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| - I love Barrio Queen's happy hour. It starts at TWO!! and lasts 4 hours, AND is offered on weekends!!
Admittedly, I have only really eaten off the happy hour or apps menu. But when in rome, why stray from the tacos? They're PERFECT! At 3 for $10, I almost always order two fish tacos and one shrimp. The beer battered fish is so delicious and tasty and so perfect to enjoy with thier margaritas. Despite other reviews, I argue that three are plenty to fill you up if you are looking to spend $10 on tacos, it is exactly what you should expect.
The tableside guacamole is a bit of an unnecessary presentation, but the end result is all we care about right? And Barrio Queen delivers on its guac!
The pork dip appetizer is also very tasty, but a little too much fat for my tastes. I'm not a superfan of pork.
Regarding the service --- be nice, and they'll be nice back. You can tell some of these folks have been around the block and are not a fan of catering to Scottsdale's elitist jerks. But when you are friendly, smile-y, and honest -- you can be promised excellent service with a smile.
The ambience -- sit outside, just do it!! It is beautiful out there, there is usually live music playing nearby on the Cowboy Ciao corner or right at the canal. Its just great to people watch and be watched by those who wish it was thier own taco time. Bring a coat in winter, and you'll still be happy. I've waited twenty minutes at the bar just to be able to dine outside. This is one of my favorite patios in old town.
Crowd is a total mixed vibe. Partiers still awake from last night right next to the snowbirds from Michigan, alongside a few baseball players and trophy wives. I've been fortunate that for the handful of times I've been here, I've never once seen any children of the annoying age group that make your meal distracting and keep your voice hushed.
I have no idea why Barrio Queen has ever been rated with less than 4 stars. Yes, I'm fairly easy to please when there is great outdoor seating and guacamole, but still - I think all around it is a great spot to check out and spend a few hours drinking house margs and munching on some tacos. :-)
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