Barrio Comida
Durham
Facing Durham University's student union building and the river, with glimpses of the cathedral through full-length windows, Shaun Hurrell's likeable venue takes its inspiration from Mexican street food, appealing in these environs to both student groups and their professors. The menu is divided into butanes (snacks and sides), tacos, quesadillas and burritos, with soft-textured helados (ice creams) to finish. Portions are generous enough that two could well find their work cut out when tackling dishes such as adobo potatoes (crushed and crunchy at the edges) with a warming tomato sauce, vivid green salsa and a layer of white cheese – the Mexican flag in a bowl. Tacos with various fillings are sometimes great: 'pescado' is battered fish with plenty of finely shredded white cabbage and pink pickled onion, while 'birria' is braised beef served with a little pot of its own consommé. Our 'gobernador' special comprised a row of fat grilled prawns and green salsa on a melted cheese layer. Elsewhere, the frijol quesadilla with braised pinto beans and cheese is good dipped into the beef consommé – if nobody's looking. And if you still have the capacity, finish with a serving of honeycomb helado with dulce de leche. The drinks list offers house wines by colour (including an Italian orange), but the smart money is best splashed on the cócteles, which include a mezcal version of Negroni.
Dining Information:
Counter seating, Wheelchair access, Family friendly
34 Church Street, , Durham DH1 3DG
0191 370 9688
