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El Barco Mexican Restaurant

3.1 (76 reviews)
ModerateMexican
Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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EL BARCO MEXICAN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Intimate
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Fried snapper with shrimp draped in a flavorful spicy sauce.
Van S.

Clean restaurant, fun decor, and our service was great. The menu is pretty extensive with pages dedicated to their exciting seafood specialties. It's a little difficult to understand all the offerings for non Spanish speakers, particularly those on the seafood specialty pages that I think were build-your-own platter items. Pricing for my meal was fair, but bottles of Modelo were overpriced at $5.50 each. As for the food, my meal was fantastic. Fried snapper, covered with shrimp, and sitting in a thin spicy red sauce. It was accompanied by rice, salad, garlic bread and fries. I can't recall the name. It was offered on the menu as tilapia, but they were willing to swap for snapper. The wife's vegetarian fajitas were standard, but the veggies were a little too mushy.

Ceviche de Pescado
Stan T.

El Barco is far and away the best for ceviche on the West side. My first trip was a couple of yearsgo but I've had reason to venture over here since Dad is in Doctor's Hospital a block away. This time I ordered a small ceviche Pescado, as i wasn't that hungry. I don't know how they manage to do it but there's hardly any line juice present here. Makes things a tad dry but still good. Next time 8m in I'll try the ceviche tropical for a comparison; the pineapple wedge looked interesting on the menu. Well, what do you expect from a restaurant named The Boat? Nothing but steak?

The strip here us surprisingly new looking.
Ryan S.

With their seafood enchiladas a creamy spinach cheese sauce pools around, over, and below two rolled tortillas, a warm sea of yellow brimming with green flotsam. It gives a milky balance to the beach broadwalk carnival of flavors, a subtropical wharf of tastes lively with crab meat, well grilled shrimp, and mild Pico de gallo embarked inside. With the fresh avocados slices and sour cream floating on top it's the best Mexican seafood combo I have had since catching Fileta Ralleno at Alegria's, a former restaurantes de mariscos mexicanos, long sunk now to Davie Jones locker. I am so grateful to have been invited here, a Mexican seafood joint worthy of its name el Barco, the boat. For it treats its seafood offering with the care of a professional fishing vessel cruising the Caribbean for bounty. Not only did I find a treasure in the aforementioned dish my pirating of a friend's shrimp, thin cut strips dripped with a spicy bbq sauce, revealed a dish just as excellent. This suggests the menu needs explored; It features the entire school of expected dishes, authentic Mexican and the usual Tex-Mex add-ons, but the real catch to troll for is seafood. After all, It is the sea that decorates the place; nautical themed ornaments are colorful on the walls. This stripmall deck is ultra clean, well dressed, and inviting. A beautiful bar with red chairs accenting its light wood counter, and reflecting shine from mosaic lamps makes an excellent date spot or a solo stop while out. There is plenty of space on this ship; Ample Booths in the stereotypical beach hut design, and tables floating between for group like ours allow for many parties at a time. Above vintage tin ceiling tiles cover half the spot. It is a nice eating environment. It has been awhile since I have been in Lincoln Village. I was really impressed with the clean, new look of the area El Barco sails. It is a favorable comparison with the area just East under 270, where an economic tsunami has washed away hope itself, leaving voids in space and time and in hearts, leaving everything covered with a light white concrete dust. It was encouraging.

The outside is a a little nice, but the inside really pops. The ceiling is  beautiful.
Jp B.

We enjoyed our visit. Our server was a soft spoken, but kind and eager to please first generation immigrant. She is still working on her English, but that made it fun for me, leaning back to my High School Spanish classes. The restaurant was clean and nicely decorated. The menu had several traditional American-Mexican items and some unique dishes. The food was tasty and well prepared a bit spicy but not overwhelming. We'll be back.

It's Bright And Cheerful Here.  There's A Distinct Nautical Theme Present.
Mike G.

The Seafood Enchiladas at El Barco are amazingly good. They take two flour tortillas that are filled with crab meat, grilled shrimp and fresh made pico de gallo and they top that with an intriguing creamy spinach cheese sauce. This dish has an amazing mix of aromas, tastes and mouthfeel that's like no other Mexican dish I've ever had. It's served on a huge platter and is almost big enough to share but don't, it's a feast you'll want to enjoy all for yourself. Other than that, El Barco has some other unique seafood dishes if you want to get adventurous. They also have all the usual Tex-Mex tacos, burritos and chimichangas etc, etc, etc that you'll find in any Mexican restaurant all over town. The food is good, the portions are huge and the prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity you get. Whatever you decide to do, come with an appetite and enjoy some delicious Mexican food. And A Little More Food For Thought: ** They have a Yelp check in offer for 20% off your visit. Use this to check them out. ** The Giant Eagle in the same plaza has coupons for El Barco on their receipts. $5 off $30 and $10 off $50. They expire 9-15-19. ** Happy hour is offered Monday-Thursday from 4p-7p with half-priced appetizers and discounted drinks. ** Their draft beers are a much better value than their bottles. Recommended Dishes: (A+) Seafood Enchiladas are absolutely delicious. My absolute top recommendation for dinner here. (A+) Pollo Con Espinacas comes with a grilled chicken breast covered in the same sauce as the Seafood Enchiladas with rice, beans and tortillas. Highly recommended. (B+) The Ceviche is freshly made and has a very crisp and clean taste. Great on your chips or get some Queso Blanco and add a little in for a special taste. (B) The Mazatlán is a dish inspired by the cuisine of the coastal Mexican city of Mazatlán. You get one crab enchilada, one shrimp quesadilla with lettuce, tomato and sour cream. Worth trying! (B-) Sopes are a very thick corn tortilla from Central/Southern Mexico that come with refried beans, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and your choice of beef or chicken. It's good but the thick tortilla makes it somewhat bland. If you want to try this, get it as an appetizer and share.

Seafood enchilada
Rhonda M.

Inside a shopping mall, we were immediately greeted with Tejano karaoke that at first feels super loud but we got used to it as we settled in. Per the reviews I ordered the seafood enchiladas & they were indeed amazing! The salsa, & appetizer we ordered were great as well. The real highlight of the night was ordering their house drink. At $28 it's worth every penny coming in what I can only describe as a huge pottery jug. Couldn't tell you what's in the drink aside from tequila and some sort of light refreshing fruit juice. The rim was chamoey and chili powder maybe? We would come back here for the food and drinks

Chicken Quesadilla
Hannah B.

Unfortunately did not have the best experience. We came here a few nights ago for dinner. Our server was not attentive at all and it took a long time to get our food and there were only a few other tables occupied. I got the Burrito Mexicano. It was good expect my veggies were burnt so it ruined the flavor of the entire dish (unless I pulled the veggies out). My husband had the el barco burrito. I tasted it and didn't really like the red sauce. The chicken quesadilla was good. Overall, we left not wanting to return.

Browse to your content.
Amy M.

Mexican food that's worth driving across the city!! El Barco is a great restaurant for families or for friends getting drinks at the bar. The interior is bright and cheerful with eclectic decor that somehow all manages to work together. And while the space is large, a gorgeous hanging ceiling of silver embossed metal tiles together with warm lighting makes each table feels like a cozy gathering space. But you didn't come to El Barco for the atmosphere, did you? The standard chips and salsa are good, with a salsa that's got a nice bit of heat in it. There's also a tangy coleslaw, tomato, and cucumber salsa that adds a fun twist. The menu is large with unique options not seen at many Mexican restaurants; unlike some places, they aren't just trying to come up with ways to combine 5 or 6 ingredients with the same sauce. Our waitress said they were known best for their seafood. After tasting the seafood enchiladas, I heartily agree! The two enchiladas were filled with shrimp and other seafood and topped with a light creamy spinach sauce that worked perfectly to accent the seafood without smothering it in richness. Waitstaff were friendly. Bar area looked inviting. And the restrooms are clean. Quit looking at Yelp and drive the 20 minutes it takes to get to El Barco! You won't regret it.

Pork tamale
Lora M.

New Mexican restaurant on the Columbus westside. "barco" ... meaning ship...is heavily seafood based and it is fresh and fantastic. As you get complimentary chips and salsa they include a small serving of cerviche..and you're sold. They make homemade chelada (kinda like a Mexican bloody Mary) and it's nicely spiced with just the right heat. The pork tamale was delicious with a creamy tomato based red sauce. My husband's meal was filete relleno($20) which was white fish covered on a variety of seafood with queso on top, serviced with french fries, rice and a salad. My cerviche tostada ($7) was fresh and pilled high with scallops, shrimp, fish and octopus. Amazing. Very clean and reasonable prices. A real boon to the area

Shimp cocktail
Laura D.

I heard so much compliments about this restaurants and like I love seafood for sure I want to try it! I travel across the city just to get here but was worth it! First the place is really spacious and clean, I like the decoration and the service was good! Food was really well served and tasty! I order shimp cocktail and a mixed tostada but take it to go because was so much food! My husband and friends order red aguachiles were great as well and the fish too Really good I recommended!

Wow. Very good. Pork was perfect!!

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4 months ago

They just make good food, and they're a bit shy. Very nice family operation. There's NO ICE in there, just old-fashioned warmth.

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Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine & Bar - Molcajete was so good

Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine & Bar

4.8(156 reviews)
7.1 mi•Merion Village
•$$

4.8 stars out of 151 reviews?! Say less. I was working in the area and had the taste for Mexican…read moreand a beer. I sit at the bar and I'm greeted by something I've never had ever...chips served with 2 red salsas, a verde salsa and bean dip! Usually you just get chips, a small bowl and a carafe of salsa, help yourself. This set the tone that this would be different than usual. I ordered steak fajita nachos and a Modelo Negra. I powered thru the chips and bean dip like it was my job. And it didn't disappoint. Really fresh and flavorful. Nachos are nachos, right? Wrong. How they are assembled has everything to do with their mouth feel as they cool down. I've had nachos that come out looking amazing but as they cool, turn into a disappointing chuck of chips held together by shredded cheese cement. These stayed loose with crunchy bites of peppers and onions, and the cheese sauce coated instead of becoming cement-like. I always order the same thing when trying a New Mexican spot. If the nachos are good, chances are everything is good! So I'll keep the almost 5 Star steak going. I agree, some of the best Mexican food in Columbus.

The food is delicious!! And they have margarita flights. Need I say more?…read more I'd recommend the Lupita's Special which has a little bit of everything! My friend got a chicken dish served in queso like sauce and it was really good, but I can't remember the name. (First picture)

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Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine & Bar - Dining area

Dining area

Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine & Bar - Complementary chips and dips...even bean!

Complementary chips and dips...even bean!

Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine & Bar - Quesa Birria, 41. Choripollo

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Quesa Birria, 41. Choripollo

Catrina Mexican Cuisine

Catrina Mexican Cuisine

4.8(84 reviews)
11.8 mi•Northland
•$$

I realized I eat a lot of Mexican food! Working in the area, I do what I always do...Yelp what's…read morein the area. 4.8 starts out of 82 reviews. Let's go! I pull up and the parking lot is empty. Hmmm. Looks like an old Rax roast beef spot. Inside it had a festive vibe with a Mexican mix tape playing over the speakers. The gentleman takes my order and grab a booth. He takes your order and makes your food fresh! Fajita nachos Al Pastor with a Victoria beer. The Victoria draft came out in a frosty mug and it was cold cold. Yes!! As I'm waiting for my food, more customers start coming in. Made me feel better lol. I swear the music playing is a recording of a DJ at a wedding lol. Out come the nachos and they look amazing. He also brings a little stand for my cell phone so I can eat and watch YouTube. Never have I had that offered to me at any restaurant. His hustle, service and smile was appreciated. The nachos were really good. The marinated pork, cheese sauce, fresh chips, chunks of pineapple, sour cream and salsa verde just came together well. Bonus points for the cheese sauce. Not to mention I watched him prepare everything thru the glass counter. He's back there having fun then brings your food out with a smile. Love it. If it were super busy I don't know how he would keep up, but I appreciate his hustle. Yelp, your recommendation didn't disappoint. This was different than your typical sit down, chips and salsa, margarita special, blah blah experience. This was Cozumel in June, cruising around in the side-by-side, Oh look a cool roadside taco spot with an open center courtyard type of vibe. Minus the open courtyard. Check them out!

We gave Catrina a try tonight and were very pleased with the service and the quality of food…read more Highlights were the tikka chicken empanada and the shrimp tostada - both delicious. The ambiance was fine , and enhanced by some very enjoyable Mexican music. We will be back!

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Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Plenty of seating

Plenty of seating

Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Al Pastor Fajita nachos

Al Pastor Fajita nachos

Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Fish Taco

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Fish Taco

Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Mushrooms quesadia

Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

3.2(112 reviews)
15.6 mi
•$$

While I was in Korea, I came across a story that stopped me in my tracks--one of those moments when…read morethe weight of someone else's experience hits close to home. Ricardo, a waiter at Cazuela's Mexican Cantina in Reynoldsburg, had finished serving a table, expecting the usual--a tip, a simple acknowledgment of his hard work. Instead, he received a hateful message scrawled on the receipt, the kind that cuts deeper than words should. Ricardo works at Cazuela's only on Sundays, a second job to help make ends meet. So today, in between my OCIA responsibilities, I decided to stop by--to meet him, to shake his hand, and to remind him that there are far more good people in this world than the ones who spew hate. As we talked, I saw a man who carries himself with quiet dignity, someone who simply wants to work hard and provide for his family. I shared with him that I, too, know what it feels like to be told to "go back to your country," even though, like him, I am an American. I told him about my childhood, standing in front of my family's Crestview Market, hearing the ugly chants from passing cars--some driven by kids I went to school with. But today wasn't just about reliving painful memories; it was about something greater--the power of community, of kindness that drowns out cruelty. When I arrived at Cazuela's, I wasn't alone. Others had also come to show their support, to stand with Ricardo. He told me the outpouring of kindness had been overwhelming, and I was relieved to hear it. Before I left, I handed him my WARM card and told him if he ever needed help, he could call me. Because no one should feel alone in moments like these. And, by the way, if you ever stop by Cazuela's, their enchiladas and Mexican rice are fantastic. The chips and salsa? Fresh and addictive. And my server, Isabel--attentive, kind, and everything a great waitress should be. Some people choose to spread hate. But today, I saw so many more people choosing love. And thats what matters.

Very nice bartenders. Was chill on a Saturday. Chips are soooooo fresh and good. Reasonably priced…read morefood.

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Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Chips and salsa

Chips and salsa

Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Outside

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Outside

Nada

Nada

3.9(673 reviews)
6.3 mi•Arena District
•$$

Went last night before the game. Sat at the bar. Was evidently there just in time fr the end of…read morehappy hour. The staff was very eager to make sure we knew about happy hour. Pretty thankful they did. We ordered the queso, 3 happy hour pork tacos, and street corn. The food came out very fast and very tasty. I had 2 drafts. Do wish they had a bit of a wider selection. The wife had margaritas. She says they were good. I don't really like them. The only down thing that happened was st the end. We were sitting there as my wife was finishing up the last of her margarita and we each had water. I didn't even notice when it happened, but the bartender decided we were done with our waters and took them. I was really surprised it was gone when I reached for it. The bartender decided was a bit sticky but looked cool and the bathroom was clean. Pretty nice place.

Stopped in while in the Arena District for quick bite and beverage. Ordered Chips and Salsa (Ancho…read moreSalsa) which was ok but also ordered Quesadilla for apps and it was like a mini version (two bites) that i wouldnt order again for $12. Also note they intentionally serve this as burnt cheese (oozing out the side). Beverage wise, we ordered Nadarita(s) and they were small and little weak. Felt like college bar service and quality. Our server Khoi was nice and professional, but rarely saw him (never returned for additional drink or chip orders). Will visit again but have different expectations. Thanks Nada.

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Nada
Nada
Nada

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Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill

Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill

4.5(79 reviews)
12.7 mi•Northland
•$$

We came here for dinner on a Saturday night. Glad it's not crowded and near our son's place. We…read morewere immediately seated after walked in. Menu is extensive, covers almost everything you can expect for a Mexican restaurant. After serious debating, i ordered their fried whole fish, it come out later than the tacos, but taste good. Need a little extra salt and pepper, lemon juice also helped. A little hard to eat with folks, as it has been fried pretty hard, eventually i used hand. Yummy. Everything taste better with hand. Guys are happy with their tacos and tequila! Good dinner! The only complain i have is they serve our water very late, only at the time we almost finished dinner. Guys are ok as they are drinking tequila shots. I don't have anything to drink.

I initially was here for a Yelp event and enjoyed the food…read more I have been back twice for Mango Margaritas and the fabulous Street Corn appetizer that is served warm, with chips. I have gotten tacos as well; always great. I appreciate they use glasses for drinks and don't use plastic cups like some other places. Boyf likes the $19 pitchers of draft beer that saves $. I hope they are able to stick around awhile; they seem to have a good customer base, both dine-in and carryout. The service has been very good.

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Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill - Voted best Margarita in Columbus 2025.

Voted best Margarita in Columbus 2025.

Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill - Pollo Al Chipotle 10/2025

Pollo Al Chipotle 10/2025

Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill - Casa Mezcal Quesadilla 10/2025

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Casa Mezcal Quesadilla 10/2025

Masa Mexican Grill - Chicken Fajitas

Masa Mexican Grill

4.8(44 reviews)
8.9 mi

My friend comes to East Market all the time but she had never tried Masa. We decided to try it this…read moretime. I got 3 tacos as the guy at the register said 2 wouldn't be very filling. I got one chorizo, one steak, and one chicken tinga. The corn tortillas are what most people speak highly of here so I had to try it. It was exceptional. The tortillas do taste homemade and have a nice flavor and texture. The tacos didn't fall apart either. Now the meats were just okay...nothing authentic about them. Lacking in flavor too. BUT if you want to order a non taco item, you can add a tortilla for a $1. Probably what I should've done. My friend got the crunch wrap which was BIG. Prob too big for most people to finish but it had a lot of things in it, including a fried tortilla inside that my friend agreed was the star of the show. Otherwise, her Crunchwrap was bland.... We both got a mild and spicy salsa on the side but neither were spicy. And of course, neither were that flavorful. Service was good. The staff was nice. We didn't wait long for the food. More like 3.8 stars overall. Masa recently opened another stall that sells salads. I'd prob try that next time.

Such a cute little shop inside of East Market! The customer service was great and the food has an…read moreauthentic taste to it. I got the barbacoa tacos and they were very meaty and the tortillas were freshly made. After I placed my order, the worker gave me a buzzer to let me know when it was ready but I waited nearby and started talking to him. He was very nice and friendly. The salsas don't have a description on the menu so I asked him about a few of them and he started sharing his story and even told me the recipes they use are generational; he uses his grandmother's recipes!

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Masa Mexican Grill - The food hall

The food hall

Masa Mexican Grill - Tacos

Tacos

Masa Mexican Grill

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El Barco Mexican Restaurant - mexican - Updated May 2026

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