Barbed Wire Reef

Name: Barbed Wire Reef
Address: 4499 W 38th Ave Unit 102, Denver, CO, United States, 80212-2199
Telephone: (720) 242-7042
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 3.9

3.9

117 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

Jan 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 14 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 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 3:00 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

Offers

Best Happy Hour in the Berkeley neighborhood!
Multiple dates available
Sun - 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM,Mon - Sat - 3:00 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 117 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

3.9

3.9 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
3.7Service
4.3Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

D
Debramos6
Denver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
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 6 days ago
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.
CT
ChrisT
San Francisco
4 reviews
2.0
4 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
5 reviews
5.0
5 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
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.
a
aliyah
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
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was delicious. Hands down best Mexican food I’ve had in Denver
JK
JKub
Denver
2 reviews
4.0
2 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
22 reviews
3.0
22 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.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food was good. Drinks were tasty. The food service was slow but server was great.
l
lovedenver79
Denver
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious tacos, awesome patio, great service! There was a jalapeño drink w/ coconut rum that was wonderful. Definitely will be back!
CH
CarlieH
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came for the Bingo, but the food, drinks and service were amazing!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall2food3service2ambience4
Good ambiance, food was okay - they just slopped meat without anything else on one of my friends tacos. Service was sub par, wait staff barely came to check on the table and it wasn’t busy.
JT
JoeT
Denver
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a fantastic find. UNBELIEVABLE! This is why I love Restaurant Week as you get to explore and find new places
B
Britney
Denver
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall3food4service1ambience2
Went for the restaurant week menu and the food was great but the bar tender that waited on us appeared to be intoxicated or high. She forgot we had already ordered a margarita flight and came back to take our drink order for a second time then screwed up every drink we had for the night. It was clearly noticeable to the point where the manager pulled her aside to talk to her but then was still allowed to finish serving us. The rest of the staff seemed great, it was just a disappointing experience.
E
Erin
Denver
10 reviews
vip
2.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall2food3service3ambience1
Limited menu that is too eclectic. If you want tacos, maybe it’s fine. Cocktails were not good, very small and mostly ice.
JA
JessicaA
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent! Server was very good, always available, quick, personable and kind. Margarita flight was fun and I definitely will order it again. Highly recommend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall2food3service2ambience2
Went for restaurant week. 35 for three courses. Got a little ceviche thing that was quite nice, then a Caesar salad which just tasted regular, partner got a soup that was good. The entrees we had the boar-bbq sandwich and elk burger. The flavors were good in the bbq sandwich, but the bun was soaked through and the amount of meat was low, cut it in half and the second half had none. Burger seemed okay. The main issue however was it took 20 minutes for a server to come take our order despite not being very busy, and after ordering had gotten through two of three courses before our drinks arrived (after we asked about them) Didn’t feel like the value matched with what we paid, and service was maybe the worst I’ve ever had. Saw it on a don’t miss list from last year but not sure why.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 20, 2022
overall3food2service2ambience4
A little disappointed with the overall experience. They didn’t have their Ahi Tuna which our entire table anticipated on ordering at least one item that consisted of Ahi Tuna. The service was minimal and somewhat confusing as we couldn’t tell who exactly our main point of contact was. Was never checked on and the food was mediocre given the hype
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 20, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food was delicious, but our dinner & appetizer came out at almost the same time… Other than that, it was a great dinner.
JP
JamesP
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff friendly, nice date night with wife. Good was great
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was filling and awesome, drinks were delicious and potent, friendly service. All aces!
GO
GoingOut
Denver
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food with a good variety of choices, awesome friendly service, and well crafted cocktails.
BC
BearChops
Denver
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2021
overall4food4service3ambience3
We didn't try the tacos but the fish & chips and the burgers were very good. French fries were epic - excellent!
MO
MrsOGee
Indiana
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2021
overall3food3service5ambience3
Overall, it was a good experience. The staff was very nice. The decor was different and nice. The food wasn’t bad but it wasn’t mind blowing either (except for the elk burger, my husband loved it). The variety of different meat options was what drew me in. So that was a nice touch. If I make it back to Denver, I’d give it another try
f
fsurenae
Denver
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2021
overall4food5service4ambience4
Fun burger and taco choices. Upscale food truck fare in a casual atmosphere. Great patio, too! Service was good and the wine/beer list is solid. A little something for everyone.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2021
overall5food4service5ambience5
Server was excellent-prompt and super friendly. Food was awesome except the tacos were tiny. Maybe I missed that detail in the menu. Lots of Tequila and great game menu.
JS
JenniferS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great drinks, delicious food and wonderful service. We love BWR and can't wait to go back. The prickly pear margarita and chicken tacos were particularly on point for our visit.
EG
ErikaG
Denver
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 7, 2021
overall5food4service4ambience4
Great drinks and our food was delicious! We will definitely be back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2021
overall4food3service5ambience3
Server was amazing. Food was pretty good.
SD
SusanD
Denver
23 reviews
vip
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on June 20, 2021
overall4food5service5ambience4
First time here but not the last! The food was amazing and for only having one server/bartender she was terrific!
W
William
Denver
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 23, 2021
overall3food3service3ambience3
Got a table on patio waited then Walked inside to get a beer and see inside, waitress said I’ll come out and get your order. Waited outside then went back inside to see if you could order a beer was stopped by male, Can I Help YOU like I was not to be inside or something, was told waitress would come outside an take order , can’t I just get a beer at bar and go back outside to patio? Others came in and got waited on inside. Rude, could of explained and not as organized as they think they are. Fifteen minutes later We got to order, and she got the wrong beer! One order of tacos were cold. Waitress was just to busy to listen and check back.
MA
MoisesAlu
Denver
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2021
overall2food1service3ambience3
Bland food. Maybe it's difficult to succeed with wild game but I was disappointed to pay $26 for wild boar that is more than plentiful as far as wild game goes and then the sausage and pulled pork was just bland. Presentation was like a fast food place. Elk burger bland and tough. Kangaroo burger was pretty good. Sweet potato fries very good. Cold day, cold restaurant. No BBQ atmosphere - would have expected some heat, some smoke, some smells. Just a bland experience all around.
P
Phillip
Denver
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
We booked a reservation a week prior to Mother's Day and they were not open for business.
B
Brandon
Columbus
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 3, 2021
overall5food5service3ambience5
Came for Denver Restaurant Week. Everything we ordered was outstanding!

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 3.9 stars by 117 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

Jan 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 14 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 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 3:00 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

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

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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