Barrio Chino: Authentic Mexican Cuisine and Margaritas on the Lower East Side

Barrio Chino Introduce

Barrio Chino is a beloved fixture on the Lower East Side, offering a slice of authentic Mexican culinary tradition with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The name, which translates to "Chinatown Neighborhood," pays homage to its location at the intersection of Manhattan’s vibrant Chinatown and the eclectic Lower East Side. This intimate spot has built a reputation for serving up truly delicious food and, most notably, some of the best margaritas in the city. The restaurant’s interior is charming and quaint, with a rustic, trendy feel that makes it perfect for a relaxed dinner or a lively get-together with friends.

What truly sets Barrio Chino apart is its commitment to flavor and quality. The menu features a range of classic Mexican dishes, from satisfying tacos to hearty enchiladas and traditional soups, all made with fresh ingredients. The food is celebrated for its authenticity and depth of flavor, which has earned it a loyal following among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant's reputation for great cocktails is well-deserved, with customers consistently raving about the quality of their margaritas and other signature drinks. The service is often described as friendly and attentive, contributing to the overall fantastic dining experience.

Whether you're looking for a romantic spot, a casual place to grab a drink, or a delicious and flavorful meal, Barrio Chino checks all the boxes. Its popularity means there is often a wait, so planning ahead is a good idea, but the delicious food and vibrant atmosphere are well worth it. The restaurant is a perfect destination for various occasions, from a solo lunch to a full dinner with a group, and its outdoor seating provides a great vantage point for people-watching on Broome Street.

Barrio Chino is conveniently located at 253 Broome St, a prime spot in the bustling Lower East Side of New York. This address places it within a dynamic neighborhood known for its diverse culinary scene, unique boutiques, and lively nightlife.

Getting to the restaurant is simple, with multiple public transportation options nearby. The Delancey Street-Essex Street subway station, serving the F, M, J, and Z lines, is a short walk away. While street parking can be challenging in this dense part of Manhattan, the accessibility via subway and bus makes it an easy destination to reach for anyone in the city. The restaurant also provides wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.

Barrio Chino offers a variety of services to accommodate different dining preferences and needs.

Dine-in: Enjoy a full-service dining experience with seating options both indoors and outdoors.
Delivery: The restaurant offers convenient delivery service, so you can enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home.
Takeout: For a quick and easy option, you can place a takeout order and pick it up at the restaurant.
Outdoor seating: The charming outdoor seating area is a great feature for enjoying a meal or a drink on a pleasant day or evening.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, due to its popularity.
Table service: Professional and attentive table service is provided for all dine-in guests.

Barrio Chino is distinguished by several key features that contribute to its glowing reputation.

Great Cocktails: The restaurant is widely praised for its exceptional cocktails, particularly its margaritas, which many customers consider to be among the best in New York.
Great Beer Selection: The bar offers a thoughtful selection of beers, including Mexican classics and other options, providing a perfect complement to the spicy, flavorful food.
Fast Service: Customers often note the quick and efficient service, making it a great spot for a quick bite or for dining with a group on a schedule.
Happy Hour Specials: Barrio Chino has a well-regarded happy hour, offering great deals on drinks and food that make it a popular after-work destination.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The interior and overall vibe are described as casual, cozy, and trendy, creating a welcoming and intimate setting for diners.
Late-Night Food: The restaurant serves food late into the evening, making it a great option for a post-event meal or a late-night craving.
Vegetarian Options: The menu includes a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as the Tlacoyos and Coliflor Tacos, ensuring that there are delicious choices for non-meat-eaters.

Address: 253 Broome St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Phone: (212) 228-6710

When visiting Barrio Chino, there are a number of dishes and drinks that are well worth choosing. A great way to start is with the Fresh Guacamole Y Totopos. Made with fresh ingredients and served with house-made chips, this is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect beginning to any meal.

For main courses, the tacos are a fantastic choice. The Steak Tacos (Arrachera) are highly praised for their flavorful marinade and tender meat. The Chicken Enchiladas Verdes are another absolute standout, with customers describing them as "amazing." The traditional green enchiladas, stuffed with shredded chicken and melted cheese, are a comfort food classic that Barrio Chino executes perfectly. The Enchiladas de Mole, made with the chef's mother's secret recipe, also comes highly recommended for its intense and rich flavor.

Beyond the savory dishes, don't miss the Churros for dessert, which are served with Mexican chocolate and mezcal sauce, providing a sweet and satisfying end to your meal. The drink menu is equally compelling. The margaritas are a must-try, with the Grapefruit Margarita being a particular favorite. For a non-alcoholic option, the Sandia Fresca (fresh watermelon juice) is a refreshing choice, and the Horchata is a classic.

While some reviews note that the place can get loud and busy, the quality of the food and drinks makes it worth the experience. The menu is diverse enough to cater to many tastes, from the rich and hearty Pozole Rojo to the fresh and light Ensalada Playita. The service, often described as fantastic, ensures that your dining experience is as enjoyable as the food itself.

Barrio Chino Menu

Sides
Sautéed Spinach & Mushrooms $8.00
Green Rice & Black Beans $8.00
Extra Salsa Roja $2.00
Medium salsa of Chile arbol, tomato, onion, and garlic (large portion).
Elote $7.00
Grilled corn on the cob! Dressed with chipotle mayo, cotija, lime, and Chile piquin.
Fresh Homemade Corn Tortillas $3.00
4 pieces. Made from scratch by hand in house.
Extra Salsa Verde $2.00
Salsa of roasted tomatillos, Chile pasilla onion, garlic, and salt (large portion).

Beverages
Horchata $8.00
Pepino De Verano $10.00
Lemonade with cucumber and jalepeño.
Limeade $8.00
Refrescos $5.00
Jamaica Refrescante $8.00
No alcohol. Sparkling hibiscus iced tea.
Sandia Fresca $8.00
No alcohol. 100% watermelon juice with mint and lime.

Tortas
Camarón Y Chorizo Torta $18.00
Sautéed shrimp and chorizo (Mexican sausage) on grilled ciabatta with light mayo, black bean spread, pickled jalapeños, onion, avocado, and iceberg lettuce.
Pollo A La Parilla (30min Prep) $16.00
Grilled chicken breast with pepper jack cheese, roasted poblano Chile, black bean spread, chipotlé mayo, cilantro garlic aioli on ciabatta with tomato, avocado, pickled onions, and jalapeño on the side.

Sopas
Sopa Azteca $18.00
Chicken broth, tomate chile base (guajillo and pasilla), avocado, crema mexicana, queso fresco and tortilla strips.
Sopa De Pollo $18.00
Chicken soup w/corn, carrot, chayote, avocado, jalapeno, cilantro & lime
Pozole Rojo $18.00
Shredded Pork, chile guajillo broth, w/ hominy corn, carrot, lettuce,radish, avocado. Served w/dried oregano, onion & lime

Ensaladas
Ensalada Playita $16.00
Shaved kale, cabbage, jicama, grapefruit, toasted almonds, and cilantro yogurt dressing.
Caesar De Tijuana $15.00
Romaine spears, anchovies, cotija cheese, toasted bread, lime zest, Chile morita, and classic dressing.

Ensaladas
Caesar De Tijuana $15.00
Romaine spears, anchovies, cotija cheese, toasted bread, lime zest, Chile morita, and classic dressing.
Ensalada Playita $16.00
Shaved kale, cabbage, jicama, grapefruit, toasted almonds, and cilantro yogurt dressing.

Desserts
Churros $12.00
Mexican pastry. Served with Mexican chocolate and mezcal sauce on the side.

Sopas
Sopa De Pollo $18.00
Chicken soup w/corn, carrot, chayote, avocado, jalapeno, cilantro & lime
Pozole Rojo $18.00
Shredded Pork, chile guajillo broth, w/ hominy corn, carrot, lettuce,radish, avocado. Served w/dried oregano & lime
Sopa Azteca $18.00
Chicken broth, tomate chile base (guajillo and pasilla), avocado, crema mexicana, queso fresco and tortilla strips.

Sides
Side Queso Fresco $2.00
Green Rice & Black Beans $8.00
Extra Salsa Verde $2.00
Salsa of roasted tomatillos, Chile pasilla onion, garlic, and salt (large portion).
Side Jalapeños $1.00
Side Crema $2.00
Fresh Homemade Corn Tortillas $3.00
4 pieces. Made from scratch by hand in house.
Extra Salsa Roja $2.00
Medium salsa of Chile arbol, tomato, onion, and garlic (large portion).
Sautéed Spinach & Mushrooms $8.00

Antojitos
Tlacoyos $13.00
2 Corn masa cakes filled w/fava bean pureé, crema mexicana, queso fresco, salsa verde
Sincronizadas De D.F $16.00
Mexico city-style quesadilla and two flour tortillas with melted oaxacan cheese. It comes with your choice of especial, chorizo or bambino.
Fresh Guacamole Y Totopos $16.00
Chef’s guacamole recipe with homemade tortilla chips and salsa sea (contains nuts) available on side
Extra Totopos (Chips) $4.00
Lightly salted housemade chips.

Desayunos
Chilaquiles Rojos $18.00
Tortillas soaked in tomato & chile salsa w/ fried eggs topped w/ crema Mexicana & onion, served w/ black beans & queso Fresco.
Huevos A La Mexicana $14.00
Scrambled eggs w/ Mexican sausage, w/ tomato, onion & black beans, queso fresco & homemade corn tortillas
Huevos Con Chorizo $15.00
Scrambled eggs w/ Mexican sausage, served w/ black beans, queso fresco & homemade corn tortillas
Chile Relleno $18.00
Grilled poblano chile in spicy chipotle tomato salsa w/melted Oaxaca cheese, stuffed w/ scrambled eggs & choice of chorizo or spinach & mushrooms,served w/ black beans & queso fresco
Huevos Rancheros $18.00
Two poached eggs over corn tortilla in tomato & chilé salsa served w/black beans & queso fresco

Platos Fuertes
Enchiladas Verdes $26.00
Traditional green enchiladas stuffed with shredded chicken and melted oaxacan cheese in salsa verde with crema mexicana. pickled onion, cilantro, topped with queso fresco and sliced avocado.
Barbacoa $26.00
Shredded lamb made with pasilla Chile salsa. Served with green rice, pickled habanero onions and housemade tortillas. (4)
Enchiladas De Mole $28.00
Chef’s mother’s secret recipe with chicken, queso fresco, crema mexicana, onions and lettuce. Served with black beans, topped with queso fresco and sliced avocado.
Bistek A La Casa $32.00
Grilled marinated flatiron served with sautéed spinach, mushrooms and black beans with queso fresco.
Pollito Asado (Takes 30min) $26.00
Grilled cornish game hen marinated with tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic, jalepeño, salt and pepper. Served with green rice and mixed greens.
Enchiladas Rancheras $26.00
Traditional corn enchiladas stuffed w/shredded chicken, covered in chipotle salsa w/ melted Oaxacan cheese, crema mexicana, red onion, queso fresco & sliced avocado
Camarones Borrachos $22.00
Shrimp sauteed in tequila, guajillo chiles, garlic w/ avocado slices served w/ green rice & corn tortillas (4)

Desserts
Churros $12.00
Mexican pastry. Served with Mexican chocolate and mezcal sauce on the side. (Peanuts)

Tortas
Torta Bistek $22.00
Marinated grilled flatiron, oaxacan cheese black bean spread on ciabatta with light mayo, onion, avocado, and jalepeño.
Pollo A La Parilla (30min Prep) $16.00
Grilled chicken breast with pepper jack cheese, roasted poblano Chile, black bean spread, chipotlé mayo, cilantro garlic aioli on ciabatta with tomato, avocado, pickled onions, and jalapeño on the side.
Torta Bambino $14.00
Oaxacan cheese and black bean spread on ciabatta with light mayo.
Camarón Y Chorizo Torta $18.00
Sautéed shrimp and chorizo (Mexican sausage) on grilled ciabatta with light mayo, black bean spread, pickled jalapeños, onion, avocado, and iceberg lettuce.

Ensaladas
Ensalada Playita $16.00
Shaved kale, cabbage, jicama, grapefruit, toasted almonds, and cilantro yogurt dressing.
Ensalada Cruda $8.00
Jicama, green apple, cucumber, orange, chayote with lime, cumin, dijon mustard dressing and sesame seeds
Caesar De Tijuana $15.00
Romaine spears, anchovies, cotija cheese, toasted bread, lime zest, Chile morita, and classic dressing.

Antojitos
Sincronizadas De D.F $16.00
Mexico city-style quesadilla and two flour tortillas with melted oaxacan cheese. It comes with your choice of especial, chorizo or bambino.
Elote $7.00
Grilled corn on the cob! Dressed with chipotle mayo, cotija, lime, and Chile piquin.
Extra Totopos (Chips) $4.00
Lightly salted housemade chips.
Fresh Guacamole Y Totopos $16.00
Chef’s guacamole recipe with homemade tortilla chips and salsa sea (contains nuts) available on side.

Platos Fuertes
Enchiladas Mole $28.00
Chef’s mother’s secret recipe corn tortillas stuffed w/ shredded chicken, queso fresco, crema Mexicana, onions & lettuce, served w/ black beans, queso fresco & avocado slices
Enchiladas Verdes $26.00
Traditional corn enchiladas stuffed w/ shredded chicken, covered in fresh salsa verde w/ melted Oaxacan cheese, crema Mexicana, cialntro, queso fresco, picklend onion & sliced avocado
Enchiladas Rancheras $26.00
Traditional corn enchiladas stuffed w/ shredded chicken, covered in chipotle salsa w/ melted Oaxacan cheese, crema Mexicana, served w/ black beans, queso fresco & sliced avocado

Platos Fuertes
Enchiladas Verdes $26.00
Traditional green enchiladas stuffed with shredded chicken and melted oaxacan cheese in salsa verde with crema mexicana. pickled onion, cilantro, topped with queso fresco and sliced avocado.
Enchiladas Rancheras $28.00
Traditional corn enchiladas stuffed w/ shredded chicken, covered chipotle salsa w/ melted oaxacan cheese cheese, crema mexicana, served w/ black beans, queso fresco & sliced avocado
Enchiladas De Mole $28.00
Chef’s mother’s secret recipe with chicken, queso fresco, crema mexicana, onions and lettuce. Served with black beans, topped with queso fresco and sliced avocado.

Tacos
3 Al Pastor $24.00
Grilled marinated pork w/pinneaple, avocado salsa, cilantro and onion
3 Carnitas $24.00
Marinated pork with radish, avocado serrano salsa, cilantro and onion
2 Arrachera $18.00
Grilled marinated flatiron, avocado/salsa verde, cilantro and onion
2 Pescado $18.00
Mahi mahi pan seared with chipotle lime mayo, mango, red cabbage, cilantro and red onion
3 Coliflor $22.00
Roasted Cauliflower with guajillo, poblano salsa and habanero pickled onion
2 Al Pastor $17.00
Grilled marinated pork w/pinneaple, avocado salsa, cilantro and onion
2 Carnitas $17.00
Marinated pork with radish, avocado serrano salsa, cilantro and onion
3 Pescado $26.00
Mahi mahi pan seared with chipotle lime mayo, mango, red cabbage, cilantro and red onion
2 Coliflor $15.00
Roasted Cauliflower with guajillo, poblano salsa and habanero pickled onion
3 Pollo $24.00
Pan seared marinated chicken thigh, avocado salsa, pickled onion and cilantro
2 Pollo $17.00
Pan seared marinated chicken thigh, avocado salsa, pickled onion and cilantro
3 Arrrachera $26.00
Grilled marinated flatiron, avocado/salsa verde, cilantro and onion

Antojitos
Sincronizadas De D.F $16.00
Mexico city-style quesadilla and two flour tortillas with melted oaxacan cheese. It comes with your choice of especial, chorizo or bambino.
Fresh Guacamole Y Totopos $16.00
Chef’s guacamole recipe with homemade tortilla chips, salsa seca on the side (contains nuts) and salsa roja.
Tlacoyos $13.00
2 Corn masa cakes filled w/fava bean pureé, crema mexicana, queso fresco, salsa verde 2 Corn masa cakes filled w/fava bean pureé, crema mexicana, queso fresco, salsa verde
Extra Totopos (Chips) $4.00
Lightly salted housemade chips.

Tacos
3 Carnitas $24.00
Marinated pork with radish, avocado serrano salsa, cilantro and onion
3 Pescado $26.00
Mahi mahi pan seared with chipotle lime mayo, mango, red cabbage, cilantro and red onion
3 Al Pastor $24.00
Grilled marinated pork with pineapple, avocado salsa, cilantro and onion
2 Pescado $18.00
Mahi mahi pan seared with chipotle lime mayo, mango, red cabbage, cilantro and red onion
2 Arrachera $18.00
Grilled marinated flatiron, avocado/salsa verde, cilantro and onion
3 Arrachera $26.00
Grilled marinated flatiron, avocado/salsa verde, cilantro and onion
3 Coliflor $22.00
Roasted cauliflower with guajillo, poblano salsa and habanero pickled onion
2 Al Pastor $17.00
Grilled marinated pork with pineapple, avocado salsa, cilantro and onion
2 Carnitas $17.00
Marinated pork with radish, avocado serrano salsa, cilantro and onion
2 Coliflor $15.00
Roasted cauliflower with guajillo, poblano salsa and habanero pickled onion

Desayunos Brunch
Huevos A La Mexicana $14.00
Scrambled eggs w/ Mexican sausage, w/ tomato, onion & black beans, queso fresco & homemade corn tortillas
Chile Relleno $18.00
Grilled poblano chile in spicy chipotle tomato salsa w/melted Oaxaca cheese, stuffed w/ scrambled eggs & choice of chorizo or spinach & mushrooms,served w/ black beans & queso fresco
Chilaquiles Rojos $18.00
Tortillas soaked in tomato & chile salsa w/ fried eggs topped w/ crema Mexicana & onion, served w/ black beans & queso Fresco.
Huevos Rancheros $18.00
Two poached eggs over corn tortilla in tomato & chilé salsa served w/black beans & queso fresco
Huevos Con Chorizo $15.00
Scrambled eggs w/ Mexican sausage, served w/ black beans, queso fresco & homemade corn tortillas
Memelas Benedictinas $18.00
Lamb barbacoa over 2 thick tortillas w/ 2 poached eggs (1 w/ achiote hollandaise) cilantro
Huevos Y Bistek $24.00
Grilled marinated flatiron* & two eggs* served w/ black beans & queso fresco

Barrio Chino Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

Barrio Chino Photos

Barrio Chino Location

Barrio Chino

New York New York County New York Broome Street

253 Broome St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Barrio Chino Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 800 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I just sat there for a juice and a mocktail on a dead-breeze summer evening. They have café tables outside if you only want drinks, and regular tables if you want to eat something.The place inside is nice, and outside is just outside — but it’s a good spot if you enjoy people-watchingThe service is 4 stars because the menu was super dirty and the waitress couldn't hide her frustration when we ordered mocktails.
August 13 · Pedro Giovanni
If you're looking for a charming spot to enjoy a delicious meal, this place is a must-visit! We recently dined here and loved it. The chicken enchiladas were amazing, and the steak tacos were so flavorful! The atmosphere is so quaint and cozy, making it the perfect setting for a relaxed dinner. The service was fantastic, and we couldn’t get enough of the margaritas—definitely some of the best we've ever had. Overall, the food was a solid 5 stars! We can't recommend this place highly enough!
May 23 · Lisa Bilinski
I really liked the food, especially the tuna tostada for its complex flavor, and the mole was a close second with its intense flavor. I found the shrimp taco's flavor too mild in comparison, but not bad. I really wanted to like the place, it looks nice and the staff is friendly, however the food took forever to come out and the space indoors is extremely loud.
April 18 · Javier Kohen
Stumbled upon this spot today and i am so happy i did. We were looking for a quick outdoor brunch spot and this had everything we wanted. Great margs - loved the hibiscus one. Fantastic food. And server was the sweetest. She needs a raise!
March 29 · Lois Kim
Cute Mexican restaurant with great drinks and friendly staff.We stop in for margaritas and chips and salsa a few times per year and always have a nice time.
July 14 · Chris P