El Barrio Cantina on 4th Street in Long Beach is becoming the epicenter of assuring that those who are unable to eat out can. The Mexican-meets-SoCal vibes space has officially launched an all-you-can-eat tacos special every Wednesday for $25. This is on top of their “recession menu,” which they launched last year, proving to be one of the city’s best happy hour menus to this day.
“We’re constantly paying attention to our patrons and listening to our community,” co-owner and Chef Ulises Pineda-Alfaro said. “And right now, they need all the value they can get. Coming from the heritage I come from—and especially what I learned from my mom—we always take care of our own. Always. This is just another extension of that. Just like our recession menu: affordable, delicious meals without compromising quality.”
What’s featured in El Barrio’s AYCE taco offer—and it isn’t just about the tacos.
There are plenty of tacos. It literally includes every taco on their menu, as listed below. But it also includes chips and salsa. And a side of rice and beans. These additions are a subtle touch that lends some dignity to it all. And if I may be personal, it definitely hits home. As someone who has depended on food stamps and borrowed money for rent from friends in my early days, there comes a time when you want to feel like you’re not scraping by. Don’t take my word for it; read this amazing story of how a $40 gift card made this Long Beach woman feel like herself again.
Even more? El Barrio’s AYCE special means every taco on their menu. Literally. Have at it:
- Carne Asada: Mesquite-grilled Wagyu skirt steak, tomatillo salsa, cilantro crema, pico de gallo, cotija cheese
- Chorizo: House-made pork chorizo, tomatillo salsa, pico de gallo
- Pollo Tinga: Chicken thigh stewed in a tomato-chipotle sauce, cilantro crema, pickled onions
- Gobernador: Jumbo shrimp sautéed with caramelized onions and bell peppers, La Original Culichi salsa
- Smoked Marlin: Smoked marlin sautéed with caramelized onions and bell peppers, chipotle sauce
- Cauli Esquite: Cauliflower, cilantro crema, cotija cheese, chili powder
- Nopal: Mesquite-grilled cactus, fire-roasted salsa, pico de gallo
- Birria: Wagyu beef brisket, fire-roasted salsa, onion, cilantro
- Carnitas: Confit pork, tomatillo salsa, cilantro, onions
The larger story behind El Barrio Cantina.
El Barrio Cantina is Chef Uli’s vibrant celebration of modern Mexican cuisine anchored in Long Beach’s.
Known for its thoughtful blend of traditional flavors with inventive touches, the restaurant delivers a menu that reflects both Chef Uli’s heritage and the diverse cultural tapestry of Southern California. From seafood-forward dishes and tacos that spotlight local and regional influences to imaginative small plates and craft cocktails, El Barrio provides an elevated yet welcoming take on cantina dining that resonates with locals and visitors alike. The space itself buzzes with energy, offering everything from brunch to late-night gatherings in a setting that feels rooted in community and culinary curiosity.
Beyond its food, El Barrio Cantina plays an active role in the Long Beach dining scene, adapting to diners’ needs with approachable daytime offerings and lively evening service. Chef Uli has emphasized value and accessibility while also elevating what it means to have Mexican food as an anchor in a space as wildly and culturally diverse as SoCal. With its thoughtful menu, heightened flavors, and intentional connection to the community’s tastes and rhythms, El Barrio stands out as a dynamic and essential destination in Long Beach’s evolving food landscape.
El Barrio Cantina is located at 1731 E. 4th St.
