The Best Birria Tacos in Midvale Utah: How Del Barrio Cafe Became Utah's Hidden Mexican Gem

Step into Del Barrio Cafe at 7777 South State Street in Midvale, and the first thing that hits you isn't just the aroma of slow-cooked beef birria—it's the unmistakable warmth of a family dream realized. Where the legendary Mekong Cafe once served massaman curry, now stands Utah's most authentic birria experience, complete with La Catrina murals and the kind of open kitchen energy that makes you forget you're just twenty minutes south of downtown Salt Lake City.

"I haven't been this impressed by a place in awhile!" says one recent visitor who stumbled upon this Midvale treasure. "The food was fantastic...you can tell it's a family run place, because they truly care about their customers and the quality of the food." That authentic family spirit isn't accidental—it's the foundation of everything Del Barrio represents in Utah's evolving Mexican food landscape.

From Immigration Dreams to 48-Hour Birria: The Del Barrio Story

Del Barrio's journey began in 2021 when the founders immigrated to the United States and started working in various Mexican restaurants. They eventually saved up enough money to open their own restaurant, and Del Barrio Cafe was born. But this isn't just another Mexican restaurant success story—it's a testament to how authentic traditional techniques can transform Utah's dining scene when handled with genuine passion and respect.

The founders didn't just bring recipes; they brought generations of Mexican culinary wisdom to Midvale's State Street corridor. Their commitment to authenticity shows in every detail, from their signature 48-hour birria marination process to their house-made almond chorizo that has become a local legend. They created a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for family dinners, date nights, and everything in between, transforming what was once Mekong Cafe into a vibrant Mexican gathering place that feels both intimate and welcoming.

The 48-Hour Birria Experience: Why Del Barrio's Tacos Rule Utah

Here's what separates Del Barrio's birria tacos from every other Mexican restaurant in the Salt Lake area: time and technique. Their cheesy beef birria is marinated over 48 hours and cooked slowly, creating the kind of depth that you simply cannot rush. When that first taco arrives at your table, "loaded with meat, super crispy, and come with red and green salsa, as well as fresh onions and cilantro," you're experiencing something that took three days to perfect.

The birria itself is a revelation—tender, richly spiced beef that practically melts off the bone, surrounded by that perfect crispy-edged tortilla that's been kissed by the griddle just long enough to develop those golden spots. They come packing green and red salsa, onions and other signature accouterment from the street taco realm, but the real magic happens when you dip the whole thing into the dark, aromatic consommé that arrives alongside.

But birria is just the beginning. The cheesy Al Pastor tacos are delicious and the shrimp taco was tasty also, while their signature almond chorizo appears in everything from breakfast burritos to their famous Nachos Del Sol. "The Birria was very flavorful. This cafe has a very extensive menu with a variety of meat preparations...Yucatán, Michoacán, Oaxacan, homemade Almond Chorizo." Each regional preparation tells a different story of Mexico, brought to life in this cozy Midvale space.

One recent reviewer captured the Del Barrio experience perfectly: "I ordered a single Carne Asada taco, Chicken Tinga taco and Birria taco. They were mouth watering. I honestly could've eaten another 3 without hesitating." That's the thing about Del Barrio—portion control becomes completely irrelevant when the food is this good.

While the birria tacos earn most of the headlines, Del Barrio's menu reads like a love letter to Mexico's diverse culinary regions. "Had the birria tacos...tried the chili verde burrito, which now ranks in my top three. The chips are homemade and fantastic!" Their chile verde, in particular, has developed its own devoted following among Utah's Mexican food enthusiasts.

The veggie nachos include roast zucchini and sauteed mushrooms tossed with cheese, refried beans and some sliced jalapeño peppers, which are delightful. It's this attention to vegetarian options that sets Del Barrio apart—their mushroom tacos feature cremini mushrooms scented with coriander, sauteed in butter, and white wine with garlic, onions, and tomatoes, proving that meatless Mexican food can be every bit as satisfying as the carnivorous classics.

The breakfast menu deserves special mention, particularly their wake-up burrito and burrito huevon, which one satisfied customer described as "amazing (We both liked the burrito huevon best)." And don't even get started on their beverage program—"Multiple types of lemonade" made with real cane sugar, plus traditional drinks like horchata that taste like they came straight from a Mexican mercado.

The Midvale Mexican Food Revolution: Del Barrio's Place in Utah's Culinary Scene

Del Barrio occupies the same drag of State Street where you can find Bumblebee's, Moochie's and B&D Burgers, which puts it in great company for fans of local flavor with a bit of an edge. But while those establishments represent Utah's comfort food classics, Del Barrio is writing a different chapter—one that honors traditional Mexican techniques while serving a community hungry for authentic flavors.

"Family owned and operated, this place you can tell has every detail tailor made with love. Everything down to the intimate atmosphere, to the cheery staff, to the amazingly curated food and ingredients, everything is well thought and handled with experience and care and made fresh!" This level of care has earned Del Barrio a devoted local following that spans from Midvale residents to Salt Lake City food adventurers who make the drive south specifically for these tacos.

The restaurant's impact on Utah's Mexican food scene goes beyond just serving good food. By maintaining authentic preparation methods—like that 48-hour birria process—while adapting to local tastes and expectations, Del Barrio represents exactly what Utah's dining landscape needs more of: immigrant-owned businesses bringing genuine culinary traditions to communities that embrace them with open arms.

Planning Your Visit to Del Barrio Cafe

Del Barrio Cafe sits at 7777 South State Street in Midvale, Utah 84047, and fair warning: "From the outside, Del Barrio may not look like much—and if your GPS is like mine, it will take you to the neighboring car lot and leave you there—but once you find the right place, prepare for some tasty tacos." The restaurant operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and is closed Sundays.

"It was PACKED at 12 on Thursday. We had to wait 20 min for a table and I had to park across the street." So plan accordingly—this isn't a secret anymore, and lunch rush can mean a wait. But trust us, it's worth it. "As others have said, this is a small joint—I've had more people at one time in my house for Thanksgiving dinner than I think could fit here—so come at non prime time for quicker seating."

What to order? Start with the birria tacos, obviously, but don't sleep on the cheesy al pastor or that chile verde burrito that's earning rave reviews. The homemade guacamole is essential, and if you're feeling adventurous, try anything featuring their signature almond chorizo. For drinks, the horchata is traditional and excellent, while the various lemonades offer a refreshing Utah twist.

Parking can be tight, so consider walking from nearby businesses or arriving during off-peak hours. The restaurant offers delivery, takeout, and catering services through their website at delbarriocafe.com, and you can follow their latest specials on Instagram @delbarriocafe7777.

The Bottom Line: Why Del Barrio Matters to Utah Food

"I have had a long time to envision my version of a perfect taco, and so far in my exploits, Del Barrio has come closest to replicating that version." That's not just food critic hyperbole—that's the kind of statement that reveals why Del Barrio has become such an essential part of Utah's Mexican food conversation.

In a state where authentic Mexican cuisine was once hard to find outside of certain neighborhoods, Del Barrio represents the best of what happens when traditional techniques meet genuine hospitality in a community ready to embrace both. "The meat here is so unbelievably tender, and well seasoned so every bite is a delicious journey!" Every visit to Del Barrio is a reminder that the best Mexican food in Utah isn't necessarily in the most obvious places—sometimes it's hiding in a small Midvale strip mall, where a family's 48-hour birria recipe is quietly revolutionizing what Utah diners expect from authentic Mexican cuisine.

Make the drive. Try the birria. Thank us later.

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