Barra Barra Saloon
4016 Wallace Ave. (Old Town)
619-291-3200
Happy hour: 4 to 6 pm., Monday through Friday

Come On Get Happy! | By Dr. Ink

They say there was a restaurant in this spot in the late 1800s, exactly where I plopped down to consume an icy margarita and a chicken taco made with Indian flatbread. Today it’s the Barra Barra Saloon, an adobe structure that is part of what feels like a movie set in Old Town San Diego State Historical Park.

Sitting on the patio while looking out on what was San Diego’s earliest schoolhouse and a former provisions store nearby, I realized while swiping my table chips through complimentary black bean dip that us locals take for granted the charm contained within this parcel of land. Yes, the tourists will always have their way with it. But the stores, restaurants and landmarks strewn throughout the area are easy to claim on quiet weekday afternoons.

Barra Barra adjoins the Fiesta de Reyes, where most of the shoppers and burrito seekers flock. Its location slightly outside the main entrance perhaps explains the serene atmosphere I encountered when taking a table on the tree-shaded patio. Inside, the restaurant is enormous, bigger than I ever imagined. It struck me as the perfect place to take relatives should they visit 10 strong.

Or if their wallets are stretched, Barra Barra’s happy hour would afford them impressive savings, per my $7.05 tab (including tax) for the food and drink I ordered.

The margaritas at this time cost $4.50 apiece. They aren’t the mondo chaliced kind, but served in tall, slim glasses either on the rocks or in slushy form. It was difficult detecting the tequila, however, but the house-made sweet and sour mix combined with fresh lime juice and agave nectar made it highly refreshing on this warm day.

Indian flat bread tacos are only $2 each. Served open-faced, they’re nearly twice the size of street tacos, regardless if you choose veggies, beef or chicken breast. For the latter, the large pieces of pulled poultry appeared boiled and plain, although when chomping into it, the meat was surprisingly juicy and flavorful.

Aside from the complimentary tortilla chips, salsa and bean dip, the tacos are the only discounted foods during happy hour. The bargain libations extend to a few draft beers, Dos XX lager or amber and Modelo Especial, plus a couple of Sycamore Lane wine varietals.

With few tourists brushing past and a postcard view of the historical grounds, Barra Barra is my new refuge in Old Town.