Elite Event: Lil’ Yelpers Pow-Wow @ Barbacoa

Nique had put together a unique Unilocal event that was geared toward a Family style dinner. She had everything geared up to the kiddies from Tattoos, Bouncy Unilocal handballs, and those Stunners with the Unilocal swag. We arrived a little late and were greeted by Nique. She explained the ordering process and we sat on the patio. We started with Chips and Salsa and grabbed some Gauc. I also ordered a Mojito and Quesadillas. The Servers was very friendly and the appetizers were great. I had the Mojito to cool me down and we chilled until they invited us inside for dinner. The restaurant was nice and cool inside since it was hot outside. The owner introduced us to his «family friendly Kid menu concept» when ordering for the kiddies. There was a kids menu for 4 – 9 years of age and under and also one for 9 yrs. and up. That way your not paying full scale for a toddler that is going to take 2 bites. On the Flip side, your not going to pay for a 10 year old who might still be hungry after the lil portions on the menu. The regular Menu was really diverse and it took awhile to figure out what to order. Wifey had ordered a Combo Chicken and Steak Fajitas, and the kiddies had the Crispy Chicken tacos, and a Hot dog. Both kids items were served with Fresh fruit and Spanish rice. I decided to get the Shrimp Fajitas and started with the Fried Plantains with Crème Anglais as an appetizer. What really stood out to me were the 3 salsas they served. They had a Strawberry Habanero, Habanero Lime, and Tomatilla salsa. Both of those were really hot, and I kept going back to them. Luckily, the Tomatilla salsa was the least spicy of the 3 Salsas. All the food was great and it was very filling. The only snafu was that we didn’t receive tortillas for our Fajitas, but it was no big deal. The bonus part for me about the Event was taking the lil ones with us and able to share the experience with them. Nique and I even had a chance to chat it up. It was nice for a change to actually get to talk to the Cm and get to know her. One word for the event was fun and I hope we can attend another event like this in the future so we don’t have to leave the lil ones behind. Thanks Barbacoa for hosting this Kid Friendly event and hats off to Nique putting it together. Kids like to say «Thank you», for those cool toys they got in the toy chest and for the delicious food.

I’ve never stopped in Orinda before, despite working just a few exits away — but now I have a great reason to visit this sweet little town and this great restaurant.
This Elite event was sweet and intimate and it was great to meet up with old friends and make new ones!
Barbacoa is a wonderful place for the entire family. The waitstaff was oh-​so-​friendly and there was a great selection of menu items for everyone. From quesadillas to habanero margaritas, our party was highly entertained pre-​dinner as they distributed lots of Unilocal goodies as well as glitter tattoos from the restaurant. Their patio area outside would be lovely on a nice summer evening.
When we came inside for dinner, our waitress recommended the Camarones platter (I love that they use Gulf Shrimp – not only are they family friendly, they are friendly to the environment as well!) and their namesake, Barbacoa platter (roasted pork that was so well flavored).
My little sister (6 yrs old) enjoyed her chicken nuggets once she tried them (since they were REAL chicken nuggets not the type you fry from a plastic bag, she was nervous at first to try). Not only do they have a «Littles» menu intended for the itty-​bitties, they have a «Middles» menu for the 9 – 12 yr old range (which makes perfect sense – once the kiddies get older and are no longer satisfied by the typical kids meal, but can’t quite finish an adult meal)
Their black beans were yummy although their whole pinto beans a little bland. We were so full we couldn’t finish everything — we can’t wait to go back again.

Great event with some even better grubbin’! Loved that you can bring the lil’ ones. With a 6 month old eating out is always more difficult. Barbacoa was an extremely gracious host and ultra kid-​friendly.
I was obsessed with the strawberry salsa! A little sweet with a nice slow burn afterwards. The margaritas were dangerous because they were so delicious. We ordered the fish tacos and the Barbacoa (slow roasted pork). Both were YUM!
I will definitely be back for Taco Tuesdays!

Uuuh-​mazing restaurant. I loved hearing the back story of the restaurant, how they started Table 24 as well, and how they designed both restaurants with the family in mind.
And Barbacoa was really family friendly. From a box of toys to the innovative Littles and Middles menus for the under 8 and over 8 children, they really thought of everything.
Don’t get me wrong, they have plenty of adult-​friendly items as well. Their marguerita’s were delicious-​just the right combination of tang and sweet. Their homemade salsas were tasty with a bold kick. Unforgettable strawberry salsa.
Now the best for last, their restaurant is aptly named for their barbacoa dish. I’ve had barbacoa before, but I felt like I didn’t really know what it could be like until I ate it here.
Thanks to Nique and the incredibly friendly staff and owner at Barbacoa for a great event!

You can officially say, «Like Mother, Like Son». Thanks to Unilocal my two year old son got a chance to live it up like the child of an Elite should.
Sundays are our perfect days to go Unilocaling too. The venue Barbacoa could not have been better. There was plenty if seating inside and out for everyone. The staff was incredible too.
I found out that this restaurant is also affiliated with another in of my all time favorites, Table 24. (Go read my review of it). Both of these restaurants are incredibly family friendly. They take care of you in the ways a restaurant should.
My husband partook of the Habanero Margarita, Espolon Habanero infused tequila, organic agave nectar, fresh lime juice. He thoroughly enjoyed it. Noting he drank 3 of them, it must have been good.
As an appetizer we sampled the Beef Taquitos. Shredded beef and melted cheese rolled in flour tortillas, served with a tomato– guajillo sauce. I loved the flaky crunchy outer shell. The dipping sauce was delicious.
My drink of choice was a concoction of Apple Juice, Grapefruit Juice and Carbonated water. It was so good with just a spritz of lime. Yum!
My son devoured the Guacamole, Warm Chips and the grown up Quesadillas. Nicole A. couldn’t believe the amount of guac he consumed.
After the apps selection we were seated family style with everyone and allowed to order a dish. We were also given sampling a of their Trio of House-​Made Salsas avocado– tomatillo, habanero– citrus and strawberry– habanero. The Habanero –Citrus was so incredibly hot it almost knocked me over. I was dieing.
The Zucchini Corn Pudding was such a fresh and delectable dish. I wish I could get the recipe.
My husband and I split the Fried Sweet Plantains and the Cheese Enchiladas with black beans and rice. The fried plantains were alone, an amazing dish. I’ve never had plantains that good.
I really liked the red sauce on my enchiladas. Not a hint of canned taste. The black beans were very well prepared. I think if you have an aversion the black beans to regular refried beans, try these. They were very comparable.
We met new Unilocal friends too! Wendy H. and her oh too cute kids. One if which had cheeks that looked so pinchable, but I resisted. Victor W. and his sweet little baby that stole everyones heart and the waitresses, who carried her around for some time helping customers.
This was the best Unilocal event I’ve ever been to. Surprisingly with kids! If you have a child and want a great place to come and enjoy yourself, look no further. This place has the niche on wonderful family dining.
They also have cocktails, so that always helps.
They have a guaranteed return customer from us. Thank you to Unilocal and Barbacoa. It was the best.

If I could give this event 6 stars, I would. Best Elite Event ever!
Now the boyfriend and I have truly enjoyed the date nights made possible by Nique and the East Bay Elite crew. But we always feel a bit guilty about leaving our little one behind so this was a great opportunity to check out a great restaurant while enjoy family time.
We headed out to Orinda (I’ve only ever been there for Cal Shakespeare) to Theater Square where Barbacoa sits in a corner. The inside is decorated with bright calaveras and calacas. We enjoyed the chips with queso fresco and salsa and the conversation we struck up with Wendy H. and Elliot (turns out he and the boyfriend once worked together.) The boyfriend liked his raspberry mojito and I enjoyed two Pacificos. We then shared a table with Victor W., Marisa, and their lovely baby Ariana. We were treated to a feast. That spicy habanero salsa had great kick. We all enjoyed the zucchini pudding, strawberry salsa, and our various entrees. I had the chicken fajitas (perfect next day lunch at work!) Food coma finale: S’mores and Flan. Everything was delicious. Victor, the owner, was wonderfully warm and down-​to-​earth. Though our daughter got sleepy towards the end of dinner, she loved her enchilada dinner and the jump rope she chose from the toy chest.
I would definitely return to Barbacoa. And I vote for more family-​friendly Unilocal events!

Yay for a YEE for our lil families!
What a great place to sit and enjoy some barbacoa and margaritas without the woes of rude waiters who turn a blind eye just cause you got kids.
Not here my friends with families in tow.
Here, you not only get the luxury of sitting and enjoying your food and drink but your kids can also enjoy their time too. There’s a toy box, for Elmo’s sake, near the entrance – what does that tell you?
We (my husband and one of my kids who was so lucky to have gotten to experience her first YEE with her nerd parents) sat with two other families, while sipping on habanero margaritas and other yummy Barbacoa concoctions.
Outside there is a long fire pit area and patio nestled within the plaza. Summer can’t come fast enough!
The menu here is pretty straight forward. But my absolute favorite was the kids menu – sectioned off into two parts. One for «littles (kids up to 8 years old) and a «middles» side for kids older than 9 who can chow down a bit more. So considerate – and if you’re a parent with school-​aged kids, you know how awesome it feels to know your 7-​year old won’t have to take home a doggie bag.
I ordered the Camarones (which can be made less spicy), my daughter got the nachos, and the husband got the Barbacoa. ALL of which were mouth-​watering good and perfect-​sized portions. For dessert, our table split the s’mores and flan. Also a winner in my kids’ eyes.
Besides the exceptional service from Jennifer and a heartfelt speech given by the owner, I’d say I’m sold. I cannot wait to come back and take my whole family.
A great way to spend a hot, sunny Sunday family-​style with other Elite members. Thanks Barbacoa and Nique for an awesome way to end the week. Till next time elites!