Barbed Wire Reef

4.3

143 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

Top Tags:

Modern Mexican with an American twist. Barbed Wire Reef incorporates the best of classic Mexican dishes, that the brother and sister owners, Rico and Flor Aragon, grew up loving in Mexico, adapted with American taste in mind, making the menu both crave-worthy and one-of-a-kind at the same time. The design was inspired by the two’s childhood and continued extensive travels back to Mexico. Ceramic oversized tiles behind the back bar emphasize the architecture found throughout Mexico City. The lush vegetation growing inside the restaurant and throughout the patio, remind guests of a modern resort stay in Tulum. Hospitality is at the core of the brand, the mission is to create an experience you would have in Mexico, dining at someone’s home with a gracious host.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 1, 2023

7:30 PM

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(720) 242-7042

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary Mexican, Mexican, American
Hours of operation
Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(720) 242-7042
Website
http://www.barbedwirereef.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Owned/operated by
Asian and Pacific Islander, Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Women
Catering
We are happy to offer catering through our food trucks or our restaurant. We offer customized menus catering to your specific needs.<br /><br />Please contact management@barbedwirereef.com for more information.
Private party facilities
Every party we host, large or small, includes a chef-prepared menu and a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails by our expert bartenders. From business happy hours to special occasions, the event team at Barbed Wire Reef can make your event as wild or tame as you wish.

Location
4499 W 38th Ave, Unit 102, Denver, CO 80212-2199
Neighborhood
Highlands
Cross street
38th and Utica
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Offers

Best Happy Hour in the Berkeley neighborhood!
Multiple dates available
Sun - 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM,Mon - Sat - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Please join us on our beautiful, secluded, patio with fire pit tables or in our Tulum inspired bar and dining room for the best happy hour in Denver!

Truffle Guac$12.00
cotija cheese, pepitas, pomegranate seeds, mushroom, micro cilantro
Classic Guac$10.00
pico de gallo, cilantro
Salsa Trio$7.00
chips, fire roasted tomato, tomatillo avocado, pineapple habanero
Fundido$11.00
asadero cheese, queso chihuahua, rajas, pepitas, toasted chile de arbol flakes
Esquites$6.00
charred corn, chipotle aioli, cotija, tajin, chile oil, cilantro, pickled red onion
Brussels Sprouts$8.00
morita sauce, queso fresco, cilantro
Shrimp Ceviche*$14.00
shaved red onion, pickled red fresno chile, cucumber, avocado, pineapple, micro cilantro
Tuna Tiradito*$18.00
ahi, furikake, baja seasoning, wasabi aioli, ponzu, herb salad
Puebla Quesadilla$9.00
fresh masa, birria, asadero, black bean puree, crema, chile oil, picked red onion, pico de gallo, lettuce, queso fresco
Quesadilla Sandwich$12.00
Asadero cheese, peppers, onions, chipotle aioli, crema, lettuce, pico de gallo. Choice of chicken or steak*
Chile Relleno$17.00
sweet potato, butternut squash, zucchini, asadero cheese, queso chihuahua, salsa cruda verde, black bean puree, radish, crispy sweet potato shoestring
Buffalo NY Strip Steak*$25.00
chimichurri, demi-glace, tomato confit compound butter, poblano chile, red bell pepper, red onion, fingerling potato
Pork Tenderloin*$23.00
achiote marinade, guajillo sauce, bacon-corn hash, caramelized cippolini onion, roasted anaheim chile, asadero cheese
Enchilada$15.00
mushroom, asadero cheese, guajillo sauce, avocado salsa, fried avocado, pickled red onion, purple cabbage slaw, radish
Garden Gratin$13.00
sweet potato, rajas, asadero, queso chihuahua, chipotle cream sauce, micro cilantro, pomegranate seeds
Lamb Shank$32.00
24 hour braise, pickled vegetables and fruit, chile ancho sauce, crema, corn tortillas, tomato rice, black beans
Snapper*$26.00
roasted cauliflower puree, mushroom, cippolini onion, butternut squash, pickled vegetables
BWR Burger$19.00
1/2 lb burger, bacon, guac, asadero cheese, chihuahua cheese, tomato confit, chipotle aioli, crispy onion. Served with regular fries

Tacos

2 per order + rice and beans

Chicken Tinga$13.00
white onion, crema, cotija, cilantro
Birria$14.00
asadero cheese, white onion, cilantro, served with consume and lime
Steak Fajita*$16.00
angus steak, peppers, onions, salsa cruda, queso fresco, crispy onion, radish, cilantro
Snapper*$17.00
purple cabbage slaw, chimichurri, pickled red fresno, micro cilantro
Mushroom$13.00
shiitake mushroom, oyster mushroom, crimini mushroom, poblano cream sauce, pomegranate, pepitas, cilantro

Dessert

Churro$8.00
chocolate sauce

Sides

Rice$3.00
Mexican style tomato rice
Black Beans$3.00
Salsa$2.00
fire roasted tomato | tomatillo avocado | pineapple habanero
Chile de Arbol Hot Salsa$2.00
Guac$4.00
Truffle Fries$7.00
Fries$5.00

What 143 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Denver
Great for outdoor dining

Sort by

OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a little bit warm on the patio due to radiant heat coming off the fencing. Other than that, it was wonderful.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My lady told me she wanted a spicy marg last night so I looked for a spot close by and booked a table here on a whim. We are so glad we did because it’s our new favorite. Stellar food (enchiladas), quality drinks, photo-worthy environment. I left satisfied and my fiancé was stoked on her Insta pics and her spicy Marg. Also wow the churro was unreal. Service was next level, but super chill (like not in our face). Perfect balance - so much so I had to tip 33.33% to keep my conscious clean. 11/10
R
Rick
Denver
49 reviews
vip
1.0
49 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience3
We had a reservation, which was next to the way too loud band. Then we moved outside which was better, took 20 minutes to get water, waited 20 to never get our drinks. Then we could not find waitress to pay the bill so we could leave after looking for 15 so left. Will never go back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall2food1service1ambience4
Sat there for 2.5 hours and never received our food. Horrendous service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
I'm not a fan of QR code menus. That's really my only complaint. Food was fresh, delicious, and portions were perfect. Cocktails were good. Excellent value.
GO
GoingOut
Denver
18 reviews
vip
3.0
18 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience3
Great service. Excellent food and cocktails at a reasonable price.
j
jeng
Denver
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2023
overall3food4service5ambience4
i have been coming to barbed wire reef for years. it was one of my neighborhood restaurants that i frequented regularly thru covid. i was very sad to visit last night, and discovered they have completely changed their concept. the menu that made them unique is gone. they are now a mexican restaurant, and we already have fabulous mexican restaurants in the area. i’m so bummed to have lost a very special restaurant in my neighborhood.
DG
DanielG
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Enjoyed Sunday night happy hour with friends. The street tacos were a great value as well as the wine
AC
AmandaC
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The happy house pricing and food was amazing! We had the tacos, flautas and chilequiles. Everything was delicious and food came out fast. The service was great and the staff was warm and friendly! Plus a super cute dining area and amazing ambiance.
MP
MichaelP
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome food. Not your typical Mexican. Everything was delicious. The jalapeño Margarita was great! We would definitely come again.
P
Pearl
Denver
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were excellent. Would definitely go back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful happy hour specials. Would definitely recommend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Fast service, attentive wait staff, noisy loud environment. Food portions are smaller for the price.
M
Maryann
Denver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Barbed Wire accommodated my gluten-free needs by making special dishes for me. Everything was delicious: the fries, the guacamole, the ice cold beer, the décor and so on. The wait staff were very friendly and gave us just the right amount of attention. Considering we were there for Happy Hour, the prices were very reasonable.
SS
SandS
Denver
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is excellent and service was perfect. You can make reservations to avoid waiting for a table. Fun place!
LP
LindaP
Denver
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Like the new concept! Service was great and friendly!
FO
FOoOdie
Denver
23 reviews
vip
3.0
23 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
The food was pretty good, but the service was sub-par, unfortunately. I ordered a second margarita that never came. It took 20 mins to get the check and get it paid. It wasn't very busy, either.
C
Chicky
Denver
11 reviews
2.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience3
We went for Restaurant Week 2023. There is no parking for this place. Our table was ready for us and they had even adjusted party size for me. On the Open Table app they wanted a credit card to adjust party size so I sent a message instead and that worked. 3 ordered the Restaurant Week menu and 3 ordered from regular menu. One of the restaurant week meals appetizer, salad and entree were forgotten and then brought all at the same after asking where the appetizer and salad were once the other 2 were served theirs. The bill was wrong. The service unfortunately was awful! The other stuff could of been over looked but it seemed like they didn't care. They did bring us churros because of all the mistakes.
GD
GDKD23
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience5
The food was outstanding and creative! Kudos to the kitchen! The waitstaff was a bit slow on drink service.
JT
JessicaT
Denver
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Cute, fun vibe. Food was fine. House marg was delish! Would definitely return for happy hour but wouldn't be my first choice for dinner.
CR
ClaudeR
Denver
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall1food1service4ambience3
The food was lousy other than Ceviche. Other than that it was pretty disappointing
C
Chrisk
New York Area
50 reviews
vip
4.0
50 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Went for 2023 Winter DRW. It was the first time for me and my friend. The ambiance is very nice, feels tropical and inviting. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. I got the ceviche, caprese salad and stuffed poblano pepper. My friend got the quesadilla sandwich. Portions were great and my friend really loved the chicken in his sandwich. Definitely enjoyed our time there
M
Mari
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The entire experience was great. All of the staff were so wonderful to us. The food and drinks were excellent. I will definitely be back.
DJ
DaveJ
Denver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 22, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Our initial thought was that we walked into Taco Bell with a bar. However, the food was AMAZIING!! Our waitress was on point and friendly.
BR
BryannaR
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing! Spicy but so good! The decor was so cute and the staff was really nice. I plan on going back it was that good! We had the birria and tinga tacos. And the cheese and chips were amazing!
D
Debramos6
Denver
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband loved his burger. Tacos were excellent and the best part: churros for dessert. The vibe, the decor and the service were great. We will come back for sure!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
They were great at checking in with our needs, food was amazing plus all of us are alcohol free and the bartender made fabulous mock-tails, which we loved.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
8 reviews
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall1food4service1ambience3
We had reservations on a Friday evening to celebrate my partner’s new job. Our server was nice, but our whole experience was terrible. We had tickets to a show at 9:00pm. Thinking an hour and 45 minutes would be plenty of time to eat and have some drinks before the show, we had reservations at 7:00pm. We were mistaken. It took FIFTY minutes to get our drinks. Over an hour to get our food. We had to scarf down our food and rush out for the show. In the over an hour we were waiting our server apologized once, and then largely avoided us. We saw multiple staff members wandering around without any urgency. When he gave us our check, he sheepishly said sorry, the manager gave you a 15% discount, but we never saw a manager once. We also had to ask for our check multiple times from multiple people. The food was good, but overpriced for the portions. My partner got tacos and was hungry within 30 minutes of leaving. It wouldn’t have been so upsetting if we had just shown up, but this was completely unacceptable for having reservations. We will absolutely not be back.
G
Geatsout
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience3
Limited menu. Tiny portions. Tiny tables with metal chairs. Pork tenderloin was very overcooked, black and hard.
D
Dtho
Denver
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Slower night but didn’t feel neglected. Drinks and happy hour apps were delicious. It’s so cute inside for a girls night out. 10/10
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience4
I found the place to be really overrated. Most disappointing was the server, who checked in on us for a dinner order so frequently it got to the point where it was intrusive. I had put in the notes on OpenTable that we would be there for a first date, ie talking more deeply. He also didn’t tell us about the happy hour and an item rang in for more on the system than what was indicated on the menu. Food was good but overpriced.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and staff was awesome!
a
aliyah
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food3service5ambience5
Drinks were really good! The barria tacos were okay and the esquito appetizer was great!
J
Jared
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was delicious. Hands down best Mexican food I’ve had in Denver
JK
JKub
Denver
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
The tacos I had were tasty and The Kiss my Hass drink was perfection!
C
Claire
Denver
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Quesadilla sandwich was spectacular. Def will return for that.
L
Laura
Denver
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
First impressions, this little restaurant is understated. We ordered the margarita flight, which was fantastic. Once consumed, we each ordered a margarita that we enjoyed from the flight. The food was good, just limited variety. We will return!
D
Diane
Denver
23 reviews
3.0
23 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall3food5service4ambience3
We were disappointed in our evening at Barbed Wire. Though the food was wonderful, the service was slow, and the alcohol was overpriced. I don't think $13 for a glass of inexpensive chardonnay is a bit much. Also, the beer was pricey. We won't be back.
JH
JohnH
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Gator taco was great, also enjoyed the margarita flight
NF
NativeFoodie
Denver
45 reviews
vip
4.0
45 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Had a last minute reservation for a family dinner so made a switch to Barbed Wire Reef. They were very accommodating for a party of 12. The food was great I had an assorted array of tacos and the chicharrons (highly recommend these!!!) Don't let the menu scare you, there are still beef and chicken options, but if you are feeling ready to get out of your comfort zone the selections are great. My only complain with the tacos is that they were not that filling (3 tacos: Shrimp, Alligator & Tuna) so I'm glad I ordered the chicharrons as well! The margaritas were good, go for the flight to try a good variety, tamarind and the jalapina were my favorites.

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Barbed Wire Reef using the Order Online button. Barbed Wire Reef also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (720) 242-7042.

Barbed Wire Reef is rated 4.3 stars by 143 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 1, 2023

7:30 PM

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(720) 242-7042

Other options

Order online

4499 W 38th Ave, Unit 102, Denver, CO 80212-2199

Additional information

Cross street
38th and Utica
Neighborhood
Highlands
Hours of operation
Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary Mexican, Mexican, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Asian and Pacific Islander, Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Women
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.barbedwirereef.com/
Phone number
(720) 242-7042
Catering
We are happy to offer catering through our food trucks or our restaurant. We offer customized menus catering to your specific needs.<br /><br />Please contact management@barbedwirereef.com for more information.
Private party facilities
Every party we host, large or small, includes a chef-prepared menu and a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails by our expert bartenders. From business happy hours to special occasions, the event team at Barbed Wire Reef can make your event as wild or tame as you wish.

Barbed Wire Reef

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

LatinX-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Denver

LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Denver

Best Happy Hour in the Berkeley neighborhood!

Dinner

Truffle Guac$12.00

Classic Guac$10.00

Salsa Trio$7.00

Fundido$11.00

Esquites$6.00

Brussels Sprouts$8.00

Shrimp Ceviche*$14.00

Tuna Tiradito*$18.00

Puebla Quesadilla$9.00

Quesadilla Sandwich$12.00

Chile Relleno$17.00

Buffalo NY Strip Steak*$25.00

Pork Tenderloin*$23.00

Enchilada$15.00

Garden Gratin$13.00

Lamb Shank$32.00

Snapper*$26.00

BWR Burger$19.00

Tacos

Chicken Tinga$13.00

Birria$14.00

Steak Fajita*$16.00

Snapper*$17.00

Mushroom$13.00

Dessert

Churro$8.00

Sides

Rice$3.00

Black Beans$3.00

Salsa$2.00

Chile de Arbol Hot Salsa$2.00

Guac$4.00

Truffle Fries$7.00

Fries$5.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

FAQs

Does Barbed Wire Reef offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Barbed Wire Reef restaurant rated?

Is Barbed Wire Reef currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Featured in

LatinX-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Denver

LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Denver