Barrio Cafe coming to Gilbert

Phoenix’s Barrio Cafe, considered by some the best Mexican restaurant in the Valley, plans to open a second location in Gilbert.

Chef-owner Silvana Salcido Esparza (pictured), who was nominated for the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest last year and again this year, hasn’t disclosed the exact location of her new restaurant.

Word on the street, however, says Barrio is joining Postino Winecafé in the former GrainBelt GrillHouse building on Gilbert Road.

The building has been considered somewhat “jinxed,” churning through numerous occupants – Mahogany Run, Gonzo’s All-American Grill, Heartthrob Music Café and Rock City Bar & Grill – in the past eight years.

The building’s most recent owners have split the venue into two spaces.

Postino is expected to open this summer, while Barrio Cafe is expected to open by Thanksgiving.