Barrio - Nicolette Ave. - Minneapolis, MN

This place is on my top places to visit whenever I go home. The atmosphere alone will draw you in, not to mention their guacamole is to die for. If you are in the area, I would suggest you make this one of your stops to grab a drink or a quick bite from their small plates menu.

Pictures include: chicken enchilada, made to order guac, views of the inside of the Minneapolis location.
For full menu check out this link: Barrio

• Cuisine: Latin- tequilla bar, small plates (tacos, enchiladas,etc.), large plates

• Favorite Food Items: Made to order guacamole, chicken enchilada, chicken and black bean tostada

• Price: $$- Tacos and small plates are certainly quite affordable. Large plates are little more pricy but if you are looking to get full I would recommend splitting some appetizers and a large plate. Prices range from $4 for a taco or enchilada un up to $22 for a pork tenderloin platter.

• Ambience: Barrio has a couple locations, (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina), but the Minneapolis chapter takes the cake. A small space with lots of character. The room has high ceilings, dim lights, upstairs and downstairs dining, bar seating and a patio for those warm nights. The bar has a huge wax candle that has melted and molded its way onto the counter top giving off an intimate vibe. On the wall directly across the bar black and white western films are played on a white screen for all to enjoy.

• Dress Code: Trendy-Casual. I would consider nice jeans and fancy top to be acceptable with a pair of heels or ballet flats. Think "going out for a night on the town" attire. Men could get away with a graphic tee here as long as its coupled with a nice pair of jeans and a styled look. 

• Shell's Rating: 4 out of 5 -Although the guacamole is amazing, they don't seem to fill the bowl as much as they should, but that's a not a game stopper. The scenery alone will draw me back to this place. They are open late as well which is a plus when downtown. Service has been pretty decent but it is popular so if you don't make a reservation you will be waiting...or if you get lucky you can grab a seat in the bar for full menu and happy hour service.