Barberito's Southwestern Grille & Cantina: Mesquite-Grilled Tex-Mex in the Midlands

What to expect at Barberito's

Barberito's Southwestern Grille & Cantina is a Tex-Mex restaurant in Columbia that builds its menu around mesquite-grilled proteins and house-made salsas. The restaurant sits in the Midlands area and focuses on grilled fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas rather than fried appetizers or heavy cream sauces. If you're looking for Tex-Mex that emphasizes the grill work and fresh ingredients over shortcuts, this is the place to go.

The dining room has a casual, warm atmosphere with Southwestern décor—think exposed wood, warm lighting, and a full bar. The space works for a weeknight dinner with coworkers, a family meal, or a larger group, though it can get crowded during peak dinner hours on weekends. Service is attentive without being intrusive, and staff can guide you through the menu if you're unsure what to order.

Key Takeaways

• Mesquite-grilled fajitas and burritos are the signature items, and the grill work is visible in the flavor and texture of the meat.
• House-made salsas and guacamole are made fresh daily, which changes the taste profile depending on ingredient availability and season.
• The full bar serves margaritas, Mexican beers, and a wine list with options that pair well with grilled Tex-Mex.
• Barberito's is located in Columbia's Midlands area and takes reservations for larger groups, though walk-ins are welcome during most hours.

The grilled fajita and burrito menu

Fajitas arrive sizzling on a cast-iron plate with grilled peppers, onions, and your choice of protein—chicken, beef, shrimp, or a combination. The mesquite grill gives the meat a smoky char that carries through the entire dish. You build each fajita yourself with warm flour or corn tortillas, and the pace of eating them hot off the plate is part of the experience. Portions are substantial; most people find two orders of fajitas enough for a full meal.

Burritos come stuffed with grilled meat, beans, rice, cheese, and your choice of additions like jalapeños, cilantro, or sour cream. The kitchen wraps them tight enough that they hold together through the meal but soft enough that they don't feel dense. Enchiladas follow a similar approach—rolled and topped with a red or green sauce, melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. The sauces are made in-house and taste noticeably different from canned or frozen versions; they have body and a slow build of heat rather than a sharp spike.

Salsas, guacamole, and sides

Barberito's brings warm tortilla chips and salsa to the table as soon as you sit down. The salsa is chunky, with visible tomato, onion, and cilantro, and the heat level sits in the mild-to-medium range—enough to taste the peppers without overwhelming the other flavors. If you prefer something hotter, ask your server; they can usually bring a habanero or jalapeño version from the kitchen.

Guacamole is made to order, which means it takes a few minutes but arrives fresh and bright. The kitchen mashes avocado with lime, cilantro, tomato, and onion, and you can watch them prepare it if you sit near the kitchen counter. It's richer and less oxidized than guacamole that sits in a warming tray, and the difference is noticeable. Sides like black beans, refried beans, Spanish rice, and charro beans round out the plate and are made fresh daily rather than reheated from a steam table.

Drinks and the bar program

The bar makes margaritas in several styles—classic lime, frozen, and flavored versions using fresh fruit purees. They use 100% agave tequila in the house margarita, which costs more than well tequila but tastes cleaner and less harsh. The bartender can also make them on the rocks or blended, and the drink size is generous without being excessive.

Mexican beers on tap and in bottles include Corona, Modelo, Pacifico, and seasonal or rotating options. The wine list leans toward Spanish and South American reds and whites that pair well with grilled meat and spiced sauces. If you don't drink alcohol, the restaurant makes fresh agua fresca—a light, fruit-based drink—and serves it cold in tall glasses. Iced tea and soft drinks round out the non-alcoholic options.

When to go and how to plan your visit

Lunch runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and is quieter than dinner, making it a good time to go if you prefer a calmer atmosphere or a faster meal. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is busiest between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., so arriving earlier or later means shorter waits.

Barberito's takes reservations for parties of six or larger, which is helpful if you're planning a group dinner. Walk-ins are welcome, and the wait is usually under 15 minutes except during peak weekend hours. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly if you're visiting mid-week. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building, and the entrance is accessible from the main road in the Midlands shopping area.

Price range and what to budget

Entrées—fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas—typically run between $14 and $22 depending on protein choice and whether you order a single or double portion. Appetizers like queso dip, ceviche, or grilled shrimp skewers range from $8 to $12. Margaritas and cocktails are priced between $9 and $13, and Mexican beers cost $4 to $6 depending on whether you order draft or bottle.

A meal for one person—an entrée, one drink, and chips and salsa—usually totals $25 to $35 before tax and tip. Families or groups ordering multiple entrées to share can reduce the per-person cost. The restaurant does not charge a service fee for splitting checks, and they accommodate dietary requests like grilled vegetables or beans-only burritos without upcharging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they have vegetarian options?

Yes. The kitchen can make fajitas with grilled peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini, and burritos stuffed with beans, rice, cheese, and vegetables. Ask your server about customizing any entrée to remove meat and add extra vegetables or beans instead.

Can you bring your own alcohol?

No. Barberito's has a full bar and does not permit outside alcohol. However, their margarita and beer selection is substantial, and the bartender can make drinks to your taste preferences.

Is the restaurant good for large groups?

Yes, especially if you call ahead to make a reservation. The dining room has space for groups of 20 or more, and the kitchen can handle multiple large orders without significant delays. Barberito's can also set up a separate tab for each person if your group prefers to split the bill that way.

What's the spice level of the food?

Most dishes are mild to medium heat. The house salsa and enchilada sauce have a gentle kick, not a sharp burn. If you like spicier food, ask your server for the habanero salsa or request extra jalapeños on your fajitas or burrito.

Do they offer takeout?

Yes. You can call ahead to place a takeout order, and most entrées are ready within 20 to 30 minutes. Fajitas travel less well than burritos or enchiladas because they cool quickly, so consider ordering those for dine-in if possible.