LAReview
photo credit: Philip Guerette
Barcito
This spot is Permanently Closed.
Included In
You know that one friend who always makes sure you’re aware they knew about that song before anyone else? We hate to break it to you, but (if you’re anything like us) you’re probably that annoying friend - except for restaurants. Let’s be honest with ourselves, it feels really good to find a great spot before your friends do. Plus, you get to hype it without a rebuttal from your roommate who can’t ever seem to find joy in anything.
But sometimes you can be so blinded by your excitement to crown a spot your next great find that you’re genuinely surprised when it falls even slightly short of expectations. That’s what happened to us in the case of Barcito.
To be clear, Barcito is still a solid restaurant. Located in the bottom floor of a new mixed-user in that southern part of downtown largely dominated by new mixed-users, Barcito feels surprisingly settled in already. Its aggressive Argentinian-themed interior (complete with Buenos Aires streetscapes plastered on the wall) feels closer to dining at Epcot than downtown, but its cheesiness will grow on you. It’s a much-needed change of pace from the onslaught of corporate sports bars that have set up shop throughout the neighborhood. The colorful space is welcoming, the waitstaff cares, and from start to finish, you feel comfortable here. So, what’s holding it back? The most important element - the food itself.
photo credit: Philip Guerette
As an Argentinian restaurant, you’re no doubt assuming they serve one thing - red meat. And while you can certainly find a braised short rib and some housemade sausage patties on the menu, you can largely leave your Fogo de Chao meat-sweat nightmares at home. Instead, the menu reads more European: heart of palms salad, seared goat cheese, and chicken milanese all make appearances. You’re going to absolutely need to order the pulpo (octopus) and the churros, because even in a city with no lack of either, these are among the best you’ll find. But beyond those, nothing here blows you away.
Barcito might not be the 9.0 diamond in the rough we wanted it to be, but frankly, who cares? We’re still going to use it for exactly what it is - a laid-back, neighborhood spot where you can pick up a drink and quick bite to eat after work and not have to deal with nearby angry basketball fans in the process. It’s affordable, easy to get into, and you’ll actually enjoy being there. And that’s worth telling your friends about.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Philip Guerette
Pulpo
photo credit: Philip Guerette
Palmitos Salad
photo credit: Philip Guerette
Chicken Liver Mousse
photo credit: Philip Guerette
Braised Pork Empanada
photo credit: Philip Guerette
Provoleta
photo credit: Philip Guerette
Noquis
photo credit: Philip Guerette