Barrio Brewing

September 16, 2008
I guess location isn’t everything. As soon as I got south of Broadway, all signs of life disappeared. It wasn’t until I turned the corner at the silo that i was met by a parking lot full of cars, and the sounds of music blasting through the doors. The place was pretty packed. I guess if you don’t have location all you need is a rockin’ live blues band. The people loved it. I don’t think they were there for the beer. I mean it was okay, but not fantastic. The food was okay, but not fantastic. The prices were decent though. Okay place really.

May 12, 2008
reminds me of a cross between santan and the old four peaks. it looks like they built the place on a shoe string budget out of one of the other run down warehouses in the neighborhood. they’ve got live music and ten beers or so on tap. the food is mediocre (but, i am a chef) to typical and the beers are still meh.

March 18, 2008
In my opinion as a wandering beer lover, you must go to Barrio when visiting Tucson. Like Nimbus, the brewery-pub is located in an industrial part of town and is a bit tricky to find. But find it you must! It’s a popular place and it is easy to understand why. The staff was knowledgeable and helpful. The food looked good. The guys sitting next to us at the bar were freaking out over the “heat” of the hot wings. The beers are true to style and the NCAAle (NC double ale) was kickass strong but hid the alcohol well. A tough balance to achieve. Big, full size shuffleboard table!! We like the Barrio so much that we went there twice and we were only in Tucson for 3 days.

February 16, 2008
Hard to find so go during the day if you’re a newby. Old warehouse with a spartan ambience. Service was good at the bar and my reuben was decent. Beer range was the usual light, brown, IPA etc and includes the NCAA Brandy barrel which was very good. Beers were served too cold-a common ailment in several Arizona brewpubs. Overall, a nice addition to the brewpub scene-I will go back when in town.

January 13, 2008
I like this place. It can be a little difficult to find. What’s nice is you don’t have to go down by the U of A to get Gentle Bens beer now. They fixed up an old warehouse into a really nice brewpub. Foods good and the staff is friendly and prompt. It’s also nice to see them experimenting with barrel aging too. The Brandy barrel NCAA ale was fantastic. The place can get crowded in the evenings. The tap list varies between the dozen or so beers they brew. Worth a visit when in town.

January 11, 2008
Southside Barrio location. A little hard to find but worth it. Neat warehouse location in a completely industrial district. This is the sister location for Gentle Ben’s Brewing. All the brewing done for Gentle Bens in now done here. A nice interior and the bar has barley lacquered right into the top. Good staff and bar gal was willing to ask the brewer if I could speak to him and look at the equipment which I appreciated. Brewer was very nice and let me watch as he sparged his mash. Food was good and menu is quite extensive. They have live music as well.