Barrio Brewing

I was gone from Tucson for two years. When I returned in January '09 one of the new spots was Barrio Brewing. It's tucked on the south side of the railroad tracks between Park and the point where Toole becomes South Euclid Avenue.

This joint is owned by the Gentle Ben's people. Gentle Ben's moved all their brew operations to the warehouse district. I still want to know the machinations that went in to the decision to try to make a go of it as a retail restaurant as well. A friend of mine (I'll call him Jay so we don't piss off his boss) told me, "it takes some cajones to open up a restaurant next to the tracks where no one can find it."

But finding it is exactly what is happening. The word is obviously getting out, one satisfied customer at a time. The burgers are great, in spite of the lackluster bun. The fish tacos are righteous. (Don't go for the fries; get the beans, you won't be disappointed.) I'm not a big fan of their panini, but they've got some other good sandwich choices. I can't say enough good things about the Lizzie salad.

French dip lovers will have to go someplace else. They might as well call it cardboard dip. But that's the only true neg I have to say about the joint. Try the Touch of Grey or the cheese steak instead.

They have the basic appetizers, but the Spinach Artichoke dip rises to the top of the vat. Trust me, this ain't no Price Club spindip, not by a long stretch. And of course, there's the beer. But you know all that, because you've been going to Gentle Ben's for years. Friday happy hour is crowded.

Barrio Brewing is at 800 East 16th Street. I won't tell you exactly how to get there, that is what gps is for. I don't want to get blamed when you get lost anyways.