My favorite food is Mexican. I love the sauces, cheeses, seasoned shredded meats… yum! There are several good options in Richmond where I can get my enchilada and taco fix, but Casa Del Barco brings some unique, upscale menu items to the table. You can still find favorites like guacamole and empanadas. Casa Del Barco adds some interesting twists though, like guacamole with crab and tacos with slow roasted duck. The restaurant is also one of the latest to join the local, sustainable food trend.
Situated along the canal across from some of the coolest wall murals in the city, the scenic location is a bit challenging to find in a car. I’d suggest calling for directions instead of relying on a GPS. On the other hand, it’s in a perfect location if you’re exploring the Canal Walk, an easy stroll along the canal from Brown’s Island and The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. The interior is dramatic with high, custom-stenciled ceilings, Mexican-style chandeliers, exposed brick walls and dark wood furnishings. A long bar on one windowed wall offers plenty of space for a hopping happy hour.
On a recent lunch visit, our table started with an order of guacamole with bacon and tomato. The guacamole was super fresh, and the bacon added a nice salty crunch. I mean, how can you go wrong with that combination? I ordered the queso fresco (fresh cheese) enchilada for my main dish. My gluten-free friend and I were both excited that the enchiladas are served with corn tortillas instead of flour. This was not your average rolled up and filled enchilada. Instead, it was served in a dish with layers of tortilla, cheese and sauce. It was an interesting, light and tasty alternative to the norm, but the real standout of the meal was the side serving of frijoles negros, or black beans. They were sprinkled with bits of queso fresco and fresh cilantro, and they were incredibly flavorful…my favorite black beans ever.
Besides its upscale take on Mexican favorites, Casa Del Barco’s other claim to Richmond fame is its extensive tequila bar. Who knew there were more than 100 different kinds of tequila, much less that you could find 140 in one place?!
Casa Del Barco
320 South 12th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 775-2628
Carla Murray is Assistant Director of Marketing & PR for Maymont. She is a Richmond native and a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate. She lives in New Kent with her husband, two daughters, a dog, a cat and a turtle. Some of her favorite activities include letterboxing, long walks, Cirque du Soleil shows, wine tastings, reading novels, and spending time with family and friends.
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