Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant

The best place for family and friends. Great food friendly efficient servers. Could not ask for more. Thank you to all at Los Barrios more

NOT THAT GREAT HAD BETTER WILL NOT GO BACK more

great food and family atmosphere!!!!!! more

When any of my relatives are back in town Los Barrios is on the short list of must go restaurants. That speaks for itself as does its selection as one of our go to locations for family occasions along with its sibling La Hacienda with the gorgeous patio. If you can take the heat do not pass up the chicken mole enchiladas, my personal favorite. more

I went to the Barrios for the first time ever after hearing about it. I was expecting a mom and pop type place where the staff is friendly and the food is tasty. Well the puffy tacos and mole enchiladas were better then I expected however the service was not. Our waitress became confused with our order apparently because when she came with our food she brought out 3 plates of food for 2 people. When I told her that I didn't want the 3rd plate (for the reason that I we didn't 3 plates) she got really mad and told me that that is what I had ordered. In the end she took back the 3rd plate but the whole rest of the time she was rude and ignored us most of the time. When she brought the check she also failed to tell us she would be our cashier. So we got up and tried to go pay at the register but were then told that our waitress would be our cashier and so we sat back at our table and she ignored us for about 10 minutes, while she passed by several times. It was not a busy time for the restaurant so I could see she was intentionally ignoring us. Pros: Good Food Cons: Bad Service more

When my girlfriend and I went there a few days ago in the middle of May 2010 we tried to order margaritas. We're both 21, and granted we look like we could be younger, but we had our North Carolina driver's licenses with us. The server was confused looking at the IDs and she took them away to show to about four other people. A man came over and said he couldn't accept the licenses because they were out-of-state. I pointed out all the dates and holograms on the license, and even offered credit cards and a student ID to verify that my name was correct. Nothing. As a bartender back home in North Carolina it was appalling to realize there were people stupid enough to turn down a valid driver's license. So if you're not from Texas you better bring a passport (but who knows, they probably wouldn't accept that either). I ordered the chicken with poblano mole and my girlfriend got chicken enchiladas with the verde sauce. Both were alright, but they both lacked the authentic Mexican flavor we were expecting. Not that the food was bad, we were just very disappointed with the overall quality. The server was fairly nice (even though she couldn't tell a real ID from a fake) and the food came out quickly. But that is about the only good thing to say about the place. Cons: bad service, food was nothing special more

We go to this restaurant straight from the airport! I've been going to Los Barrios on Blanco since before the last two out-builds when the bathroom was a single room by the back of the kitchen. That was when you could be seated as soon as you walked in the door.\r \r This is the place we went to for every special occasion and whenever we needed our regular tex-mes fix. My favorite was the #2. I loved Viola and love Louie, & Diana. Knowing each other the moment we walked in the door made us always feel right at home.\r \r Now I live more than a thousand miles away and when I arrive at the airport, we go straight to Los Barrios before even hitting my childhood home. It reminds me of summers visiting my father, college, and my first hints of adulthood. I miss being able to visit my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant everyday! I miss visiting with Louie and Diana and my favorite queso-flameado & queso enchiladas. \r \r Louie, Diana--keep making memories for us long-lasting, devoted friends. And, I heard by word of mouth about Viola. Our warmest wishes to you & your family for your tragic loss. Sincerely, Angel & Yvette Crain Pros: good food, great drink, place to make family memories Cons: the long wait since it's become so popular more

I wanted to write this because I am in San Antonio, and on the news the media is all over the murder trial of Viola Barrios, it reminds me the first and last time I met this lady. I like many San Antonians went with hipe about Los Barrios on Blanco Rd. and how it is the best. Around 8 or 9 years ago I took my wife to eat there and we were disgusted with our treatment by Mrs. Barrios. We went in to the place and back then it was kinda filthy and I can remember that strong fowl odor of ammonia (did not know then what that chemical was for), didn't think much, so we ordered our food. As we got our food and were eating, on the wall next to our table in a booth, a ROACH was climbing. We waived down the waiter and all he did was grabbed it with a napkin (squashed it). We did not eat one more bite from our food as it was not good at all anyway. Viola Barrios was their at the register on the way out, and we did not know her, yet know she was the owner. She told us quietely that she heard about our incident... In turn after fully charging us for our half eaten food, she said, here you can have a candy on us. ( She was talking about one of those prailine or carmel candys that they sell at the register) We politely said no thank you and left. We never ever ever went back. So all this propaganda on TV of her death here reminds me about what a cheap fake person she was, and her family is too because this place is still open and her Son's La Hacienda de los Barrios is too. It clearly points out to me that her integrity as the owner and manager was so poor for treatment of us as customers, and that is probably the same principles she taught her family. The reason I say this is because look at the reviews that both these restaurants have. How terrible and cheap the food is, and how the place wreaks of ammonia. So when you go there think of what you are eating or what may have crawled on your food. I think these people have no business in being in the local San Antonio food industry with how cheap they are. All the stuff the have on their website about how Mrs. Barrios gave to the community this and that is all gotta be lies because from my experience of how cheap she was. They are not going to spend extra money in keeping their restaurants clean and safe for people. They are going to spend on their luxury cars that they drive like the one new Mercedes the show of Viola Barrios being towed away on TV everyday. My money went to buying Violas Luxury Car, and in return I got some crap food and 1st ever sight of a roach in a restaurant. An they brag about all she gave, yeah sure, OK Cons: Filthy insect ridden with cheap owners more

Several months ago we were entertained by a terrific, young Mariachi Band at THE BEST Mexican Restaurant in San Antonio. They played a variety of music and were very personable. I believe at least some of the young men were students at SAC. I'm desperately trying to locate them but, unfortunately, lost their business card. Can anyone put me in touch with this talented group? PKohutek Pros: TERRIFIC BAND and THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD YOU EVER TASTED! more

Every time I come home to visit family in San Antonio I have to stop by this place! Amazing Enchiladas Mexicanas! Love them! I can't get tex mex like this in New York...and I miss it! Pros: great food, great service, amazing margaritas more

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

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

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

As I followed my Garmin?s directions to this restaurant, I began to feel more than just a little uneasy. Based on the reviews we saw on Food Network, we elected to hold our mini-family reunion here. Since we all love ?authentic Mexican? food it seemed like a good idea. I?ll not turn this into a huge editorial other than to say that while the atmosphere was grand (inside the restaurant), the food was only adequate. Certainly not good enough to warrant the rave reviews and associated flocking that?s occurred since the airing of ?Throwdown?. Not only were the Puffy Taco?s lacking any flavor at all, the same held true with all the other entrees we ordered (there were 12 of us total so I got to sample a wide variety of unfinished food!) On the good side, the refried beans were very tasty with a nearly perfect texture which is very hard to come by!\r Obviously, everyone has their own tastes and so I?m not knocking all the other folks who?ve said this place is wonderful. It could be the best place to eat Mexican ever to them but I?ve had much better at places that have enjoyed far less attention. These staged events and judging serve the purpose of filling airtime and getting his recipes out. His Puffy Taco recipe, by the way, is simply awesome! Gosh, if it only had not been for that ?authentic? portion of the judging in the throwdown!\r Since the restaurant is now absolutely drowning in business since the airing, is there some kind of side deal taking place here? You see, I spoke with a few ?local? patrons who made it very clear that it was only until very recently that they ever had trouble getting seated. Our hostess also made a comment to that effect. So, for all of you who discovered this place all on your own?good for you and bon appetite! For the rest of you thinking of heading that way, my opinion is that it?s not worth the trip!\r Pros: a very happy atmosphere...perfect for families Cons: a really bad neighborhhod more

I visited the restaurant on the afternoon of June 28th. I was warmly greeted and seated. The bus boy promptly delivered chips and salsa. Then, I was totally ignored! No server for more than ten minutes.\r I walked out. No one was in the lobby. I doubt they ever figured out what happened.\r The service at the Hacienda is much better for the same food, but at higher prices. more

I was born and raised in SA , I tasted the food here. it's ok , but not exceptional...somewhat Texmex but not border food...the prices are high for mexican basic food,,you could probably get same food for less at other mexican restaurants..Blanco Cafe for one...we have tons of mexican restaurants to choose from too.....it's all hype and gimmicks ..nothing really special here.\r I was in Tulsa, Ok. and called a mexican restaurant to ask if they served barbacoa..and they said \r ""Barabra who?"" ....... I just hung up.\r more

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

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

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

Great margaritas. Loved the enchiladas mole. Service was very good. Liked the atmosphere. Will definitely go back. more