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With a separate, tapas menu featuring Verveine staples in bite-sized portions, Barrio could be that little touch that Leslieville needed. The polished, DIY design and the lack of of-the-moment turntablists add to that neighbourhood - sorry, barrio feeling.
Upshot: totally unpretentious and timidly sophisticated. - D.E. |
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 AT A GLANCE
Barrio
896 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON
416-572-0600
Tapas
Leslieville
Venue:
Bar, Lounge
Hours:
Mon. to Sat.: 4:30pm - 12:00 Sun.: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Price Range:
$$ (Affordable)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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8 Reader Reviews | I just recently moved back to Toronto after spending a few years out west. One of my old friends organized a welcome home dinner for me at Barrio and though I appreciated the gesture, I kinda wish he hadn't picked that particular establishment.
We had phoned ahead to let them know that there were some vegetarians (myself, not one of them) in our group. For some strange reason, one of the chefs thought it would be funny to wear a t-shirt (one assumes, worn for my vegetarian friends' benefit) which stated, boldly "Let's kill vegetarians and eat them," or some nonsense to that effect. He could be seen clearly from the dining room, through the window at the pass into the kitchen.
Now I enjoy dark humour as much as the next guy – but is really prudent for a business in the hospitality industry to just make a stab in the dark, on the off-chance that their guests will "get" the joke? And really, if you're going to wear a shirt that is openly hostile to your patrons (ironically, my vegetarian friends had to pull out, unexpectedly) shouldn't your arrogance and bravado come from being exceptionally good at what you do?
Well, because they weren't.
We all went there under the assumption that it was a tapas bar (who doesn't enjoy that?), but when we got there, we learned that they had recently changed their menu and a lot of the tapas were gone. My seafood was overcooked (and when it's giant scallops and shrimp, that's just a crying shame). Several in my party had partaken in the gloppy overcooked risotto. And it took us quite a long time to get our meals considering it was somewhat early in the night and the place wasn't all that busy. That said, our server was friendly.
Don't get me wrong, it's great to get out drinking and eating with friends. And with crew like mine, we can pretty much have a good time anywhere. But dude, learn to put the effort you invested into potentially pissing off my friends (who didn't make their lifelong dietary choice to annoy you, personally) into your cooking, and maybe you'll get somewhere.
1. Dave's Review :: November 08, 2008 Dave's Rating: 1 Stars |
Overall, very dissapointed in Barrio. The website looks all fancy but once you show up, the decor doesn't live up to the hype. The menu is not consistent with that shown on the website so don't make your selection in advance or you may be dissapointed. Watch for clean cutlery - while I was there, 3 people had to request clean cutlery.
Though the food is tastey, portions are way too small even for Tapas, and especially for the price.
Service was interesting. One in our party asked the waitress if she recommended the Apple Martini - and she replied "If you like apples". Smart!
2. Anonymous's Review :: March 31, 2008 |
Overall, very dissapointed in Barrio. The website looks all fancy but once you show up, the decor doesn't live up to the hype. The menu is not consistent with that shown on the website so don't make your selection in advance or you may be dissapointed. Watch for clean cutlery - while I was there, 3 people had to request clean cutlery.
Though the food is tastey, portions are way too small even for Tapas, and especially for the price.
Service was interesting. One in our party asked the waitress if she recommended the Apple Martini - and she replied "If you like apples". Smart!
3. Rosh's Review :: March 31, 2008 Rosh's Rating: 1 Stars |
Great spot for drinks and a casual bite. Super friendly staff and a casual but cool vibe. One of my favorites.
4. Anonymous's Review :: April 20, 2007 |
Great spot for drinks and a casual bite. Super friendly staff and a casual but cool vibe. One of my favorites.
5. Liam's Review :: April 20, 2007 Liam's Rating: 3 Stars |
Barrio's one of my favourite new places to go for a drink or a quick meal, especially with friends. The atmosphere there is fun and friendly. Not to mention the huge Martinis that are absolutely delicious. Even though I've never been crazy about the area, I'd make sure to come back.
6. Kiste Lietus's Review :: October 11, 2004 Kiste Lietus's Rating: 3 Stars |
Four of us went visited Barrio on a Friday a couple of weeks ago. It's a perfect sister to Verveine. Pretty quiet around eight, busy by nine. We sat for four hours, drank several jugs of pretty good sangria (they don't have it on the menu), ate eight wonderful sharing dishes (Kristapsons smoked salmon, interesting cheeses, tenderloin), and chatted with the charming server. As with Verveine, anything served is top notch. The check was around $200. I'll be back this Friday.
7. Alex's Review :: October 11, 2004 Alex's Rating: 4 Stars |
I'm a bit biased, as you can see by my rating - I love this place! Just what the doctor ordered; great place for the neighbourhood. On Sundays they do a set menu that is superb... check iit out.
8. G. Suvari's Review :: October 11, 2004 G. Suvari's Rating: 3 Stars |
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896 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON |
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