In the landscape of restaurants here in The Valley, Mexican cuisine may be as easy (if not easier) to come by as burgers and fries. However, it’s the vast popularity of quality Mexican food that not only continually brings patrons back to favorite restaurants, but it helps support the development of additional entries into the world of Mexican Restaurants in Metro Phoenix. Some of these restaurants are one-offs, while others are spin-off restaurants. Second and third variations of a popular restaurant that has allowed ownership to spring up the new locations in other communities and towns. For the latest addition to the Mexican restaurant ranks, it comes from well-known restaurant owners.
Barrio Queen is an award-winning Mexican restaurant that has focused on the fine-dining aspect of Mexican cuisine. Established in 2011, the restaurant has been recognized as one of the best Mexican restaurants not only in Phoenix but in the entire country. However, as owners Steve Rosenfield and Linda Nash have discovered, not everyone has the time to sit down for a fine-dining dinner. Sometimes time is short, so an abbreviated option is better served. That is exactly why the two have developed Barrio Cosita.
Barrio Cosita is the fast-casual version of Barrio Queen. However, just because the restaurant is a fast-casual option doesn’t mean the quality has been ditched. The restaurant still pulls unique flavors from the heart of Mexico City, all while stocking a bar with over 300 tequilas. Guests can still take their time when they eat. Instead, it simply means the slightly paired back food items are prepared and delivered to the table faster, which is perfect for those who just don’t want to wait.
Plans for Barrio Cosita first started back in the summer, with Steve and Linda breaking ground on their new development. However, the newest rendition of the restaurant is just now opening up for the public. Some of the menu staples include blue corn tacos, nachos (with house-made corn chips, chorizo refried beans, avocado salsa, crema, Puerco bohemia, cheese sauce, and pico de gallo), pulled pork, fried fish, and chorizo tacos, not to mention a host of signature house cocktails.
While Barrio Queen has seven locations spread around The Valley, this new entry will be entirely different from the others. It is the only fast-casual version. And while there will be some flavor crossovers between the Barrio Queens and Barrio Cosita, Barrio Cosita will very much stand on its own culinary feet.
Interested in checking it out? You’ll find it at 15801 North Frank Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 100 in Scottsdale.
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