FOOD & WINE
BIG FLAVOR AND GOALS Barrio Cosita has a neighborhood feel
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By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski inda Nash acknowledges that diners at her popular Barrio Queen restaurant are sometimes in a hurry. She and co-owner Steve Rosenfield listened to their guests and opened Familia: Barrio Cosita in December. Spanish for “little barrio,” Barrio Cosita has big flavor and goals. “We offer a different menu, but it’s still authentic Mexican food,” Nash says. “It has a nice, little neighborhood feel.” The new fast-casual concept opened in a 2,300-square-foot space at 15801 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Suite 100, Scottsdale. “We chose the location because it’s right off the freeway at the Loop 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright,” she explains. “We thought it would be a good place for guests to stop if they’re going home or on their way to work.” Barrio Cosita brings the traditional flavors of Mexico in a trendy, urban vibe, boasting a full bar and lower price point than Barrio Queen. “We sell tacos and burritos,” Nash says. “They’re different than what we offer at Barrio Queen. We didn’t want to compete with Barrio Queen. There’s a Sonoran hot dog, which is one of my favorites.” The restaurant features a vibrant
The cocktail program at Barrio Cosita is similar to that of the parent restaurant, Barrio Queen. (Photos courtesy of Barrio Cosita)
interior with a brass-plated bar and bright and colorful art installations. Seating is available indoors and out, and menu highlights include blue corn tortilla tacos with options like pulled pork, fried fish, “vegetariano,” chorizo and beef barbacoa ($13/three for most), as well as burritos with a choice of chicken tinga, Puerco bohemio, beef barbacoa ($9 to $11). Large plates include several creative options, such as the pulled pork grilled cheese with Noble Bread sourdough, Oaxaca cheese, cotija, served with a side of tomato sauce ($11); Sonoran dog with Noble Bread bun, all-beef hot dog, topped with diced onion, tomato, mustard, crispy bacon and mayo ($7); and taco salad, romaine topped with black bean, corn, tomato, red onion, avocado ranch, Oaxaca cheese and tortilla strips ($9). The kids menu offers chicken tenders,
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Barrio Cosita’s blue corn tortilla tacos come with pulled pork, fried fish, chorizo and beef barbacoa. There’s a “vegetariano” option, too. Most are $13 for three.
