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Barbie’s Burrito Barn brings the west coast east

Getting to know the inspiration behind Charlottesville’s only California-style Mexican eatery

<p>Barbie’s menu keeps it simple with a pork burrito, chopped bowl, guacamole tostada and tacos as the only possible entrees.</p>

Barbie’s menu keeps it simple with a pork burrito, chopped bowl, guacamole tostada and tacos as the only possible entrees.

Tucked away in an unassuming stone-front house at 201 Avon Street is Barbie’s Burrito Barn. A neighborhood spot serving fresh, homemade Mexican food, Barbie’s is the perfect blend of quintessential and unique. When you first walk in, it feels like walking into someone’s home kitchen. To the left lies a cozy seating area, to the right, the fully-equipped kitchen. You are greeted by Barbie’s big mop of blonde hair and welcoming smile, as she buzzes around the kitchen and chats with customers. 

I had heard amazing things about Barbie Brannock — local artist, chef and owner of Barbie’s Burrito Barn — so I decided to meet the face behind this operation for myself. 

Prior to opening the Barn two years ago, Brannock grew up on her mother’s Mexican food. California-style Mexican is what she makes for her family at home and what she truly enjoys eating. After seeing a lack of this type of cuisine in Charlottesville, Barbie decided it was time to share the food she loves with our community. 

“Since being on the East Coast, I’ve never been able to get this Mexican food,” Brannock said. “When I saw this little place, I decided it was time for me to do this. It was a big chance I was taking but [...] it’s ended up being really good.” 

After working for almost 30 years in the restaurant business, Brannock was well-prepared to open her own place. It was something she always wanted to do, and after stumbling haphazardly upon her charming location, she knew it was time to kickstart her dream. 

“I studied food; I studied menus,” Brannock said. “I liked the whole concept of the restaurant. I liked the way I had to be with customers. The way I set this up is even if I’m the cook, they have to come talk to me and tell me what they want and chat with me before they get their food so I’m getting both of the things. I’m cooking the food and I’m getting that personal thing.” 

You can feel the personal connection that Brannock fosters in her restaurant. Most of her customers are regulars, and the restaurant itself has a very neighborhood atmosphere. Barbie tells stories of her daughter’s friends stopping by after school for tacos and says that she knows the orders of many of her daily lunchtime clients. When she talks about her work, you can really feel her passion. 

“You could really tell she loves what she does,” first-time customer Linea Fuller said. “Her restaurant has SoCal vibes with a southern twist and a really homey feel.”

Barbie runs her restaurant almost entirely by herself, with some help from her husband and several register girls. She preps and cooks everything by hand, including making her own tortilla strips and spicy salsa. 

“It’s like 14 hours a day, but it’s mine!” Barbie said. “It’s hard to run a business but it’s better than having to answer to somebody I think.” 

Barbie’s menu keeps it simple with a pork burrito, chopped bowl, guacamole tostada and tacos as the only possible entrees. Sides include homemade tortilla strips with either guac or salsa and beans and rice. Even though her menu is limited, that is just the way Barbie likes it. 

“It’s not like you have to look at four pages of menu,” Brannock said. “That’s kind of my thing ... the simpler, the better. And no, I don’t have specials everyday, I don’t change my menu … You know what you’re giving people.” 

Everything on the menu at Barbie’s — except the burrito — is piled high with some sort of veggie crunch, whether it is cabbage, jicama slaw or lettuce. The combination of the textures of crunchy tostadas, creamy beans, guacamole, melted cheese and juicy meat is part of what makes Barbie’s so outstanding. Having different textures are one of Barbie’s favorite things about her food. She compared the texture experience with getting the perfect bite from a plate of nachos — it’s like a crispy chip piled high with cheese and all the toppings. 

Barbie’s Burrito Barn truly is one of Charlottesville’s best kept secrets — even Waze can’t help you find it! Since Brannock does not advertise, the only way people hear about the restaurant is through local publications or through some well-connected foodie friends. But once you’ve been once, you’ll never want to go back to life without Barbie’s fresh take on Mexican comfort food. 

Should you have a craving for fresh and simple Cali-Mex done right, make sure to say hi to Barbie and try one of her chicken tacos — they’re her favorite! 

Hildy Maxwell is a Food Columnist for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at life@cavalierdaily.com. 

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