Well how's that for synchronicity? I just mentioned Din Tai Fung in San Diego on Mr. Music's last review. We were in the area for one of our Official Niece's Grand Wedding as you may recall (May 2022). We all stayed at the Omni Resort in Carlsbad. And here comes Mr. Music with a restaurant in... Carlsbad! Too funny.
OK Mr. Music - tells us more. Have to admit this looks more in my comfort zone than "Chinese Sauerkraut Fish Soup" Hooo.
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Barrio is a cute little spot nestled in the center of the shopping district in Carlsbad, CA. This retail grid spans for blocks in all directions and has plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and breweries. At the western edge is the ocean with several beautiful beaches and lined with hotels. To the east are the Carlsbad flower fields, our ultimate destination.
Lady Music and I popped in for a little bite before wandering the flower fields and all its attractions. The small dining area is cute and simple. We were greeted by a couple of very cheery and friendly waitresses. We were presented with a basket of thick, homemade tortilla chips and a chunky salsa. The yummy chips were salted, fresh, and crunchy. The salsa was great and had a slight heat. Our iced tea was fresh and delicious! With the small guacamole, which was plenty for us to share, we had to order the "flight of salsas"! They make mild verde tomatillo, medium rojo chili (different than the complimentary salsa), hot chili arbol and very hot habanero! We liked all 4 salsas, although we thought each needed some salt. Our favorite was the chili arbol. It was good and hot and had lots of flavor. I'm not exactly sure what they seasoned it with, but it was good. The rojo was very good with a nice flavor. The habanero was seriously spicy. It had a little seasoning, but was little more than pureed habanero! Mr. Music liked that! The tomatillo could have used a little something to enhance it.
Lady Music ordered a pollo taco and I opted for the batter fried mahi mahi. They were served on bigger-than-usual corn tortillas (flour available). I don't think the tortillas were made there, but were nice. The portions were good sized; actually the moist and delicious mahi mahi was huge. The batter was light and crisp. It was sitting on a bed of shredded cabbage, sliced radish, and pico with creamy cojita sauce. I could hardly close the tortilla around it and loved every bit as I alternated a little of each salsa on each bite. Lady Music enjoyed her diced fajita chicken taco which was like a simple street taco topped with onions and cilantro.
On the menu were plenty of other interesting tacos we want to try. Top of the list is the lobster taco! It was $11, but if the portion is as generous as our other items, it will be well worth it. Plus, I don't think I've ever seen a lobster taco offered before. I was very close to ordering it. Had I known how good their food was, I would have. Grilled mahi mahi, grilled shrimp (our waitress' fave), and al pastor piqued my interest. They serve burritos, enchiladas, salads, soups (Lady Music's beloved albondigas was recommended) and other delicious looking meals. We are both high on Barrio tacos and ready to return!
- Mr. Music review
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