La Barquita Restaurant Remains Flavorful Both Day and Night

By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

Gratitude, team work, and culture are just a few words that make La Barquita a success in Phoenix.

From what meets the eye, the eatery is just one of many Mexican restaurants in the Valley. But once you step inside, it’s as if you left Phoenix and entered a part of Mexico. Jose Garcia is the owner of the small but flavorful hot spot. Along with him is his family, who also help run the place.

Known to the Valley for nine years, the business continues to sell authentic Mexican food from breakfast to dinner.

“We make and prepare everything here,” Garcia said. “[Customers] can taste the difference, and everything is fresh.”

Although it’s a Mexican restaurant, there are various items on the breakfast menu that are a combination of American and Mexican. Just like a traditional Mexican breakfast, each dish is served with rice and beans or hash browns. Customers can choose from an American plate like a House Omelette or authentic plates such as the Chilaquiles Verdes o Rojos. The delicious plate is a corn tortilla dipped into scrambled eggs topped with a special homemade sauce and garnished with ranchero cheese.  

“It doesn’t matter if it’s American or Mexican breakfast,” he said. “We can make both styles.”

But the secret to the family’s success is their ongoing dedication and serving the community the freshest Mexican food.

“I wanted to have an opportunity to show Americans what authentic Mexican food was all about,” he said.

Garcia’s idea continues to be a reality that allows him to prepare each meal every day and oversee the restaurant at the same time.

The eatery highlights culture in each meal, for example, their popular Molcajetes. From the kitchen to your table the entrée sizzles with steak, chicken breast, chorizo grilled cactus, green onions, cheese, guacamole, refried beans and salsa, and finally topped with the Mexican flag.

And you can’t go wrong with the fresh-squeezed natural drinks that are as healthy as it gets. Tamarindo, Limonada, Piña, Horchata and Iced Teas are a few types of pure juices customers can order as they wait for their meal to be served.

As La Barquita continues to serve rich Mexican food in Arizona, one thing is for certain, the food is excellent and the family behind the business is reaching their American dream.

“I feel proud and grateful for all that we have done throughout the years,” Garcia said.

La Barquita Restaurant

2334 E. Mcdowell Rd.

Phoenix, AZ 85006

(602)275-5994

Every day: 8 a.m – 8:30 p.m