instead of shredded pork). He is positive that he will order the garlic aioli on the side next time as he felt it was a little overpowering to his tastes. I had the Punta E' Carne, which is tender beef tips and mushrooms in a tangy mustard sauce served with grilled cheese arepa triangles. Let me just say, I loved this dish. The tender beef with the delicious sauce was phenomenal. The arepa grilled cheese triangles were a little repetitive after the cheesy corn appetizer, but I will know how to order/substitute better next time. On my radar is one of the traditional Colombian dishes known as Bandeja Paisa, a total comfort food delight. Our waitress was friendly and efficient. We went at an off time (@2:00pm) and there were only 3 occupied tables, including ours. The graffiti walls/tables and the festive Latin music really helped set the tone for a great dining experience. Don't be afraid of the menu offerings. All the food is made with care and Barroco Grill is now in my must do rotation. It is one of my favorite restaurants in the area and I will be a loyal patron as long as they continue to offer the service and quality that I now know to expect. Barroco Grill, you have won my heart and I cannot wait until we meet again.
(5)
Andrew I.

Service was prompt. It was my first time there Soni relied on the waiter for recommendations. I ended up getting the braised beef with rice and black beans. It was very delicious. I would not hesitate to go there again. Very tasty!
(5)
Milos M.

I remember when this place got bought and renovated and made into the Barroco Grill from the old Mama Mia's pizza or whatever it was. About a month in I walked in to have something to eat. I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich that was dipped in hot sauce(they had this at the time when they opened by not anymore). It was amazingly delicious nice big potions. I came again after that, got a buffalo chicken arepa, amazing, fabulous, just AWESOME. The Arepa is a very original corn bread? That they make to of course make their specialty sandwiches. YOU CANT GET THIS ANYWHERE ELSE. I've been going here for well over 3 years. The atmosphere is very friendly, very Latin with it's music, interior design, and of course it's food. The staff are very friendly, from the owners to the servers to even cooks, all very friendly people who love to talk to their customers and connect with them. They are a shining example of what small business restaurants should be like.
(5)
Chuck W.

This is a tale of the good, bad, and well no ugly. Here is the goods. Cool vibe. Food was fresh and tasty. We started with the condado cheese dip. I would definitely suggest the jalapeÃ±o option. We had the Cubano sandwich very tasty though not a legit Cuban sandwich, but good nonetheless. The bad!!! Our sandwich took 35 minutes.
(3)
Isabella M.

Been here several times, always bring new folks. It never fails that they say, I"ll be back!
(5)
Ian W.

I could never emphasize enough how amazing the food is here. If you're reading this trying to figure out where to eat right now, I hope your decision ends now and you don't even make it to the end of this review because you're already on your way to barroco.
(5)
Loopy S.

Overpriced greasy food. When it first opened it was ok. How much does cornmeal cost? Poor quality. And why are there no vegetable sides?
(1)
Sara W.

This is my third or fourth time coming to Barroco Grill and I keep wondering why I don't come here more! I had originally planned on going to Chipotle but the line was wrapped around like three times. Then the lightbulb went off and Barroco was in my head. The food is so fresh and the homemade arepas make this place worth the money. For what I get at Chipotle I would have paid around $11, and I paid $12 here for fresh, authentic food. I really need to stop forgetting about this place!
(5)
Robert E.

I had the Hawaiian Arepa W/ ham, bacon, pineapple & mozzarella with half fries and half arepa fries...
(3)
Sherry K.

I was introduced to this place yesterday when me and my friends wanted dinner. It was as good as they said it was! The outside of the resturant looked small and simple, but once you went inside, I was impressed with the decor.The resturant decor and the food items on the menu brought an authentic atmosphere that was different compared to other Mexican resturants I have been to. We had the cheesy corn as an appetizer and I had a steak arepa. It was amazingly delicious! The cheesy corn was very good, the arepa steak meat was very tender and everything was very fresh and flavorful. The portions were large and flavorful and I couldn't get enough of it! My arepa came with 5 different sauces and tortilla chips. I loved the ranchero and the chimichurri sauce the best, but the garlic (very garlicky!) and the pineapple sauce ( like pineapple sauce) was good as well! The menu also showed that the food network rated this place. I can see why, it was worth the money spent here! When your in the area, definatly go to this place, you cannot get quality food like this anywhere else!
(5)
Joel G.

Came here as a group, at first sight, we thought there wouldn't be room for us; there's tons of room for parties of all sizes. Another group twice our size arrived shortly after us. Service was fast and very pleasant. I ordered the Ropa Vieja Arepas.. Delicious! Great atmosphere and lighting. The smaller party platter was enough to feed four hungry men. Will have to come back again!
(5)
KC C.

After reading all these great reviews I was eager to try... maybe I missed something, but my experience here was less than average. I didn't have the best service. Walking into barrocco. I knew absolutely nothing. Nothing about the menu, food or atmosphere. And I left knowing about the same, nothing. I seated myself and briefly read over the menu. My non-English speaking server came over. When I asked her what she recommended, she looked at me dumb founded. "What do you like to eat here?" She stood there and said Ropa veija arepa. I ordered that. It came out quick, but wasn't impressive. Almost too sweet or something. To be voted best sandwich in ohio, it actually kind of lacked. The "black bean soup" tasted like a can of black beans I can cook in my own kitchen. A person across from me was eating something that looked really delicious. I asked my server what he was eating. She walked away confused and a manager type person came out. "What's wrong" asked the manager? "Oh nothing, I just wondered what that gentleman was eating." The manager looked at him, rambled off something, and I asked if I could order it. When my food came out, it wasn't at all what the guy across from me was eating. She said she would remake what i wanted but to enjoy this wrong item on the house. I asked what I had. I wanna say she said "catorie" but I couldn't find anything on the menu to really match the description of what I was actually eating. It tasted like chili dip though, served with tortilla chips. Then the Next plate came out. It was what the guy was eating! Yay! It was the corn dip. Corn dip was good. Reminded a lot of fair food. Greasy and cheesey. Still nothing to write home about though. Bill came out. I was charged for all three dishes, even though I only ordered two. The atmosphere was cool and the food seemed authentic enough, considering I have no idea what I actually ate! Most likely will not return, I am very rarely in lakewood and I've found there are much better dining spots
(3)
Stacy P.

Barroco Grill hit every check box I have for a lunch time restaurant. It was quick, cheap, and delicious. Plus, the food was authentic and by default Gluten Free! I had never tasted an arepa prior to my visit, so being the wimp that I sometimes am when trying new foods, I opted for the original steak arepa. It was good, and the sauces you could add on made the arepa even better. My favorites were the spicy peanut and the pineapple sauce. The spicy peanut had a nice kick to it and cleared up my sinuses. The pineapple was like pure sugar. I added it to the arepa and it made it taste like dessert. I would give a heads up that the meal could potentially be messy. I will definitely try to go back to master the art of eating an arepa without getting anything on my shirt.
(4)
Becca B.

Barroco Grill is fairly straighforward. It has that Lakewood vibe with tattooed, alternatively dressed servers - the service is friendly, quick and helpful! Once you are seated you fill out a slip of paper with your choices for toppings and your tacos are made to order. Ingredients were fresh, with few exceptions the food was tasty and delicious. A few cons: A side of sour cream is about a half cup and costs $1. How about 50 cents for a couple of tablespoons? I don't know anyone that would use that much or want to pay a dollar for the side. Not a huge deal obviously but I thought the pricing/serving size was a bit of an odd decision. My husband's side of rice was sticky and flavorless. All of those delicious spices in that kitchen and you couldn't save the rice. I'm of the opinion if you can't cook it well, don't serve it at all.
(4)
Mary F.

Been here so many times. Always a great experience. The food is unique and delicious on it's own, but they also give you these tasty sauces in squeeze bottles as an added bonus. You don't even have to ask for them..they just drop them on the table and walk away and let you go crazy. The waitress usually explains what's in said sauces, but I always forget and use them indiscriminately. I imagine someone with more refined taste buds would be able to select the perfect flavor combination and ratio of sauce, but I am not that person. Still good, regardless. I usually get the veggie arepa. I read another review that called it bland, and, it could be, but I always, ALWAYS add pineapple and jalapeno (duh). Problem solved. Every time I eat here, I wonder why arepas aren't as mainstream as burritos. They're similar in theory, but so much tastier. Maybe because burritos have a tortilla that completely encloses it's fillings, and is, thus, easier to shove in our mouths without actually looking? An arepa is more like a sandwich made with thick corn tortillas, so you kind of need to look at it when you eat it. When I went yesterday, I broke tradition and got the huevos rancheros. I've had many a huevos rancheros, but this was the best I've had in recent memory. It's served on a cheesy arepa (instead of the traditional tortilla) and comes with chorizo and peppers. Terrific. Also, for a side, you should ask for fried plantains. For some reason, they don't usually offer them as one of the options, but whenever I ask for them specifically, they let me get them instead of fries, tortilla chips, or the soup.
(5)
Adriana R.

I'm from medellin Colombia and the bandeja paisa was anything but a bandeja paisa. The food was horrible and expensive for the poor quality.
(1)
Eugene P.

Place is great! Food is fresh and priced reasonably. Their sauce collection is impressive. We loved the pork arepa, and the chorizo arepa was nice as well. Overall a job well done
(4)
Shayna B.

(June 2013) EXCELLENT atmosphere. Got cheesy corn as an app - delicious. Then we got a chicken and a chorizo arepa, one with fries, one with plantains. All amazing. Highly recommend mixing the garlic and hot sauce and the chimichurri and garlic sauce. Every one of the sauces is good alone and mixed though! We had the coffee flan with strawberry syrup for dessert which was right on par with the rest of the experience. And the wine that we brought was good too! (Gotta love BYOB). One of the best restaurants in CLE, can't wait to take friends.
(5)
Tai D.

First time eating at this place and my experience was great! Food was really good, and the staff was super friendly. Had the Chorizo Arepa, it was a crispy corn wrap with spicy sausage and cheese . I added some spicy peanut sauce to the arepa and it just made it an even more better food experience. The decor was pretty cool and clean. Parking is limited because of the location. I will be eating here again.
(5)
Angel R.

Great Atmosphere, Great Food! It's usually fun to go to a "Bring your own booze" kinda place, but Barroco is much more than that. It all starts with the heavy, artsy, bohemian decor; the painter that's actually painting as you dine (or the live band playing tropical hits). When you get your food you get the best of surprises: unpretentious food with deceivingly complex flavors. Finally, when the check comes, it brings the last pleasant surprise of the evening. Barroco is probably the coolest place to dine in Lakewood, and a secret that the East Side of Cleveland yet to know about. Just be patient, because it's BUSY and for a weekend dinner there will be a wait (and the place is small). But it's definitely worth it.
(4)
Monica Y.

AMAZING food and service!!!! We had the cheesy corn as an appetizer and delicious arepas for dinner, it was one of the best meals we've ever had! Plus their homemade sauces are incredible! You need to try this place, it's now one of our all-time favorites in Lakewood!
(5)
Mike G.

Lakewood is really stepping up the game with some great places to dine. We went searching for one yesterday as we had some time in the afternoon since the Browns were getting slaughtered by the Steelers again. Driving down Madison into Birdtown section of Lakewood we almost missed this place. Very cozy converted house. Expecting nothing but some kind of Spanish food based upon the name we had a very pleasent surprize witht he variety and apparent authenticity of the food. I only say apparent because I wouldnt know Columbian food if it hit me in the face. Took a quick look at the menu and ordered a beer....they dont have a liquor license....most of the time we would be gone but really wanted to try the food so Colleen ordered while I ran for some beveages. NIce craft selection 4 blocks away at Waterburry beverage and they let you mix 6 packs so I got a variety. Tried the Guacamole and cheesy corn appitizers. The guac was spot on with garlic and cilantro. The cheesy corn was really good and different. Chicken chuncks and some smoky bacon were in the creamy sause that was not overpowered by corn or cheese. They were served with THICKER corn triangle kinda like polenta. They were too thick for my taste The arepas are a columbian "wrap" made of white corn and grilled. They stuff them with a variety of meats, beans, veggies sauces. I had the "mexicana" which was a spanish chorizo with onions, mushrooms and sauce. It was super flavorful. The red bean chilli was my side and it was equally good especially when a dollop of paprika sour cream was put into it. Colleen had the Steak arepa which she enjoyed and I tasted as well. You must try the homemade sauces. Garlic, chimicurra, ranchero, spicy peanut, pineapple. I mixed the pineapple and spicy peanut to get a flavor fiesta. Enjoy.
(4)
Snuggles B.

Best guacamole I've ever had. I could eat buckets of this stuff. I wish they had more vegetarian options. I don't really care for the arepas, I find them a bit bland but as long as they keep making that guac, I'll keep coming back.
(4)
Doug E.

I tend not to write reviews but I just had to. This place is amazing. I get the Ropa Vieja arepa each time and it never disappoints. The meat is so juicy and flavorful it truly complements the arepa well. My girlfriend is Cuban and tells me this is truly authentic. She gets the Ropa Vieja plate and raves about the beans and rice. The vibe of the place is just cool. It is very small and only seats about 30 people or so but it is perfect for a date or a small get together. The back of the restaurant is much more romantic than the front. Also the BYOB is a cool touch. It's a bit pricey but it's well worth it. Don't forget to sign the wall!
(5)
Joe C.

A really great place with excellent atmosphere. the empanadas are outstanding and the arepas are good as well. A local favorite.
(5)
Kyle R.

Don't let the outside of the building fool you- this place is amazing and very authentic. If you come here you have to get an arepa- I had the chicken one with black bean soup and it was very tasty. The servers are extremely nice and go out of their way to help you. They also have multiple homemade sauces that will add even more flavor to your arepa.
(5)
Tristan R.

This is a unique place that I'd suggest going out of your way to try! The sandwiches are wonderful and very different. It's BYOB and the sauces are incredible! For me, someone without much experience with hispanic, latin or columbian food, the majority of the menu is an acquired taste... but once you warm up to it you'll be hooked!
(4)
J S.

The food was absolutely amazing!! Very charming place! Service was great! You could really taste the freshness and quality of the ingredients! Their arepas are to die for! It's very cultured! I felt like I stepped into a vacation spot in Colombia! I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Heather W.

HUGE FAN!! Barroco Grill is my go to place. Great service, delicious food!!! I usually do take-out, only ate there twice. My order is veggie arepa add grilled pineapple and jalapenos with either black bean soup or fries. The spicy peanut sauce is my favorite!! The staff is always friendly. It is BYOB.
(5)
exitsense m.

They let kids draw on the walls. They're BYOB for the next two months. Food is made from scratch. Portions are filling.
(5)
Rebeccah G.

This is great hispanic comfort food.
(4)
Julia S.

The arepas and empendadas are excellent but the cheesy corn is the best menu item! The menu is different than most restaurants which is refreshing. The service has been great every time I've been there. Its BYOB which I like and also don't like at the same time. The waits on the weekend can be really long and the place is small and very crammed but the food makes up for it!
(4)
Dick S.

Long ago I had my first arepas in Caracas. They were served as the bread at every meal. They were warm, soft cakes made of finely ground corn flour that needed the melted butter for flavor. Quite forgettable. Not too long ago I found arepas for sale at festivals and farmers' markets all over Florida. In Florida they take two of the soft cakes, which also contain kernels of corn, place a soft melting cheese between the arepas and slowly heat them on a grill. Boy did I like them. Thanks to yelp when I searched for sandwiches in Lakewood I discovered Barroco. I went there yesterday afternoon and experienced a third type of arepa. Not as soft as the previous two but far more variety in fillings. Not sure I prefer this crispier arepa but I sure know I like the fillings. I had a beef arepa with the works. Every bite was a bit better than the previous bite. I squirted any and all of the five sauces after each bite. Seem to favor mixing them over using just one taste. The room is quite cheerful despite the dark walls, but the most cheery parts of the experience are the cook and the young woman at the counter. She is desperately needed by the Cleveland Public Schools to give seminars on how to behave in public places. Low prices, good food, and pleasant help make me know this will become a regular stop as I drive from Tommy's Bakery to the perogies sold at Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church.
(4)
Jessie B.

This place was pretty good. I know it has changed a bit since they opened, I am now under the impression that they don't make the corn wraps for their arepas which is kind of disappointing. But that aside, it is yummy, greasy, carby food. It is also BYOB, so bringing a nice bottle of Malbec pairs pretty well with the food you will find. The sauces are good, except for they all seem to be mayo-based. It would be nice to see a real chimmcuri. I will definitely come back.
(3)
Angela L.

Yes - the cheesy corn dip is as good as everyone says. Good appetizer for a group, as it would fill up two people before the main course! I've only had the arepas so I can't speak to the rest of the menu, but they were delicious and the sauces compliment any of them nicely. It is BYOB and they will give you glasses and open any bottles that you need opened. Only 4 stars because the price has gone up quite a bit.
(4)
Jessie Z.

Try everything!!! Sooooo gooood!
(5)
Brenden K.

I came in to get a quick bite to eat, and ended up finding more than just a sandwich shop. Unbelievable arepas. I had never had one nor had heard of them, but well worth a try. Also the side sauces are great.
(5)
Carla W.

I have been here a few times with my kids and we all love it.. Can't wait until they open the downtown location so we don't have to drive as far.
(5)
Gabriel B.

Disappointed in this place. Trying o hard to be hip. The horrible artwork ruoins the mood. Confused menu offers little in the way of authentic Latin food. Just another messy fusion place. Get rid of the art make the food more authentic, get rid of the terrible sauces(the pineapple sauce had turned the first time and I checked again second time and it still smelled) and you have a nice place. As of now its Latino food for people who hate Latino food.
(2)
Alter K.

Great casual "Columbian" food. I'm not Columbian or Latin, so can't talk about if it's authentic or not ... but it was GOOD! (and we'll be back to try more of their menu). We started with the Cheesy Corn - really good, sort of like a white queso dip with chunks of chicken and bacon. We liked the Columbian fries that came with it as a good crunchy base for the rich cheese dip. The appetizer is probably big enough for at least 4 people - 3 of us couldn't finish it, and I'm not sure why anyone would order it as an entree (it's melted cheese people). It probably would have been even better with some additional tortilla chips - or like what I did and just kept ladling it on my dinner :). We ordered the steak and pork arepas - really good sandwiches with a side of the black bean soup. We really liked how the "bread" was crispy but not hard - the six or so sauce options brought to the table gave us a chance to mix up each bite. Both the steak and pork were tender, juicy and just slightly seasoned. I'm not a huge fan of black beans, but wanted to try the soup since it was highly recommended - mellow flavor, tasted like creamy beans to me - so if you don't like beans, you can probably pass on the soup as it was as described - bean soup. We also had the empanadas - great taste, but nothing especially unique if you're used to eating a bunch of empanadas (we're used to ordering 5-7 different varieties at a time, so getting a plate of four beef/potato empanadas was a little boring - but great quality and taste if you're craving it). Regarding beverages, you really should BYOB (think beers) if you want something to pair with the fantastically greasy and rich food. But if you're thinking of trying some new soft drinks ... they have a Colombiana - a soda which tasted sort of like what a sweet potato soda would taste and look like - it was described on the web as a champagne cola, but that led me to think tiny bubbles and slightly fruity - but this was more like what I described. The manzana postobon was just like a pink apple soda ... again nothing extremely different ... so if you're not excited to spend $2.75 for a can of soda, you can save your cash (or BYOB!).
(4)
Brian M.

went here last week with an area friend while in town and it was BANGIN' as they say. The cheesy corn is a ridiculous dish, in multiple ways. It's a gravy boat full of cheese corn, some chilis, I dunno what else served with fries. It is more delicious than it has any right to be. The Veggie Arepa was enhanced quite well with a few scoops of melted cheesy corn, I'd eat this all the time if this place wasn't 640 miles away.
(4)
Alexander Djbiglex R.

Very Nice and It's a Great addition for The City of Lakewood Food is Great!! A Must Try For Those That Never Had :)
(4)
Rich A.

Stopped by for lunch with the family. Awesome place! Had the Chicken Arroya (spelling?), and the chicken was premium white meat nicely seasoned. We also had the chees and corn appetizer (the name escapes me), and that was just the best cheese sauce that I have ever had. My young boys and I really enjoyed this place. Awesome!
(5)
Mauricio W.

Great place... Empanadas were great. I had the Chorizo arepa and the Carne asada. All food tasted great! Staff was friendly. I would definitely recommend this place and I'm Colombian.
(4)
Becki C.

love the atmosphere of this place. Awesome, music, colorful decor and friendly staff. The delicious arepas (I had a the chicken) are very ethnic and filling, only $6. It was a great stop for lunch and very affordable. The 5 different sauces they provide are delicious accompaniments to your meal. I tried the arepas fries, but wasn't as crazy about them. There is parking available in the back which is really convenient and it doesn't cost anything. The location is in the middle of nowhere but I think that adds some charm to this place!
(4)
Derik M.

One of my favorite places to eat in CLE - Cheesey Corn is fantaaaaaaastic. You must order. - If you get fries, get them as Arepa fries....delicious. - Try all the sauces...each one brings a different flavor. - BYOB....they'll even bring out glasses or mugs for you if you bring your own bottle/6pack
(5)
Dan S.

We were in Cleveland for a concert, and found Barroco on Yelp. We had the chicken/chorizo arrepa and the cubano. The food came very quickly, and the server was excellent. While the fries were a bit average, the cubano was unbelievable. The arrepa was really good as well. And the sauces were the highlight -- all so good! Can't wait to go back for the cheesy corn, which looked awesome. Great little gem, definitely recommended.
(4)
Babes S.

After reading about this place online and the Cleveland Magazine, we were excited to check this place out. We were immediately pleased with the small/eclectic/colorful/artsy vibe that we got. And the aroma was awesome!!! They have 5 sauces on their table, *Garlic, *Spicy Peanut, *Cilantro, *Rachero, & one other one that slips my mind at the moment. They were all very good.... Buuuutttt that was pretty much were the excitement stopped. -I know it's probably due to the fact they couldn't get a liquor license, but yes, NO Alcohol. So that was kind of a bummer. I feel like a beer would compliment that type of food very well. -We ordered the arepes which the "shell" was very good but it was extremely overwhelmed by the avocado sauce(unfamiliar with Colombian food, perhaps that's how they do it) and that's coming from someone who enjoys avocado. And unfortunately the delicious sauces didn't go too well with the arepes. -The black bean soup also seemed quite heavy on the the cumin. All in all it was just kind of a let down. Very friendly staff and lovely little place, just didn't really give us that "Wow" that we were hoping for.
(3)
Melissa L.

Saw all the great reviews for this hidden gem in Lakewood and decided to try it out! My friend and i both got arepas and were definitely pleased! It's a lot of food and a decent price. The sauces were all really good too! Oh and you can't beat the BYOB policy! The only down side of this place is that its pretty small, but the service is relatively fast so we didn't see anyone have to wait too long.
(4)
Simon I.

Now that I have found Barroco, I want to keep this gem of a place hidden from everyone else. But then again that would not be fair to Barroco or to the rest of the yelp community. I'm not one to easily give an eatery 5 star but Barroco deserves every single star from me. Barroco is a very unassuming of a place both from the outside and inside. Tucked away on Madison avenue, you would miss it in a blink if you were not specifically looking for it. They have converted, what seems like, the ground floor of a small house (that comes complete with a driveway to the back of the house for very select parking spots). Inside the decor is pleasant with only about 2 dozen seating spots along with a few right at the counter opposite to the open kitchen. The indoor decor is nothing to write home about although some of the pictures that adorn the walls are interesting mix of modern-abstract art. What makes Barroco such a gem of a place are its food and the friendliness of the kitchen as well as serving staff. From the moment you walk in, even if its busy you feel a sense of down-home, welcome-to-our-kitchen-in-which-we-proudly-serve-Âsome-special-food ambiance. The serving staff are friendly and actually take an interest in you by chatting you up. Despite the close quarters, Barroco creates a cozy atmosphere where they let their shining star - food, speak for themselves. My first visit (I'm sure it is a start of a trail of many visits) got me to try their AREPAS (grilled all-white corn tortilla) stuffed with a variety of meat/non-meat fixings. One look at the first page of their menu easily lets you take your pick. From the first bit to the last, I could not put down my Chorizo Arepa ( with grilled onions, green peppers, and mozzarella), especially with couple squeeze of their chimichuri sauce in it. The chorizo was moist and had a great kick to it. The whole combination was an excellent combination of flavors. The Chicken AREPAS was oh so delicious just as that of the previous one. The AREPAS themselves alone could be a little on the dry side. One important point to keep in mind - AREPAS are not meant to be eaten by themselves, they are always to be paired with fixings and sauces. In the past I have found some eateries offering limp AREPAS that when paired with fixings simply fall apart. Barroco I feel, has found the right recipe and right grilled preparation of the AREPAS that hold well when stuffed and provide a great combination of crunch and texture to the stuffing. We also tried the AREPA fries crunchy on the outside but potato french fries like softness on the inside. When paired with the any of the 5 different sauces served on every table, where mouth watering. We ended the meal with beautifully served Ice Cream served with Strawberry compote, in a ceramic ice-cream cone shaped bowl (cone). I could not find this on their menu, however, it was a surprise as compliments of the house. Barroco is a must go for enjoying some really tasty South American cuisine in a casual atmosphere. They have a BYOB policy, pair their food with your favorite red wine or sangria, and you have a winning combination. You don't feel rushed at Barroco but do be generous to the staff and other patrons in sharing the space, and if you happen to see me waiting for a seat, please be so kind and offer me a seat at your table. I promise to be a great company. :-)
(5)
Eva B.

The first time to Barroco Grill, won't be the last time to Barroco. I went to work bragging about the food and the entire experience. Excellent!!! Buen Hecho mis amigos.
(4)
Daniel A.

Barroco Grill is a place of wonder and excitment. No Willie Wonka or Oompa Loompas. No, none of those things. It's a place of wonder because of the unique cuisine they serve there. Yes, there'll be things you've never eaten before but it's not an endangered species nor are you sampling something from the yonderparts. The thing you'll see on their menu that stands out are the Arepas. White corn mesh, mashed and shaped. Griddle fried then stuffed. Yep it's a Columbian (I think) grits (that a whole new category of good from the south) sandwich. Way south. I ordered the arepa fries and paid little attention to its taste. It's cruchy stiffness lends itself perfectly to the sauce tasting journey that was already at the table when we sat down. I liked garlic sauce the best. Our chorizo arepa was as you can imagine good. Good crunchiness of the arepa with the nicely sautÃ©ed pepper and onions with cheese and tasty chorizo. Yeah, that little sucker had it coming when it landed on my table. The best part about Barroco Grill is not the food. It's not the ambience (small but decent, really nothing to write home about). It's the fact that it's located in Lakewood. Welcome, Barroco.
(5)
Howard Z.

Nice people ... neat place and a lot of people love the food ... I get it .. homemade sandwiches and a few other things ... but just did not love it ... they have 5 sauces but could not find one I liked. Definitely worth a try ... many people rave about it.
(3)
Sarah Z.

Meh is the word. Usually Groupon does better. This place was terrible. I got a burger (I did not feel like a pairing of mozarella and chorizo yuck) it had the usual tomato, cheese, lettuce, and it also had potato chips. Well you would think with the extra salt of the potato chips it would have enough salt. Well the burger was soggy and bland. I can deal with a greasy burger as long as it tastes good but this was BLAND! The sauce was glorified thousand island dressing. The fries were frozen from a bag and were beyond overcooked. He had the buffalo chicken arepa. A corn pita. The buffalo sauce was meh. The after the fact sauces (their special blend of condiments) were the one redeeming item. They were tasty. Granted they were mayo with spices but they were yummy. We were told we had to try the cheesy corn. The corn was cheese sauce (kinda like qdoba's 3 cheese nacho sauce) with some frozen corn and bacon. It was runny, too rich, and most certainly not worth 6 bucks. Now if the food weren't meh enough you had the service. It was SLOW. not slow and steady wins the race, it was we are incompetent slow. 4 people in the kitchen could not manage to make the food for the maybe 7 tables in the place in a timely manner. A burger and arepa took 45 minutes!? Really people?! The groupon made it ok. Paying full price for this place would have been a colossal waste. Don't miss: Skipping this place Hit or miss: Pretentious pita sandwiches Avoid like the plague: Patronizing this restaurant.
(2)
Leslie M.

My boyfriend and I came here not to long ago with a Groupon. He had heard many good things about it and wanted to give it a shot. I was game so we went. It is kind of a small place and the building itself is kind of in a odd location. It looks like it was once a house. They only have about a handful of tables in there so it looks like it would fill up quite fast. When we sat down a server came over and she was very friendly, She made sure to explain to us what everything on the menu was and what was the most popular items. She also explained to us all of the homemade sauces which were quite yummy especially the garlic sauce. I could eat that just out of the bottle itself....... I got a chicken arepa with peppers and onions and cheese and my boyfriend got a burger. We also got their cheesy queso dip with their steak like fries. The dip was really good but also really rich and it had bits of corn in it which sold me. I love corn especially when it is in a cheesy dip. The fries with it were kind of to hard for me and they didn't give you enough with the amount of dip that comes with them. I just used the fries that came with my arepa which worked for me. All in all it was a pretty good place and I will for sure go again. The corn like tortillas that come with the arepas are unique and take some getting used to but it is not something that would knock down my rating for them. I had a really good experience there and I will for sure go back.
(4)
Matt B.

I LOVED the Cubano ham sandwich! It's everything I hoped it would be and more. My friend had the blackbean soup, which was also delicious. I really liked the various salsas they bring to the table; my favorite was the spicy peanut salsa. I highly recommend this restaurant for its outstanding tasty food, excellent service, and fun atmosphere. Definitely a great place to take a date. One of the owners said they have salsa dancing on Friday nights with a band. I'm not sure if this every Friday night, but it sounds like a really fun time to me.
(5)
Meeko P.

Barroco Grill is nice place to go and get something different from the ordinary. Great for those that are gluten intolerant and craving a sandwich. First off the place is very colorful inside with just a few tables. The service was warm and friendly, my server was very helpful and took the time to explain the menu to me. I was already familiar with Arepas spending time in South America, but let her explain everything anyways. If you are not familiar with a Arepa it is a tasty cornmeal cake kind of like a small pita that can be fried, baked or grilled. There's was fished off on the grill and then stuffed with your choice of meats. Debating between two meats, the sever told me I could combine any two meats if I liked. I had mine packed full of delicious pork and chorizo, combined with melted mozzarella cheese grilled peppers, onions and corn. The Arepa was served with wonderful hot seasoned fries and a small side of coleslaw. On the side they also served several different sauces, my favorite being the garlic sauce (garlic aioli). The restaurant does not have a liquor license, but will let you bring your own, so I'll keep that in mind on my next visit. By the way these Arepas where better than the many I have had in Columbia.
(4)
Dan B.

Staff is super friendly, really neat decor, food is really good. Their homemade sauces are outstanding. BYOB is a nice perk here. The only thing I have noticed is that the food seems to take a little while to come out. I have no issue with that because I like going here with a date or friends and am in no rush when I'm here. I just mention it because if you are in a rush you may want to think twice. Overall I am a big fan of Barroco!
(5)
Mary R.

I have been to Barroco four times and thought each time, "it has to get better." The ONLY time we had good service and good food was the very first time shortly after they opened. Each time after that it was one thing that was amiss, either the fries were cold or the coleslaw was rancid or the kitchen lost our order or the waitress was nowhere to be seen. The arrepas and burgers are ALWAYS good, don't get me wrong. It's just not consistent everything else. Also, I think the menu changed since it first opened. You used to be able to just get an arrepa and fries on the side if you wanted. Now, you get them both together. I want the ala carte option back. If the fries were awesome that would not be an issue but they are mediocre at best, sometimes worse. And get rid of that tasteless cole slaw. Glad they have started using real plates but wish they used glasses instead of paper cups - so much waste! Unfortunately we will probably not go to Barroco again - 4 times is enough trying.
(1)
C Mack N.

Right off the bat I'm impressed - more Spanish in a dialect that ain't castilliano. My tummy is growling so I go straight for the Cubano!
(5)
P W.

A girl at work was saying that we should try out this new place in Lakewood. I couldn't wait to line up some dinner plans so I decided to check it out on my own. Barroco took over the former Kraus' Pizza building. They knocked down a wall and it is a way better use of space. There is artwork hanging on the walls available for purchase and good music playing in the background. They had on an all reggae playlist while I ate. You place your order at the counter and they bring it out to your table once complete. I had the arepa and cuban sandwich. I ran into some old classmates from high school who are regulars. They said they have been there 4 times already and I think it just opened. The girls were eating the cheese and corn dip and offered up some for me to try. I was being extremely bashful, as usual, and declined. The arepa was delicious. All of the sauces were good but the standouts were the spicy and pineapple. The service was outstanding. Really nice guys. I am glad they chose to open this business in Lakewood. Birdtown too, a neighborhood that could use place like this. I just wish it was closer to Tremont so I could eat there more often. It is an excellent option if you want to eat something that tastes really good and affordable.
(4)
Sean M.

Stopped into Barroco last night for dinner. What a great little place! This is perfect street food...and I mean that in a good way! It's the perfect food for a nice, different lunch or dinner, but I'll bet that it's even better after you've had a few "barley sodas" at the local public house and need something to soak it all up. I was waiting for my fellow diners to show up, and, despite not having table service, the girl at the counter brought me a menu and took my beverage order. A nice touch, I thought. I was totally sold on the Cuban sandwich, until I saw the Arepa sandwich come off the grill onto another diner's table. I had to try it! An arepa (ah-ray-pa) is a sandwich where the bread is made from a quarter-inch thick corn tortilla... similar to sopes at Mexican restaurants. It's cooked on a griddle until crispy on both sides and then split in half to make a bun. Mine was stuffed with piping hot shredded beef, onions, tomato, cheese, corn and some lettuce. It was very tasty! The corn "bun" is crispy and toasty and soaks up all of the beefy juice without falling apart. The girl behind the counter brought out 5 squeeze bottles of their sauces; chimichurri, pineapple, hot/peanut, garlic mayo and a ketchup-based one. They were all good! The hot/peanut sauce was really zesty, but my favorite was the chimichurri. Perfect with my beef arepa. We also ordered the Cheesy Corn dip, served with arepa fries. The dip is a creamy, cheesy, corn, chicken, bacon combo that was really great and a cardiologist's nightmare. We ran out of arepa fries about 1/2 way through and I'm not ashamed to say...we ate most of the rest with forks. The atmosphere is cozy, there are maybe a dozen tables in the place with an assortment of music from Latin to pop playing in the background. There's also lots of artwork adorning the walls, presumably from local artists, for sale. The kitchen is really part of the dining room, when you walk up to the counter to order, you're about 1/3 of the way in the kitchen. One down side to all this coziness is that the farthest table from the grill is only about 15-20 feet away, so it was very hot in there! I saw the thermostat on the wall and it was registering a balmy 84 degrees. There is also parking in the back, but don't even attempt it. The "lot" is very small, only 4 spaces, 1 of which is handicapped parking and the other 3 spaces are so small a Mini would have trouble. Just park on the street and you'll be better off. The staff was very friendly. Both people behind the counter were from Latin America and clearly passionate about sharing their food with us. The man on the grill took great pride in telling us about how they make all of their arepas from scratch and he's working on bringing even more authentic flavors into the shop. Barroco is some really good eats! Stop in and you'll agree.
(4)
Dennis R.

First came here back in February and have returned several times. Great food and good value, not the standard fare of the chains. Black bean soup, arrepas, empanadas, Cuban sandwich, tostones... Small menu, but it's all great eating. Service staff is attentive and welcoming, willing to talk at length about the cuisine and their great selection of dipping and dripping sauces.
(5)
Fritz D.

I went here with a friend because I'd heard good things and I was not disappointed. Our waitress was very nice and service was fast. The empanadas with aji were delicious and all the sauces were tasty, although the spicy peanut was the standout. I'm sure I'll be going back quite a few times.
(5)
Christina S.

I have to say, I was a fan from the start! Being a former owner of a Latin restaurant, I know how tough it is to sell people on something other than the 'traditional mexican' they're used to here in Ohio. That being said, I absolutely love Latin food of all kinds, but it has to be authentic to keep me coming back...Barroco does that for me!! Every friend I've taken there has loved it and I can't help but get my fix once every couple of weeks. The space is perfect...quaint, small, lots of local art and some of my fav Latin music to make me feel right at home. Also heard wind of some expansion of their dining room in the near future...super excited for that!! Nothing better than seeing a local business grow and prosper! As for the staff, they're top notch! Always friendly with a smile on their face and excited to make your experience the best! I can't help but strike up a conversation every time I walk in. The food...well lets just say out of this world! I'm so addicted I have to try a little bit of everything. I've had arepas...even better than what I served at my own restaurant, I have to say. Arepa fries...tender, moist, and the dipping sauces are to die for! The cubano...I've had a lot of them in Cleveland...this is the best! And now my newest fav, the empanadas! I am an empanada freak and am always leary about ordering them. I was way beyond empressed!! Filled with potato and shredded beef, served with limes, and a side of aji. That amount of filling is worth way more than what they charge! Overall, I give this place way beyond 5 stars. They found a niche, found a way to work it without losing their tradition and are still making waves in the Cleveland food scene. Way to go guys...you deserve it!! keep up the excellent work!
(5)
Krista W.

Barroco Grill is a great little place! We went there this past Monday and I will definitely be going back again. A great place for lunch! I had the veggie arepa and added a little of each of their 5 sauces tomsee which I liked best...they all had a good taste. I heard someone say that theyn make all of the sauces there. Makes sense because everything tasted really fresh. The decor is bright and cheerful...you can even write a brief statement on the wall if you would like! Clean, friendly and yummy...give it a try already!
(4)
Camille G.

This place was awesome. The food was great and the staff was very pleasant. I really enjoyed the variety of sauces. They had resonable prices and very artistic decor. Great addition to Lakewood!
(5)
Jen K.

Ok, so this place is by no means gourmet, and doesn't pretend to be. However, they do their food and they do it well. I had the steak arepa, and the cheesy corn. My immediate thought was "this is the best drunk food ever!" the sauces were good, I like the cilantro based one and the spicy peanut one the best. Yes the spicy peanut is clearly Frank's Red Hot with a peanut twist, but it was tasty none the less. My suggestion is have a few cocktails and check this place out! They've obviously been successful, as their 2nd location will open soon in the Warehouse District.
(4)
Carolyn R.

A little small on the inside, but the food was amazing! My first time eating Columbian food and I was impressed. The empanadas were delicious and the chorizo arepa was spicy, but tasty. Will most definitely go back.
(5)
Andy N.

I've always wanted to try an arepa, but thought I'd have to go to a bigger city like New York or a city with a much larger Latino population. I was thrilled to find out about this place and eager to give it a try. I had the Steak and Hawaiian Arepas. Both were great on their own, but the sauces really put them over the top. My favorite was the garlic sauce followed closely by the chimichurri. Wish they sold the garlic sauce by the bottle. The pineapple sauce is a nice palate cleanser. The ranchero sauce is like a creamy ketchup. The peanut sauce was the only one I didn't care for since it was all heat and not much else. I hope that they will expand their menu to include more traditional fillings beyond the chorizo. I'm now a fan and can't wait to go back.
(5)
J.P. O.

So many people have raved about this place that I was champing at the bit to try it, and so I took a shot today after an exciting bout with my laundry. Inside, it was bright and the walls were covered in neat artwork and handwritten testimonials. A lot bigger than I expected, too, although that might be just memories from the other two or three restaurants that occupied the space before. I got the cheesy corn and a chorizo arepa and took them home. The cheesy corn was very good - very heavy, though. The cheese was obviously real cheese, which was nice. The arepa was tasty, but dry, and the chorizo overpowered the mozzarella cheese, peppers and onions that accompanied it. As for the fries, the potato fries were good - not too heavily seasoned or salted, which is kind of rare. The arepa fries, on the other hand, I just couldn't get into. They were bland and they had that "chewy-crunchy" texture that I associate with cold, old french fries. Maybe that's how arepa fries are supposed to be, I don't know, but I will definitely be substituting regular fries next time. I tried three sauces, the spicy peanut, the garlic mayo and the chimichurri. The peanut sauce was the best of the three, and would make an outstanding base for cold noodles. The garlic was decent, very garlicky but without the bitter tang that can kill a garlic sauce. The chimichurri was disappointing, since it was basically a chimichurri-flavored mayo (and not real flavorful, to boot). The wasabi coleslaw was blah, wholly unredolent of wasabi or any other spices - but then again, how many places actually have good coleslaw (seriously, I'd love to know, I love coleslaw)? I'll be coming back, because there are lots of other dishes I want to try, but until then three stars is about as good as I can go.
(3)
K D.

This was a solid, cheap dinner. I just moved back to Ohio from Texas, so maybe I'm being overly harsh to Latin foods, but I wasn't wowed. I had the Cubano, fantastic. It's giant, big enough for two to share. My boyfriend had the chorizo arepa, which was decent, but I think he'd wished he'd ordered something else. We split the cheesy corn. I guess I was expecting something more like what I assume a KFC bowl is. This was entirely too much cheese. It was a pie tin full of cheese, with a little corn and chicken sprinkled in; very small amounts of corn and chicken. It tastes good, but it's just wrong somehow. They need to make this like chili cheese fries, or add more corn to the cheese. It was just overwhelming, and not super appetizing once the cheese cooled down. The sauces are amazing. My favorite was the Chimichurri, which is what y'all are calling pesto. On another note, the seating area is pretty small, but clean. No complaints about the art. it closes pretty early, which is surprising because it's perfect late night food. This place would be a great food trailer.
(3)
Kate B.

Birdtown's weird, but Barroco isn't. This place is a true gem, the kind that you can only find in a city. I was so, so excited to learn of an authentic arepa spot in Cleveland! My mom has been dreaming of arepas for the last 15 years, ever since our Venezuelan exchange student introduced her to them & cooked them from scratch for us with some regularity. She's only had them once since then, but she talks about them often, so when I learned of Barroco, I knew we'd have to make a pilgrimage up from Akron. Everything on their menu looks awesome - like, truly. I can only speak to what we had, but it was all delicious - the Mexicana arepa was spicy & overstuffed, with sweet maduros (plantains) on the side; I could've eaten three times as many as they gave me, they were that good. My mom & boyfriend both got the MontaÃ±era - a "grilled arepa with melted mozzarella served flat on its back then topped with carne (braised beef on our hogado sauce) and with a fried egg" - & they had about half leftover to take home. They both got tostones (savory plantains, smashed flat & fried) on the side, which served as platters for the bevvy of creative sauces Barroco makes available to every table just before they serve you. The atmosphere inside is fun & funky, with paintings & writings all over the wallls & Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling. On sunny days, sit outside on the patio in the alley. Barroco is BYOB, & they'll bring you glasses for your wine and/or a bottle opener for your beer, if needed. Bring whatever you want! I believe the Food Network named Barroco the Best Sandwich in Ohio, & I'd believe it. There's not a damn thing on the menu that I'm not interested in devouring. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Lord Edwin C.

Barroco is my favorite restaurant in Cleveland and it's sad it's taken me 3 years and countless check-ins to write this review. My favorite items on their menu are: 1. MontaÃ±era Arepa: I love their hogado sauce and when it's with rich beef and toped with a fried egg, it forms a satisfying combination. 2. The classic Arepa made with pork: their vegetable are cooked perfectly and are well seasoned. The pork tastes and feels like carnitas, fatty and also well seasoned. This arepa is incredibly unctuous. 3. Bandeja Paisa: this is he ultimate sampler entrÃ©e with delicious meats and side dishes. Miscellaneous food notes: * Always order the Cheesy Corn appetizer because it's heaven and reheats nicely * The Arepa sandwiches are hearty portions, so pace yourself with appetizers * Instead of fries, ask for Arepa Fries; they're made of yuca and are crispier and more flavorful * Add a fried egg to ANY arepa for extra richness and fun * Ask for little to-go sauce cups to bring a little of your favorite (or all 5) sauces home for leftovers (or other food requiring a boost of flavor) While my favorite is their spicy peanut sauce, all five of their signature sauces are excellent and go well with anything on their menu. Try the spicy peanut on the Bistec a Caballo and the garlic aioli with arepa fries, fries or plantains. The service is consistently good. I've been here when it's been super busy and orders are flying and I've also dined here alone (literally, I was the only customer) and the servers have always been knowledgable, efficient and friendly. Lastly, while I miss the dark back room with four tables, the post-renovation dining area is awesome with more seating and artwork. Also, the new outside seating area is excellent and you can bring your pets along. I enjoy this place a lot. The next time I'm here it'll be for brunch, which they just recently begun serving on the weekends.
(5)
David B.

What a very pleasant surprise! I came in not knowing anything about the restaurant (fiancee told me we were going when we got in the car) so thus had no expectations. The place (on the inside) looks like a pimp my ride version of a big renovated garage. There are garage doors in the place to boot. It's totally decked out with funky chalk boards and hippy wall beads. I was wondering what type of Latin American fare this was until I saw the Columbian flag. I kind of got the vibe like this would easily make 'Diners Drive Ins and Dives' whenever they next come to CLE. It has a very cool atmosphere and keeps you looking around at all the unique art work and items on the walls. Definitely very thoughtful and not chincy or thrown together. Food was delicious! I had beef sitting on a bed of fried sweet plantains. The flavor was definitely there and our service was great. I will only add this as a slight negative: she had suggested a fried plantains dish to us for the appetizer but then also directed me to the entree as well. I should have known better because it ended up just being wayyy too much fried sweet bananas for my taste and I probably would have picked something else. Overall was very intensely rich as an entree after the app. Regardless, the dishes were very flavorful, I can't wait to come back and try the Arepas! I'll leave with this thought: this place sort of reminds me of eating at an awesome spot in Austin, TX. It has that kind of vibe, FAN!
(4)
Jessica C.

Barroco is a favorite of mine and my husband's and definitely our "go-to" when we're craving something different. We made a trip out yesterday for my birthday and per usual it didn't disappoint! One of our favorite things about this restaurant is that it's BYOB, glad to see that's still around. It certainly is a big influence in why we pick going here and is what initially got our interest to make our first restaurant. Nice to not be limited to certain beer choices. We FINALLY GOT THE CHEESY CORN!!! I always see it highly recommended and never bothered. Oh. My. Tastebuds. Absolute perfection and pairs so well with the arepas. We both agreed that we'd probably next time just order 2 of these as our entrees. Very filling for an app! I got the fajitas con arepas, I think what my husband ordered was the montanera, it came in a corn husk with a friend egg and a complimentary side, he chose the chili. My entree was good but it didn't blow me away, I've had several other dishes here that have though so I'll just attribute that to personal preference. Loved the arepas it came with though! My husband was initially unimpressed with the portion size of his but after finishing the meal noted it was actually very filling. We both enjoyed the chili.
(5)
Krystal E.

Is the Barrio wait too long? Barroco grill is a unique little Columbian spot on Madison- easy to miss on the outside if you're not looking for it but has an eye catching funky interior. They have quite a bit of seating for both large and small groups; so it's a nice place to hang with friends or bring a date. I've been in and out in 45 min, I've stayed for over 2 hours. It's a pretty laid back place and can accommodate almost any party. They don't serve alcohol and it's BYOB so if you're looking for drinks, this isn't your place. The food is super filling and flavorful. Like, this food is heavy. Almost the kind of I-need-a-nap-after-eating-this, heavy. The staff is warm and friendly and doesn't mind if you ask a million [stupid] questions. Though, you can't really go wrong with anything you order. The Cheesy Corn app is super good. Make sure not to overload on it because (again) it sits heavy in your stomach and the entrÃ©es are huge! The plain arepas can be a little dry on their own- come in the sauces! If you were familiar with the [now closed] Helvetica on Detroit, they used a couple of Barroco's sauces. They bring their 5 house made bottles to each table with your meal; I personally love the spicy peanut but they're all really amazing. Also, their Cuban sandwich is probably one of the best I've had in Cleveland. Barroco is definitely worth a visit (or 2 or 5 or 10).
(4)
Scott S.

You guys...this is one of the best meals I have ever had. Thanks again to Yelp and a helpful clerk at the UDF nearby, we got to experience arepas that could get me to make a special trip back to Cleveland. The chicken and chicharrons in the one I ordered were marinated in some kind of awesome that just made the entire thing incredible. We got sides of yuca fries and crispy plantains that could have earned the place 5-stars on their own. The sauces that are brought to the table will leave you wondering which one you like the best, and continually alternating between them. A great portion size for a hearty lunch, super flavorful filling, and topped off with a delicious flan. This will absolutely be on my list of recommendations for friends visiting the area in the future.
(5)
Emina H.

I will start this review by telling you this is the first restaurant in Cleveland where the positive yelp reviews didn't disappoint me. In fact, this place deserves all 5 stars. When you first walk in, it appears to be very small, but after walking down the hallway, there is a large seating area in the back. The decor is eclectic and perfect. There are twinkly lights adorning the ceiling. There is graffiti style artwork on the walls, with Spanish quotes scattered randomly. I loved it. It exudes cool. On to the food, it does not disappoint. I went with my family, who were new to Colombian food, and they left obsessed and telling me this is where they want to go the next time they visit. I had the bolognese. One word: divine. My family members all had a variation of the arepas. Ssooooo good. This place is a must go in Cleveland.
(5)
Ben G.

One of the first places I ate at when I moved to Lakewood a few years ago, and I have been back many many times since. Felt I should finally write a review for this place. I loved seeing this place grow and expand as they deserve all the success they have achieved in the past few years as this is some of the best food I have ever had. If they every sell their garlic sauce, I will buy it by the gallons. While I always recommend their famous Arepas, I also recommend exploring the rest of the menu and trying other things such as their pastas, which may now be my new go to for Barrocco. An orgy in my mouth to quote Stewie Griffin. They are quickly becoming an institution of Lakewood, if they aren't already considered that.
(5)
Michelle B.

Authentic Columbian food fused to accommodate even the Pickiest of American palettes (like my kids). Even better this place is owned by a great couple and the atmosphere is super fun and inviting. The cheesy corn dip and empanadas are where it's at!
(5)
Ross S.

Not really sure what all the great reviews are for. Food is truly just okay. Ordered the carne asada and wife ordered one of the arepas. Flavors were there in both dishes but nothing to wow the taste buds. The 45 minute wait for food and 30 minute wait for our check was more than annoying.
(1)
Nikki H.

For being a restaurant hidden in a house in lakewood, I felt like I was on vacation. The fun, colorful atmosphere gets you in the mood to try something new, which was great for me because I didn't recognize anything on the menu. I tried a buffalo chicken arrapa, which was cubed buffalo chicken and cheese inside a homemade folded rice toast/wrap. The consistency was new for me but definitly something I could get behind again. My boyfriend ordered a plantain app, topped with peppers and cheeses, as his meal. It was huge, definitely meant to be shared with a group or split as an entre. He was skeptical about bringing home the leftovers thinking they wouldn't heat up the same but they warmed up great in the oven the next day. Overall it's a place I'm happy I experienced. I definitly loved the vibe and wouldn't mind trying some other menu items in the future. I'd say it's worth the trip.
(4)
Mike B.

Holy cow, what a great reason to go to birdtown. I never expected to find fantastic authentic Colombian food in my hometown, but Barroco delivers. Fantastic fresh food (yay empanadas), great sauces (pineapple sauce and the chimichuri are great), and gratuitous use of cilantro. Another five star reason? BYOB! They've got live music and allow you to bring your favorite brew. The owner served us, and was a truly proud owner that was passionate about the food he served. So yeah, get here, it's great.
(5)
Beth M.

First off, BYOB so that is an added bonus. There have a cheese dip that is really, really delicious and I often fill up on that before making it to the arepas. The arepas are good and they have a decent selection. Fried plantains are also quite tasty. My favorite part is maybe their selection of sauces. Wish I had some at home!
(4)
Sheena W.

I've been to Barroco three times now and am a fan! The location is in a little house like building in Lakewood and I am not sure that they have air conditioning, but there is street parking right in front and the staff is friendly. I am still exploring local ethnic cuisine and I took French in school, so the menu is a little hard for me to pronounce and decipher, but there are good descriptions and lots of pictures on Yelp to help you figure out what you want. -Cheesy Corn Dip: Soooo good! It has chicken in it as well and the crispy chip things go great with the warm gooey dip. -Empanadas: Four to an order but they are pretty big, just eaten plain they are eh, but add salsa or sauce and they are pretty yummy. You'll be sad when they are all gone. -Bandeja Paisa: A little pricey, but a lot of food. You do get a variety of things, but I think this dish is better at El Arepazo Y Pupuseria and it's cheaper there. -Chicken Tostones: Tasty. The Plantain Chips on their own aren't that great, but they are more of a way to carry the rest of the food to your mouth so it doesn't really matter. Also the portions are on the bigger side, so whether you want to feed a family of four or just want to be a fatty, I recommend this place for some tasty Latin food.
(5)
Jeff K.

First time there, totally amaze-balls. I had the chorizo madura and it was excellent. The patio was awesome and the staff was really friendly. Highly recommended, I'll definitely be going back.
(5)
Cara L.

2 Words: Chimichurri Sauce! Holy moly I wish I had endless bottles of this stuff! I have loved this place since it first opened! I only go to the Lakewood location and I am so happy that they have been successful enough to make the place larger as well as open a second location! The food here is Bomb Diggity! I have no words to describe how in love I am with the food. No matter how many times I visit each dish I order is as good as the next! If you have never been...Shame on You! Get in your car and go now!
(5)
Jeremy S.

I had the pleasure of trying Barroco Grill whilst on a date. On the outside of this restaurant it looks as if its a small house with a party going on from looking in the windows. Once inside you are welcomed into an ecletic, hippy atmosphere complete with Christmas string lights, painted artwork on the walls with various graffiti, and small tea lights on the tables. I found the atmosphere to be comfortable/casual yet hipster and romantic. Perfect for going on a date or small get together with friends. There are many options on the menu, but I would have enjoyed seeing pictures of what to expect (as I was a newbie). Also important to note that the menu offered online is shorter than what is actually offered in person. Barroco is known for their Arepas, but I decided to try a different dish. My dish consisted of shredded chicken over layers of corn tortillas, in a cream sauce with melted cheese on top. I was recommended this dish (similar to a lasagna but their style) by the waitress. The staff was friendly and as we left the cook was singing (unknowingly) that we were there haha. Downside? Street parking (free) unless you park further away. I visited on a weekday when it was snowy so it was slow, but since the restaurant is small I would imagine a long wait on weekends. Overall the prices were good ($30 for two people) and the food and service was consistent with each other.
(4)
Victor N.

In summary: it was awesome. Borroco grill is a great place to just hang out with friends or maybe bring a fun date. The atmosphere is very friendly, with a mismash or seemingly random decorations. But everything fits and works together. It's different but not so hipster it's uninviting. Between two of us, we shared the empanadas and the montenara arepa. The empanadas were great. Crispy, flavorful, and the "appetizer" portion was actually quite large and a meals worth. And the arepa? Damn that was good. A very generous portion of pork tops the great, homemade corn shell. As for the sauces - I really enjoyed the ranch, chipotle peanut, and chimichuri.
(5)
Mandy T.

I went there specifically to get a Cuban sandwich because Cleveland is lacking in that department. The Cuban was definitely not traditional. Being that it had tomatoes and mozzarella cheese instead of Swiss and no pickles,where are the pickles?!!!! Overall it was a pretty good sandwich though and it fed my craving for a Cuban. We got the guacamole and fry plantains for an appetizer. The guacamole is some of the best that I've had around, very flavorful.I will definitely be back to try one of their famous arepas! The one disappointment that I had was I had bought a living social deal and I couldn't use it because apparently the numbers on my LivingSocial had already been used. I will have to call LivingSocial to figure this out. Hopefully there'll refund me so I can it another time.
(4)
Michele C.

AMAZING!!!!! What a great place, Cool atmosphere with a cute patio! The staff is so friendly and they explain everything for you! I got the Arepa Mexicana and OMG was it AWESOME, if you like Chorizo and jalapeÃ±o you will be in heaven, a lot of heat and so much flavor. I got the yucca fries and they were also amazing! Can't wait to go back and try more! Highly Recommended!
(5)
Mo A.

Came here last night with my friend Cody who never had plantains before. Needless to say our order of plantains con queso quickly made him a fan. Afterwards we both had Maduro plates (bed of sweet plantains) ... He had the Hawaiian Maduro and I had the steak Maduro. We cleaned those meals up within ten minutes... That's how good it is. You can't go wrong by coming here! Also we had a great server by the name of Chris.... He was funny and kept our waters filled
(5)
Gigi L.

Amazing Latin Food!! Best Cubano sandwich in Ohio! The service is great and restaurant is very festive. Warmer weather the restaurant has an outside dining available. After ordering your food the wait is not long at all. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for delicious affordable food! (Don't forget to bring a marker!) :)
(5)
TN N.

The food here is awesome, service is great and I believe that they have live music on the weekends. You can also sit outside and the bathroom was cool !
(4)
Kevin B.

Thought I wad going Mexican. This is an outstanding Latin American cusine. A combination of Columbian, Argentinian and South American fare. Bring your own libation. Reasonably priced. A must visit.
(5)
Izzy H.

For the first time, I found myself out in Lakewood for a meal. I knew we were going to Barroco, and I checked Yelp quickly before leaving to see upon what culinary adventure I was embarking. I had never had Colombian food before, but I entered with high expectations... and left satisfied. Barroco is located in a small house-like building, and the walls are coated in bright colors and scribbles of its past visitors, many of which are written in Spanish and praise their writers' countries of origin. The service was average, and at times felt a bit slow, but at the same time our server was extremely helpful, asking if we had any questions and explaining the five different sauces on the wheel provided. We started with the cheesy corn, though neither of those two ingredients are the star of the dish. Rather, the juicy, cheesy chicken immersed in a queso sauce in which you can dip the toasted corn triangles really shine. I then had the chorizo arepa. The arepa itself is a crispy, soft, yet sturdy corn shell, holding what must have been a massive amount of chorizo mixed with green peppers and onions, and somehow cheese meticulously mixed throughout to add to the flavor without being overwhelming or gooey, allowing the spicy, flavorful chorizo to be the star. I chose the chimichurri sauce and a white sauce to dot it, but with the flavor of the chorizo it was barely necessary. Others at my table raved about the spicy peanut sauce and the thousand-island-esque sauce. With the arepa, I picked among the many side choices: fries, tostones, black bean soup, red bean chili and maduros-- the maduros, fried sweet plantains that tamed the spice and satisfied my sweet tooth. The portions were large, so I brought some sandwich home for my family. It quickly disappeared, a testament to its qualities. Overall, it was quite the lunch, and I can't wait to return both with my family and hungrier.
(4)
Justin W.

The food is amazing, the atmosphere is energetic. The staff works hard to keep service excellent. I have been here several times and have not been disappointed. There is no alcohol served there but the will uncork anything you bring in (there is a fee they don't usually mention). The sauces are very good and I recommend the corn queso appetizer. Definitely worth trying.
(5)
Jason W.

Love this place! It's authentic Columbian street food. Arepas are their specialty and they have a great variety to choose from, with fillings such as chorizo, steak, chicken, pork, eggs, they're pretty much like a stuffed sammich where the "bread" is like a homemade pita pocket made from corn. They were awarded "Best Sandwich in Ohio" by The Food Network! They make everything from scratch and the ingredients are fresh fresh! They offer a good variety of homemade sauces you can try on your arepa. There's Chimichurri, Spicy peanut, Garlic, and Pineapple. I think the Chimichurri is my favorite. Sometimes the Garlic can be TOO garlicky, as was the case during my last visit. If you don't want an arepa, their Cubano sammich and Ropa Vieja are also excellent and very filling! Be sure to try the Cheesy Corn for an appetizer..so good! You definitely won't leave this place hungry. Oh and they don't currently have a liquor license, but it's BYOB, so feel free to bring any beer or wine to accompany your meal. The ambiance there is cool and casual...very laid back. The servers are quick and super friendly. You'll feel welcome at Barroco. They usually have some Latin music playing and you can write on the walls...it really takes you away. They have live music on the weekends. Check their Facebook page for details!
(5)
M C.

We have eaten at Barroco 3 times so far. The first 2 times my husband and I ordered the same thing: he: Pork Arepas and I: Ropa Vieja Arepa. They were both very flavorful and delicious. The sauces that they provide are phenomenal. On our last visit we decided to try other meals. He got the Hawaiian Arepa and I wanted to try the Arepa Puerca and Cheesy Corn. While my husband likes pineapple, he didn't really care for his Arepa. I wanted to try the Arepa Puerca because it has the chicharron. My chicharron was very chewy, so much that I couldn't eat it. The Cheesy Corn appetizer was good but even for a Cheese lover like myself it was really cheesy. Although we didn't have such a spectacular dining experience this last time around, I wouldn't stop from going back. Our first 2 meals were great and that's what I will have next time.
(4)
Olga S.

If food could talk, black beans would have totally told you that good looks in life is not everything: they look like mud and taste like heaven. The ones that are from Barroco Grill of course. Same applies to arepas: authentic Colombian hotpocket with a crunchy exterior and gently delicious ( meat, potatoes, anything) interior. According to my Colombian friend Alexandra Bastos, this tiny place represents her country proudly. Of course Colombian street food in reality is much cheaper. But I heard besides the air fare, trying it sometimes may cost you your shoes, wallet or both ( yep, I personally spoke to someone whose shoes were stolen while he was buying some arepas). So for my non-Spanish speaking, non-globe-trotting friends, Barroco Grill is the best next thing.
(5)
Cindy K.

My kids won't eat here because they're picky eaters and this restaurant doesn't serve traditional "kid food" but I LOVE it. The flavors are so wonderful, and different from any other place you'll go!
(5)
John P.

Probably my favorite place to eat when I'm craving some Latin American fare. The arepas the way to go, plus their cubano is top notch. The cheesy corn dip is great and so is the guac; really in a place where everything is handmade you can't go wrong. It is a very small place though that has expanded with a great deck but the kitchen is still small. If you're a person that writes a review based solely on the speed of the service you will not like this place but if you want to sit and enjoy your self you can't do much better.
(5)
Chris J.

We took the family here to celebrate end of school and had a great time. While easy to classify the food as Mexican, It was clearly not and had lots of Colombian influence that is harder to find. Appetizers of empanadas and guacamole served with fresh made plantain chips were both awesome. They serve many varieties of are arepas that our server Eduardo encouraged to be customized. I had the chorizo maduros (Sausage with added chicken over a caramelized bed of plantains ) and really enjoyed The atmosphere is fun and layed back with BYOB if you want
(4)
George S.

I love happy accidents. We were going to a show this evening and decided to stop, last minute, at Barroco as we'd never been there before. We are now INSTANT FANS. When we first went in, we thought the place was fairly tiny, but then after looking we found that the place only looks like a small cozy bistro from the front;, it extends pretty far back into the long, winding building. One thing that struck me immediately was that we were greeted warmly, and got a really nice seat by the front window, and then...we saw the menu. I love Mexican food, but I've been schooled on your standard fare that is fairly Americanized. Firstly, we got an appetizer called Cheesy Corn; this was a pleasing fondue of spiced chicken, corn and shallots combined with dipping toastettes of fried corn squares. Absolutely delightful. We chowed on than and then, we were introduced to Arepas. these are sort of like pocket sandwiches, but filled with amazing spiced meats and cheeses and made of (again) fried corn meal. Best...Sandwich...Ever. I had a Hawaiian Arepa with a cup of their spiced black beans; it was awesome. Patty had a chicken one with fries, and we also got to sample... THE WHEEL OF SAUCES!! They bring out a serving carousel of 5 sauces, one was a tasty pesto-like sauce, there was a hot Shiracha, a wonderful sauce that, well, it tasted like what you'd get on a Quarter Pounder, but better of course:) There was also a heavenly garlic and a pineapple puree, all in one chilled set! With this, we got to sample a huge number of flavors, and it was worth it. I'd also like to add that our drinks were never empty, the service was great and we saw many, many happy people both coming and going as they picked up huge orders in shopping bags. Now, this explained to me, two things. 1. Why there were so many awards on the walls from all around Cleveland, and 2. Why many, indeed MOST, of the walls, from the front as you walk in to the restroom in the back, were covered in the HAPPIEST graffiti I've ever seen. Apparently, the clientele is encouraged to make their opinions known in the most literal way. Parking for this little gem is street only, but it's worth it, even if you have to park a mile away. I am now, and shall be, a fan of Barroco, and plan on making it a stopoff if any of my friends come here from out of town, because frankly, I want to show how good we eat in CLEVELAND!! BTW, I have under good authority that "Barroco" means "Baroque" in Spanish, so, my opinion...and please forgive me people, If aint' BAROQUE, don't fix it... I would like to apologize to all funny people everywhere. Go eat their food, it's really awesome:)
(5)
Phil K.

This place amazing! The arepas are just something one must try (multiple) times in their life. The staff is courteous and friendly. You really can't beat the BYOB! The sauces to choose from never disappoint. I love dipping my fries in them! You can definitely taste the Columbian flavor in every bite. The cook's take pride in what they produce and Barroco is a MUST when bringing guest into town. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Mr F.

Love this place . Has a good vibe when you walk in . Food is freshly made , good service . I am regular at this place . Little gem that brings in Colombian flavor to Lakewood !
(4)
Morgan B.

Amazing- barroco never disappoints. The restaurant itself is small, decorated with kitschy murals and Halloween lights, which adds to the authentic feel, making you feel like you just arrived in a local Columbian bar. The servers are always sweet as pie and quick to make recommendations. Service can be a little slow but it's always worth the wait- when the food comes you'll be drooling over the myriad of sauces and toppings. We always leave feeling full & satisfied with lots of leftovers for the next day! Definitely a must try if you like authentic food with a great attitude!
(5)
Bethany B.

Yum... Kid friendly'ish earlier in the evening. Good variety of items. Over all good quality. Nothing knocked my socks off but over all pretty great meals at reasonable prices. A bit of parking issues with road construction but worth parking 2-3 blocks away. I'll be back.
(4)
Brian D.

I left stuffed. Everything tasted great. Chorizo arepas were delish! The guacamole and chips platter was good. The guac itself was excellent, but the chips were dull and I found the plantains slightly chewy. Server wasn't good the night we were there. Forgot the appetizer we ordered. Forgot my wife's drink refill. The writing on the walls --- I found it interesting and 99% of it was done in good taste. But I could see it being a slight turn off to some people. Perhaps if you're taking an older relative to dinner and they are more traditional, I wouldn't bring them here. The lights, wire mesh, corrugated steel, etc etc reeks of hipster. Again - I didn't knock a star off for that - I'm only adding a piece of information. Will return.
(4)
Julianne Z.

On Friday night, we went to this great arepas place. I had the arepa burger with fries. Arepas are this kind of Venezuelan corn cakes and this place took that, put a burger between and added in pepper jack cheese. It is this kind of, hole in the wall place but the best thing about it is the sauces that each table gets. There was a tomato sauce (their spin on ketchup and it was my favorite), a spicy chili mayonaise sauce, a cilantro/pesto like sauce, a pineapple sweet sauce, and a garlic mayo sauce. These sauces made the meal go slowly since we kept on squeezing more onto fries and the burger so you are so full afterwards since you ate so slowly.
(4)
Sistha D.

We were in the area first time my boyfriend and I went here. Found this place from Yelp from highest review restaurant. And my oh my, this place is the bomb! I love unique food and Barroco has amazingly flavorful latin american food.This review is based on my second visit here. Since I only have pics from my second visit. Both times have been amazing tho. Food: 10/10 Service: 8/10 Appetizer: Fresh Guacamole for 2 people. 7/10 It was delicious. Not the best guacamole I've ever had. And I've had plenty in my experience. This one is still very good. It comes with plantain chips which we really enjoyed. Side: Yucca Fries. 9/10 We both love yucca fries. It's very simple but really tasty! Entrees: 1. Carne Asada & Calentado: 10/10 Both times I've been here, this is the only dish I order. Not because I wasn't interested in trying other ones but because it is sooooo delicious. The skirt steak is so thin and perfectly cooked and seasoned, it tastes amazing. The piccalilli salsa has a little kick to it and it's to die for. I'm OK with the grilled cheese arepita triangles, nothing too special for me about it. As for the rice and beans, yummy! 2. Bistec a Caballo: 10/10 The boyfriend got this and he said it was delicious. The fried egg on top just makes it even better! And since we both enjoy the fried plantains, having them on the entree is a plus. Sauces: 10/10 They have a variety of sauces offered. My favorite is the cilantro/pesto like sauce. Because I love cilantro and pesto. Also the spicy mayo sauce of course is always a favorite. Service the first time was awesome. Our waitress was very attentive. Second time we were seated outside and it wasn't quiet busy so we were kind of forgotten. But not too bad. Overall, definitely worth the trip here to enjoy some authentic meal!
(5)
Michael H.

Wish I could give a 4.5 - it's not QUITE perfect (I'm not as big a fan of the arepas as some) but, and I want to stress this: THEY MAKE THE BEST BURGER I HAVE EVER HAD And I have had some burgers. Their sauces are AMAZING, the burger is HUGE (and better looking than even the menu, an experience I have NEVER had), the fries are PERFECTLY done and amazing accompaniment to the fries. I am in LOVE with their burger, have taken everyone I know to try it and nobody has disagreed yet. I know they do dinner, I know they have other things, I LOVE the charm of the place as well, but...but...THAT BURGER! SO GOOD!!
(4)
Olwen C.

I have always heard good things about Barroco, so I came here with my family for a late dinner on a week night and we enjoyed it very much. We all ordered something different, so there were 4 dishes to sample from, each one just as good as the next. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros arepa. It came on a cheesy arepa with delicious chorizo, black beans, and a fried egg. I chose the black bean soup as my side item, and it was great. Next time I'll try the red bean chili, as it looked really good in other yelpers' photos. They also bring out 6 different sauces for the table. One of the most interesting was a sweet pineapple sauce almost like a jelly. I liked the garlic sauce best though. The service was friendly and everyone was very nice. It took a long time to get our food, and they brought out one of the wrong dishes to our table, but since the food was excellent I'm still giving a 5-star review.
(5)
Montiel P.

Not a bad place to eat, but they can't handle many costumer at one time. The person taking your name will get confused and call people that just got there, living peope that been there for 45 minutes waiting.
(3)
Francis M.

The ambience of this place was avant-garde! It was a great place to eat and the food was delightful! Their maduro con queso was delicious and I will return every time I go to Cleveland!
(5)
Michelle H.

We went here on a whim after seeing it on yelp last night and man were we impressed!! The decor is "Mexican street style" very unique and fun! Neither of us had tried an arepa before and ohhhh goodness it is the best thing in the world! Made with 100% white corn, they're gluten free!!! Every thing is made to order, fresh, and delicious. I could not have been more impressed and we will be returning very soon! Arepas.. Who knew?!
(5)
Andi C.

So when I read Yelp reviews I always take the three stars and below ones into consideration. When I read the reviews for Barroco I thought maybe it will be overrated and those few not so good reviews will be right. They were wrong. This place was spectacular. We went on a Sunday afternoon so there was no crowd. The food was unlike anything I've ever had in the Cleveland area before. It was a tough choice between corn dip that everyone raved about and the plantains for an appetizer. We opted for the Plantains with Guacamole and were so glad we did. It was by far one of the best Guacamole's we've ever had and the plantains were delicious. The sauces they give you just add to the flavor. Yes, the main entrees are basically sandwiches, however, not like anything you can get anywhere else. Several different to choose from all of which looked wonderful. The two we had were delicious and well worth the cost. Service was quick, efficient and friendly. Small place but a very cool atmosphere, uniquely decorated and just something different. I highly recommend this place, it lives up to the hype and whatever the price it's worth it!!
(5)
George M.

Not a bad Brazilian cuisine food experience and a must try at least once.. Place is very small..parking is limited. But overall good.!!
(3)
D S.

Great food, fun atmosphere, helpful staff. Will definitely be coming back this summer.
(5)
Essie H.

This place is AMAZING! Mexican food will never be the same. Being from latÃn america I must say this is the best place in this area, hands down!!
(4)
Ashleigh S.

Mmmmmm...Num Num Num! Did this for a food group a few years back as a "Cheap Eats" with a few Groupon deals as well. We love it! Cheesy, chicken corn dip, Arepas...Everything is awesome! So glad they opened that back area because when they first opened, it was CRAZY compact (but yummy nonetheless)
(4)
Kenneth L.

There are places where their menu is so large that it takes a long time to figure out what you want. This is not one of those places. Barroco Grill has a reasonable menu (two sides of a single page), but it still took me a long time to figure out what I wanted, because *everything* looked really yummy! I had the Guacamole with Plaintain Chips and Arepa Paisa with Black Bean soup, and it was one of the most delicious meals I've had in a very long time! The arepa filling tasted so good as it was delivered that none of the equally yummy sauces would have been needed at all! I was wishing that I hadn't eaten all week, so I could have finished everything and ordered more!
(5)
Bob L.

a - re - pa (n.) 1. a corn pancake, sweetened or unsweetened, eaten in Venezuela and Colombia. 2. a life-changing food experience that will have you stuffing your gullet like you're at a Survivor food reward I had no idea. Like most white guys raised in suburban America the word wasn't even in my lexicon. And I thought I was happy. I was wrong. I entered Barroco as a boy and left as a man. Tucked into a tiny little house on Madison Avenue, Barroco is single-handedly bringing South American comfort food to the Cleveland masses. As soon as we walked in we were greeted with a smile. The hostess was friendly, how about that? To the left, the kitchen pumped out aromas I had never experienced. How could smells that big come out of a space no bigger than a closet? The front of the house belies what comes next. We walked down a hall, walls littered with scribblings of customers past, to the back room. This is where the true personality lives. Painted walls, nightclub dark, hanging lights, music full of bongos and zzzzt da da zzzzt dum. A tiny two-top table against the wall beckoned us. We sat. The menu is concise. We were starving. The perfect combination. The stars of Barroco are definitely the arepas - sliced in half and stuffed with spicy combinations of fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses that will have you feeling, if just for a moment, that you're hosting your own Bourdain-esque Travel Channel show, wandering the streets of Bogota, making couch potatoes jealous. We started with the empanadas. Crispy dough shells, sort of like South American pierogi, stuffed with potatoes and shredded beef and deep fried. You get four of them with some guac and salsa verde. A meal on their own or perfect for two. So what's this about the sauces? When they bring out your food it's accompanied by a carousel of squirt bottle magnificence. The five sauces, spicy peanut, pineapple, chimichurri, garlic and ranchero, should be bottled and sold at every store in Cleveland. I found myself putting them on tortilla chips and eating them on their own. Be forewarned, with the exception of the super-sweet pineapple, the sauces are full of heat so they will get your attention. One recommendation? Label the bottles. Of course we got arepas. You get a choice of a side and believe me, you are getting plenty of food. The sides, tortilla chips, fries, black bean soup and red bean chili. Let's talk about how it went down: Arepa Puerca and tortilla chips - The innards, chicharron (pork rinds), beans, chicken and mozzarella. A perfectly spiced textural cumbia. The tender chicken, the stringy mozz it all worked. A slight misstep in execution, the chicharron became rubbery bits, soggy from the rest of the mix. Find a way to keep those crunchy and you've got a hit. The yellow corn tortilla chips were warm and dusted with a spicy powder. Great for sampling all of the squirtable sauces. Ropa Vieja Arepa and red bean chili- Old clothes? I think not. I was blown away by the flavors crammed inside the flat corn pocket. Shredded beef, potatoes, black beans, rice, roasted red peppers, sweet tomato sauce, Feta and mozz. Spicy, sweet and ridiculously addicting. The red bean chili, topped with white rice and salsa verde was mild and delicious. I'm typically hesitant to try places with such stellar Yelp ratings. Mostly because I'm really picky and inevitably I wind up disappointed. This place was definitely an exception. The food was amazing and unexpected. Eat this and your brain can't help but create new connections. It's culinary neuroplasticity. Our server was delightful, constantly refilling drinks and always smiling and the atmosphere was festive and cultural without being corny. I get why they've thrived and I will be back - just as soon as my distended belly has had some time to recover. As an aside, I want to share what I believe to be a moment of brilliant customer service. We had a slight issue with a few of our empanadas, perhaps as a result of the kitchen's want to expedite our eating experience. I brought it to the attention of our server and it was handled with class, humility and expedience. Not only was the dish remade and brought back to our table the entire item was removed from our bill, at their insistence, no questions asked. I was made at once both speechless and a return customer.
(4)
Wendy F.

The food is amazing. Cheesy corn is to die for!! I am not sure i liked the globs of fat in my sandwich, but if that is why they consider a chicharrons, i will just avoid that bit. I could eat a sandwich from here a few nights a week. The arepas are just that good.
(4)
Matt L.

Good food, however very small portions. This is not the true Latin place where you are satisfied with the portion sizes. It is what it is i guess..not a lot of options in lakewood
(3)
Ellie G.

This place is amazing. Everything on the menu looks delicious and it was way hard to choose. We went for lunch and had the cheesy corn dip, a chicken arepa and the beef maduro 'slider'. The 'slider' name was a bit misleading but I don't care what they call it...it was one of the best things I have ever eaten. Ever. Delicious plantains perfectly cooked, with a huge serving of flavorful shredded beef, cheese sauce and guac on top. Not to be missed!!!! I think we inhaled it! Beautiful presentation and so flavorful and my new favorite comfort food. The cheesy dip was amazing. We could t stop eating it! The arepa was also delicious! We literally had no more room in our stomachs but we ate it anyway. Thankfully, I doubt we will be hungry again today! Prices were good, staff was amazing! So nice and really helpful with the menu and answering questions. The decor is super cool and the fact that it is BYOB makes this place epic. I will definitely be back!! Don't miss it if you are in Lakewood!!
(5)

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Address : 12906 Madison Ave
Lakewood, OH, 44107
Phone (216) 221-8127
Website https://www.barroco.club
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Barroco

12906 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH, 44107

Barroco Menu

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