Choose your own adventure at Barrio

There’s a selection of Mexican restaurants in East Lansing, but Barrio is something special. It isn’t just because it’s more of a bar than a traditional restaurant, giving off hipster Day of the Dead vibes with string lights and lively skeleton murals. It’s because, unlike its counterparts, it allows customers to build their own tacos.

When the friendly and ever-helpful staff shows you to your table, the complimentary chips and mild salsa won’t be the only things waiting for you. You’ll receive a checklist of à-la-carte items with which to build your tacos or bowl. First, there’s the base (flour tortilla, corn tortilla or bowl), then the proteins (beef, steak, chicken, pork, shrimp, tofu, etc.), along with cheeses, salsas, sauces and other toppings. Once you’ve finished checking off what you want, you hand the list over to the staff. The cooks will make your food exactly as you ordered it, so it’s important to be as specific as possible. Don’t worry if you can’t remember all this; the staff is more than happy to help newcomers out. 

If you don’t care about customizing your meal, there are plenty of signature dishes you can order instead. However, it’s worth mentioning that the build-your-own-taco option is probably the best deal: They start at $4.35, with a $1 or $2 upcharge for additional proteins. There’s also a wide selection of mocktails, cocktails and soft drinks, any of which you’ll be grateful for, knowing how spicy some of the entrées can get.

On my visit, I wound up ordering two very different kinds of tacos. The first was a hard corn tortilla filled with spice-rubbed chicken, black beans, lettuce, queso fresco and salsa roja ($6.35). The second was a soft flour tortilla topped with jalapeno-lime shrimp, cilantro rice, Monterey Jack cheese and avocado ranch, with a side of sour cream ($7.35). These were a perfect combination of land and sea, emphasized by different extremes in flavor. I’m no chef, but I think I was smart in picking which toppings would work better with each protein. The chicken taco was perfect, crunchy and not too spicy. The shrimp taco was cooler and creamier, though the cilantro rice still gave it a little kick.

How your order turns out at Barrio is entirely up to you. But if you prefer your tacos with refreshing drinks and a colorful atmosphere, it’s the perfect dining spot for the hot summer days to come.