The popular, locally owned Barrio Queen, which serves authentic Mexican food in a trendy atmosphere and draws a loyal crowd of enthusiasts from celebrities to local residents announces that its much-anticipated fourth and fifth Valley locations—Tempe and Queen Creek—are now open!
Every Barrio Queen is created specifically for its own location by well-known architect Mark Candelaria, AIA, but both sport several unique elements in common. Each boast private tequila rooms, open air bars, and indoor/outdoor fireplace, and patios that span more than 4,000 square feet. Unique touches abound, such as the gold skull details that adorn the chairs, the bright accents throughout (pink bar chairs!) and unique chandeliers.
They each also showcase custom art created by local artists.
Located at Tempe Marketplace (2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281) between Ruby Tuesday and Thirsty Lion Gastropub, Barrio Queen – Tempe Marketplace features 6,428 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. Barrio Queen – Queen Creek is located in Queen Creek Marketplace (21156 S. Ellsworth Loop Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142; 480.825.7931), across from Mountainside Fitness and BevMo, and features a total of 6,460 square feet with ample indoor and outdoor space.
What’s to eat at these hot spots? Both menus include many Barrio Queen favorites, including the famous signature Barrio Guacamole. This guacamole—which is prepared table side—was awarded “Top 10 Best Table Side Guacamole” from USA Today and “Best Guacamole” from Travel+Leisure. There are also tacos, burritos, tortas and enchiladas, and entrées such as the award-winning Cochinita Pibil (pork marinated in sour orange and achiote paste, wrapped in a banana leaf and slow-cooked all night, served with pickled red onions, homemade pico de gallo, fresh hand-pressed corn tortillas, Mexican-style rice and epazote black beans). As with its other locations, both the Temp and Queen Creek locations offer a unique drink menu, including an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals. Both locations will be offer lunch, happy hour, dinner and catering options.
“We are so excited to be part of these neighborhoods,” say owners Linda Nash and Steve Rosenfield. “We are looking forward to sharing our passion for Mexican food and culture with Tempe and Queen Creek. As barrio means ‘neighborhood,’ we are excited to bring our neighborhood to these neighborhoods.”
Since opening its first location, Barrio Queen has garnered numerous awards, including “Best New Restaurants in America” from Esquire’s Restaurants, first place in the nation for best tabletop installations from Table Top Awards, “Best Tacos in Phoenix“ from 3TV and CBS 5 and “Best of Phoenix Skinny Chola Margarita” from Phoenix New Times.