Barrio Tacos in Lexington: Authentic Mexican Street Food and Margaritas

What Barrio Tacos Offers in Lexington

Barrio Tacos is a casual Mexican restaurant in Lexington that specializes in street-style tacos, fresh salsas, and hand-rolled tortillas. The menu centers on traditional preparations—carnitas, al pastor, carne asada, and grilled fish—each served on corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, and lime. The space has the feel of a neighborhood spot rather than a chain: exposed brick, colorful tile work, and a bar that runs the length of one wall.

The restaurant also makes its own tortillas daily, which you can taste in the difference between the corn shells here and what you get elsewhere. Beyond tacos, the kitchen turns out chile rellenos, enchiladas, and ceviche. The margarita program is serious—they use fresh lime juice and real tequila, and the menu rotates seasonal variations alongside the classics.

Key Takeaways

• Barrio Tacos makes its own corn tortillas fresh daily, which distinguishes the tacos from most other Mexican restaurants in Lexington.
• The menu focuses on traditional Mexican street food: carnitas, al pastor, carne asada, and grilled fish tacos, each built simply with onion, cilantro, and lime.
• The bar program emphasizes margaritas made with fresh lime juice and real tequila, with seasonal specials rotating alongside house standards.
• The restaurant occupies a casual neighborhood space with exposed brick and colorful tile, designed to feel like a local gathering spot rather than a destination chain.

The Taco Selection and Preparation

Each taco type at Barrio Tacos reflects a different cooking method and regional Mexican tradition. Carnitas—pork shoulder braised low and slow until it shreds—come with crispy edges from a quick sear. Al pastor tacos use marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, sliced thin, and served with pineapple and onion. Carne asada is grilled beef, usually skirt steak, charred on the outside and tender inside.

The grilled fish tacos rotate with the season and what's available; when snapper or mahi-mahi are in, they're battered lightly and fried, or grilled whole depending on the cut. Every taco arrives with a warm corn tortilla, diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge. The simplicity is intentional—the quality of the meat and the tortilla carry the dish, rather than heavy sauces or toppings.

Barrio also offers barbacoa (beef slow-cooked in a pit-style preparation) and chorizo tacos, both of which rotate on and off the menu. The kitchen will build custom orders if you want to mix proteins or add extras like guacamole, cheese, or pickled jalapeños, though the house style keeps things minimal.

Salsas, Sides, and Other Menu Items

The salsa bar is where Barrio Tacos distinguishes itself from casual taco stands. The house makes three or four salsas daily: a bright pico de gallo with lime and cilantro, a roasted red salsa with a slight char, a verde made from tomatillos and serrano peppers, and sometimes a smoky chipotle version. All are available at the table, and you can taste the difference between fresh-made and jarred immediately.

Beyond tacos, the menu includes chile rellenos (poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and covered in egg batter), enchiladas verdes or rojas, and ceviche when fresh fish is available. Sides like black beans, refried beans, Mexican rice, and elote (grilled corn with mayo, cheese, and chili powder) round out the order. The kitchen also makes fresh guacamole to order, which takes a few minutes but arrives chunky and bright.

The Bar and Drink Program

Barrio Tacos takes its margaritas seriously. The house margarita uses fresh lime juice squeezed daily, quality tequila (usually a 100% agave blanco), and Cointreau or another orange liqueur. You can order it on the rocks or frozen, salted or unsalted. The bar also rotates seasonal variations—a jalapeño margarita in summer, a pomegranate version in fall, and sometimes a mezcal-based drink for guests who want something smokier.

The tequila selection goes beyond the house pour. The bar stocks several premium bottles, and the bartenders can recommend pairings if you want to explore different styles. Beyond margaritas, you'll find Mexican beer (Corona, Modelo, Pacifico), agua fresca (a refreshing non-alcoholic drink made from fruit, water, and sugar), and soft drinks.

When to Go and What to Expect

Barrio Tacos draws a steady lunch crowd on weekdays, particularly around noon and 12:30 p.m. Dinner service picks up after 5:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday nights can mean a wait, especially if you're sitting at the bar. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, so arriving early or during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon, early evening on weeknights) will get you seated faster.

The space is loud and social—it's designed for conversation and lingering, not quiet dining. If you're ordering at the counter, expect to wait 10 to 15 minutes for food to come out, longer if the kitchen is slammed. The staff moves quickly and knows the menu well, so asking for recommendations or modifications is straightforward.

Price Range and Ordering Tips

Individual tacos run between $3 and $5 each, depending on the protein. A typical order is three tacos plus sides and a drink, which lands around $20 to $25 per person before tax and tip. Margaritas are in the $8 to $12 range for house pours, higher for premium tequila selections. Entrees like enchiladas or chile rellenos are priced similarly to a three-taco order.

If you're new to the restaurant, start with the carnitas and al pastor tacos—they're the most popular and show off the kitchen's technique. Order the salsa sampler if you want to taste all the house versions at once. The guacamole is worth the wait if you have time. For groups, ordering family-style (several taco types, shared sides, and a pitcher of margaritas) works well and keeps costs down per person.

Location and Hours

Barrio Tacos is located in downtown Lexington, within walking distance of other restaurants and shops. Street parking is available on surrounding blocks, and there is a small lot behind the building. Hours typically run 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

The restaurant is closed Mondays. It's worth checking their social media or calling ahead during holidays or special events, as hours can shift. The neighborhood fills up quickly on weekends, so arriving with a plan helps you avoid a long wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they have vegetarian tacos?

Yes. The kitchen makes cheese quesadillas, bean tacos, and grilled vegetable tacos with seasonal produce. You can also order a taco with just guacamole, beans, and salsa. Call ahead if you want to confirm what vegetables are available that day.

Can I order online or call ahead?

Barrio Tacos takes phone orders for pickup, which can speed up your visit during busy times. Check their website or social media for the phone number and current ordering policies. Online ordering through third-party apps may also be available, though the restaurant recommends calling directly for faster service.

Is there seating for large groups?

The restaurant can accommodate groups, but space is limited and there are no private rooms. For parties larger than eight, calling ahead to give them a heads-up is helpful. They may ask you to split into smaller seatings during peak hours.

What's the difference between the carnitas and al pastor tacos?

Carnitas are braised pork shoulder—tender and rich, with crispy edges from searing. Al pastor is marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and sliced thin, with a spiced, slightly charred flavor and pineapple on top. Both are excellent; carnitas are richer, al pastor is brighter and more complex.

Do they make their own tortillas?

Yes. Barrio Tacos makes fresh corn tortillas daily in-house. This is one of the main reasons the tacos taste different from chain restaurants—the tortilla is warm, slightly chewy, and has real corn flavor rather than the taste of a mass-produced shell.