Foodies who love spicy, gourmet Tex-Mex cuisine should stop by a renowned area restaurant that gives guests an unforgettable dining experience.

The Barrio Queen Restaurante Y Tequileria is an award-winning restaurant in Gilbert, Arizona.

Restaurant chefs incorporate exquisite, spicy flavors of Mexico into their time-tested, delectable recipes. They call their dishes Mexico City Soul Food. The eatery's stellar cuisine continues to impress gourmands and critics, alike.

Red Stone at the San Tan Village residents should not miss this excellent dining experience.

Philosophy

Former executive chef and co-founder Silvana Salcido Esparza designed The Barrio Queen's menu. Esparza lovingly calls the restaurant her baby. She is a James Beard Award-nominated chef. The honor is the highest recognition in the culinary world. The chef created recipes based on her most treasured childhood and family food memories.

Esparza stepped down as the restaurant's executive chef in 2014. Chef Elena Morena, who worked with Esparza for more than 10 years, now serves as the executive chef.

Atmosphere

First-time visitors will notice the eatery's building is a blend of Spanish revival and contemporary architecture. Although its exterior reflects traditional Mexican culture, its interior is modern, sleek, and sophisticated. Track lighting, colorful posh seating, and polished hardwood floors give the dining area an airy, bright appearance.

A lighted, well-stocked bar with more than 300 kinds of tequila occupies the central dining area.

The restaurant also offers covered, outdoor seating.

Tacos

The restaurant sells 22 varieties of tacos made with hand-pressed corn tortillas.

Try their slow-cooked carnitas. Sample their Al Pastor Tacos made with marinated pork, then topped with onions, cilantro, pineapple, and red sauce.

Other star dishes include their Barrio Pollo (spice-rubbed chicken), Pescado (beer-battered fish), Nopalitos (sauteed cactus), and rajas (roasted poblano) tacos.

Burritos

Try one of their burritos for a hearty, great-tasting meal. Their specialty is the Arizona burrito made from green tomatillo sauce, melted cheese, diced onion, crema fresca, and cilantro. They also sell carne asada, Azteca, and Barrio Pollo burritos.

Enchiladas

Enchilada lovers will enjoy The Barrio Queen's flavorful recipes. Their signature enchiladas dish is The Queen made with Oaxaca, Cotija, and goat cheeses mixed with sauteed spinach, shallots, and garlic. They drizzle a creamy sauce onto the enchiladas.

Take a look at modern Southwestern living at its finest at the Redstone at San Tan Village. We are a first-class residential community near Phoenix, Ariz., with lovely, luxury apartments perfect for your individual needs. Our apartments will exceed your every expectation. Contact us for a tour of our community today.