Barrio North

What a night!

I don't normally do this review stuff unless something realllyyyy annoys me or reallllyyy impresses me.

It's nicer when it's the latter though! 

First time here, and can already say it's going to become a new local, which is surprising as I didn't know a cocktail bar could feel like a 'local' but somehow with it's funny lively staff and general chilled vibe it sure manages it. 

The drinks were reasonably priced and like none I've seen before, proper unique mixes going on - I recommend the Hoodrat - never had red pepper in a drink before but will defo try it again!

Old skl hip hop was the icing on the cake, transported me right back to my teenage years haha.

Massively recommend for anyone who knows how to party!!

Disappointed with the music - very very commercial - service at the bar is very slow - waiter is more focused on looking cool then on serving drinks (hey mate you're not Tom ***ing Cruise in Cocktail), the manager is also a quite pretentious chap who was walking around like he owns the place, well he probably does, but his all attitude isn't too nice.... wouldn't go back, the one in Soho is a much nicer, better run place

Love this place - great cocktails and good music

horrible creepy guy at the bar was weird, (turns out was the manager, as i heard him being rude to one of the members of staff) no vibe average drinks, rubbish music. would much prefer the other haunts on upper street!

BARRIO NORTH is a neighbourhood DJ bar that combines the spirit of community and collaboration with street culture from the “Ghetto Archipelago”.

‘BARRIO’ – meaning district or neighbourhood in Spanish, is also used in North America to refer to the Hispanic ghettos such as El Barrio in East Harlem, New York City.

Taking in these ‘Barrios’ along with those in places such as Miami, Rio, Havana, Lisbon, Barcelona and London itself – one thing unites them all: La Música! It’s as if they’re all part of one ‘Ghetto Archipelago’.

From using reclaimed materials in weird and wonderful ways to hacking up a vintage caravan – this is our reflection of the ingenious ways barrios and ghettos from many parts of the world re-cycle and re-appropriate discarded items.

Drawing on the neighbourhood and community spirit, our personable approach aims to create a friendly and inclusive environment where people can kick back and relax – or get up to get down to the music laid on by our great line-up of DJs and musicians.

Taking in the sounds and tastes along the way, with a good measure of Latin spirit, Barrio North’s neighbourhood is inclusive of anyone with a similar mind set rather than geographic locality.

A love of music in all its worldly genres, an appreciation of up and coming musicians, artists and urban poets, combined with an appetite for drinks sourced from all corners and served how they should be – YOU’RE IN BARRIO’S ’HOOD!

Love this place! Best mojhitos in Angel, easily. A funky place to go for a first date.

Spent Saturday night in Barrio North and had an AWESOME time. Great music, great atmosphere and delicious cocktails! It's four star reputation is very well deserved.

Cool little place on Essex road, really good vibe, really lively crowd. plus like the caravan..

Ever been insulted by a member of bar staff within 30 seconds of arriving at a bar? It's not pleasant. Popping in to take advantage of the Qype-advertised 2-for-1 cocktails last night we were told we first had to fill out a form with our postal addresses so they could send us "membership cards" in the post. When I asked whether an email address might suffice (in the vain hope of avoiding another stack of junk mail), the barman proceeded to explain to us, in a voice dripping with sarcasm, that we needn't worry ourselves about unexpected home visits from Barrio staff. "I don't know what kind of bars you usually go to", he smirked, shaking his head disdainfully, and downhill it went from there. You have to trust me that his snorts and asides were less cheeky banter than they were sneeringly offensive.

A question for Barrio North, which (hilariously) boasts about its "personable approach" and its "friendly and inclusive environment"... have you ever wondered why your bar is virtually empty on a Tuesday night?

We left without buying a drink, vowing never to return, and the management should understand that I plan to dedicate the rest of my life, and beyond, to ensuring everyone else in north London does the same.

We had a leaving do on Friday and after a good drink in hackney we decided to head to Islington. Totally unplanned, and ended up here. I have been wanting to go here for ages as sometimes you just end up in the same old place doing the same old thing. Have to say we had a great night, Bar staff were great, people in the bar really friendly and from all walks of life, music was a great mix and have to say that when the music stopped and lights went on at 2am I just wanted to carry on! I absolutely loved it and will definitely be going back!!!

I absolutely love this place, friendly, relaxed and warm. This to me is what the perfect bar is in London. I love the unpretentious air that this bar breathes, its not one of your up its own arse sort of places. People are not afraid to talk to you, the music is great and the drinks are even better. The cocktail menu i think needs a special mention, the cocktails here really are delicious - classics with a contemporary twist. My only critiscm is that it gets quite packed on saturday and there isnt really a dancefloor. However if your in Islington and you want a funky time - head here

This is one of my favorite venues in Islington/Angel. It is a latin bar which in my opinion really has that NY/Barcalona/street feel to it. Great Djs and music, this place is open pretty late compared to most Angel bars.

No entrance cost, so you can always get in pretty much. It can get very busy at the weekends, but it alo adds to the vibe. Nice cocktails and beers. Drinks are not cheap though.

I went to the Barrio North opening night , (or was it week?) and was pleasantly surprised, impressed even.

Nice cocktails with a kick, and a lovely friendly atmosphere. The owners have made a real effort with the decor, and it really adds to the style and atmosphere of the bar.
This is particularly true of the odd and quite stunning addition of a caravan! Its looks comfy as hell, but very popular so we didn’t get to sit in it yet.

Great music playing, I was especially happy to hear some Marvin Gaye, which you just don’t get enough of in bars these days!

Barrio North is a vibrant and unpretentious bar on Essex Rd, just around the corner from Upper St, which has a sort of a Brazilian or general Latin vibe.

It’s quite long and narrow, but feels spacious and welcoming, and the rustic and colourful décor is really charming and helps set this place apart from the many slick bars in Islington.

They serve a wide range of beers, not exactly cheap, but the usual prices for Islington, and they also serve tasty bar snacks if you are hungry.

My favourite part of Barrio North, however, is the caravan stuck inside the venue! With comfy seats inside, it makes for a fun and snug place to enjoy a drink