By Holley Long
Running out of places to brunch on the weekends? You may not know this, but Barrio at Waterford Lakes Town Center has a whole menu of delicious brunch tacos! Read on to learn more about the restaurant and what you can expect during your dining experience.
What is Barrio?
From the outside of the Orlando restaurant, it’s hard to miss the skull imagery that’s part of the signage. Inside, Day of the Dead-inspired murals deck the walls and other decor pieces, from a giant skull at the entrance to the intricately engraved chandeliers, leave you fully immersed in the holiday from the moment you walk through the doors.
This theme is represented across all the Barrio restaurants. While Barrio at Waterford Lakes is the first Florida location, the chain began in 2012, when it opened the doors of its first restaurant in Ohio. With nearly 20 other taco joints now open, Barrio creates a fun and casual atmosphere no matter what area it serves.
How Brunch Works (and What to Order)
Dining at Barrio is a unique experience, starting the moment you sit down. While it’s common for restaurants to have a multi-page menu to order from, Barrio lists its dishes on a notepad and provides pencils for guests to make their selections.
Writing your name at the top of the paper, filling in the bubbles beside your selections, and handing the sheet to your server may make you feel like you’re taking a test. It’s better, of course, because instead of dreading a bad grade, you have a delicious meal to excitedly anticipate.
Delicious is truly an understatement. We started with the avocado tostada, spread with guacamole and topped with a mouthwatering combo of crumbled bacon, over-easy egg, corn salsa, and chipotle crema.
Then it was time for tacos. The Bloody Maria Taco is, as you might imagine, is inspired by the popular brunch drink, with tequila bloody mary shrimp, thick cut bacon, and a dirty stuffed olive. Also filled with guac, corn salsa, verde slaw, and cocktail sauce, the taco is a refreshing choice on a hot day.
On the other end of the taco spectrum is the Cowboy Taco. The soft tortilla is filled with Coca-Cola marinated steak, yukon hash, an over-easy egg, crispy onions, and chipotle honey bbq sauce. This probably goes without saying, but it is very, very good.
And what is brunch without fun cocktails (or mocktails)? Barrio’s menu includes favorites like the Bloody Maria and mimosas. If you decide to enjoy a mimosa, you can choose from a list of flavors, including orange, strawberry, and white peace. If you want a stronger drink, you can order a loaded mimosa, which includes tequila.
Barrio’s Other Menus
Barrio offers brunch on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but if you dine at another time (or just aren’t a fan of brunch food) there’s still a lot to enjoy. Another menu/notepad lets you create your own tacos from a list of shells, protein, toppings, and more. If building a taco from scratch feels a bit overwhelming, though, you can order from El Jefe’s selections, a menu of the chef’s favorite taco combos.
And along with tacos, Barrio has an extensive tequila and whiskey menu. Craft your drink of choice or find something to enjoy on the margarita and libations lists (and, PSA, happy hour is Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Overall
Tacos, cocktails, and ambiance come together to make Barrio a place you’ll want to try. And, with the stores of Waterford Lakes Town Center all around the restaurant, you can enjoy a little shopping spree after your meal. So if you’re on the hunt for a new brunch, lunch, or dinner spot, give Barrio a shot!
We want to give a big thanks to Barrio for hosting us and sharing such a wonderful brunch experience!
Waterford Lakes
Waterford Lakes in East Orlando contains a wide variety of homes, most built between the 90’s and 00’s. Single family homes can range from the mid $300’s to upper $600’s in this area, depending on desired lot and square footage. The average home is in the mid $400’s, with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
East Orlando offers its residents close proximity to the Waterford Lakes Town Center, Research Park, UCF, and numerous restaurants. The main theme parks in Central Florida are also not too far away, with Walt Disney World about 35-45 minutes and Universal just 25-30 minutes. If you’re looking to travel, the Orlando International Airport is also 20 minutes away.
The Orlando Real is sponsored by The Pozek Group. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Orlando, reach out and we would love to help!
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