The Hawaiian Islands are certainly not known for their epic and authentic Mexican food — quite the opposite, actually. While you’ll have no trouble finding amazing seafood and sushi joints, high-quality Mexican cuisine can be hard to find. But if you look hard enough, you might just discover this unassuming gem tucked away in a place you’d least expect it.

Nestled off-the-beaten-path in the small, inland community of Wahiawa on the island of Oahu, Barrio Cafe is sure to leave your taste buds satisfied and keep you coming back again and again.

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Indoor picnic tables, colorful walls, and cantina-style decor will make you feel instantly at ease, but the welcoming vibe is just the beginning of what you’ll find here.

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Fresh local products are utilized in a variety of Mexican dishes with a unique twist, and locals and tourists alike are sure to love the delicious Mexican seafood dishes on the menu here.

Barrio Cafe/Website

But if you’ve got a sweet tooth, we suggest visiting during breakfast and ordering the churro French toast made with six thick slices of french bread sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar drizzled with Wahiawa’s own Sweet Land Farm’s Cajeta Caramel Sauce.

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Other breakfast dishes include chorizo rice, huevos rancheros, a mexi-loco moco, and chilaquiles while visiting during lunch will give you endless options — from burritos, tortas, and tacos to taquitos, loaded fries, soups, and salads.

Barrio Cafe/Website

No matter what you order here, your taste buds will have a field day at Barrio Cafe.

Barrio Cafe/Website

Open for breakfast and lunch six days a week, you might also want to consider stopping by for Taco Fridays, where you can enjoy street tacos and a good time. Plus, it’s BYOB.

Barrio Cafe/Website

From first bite to last, you’ll endlessly enjoy taking a chance on this unassuming gem.

Barrio Cafe/Website

Barrio Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday as well as from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday nights. They are closed Sundays. For more information, visit their website. Have you ever been to this hole-in-the-wall restaurant? What’s your go-to order? 

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Barrio Cafe/Website

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Address: 672 Kilani Ave, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA