Bites Nearby: Barroco Grill

The word “baroque” is indicative of something elaborate, over-the-top or ornate – Barroco’s tidy, beige storefront hardly reflects that definition, but the details implemented inside show a lot less restraint.

The aromas, the music, the art and the greetings are distinctive, upbeat and inviting — and wait until you taste the food.

Colombian food is unusual for these parts: A quick Internet search for Latin American cuisine in the greater Cleveland area will yield a long list of Mexican restaurants with a smattering of Cuban, maybe a little Venezuelan… but — lucky us — Lakewood’s own Birdtown is home to .

Barroco’s menu comprises foods that would be available from street vendors — some Colombian originals and some more familiar American staples — arepas, sandwiches, salads, burgers and dogs – but with South American flair, so please don’t ask for yellow mustard.

The menu has 16 options, prices range from $4-7, and the only flaw I found was my own inability to make up my mind.

Colombian arepas are about as thick as a slice of bread, but are more like a dense tortilla- they are handmade in-house from corn and can be baked, grilled, fried and wrapped around any number of fillings for breakfast, lunch or dinner… deliciously versatile- and when filled with well-seasoned meats, peppers, onions, corn and melted cheese Barroco's arepas are just the right portion size; the sauces (Buffalo sauce, Ranchero, Chimmi, Pineapple and Garlic) are fresh and provide another layer of complexity to each menu item- I wasn't able to commit to a single sauce for my arepa, each having it's own flavorful qualities, so each bite became a new experience...

In my view, maintaining an emphasis on an imported cuisine while gaining the attention of those who are less adventurous is a major accomplishment…Juan genuinely loves his food and is proud of his culture; he will come to your table, introduce himself and explain the menu — this inclusive and informative atmosphere will only increase customers' comfort zones.

I have no doubt that Barroco will become a Lakewood staple. The Cheesy Corn with Arepa Fries alone will draw me back time and again — it will never lose appeal (but please don’t tell me the calorie count).

Barroco Grill is located on Madison Avenue at Alameda, across from Sts Peter and Paul Orthodox Church; there is a parking lot, as well as street parking; take out or dine in (they have about 16 seats altogether). Credit cards are accepted.

216 221-8127

Open
Tuesday- Thursday 11AM- 8Pm
Friday & Saturday 11AM- 10PM
Sunday 11AM- 6PM