I had my 25th Birthday here on a Saturday night! What an amazing venue! The place got crowded but I really enjoyed the entire service! They are quick and they are damn great at putting a show when making you their cocktails! This is the only night I really did not mind getting a lot of cocktails in my system. I tried most and they are all amazing! I'd like to add that if you can, try to attend the happy hour because it's really worth it! They have cocktail menus half the price and it still is amazing! I was there from 6pm until midnight! After 10pm hits everybody gets rid of the tables and BOOM! everybody is dancing! read more

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I'm a big fan of the barrio chain! Usually hit up the shoreditch one, but last night we went for our local and damnnnn was it good! There's plenty of space for dancing, the staff are super friendly, even letting me dance in a sombrero and the tunes are banging! For me, anyone that plays 50 cent is winning for me! I love the caravan at the top, we didn't get to sit in it, but next time I'm reserving for a few cocktails.. The colour scheme of the place is so bright and colourful, definitely up my street. Drinks wise, I got a mojito, which was far too sweet, but some of the other cocktails I've tried at the sister branches were super yummy! read more

Barrio - North - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

Barrio North is one of the cutest bars I think I've ever seen. Whoever came up with the interior design is a very talented person indeed. With a big helping of retro in its decor, it still manages to seem sleek, and forward-thinking and even intimate with vinatge sofas and soft lighting. The piece de resistance though has to be the gutted caravan - yes caravan - sitting in the middle of the bar and decorated with fairylights and popart wallpaper, which provides enough seating for a small group. Get here early if you want to spend the night in the caravan! The food and beer are great with a lot of South American influence, and the music too is anything but cheesy, and the tequilas...if only I could remember! read more

Barrio - North - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

This place is just about everything I need after a busy week on a Friday night. Great atmosphere - check. It's hip and funky, but not overdone. The colorful scheme, comfortable couches tucked away in little hippie 'caravans' and the fun, but not intrusive music altogether made me feel as if I had been transported from a bleak London afternoon into a lovely bar by the beach. Great drinks - oh goodness, check. We stuck to the Happy hour menu (cocktails for £5 until 8 pm) which has six cocktails: Mojito, Tommy's Margarita, Caipirinha, Hula Colada, Catch the Pigeon (with Pink Pigeon spiced rum), and Papa Don't Peach. Everything we tried was tasty, but Papa Don't Peach was an absolute winner for me & my company - I haven't had such a good cocktail for a long time. It's made out of Blackwell rum, Wray and Nephew (very strong Jamaican rum), creme de peche, and fruit juices. The result is a refreshing drink that has a real kick, and perfectly balances the strength of the rums and sweetness of the juices. Yummy! Great service - check. The bar was very busy, but all the staff worked really swiftly to accommodate everyone. We were always served very quickly and our drinks came with a complimentary smile on the bartender's face. I had a great time at this place, and will be definitely coming back. read more

Barrio - North - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

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Used the yelp app to get a free mojito. No questions asked server as very friendly and got me one. Also said there was a happy hour on. 5-9 I think. Very good. Had a few more for about £5.50. Nice bar. Nice location just up the road from the green. I'd love to come back when it's busy on a Friday night and see what the vine is like but I like the setting a lot. read more

Barrio - North - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

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Unbelievable cocktails! So close to greatness--I'll need to go back again to judge. Went on a Friday night around 8 or 9. Not too crowded and an unbelievable innovative cocktail menu (which my only complaint is in these crazy cocktails it doesn't always tell you what the base liquor is). But still AMAZING concoctions. My friend had a red pepper, vanilla and vodka drink that was to die for! The bartenders were super cheezy though--they definitely copied t heir moves from Tom Cruise in Cocktail. The music at the beginning was great--chill, upbeat, a bit of Latin influence. Was totally digging it and the crowd was mixed--after work drinkers, locals, hipster-lites. As the night progressed it went downhill--got packed and the music turned cheezy. Some salsa (which the salsa sluts and drunkards were all about) and cheezy hits. That's when I bailed to get a burrito.... I'll do a few more tests--nice to have a true "bar" amongst all the pubs on Essex Rd. read more

This bar isn't nearly as cool as it thinks it is. Disinterested staff (um, can you stop flirting with each other and take my order? Why are there four of you back there anyway when there's four people in the entire bar?) that tried real hard to give that vibe that you're really interrupting their standing around time by having the gall to want a cocktail. An attempt at kitschy retro décor with a personality disorder: Is it Cuban, Mexican, Brazilian or Tiki? The mojitos were actually pretty good. Food was lacklustre. Chorizo plate had the thin slices of pre-packaged chorizo you can buy at Tesco express scattered around a plate. Tortilla chips platter was fine (hard to mess that up) but would be more appropriately priced at £3, not £5. Sad I had such a under-whelming experience at the very place where I had my first Yelp Check In freebie! By checking in I got a free cocktail. Pretty good, but not enough Barrio North ... not enough. read more

Caravan of love! This place rocks - amazing cocktails, amazing decor and a great crowd! defnitely going back oh and fab tunes! This makes Essex Road even more worthwhile visiting! read more

This Barrio is much smaller than it's Shoreditch cousin and feels very cramped, at a recent birthday party where we had booked for 10 it felt like the area we were in would much more easily fitted 8 After a certain time you can't get draft beer anymore, the taps are there but they refuse to sell it to you preferring to sell you bottles of sagres instead read more

Ah so much potential, so much fail. My friend and I came here for al fresco drinks at happy hour and really ended up regretting that decision. The one large table outside is so grotty and dirty that it isn't exactly a pleasant chill out space. It was happy hour so we got a couple of cocktails for £4.50. Watered down, overly sugared caiprinihas. We made the very rooky mistake of ordering bar food. Salty nachos with canned salsa and canned guacamole. I really, really hate canned guac. It's the lowest totem on the food chain and hardly makes for any authenticity in whatever they are trying to achieve. The bar staff are lovely but struggled to serve when it was full with the World Cup on. The bar itself is large and colourful, but walking past certain areas that smell like a toilet is not welcomed. I'd never actually drink inside after this smell-experience. read more

Barrio North is a cool place to hang out. Near to Angel underground and Essex Road train station it's a short walk down Essex Road. A long narrow place with a long bar space and a caravan at the rear of the bar big groups can reserve. The staff are really friendly, always smiling and hard working. The smiling part doesn't include the bouncers who make a point of looking 'ard, scary and emotionless even when they really want to crack a smile. Like any joint sometimes the DJ is a bit hit and miss but most of the times I've been here the DJ has been good. On this occasion however the DJ wasn't up to scratch in the beginning. The RnB/house/pop music was just so, so and then we noticed that he kept repeating certain tracks which is a 'mortal sin' as far as DJ's are concerned. Maybe he was being lazy because as the night wore on and more people arrived the music got better and people started to dance and enjoy themselves. As the bar is narrow, the manager arranged for the tables and chairs to be packed away so there was more room for dancing. Unfortunately there's no cloakroom so people tend to place coats and bags wherever they can. As far as the drinks are concerned, the cocktails tend to be quite sweet, in particular the Mojitos and Ram Berry Jam which is supposed to come with a jammy dodger but not always (sort it out Barrio). Overall it's a good place to chill out and let off a little steam, I just wish it was a bigger bar. read more

I love this place! There is something about sitting in a jazzy caravan inside a bar sipping a delicious mojito that somehow just makes sense.... The staff were great craic and the cocktails were really tasty (happy hour also helps them go down easily). I didn't have to wait very long to be served despite it being pretty busy. The front patio doors are open in the early evening so that a nice place to sit, but as the night goes on they have to be shut and its best to explore the cool stuff covering the walls on the inside. Only downside? This bar is quite narrow so if you're in a big group it's a little tricky not to get in everyone's way (unless you are sat in the inside caravan as previously mentioned and highly recommended) read more

This is one of my favorite venues in Islington/Angel. It is a latin bar which in my opinion really has that NY/Barcalona/street feel to it. Great Djs and music, this place is open pretty late compared to most Angel bars. No entrance cost, so you can always get in pretty much. It can get very busy at the weekends, but it alo adds to the vibe. Nice cocktails and beers. Drinks are not cheap though. read more

Ever been insulted by a member of bar staff within 30 seconds of arriving at a bar? It's not pleasant. Popping in to take advantage of the Qype-advertised 2-for-1 cocktails last night we were told we first had to fill out a form with our postal addresses so they could send us "membership cards" in the post. When I asked whether an email address might suffice (in the vain hope of avoiding another stack of junk mail), the barman proceeded to explain to us, in a voice dripping with sarcasm, that we needn't worry ourselves about unexpected home visits from Barrio staff. "I don't know what kind of bars you usually go to", he smirked, shaking his head disdainfully, and downhill it went from there. You have to trust me that his snorts and asides were less cheeky banter than they were sneeringly offensive. A question for Barrio North, which (hilariously) boasts about its "personable approach" and its "friendly and inclusive environment"... have you ever wondered why your bar is virtually empty on a Tuesday night? We left without buying a drink, vowing never to return, and the management should understand that I plan to dedicate the rest of my life, and beyond, to ensuring everyone else in north London does the same. read more

I went to the Barrio North opening night , (or was it week?) and was pleasantly surprised, impressed even. Nice cocktails with a kick, and a lovely friendly atmosphere. The owners have made a real effort with the decor, and it really adds to the style and atmosphere of the bar. This is particularly true of the odd and quite stunning addition of a caravan! Its looks comfy as hell, but very popular so we didn't get to sit in it yet. Great music playing, I was especially happy to hear some Marvin Gaye, which you just don't get enough of in bars these days! read more

Nice staff and fun tunes but beware if you're over the age of 30 and here past happy hour. The floor gets increasingly sticky as drinks from the girl celebrating her 25th w her band of sisters and male hanger ons are sloshed out of their glasses. I got here around 10:30 and waited patiently behind a completely incoherent girl explaining to the doorman that she wanted to bring 15 friends over from the pub across the street. He was exceedingly kind but firm w her and eventually she drifted away. Once inside, I found my friends who gratefully had the tables by the window in this otherwise long and narrow space. £10 for a mojito seems too much for this place especially w all the ice in my glass but I got it quickly so no complaints. Wouldn't be my first choice to end a night but day time happy hour seems to be when its got a better face on, and I would give that a shot. read more

Barrio North is a vibrant and unpretentious bar on Essex Rd, just around the corner from Upper St, which has a sort of a Brazilian or general Latin vibe. It's quite long and narrow, but feels spacious and welcoming, and the rustic and colourful décor is really charming and helps set this place apart from the many slick bars in Islington. They serve a wide range of beers, not exactly cheap, but the usual prices for Islington, and they also serve tasty bar snacks if you are hungry. My favourite part of Barrio North, however, is the caravan stuck inside the venue! With comfy seats inside, it makes for a fun and snug place to enjoy a drink read more

eh. its alright. i mean, its a kindda quirky bar in Angel, filled with a mix of city types who are dressing down and letting their hair loose. the staff are fabulous and the decor interesting (at least at the first glance... and then you realize that it just repeats itself over and over throughout the bar....) not a place i would go out of my way for, but wouldnt necessarily object to either. read more

Went along for my birthday celebrations and had a lot of fun. Was busy, but the crowd were friendly and attitude free. The music was fun without being cheesy and the cocktails were great. Only place I've seen organic cachaça. read more

Decent place - the cocktails were good, but not particular strong. Good vibe and a nice mix of people, big fan of the bar staff - especially the one who set my drink on fire (intentional). The layout isn't great - in the booth you sit next to each other, not great for conversation. read more

Love this place! Best mojhitos in Angel, easily. A funky place to go for a first date.

This bar with its Frida Kahlo pictures, and Mexican folk art makes me think it belongs along Smith Street in Brooklyn, NYC. I'd walked by here probably a hundred times and never found an excuse to have a drink here, but when I did, it was happy hour. The happy hour menu is decent, and they do make a good mojito. However, they won me over on the regularly priced drinks on their extensive cocktail menu. The music was good but the service is a bit slow. I was there in the early evening, so I imagine late at night when it's heaving, this would become tiresome. Overall, a fun happy hour bar. I hope to return. read more

Meh. Overly designed bar which tends to attract annoying groups and loud bankers from Essex. The owner is a former IT consultant btw, so that explains a lot. I personally preferred this location when it was the Warwick (my all time favourte bar in London), but I digress. The place is always too crowded and I honestly have no idea why. I guess it is open late... If in doubt - Queens Head, Winchester and New Rose are all better bets within a block. read more

A quirky and funky place to get an unusual cocktail! The staff are always friendly and keen to impress with their fancy cocktail making moves. Make sure you get to any of the Barrios early as they can become choc-o-bloc with cocktail lovers. Once you get to the bar you will not be dissappointed with the wonders they produce. Think chilli powder in a drink is weird? Or alcohol served with a jammy dodger? Awesome! read more

We had a leaving do on Friday and after a good drink in hackney we decided to head to Islington. Totally unplanned, and ended up here. I have been wanting to go here for ages as sometimes you just end up in the same old place doing the same old thing. Have to say we had a great night, Bar staff were great, people in the bar really friendly and from all walks of life, music was a great mix and have to say that when the music stopped and lights went on at 2am I just wanted to carry on! I absolutely loved it and will definitely be going back!!! read more

Spent Saturday night in Barrio North and had an AWESOME time. Great music, great atmosphere and delicious cocktails! It's four star reputation is very well deserved. read more

I absolutely love this place, friendly, relaxed and warm. This to me is what the perfect bar is in London. I love the unpretentious air that this bar breathes, its not one of your up its own arse sort of places. People are not afraid to talk to you, the music is great and the drinks are even better. The cocktail menu i think needs a special mention, the cocktails here really are delicious - classics with a contemporary twist. My only critiscm is that it gets quite packed on saturday and there isnt really a dancefloor. However if your in Islington and you want a funky time - head here read more

Awesome little cocktail bar just up the road from Angel station. Im a regular there now. Happy hour cocktails are just a bargain and they taste great. Went up there for a quick drink on a wednesday night. I had recently fractured my foot. The bar staff immediately engaged me ask me how I had done it and automatically brought me and my mate a beer on the house. Great vibe and a good place to start off fore you head out for the night. read more

The music and venue are really good..the staff are not! My friend is partially sighted and the barman asked "where is his white stick thing?" Charming! My friend was thrown out for touching the managers hat! Possibly a bad move but the bouncer did not need to proceed in throwing him into a main road...twice when he didn't even raise his voice! Such a shame!!! read more

nice spot on Essex road. Variety of Rum and Tequilla drinks available. DJ has been good the last couple of times I was there.

horrible creepy guy at the bar was weird, (turns out was the manager, as i heard him being rude to one of the members of staff) no vibe average drinks, rubbish music. would much prefer the other haunts on upper street! read more

Cool little place on Essex road, really good vibe, really lively crowd. plus like the caravan..

Love this place great cocktails and good music

How to put politely? - Just don't bother. Barrio North have the grand appeal of poor booking system and absolutely dire customer service. Booked the 'caravan' area 2 months in advance for my 30th birthday celebrations only to turn up on the night and find my area had been given to someone else. Barrio North's solution? Apology and some free drinks? No- they shoved us to the back of the bar on some squalid seats near the toilets with not so much as a hint of compassion, empathy or even an apology. After what seemed like an eternity, we got sent some free drinks to our 'luxury' seating area by the bogs but I get the strong impression this was so our negative experience didn't catch on to other customers. Absolutely appalling experience. Will not be returning and wouldn't wish the poor service in this place on my worst enemy. read more