MASSACHUSETTS - The North Shore dining scene has lost a popular spot for customizable Mexican food with the permanent closure of Barrio Tacos. The eatery at 41 Lafayette St in Salem, MA, has been closed for five years.
The closure was announced on Thursday 5th November 2026, in an emotional post on the restaurant's Facebook page. The post stated that the restaurant "has made the very difficult decision not to renew our lease".
A Meaningful Farewell to the Community
In their closing statement, the Barrio team expressed deep gratitude for their time in the Witch City.
"It has been a true privilege to serve the Salem community. We are so grateful for the friendships we've made, the memories we've had, and the loyal customers who have supported us over the years." We also want to extend our sincere thanks to our Salem staff, past and present, who have been such an integral part of our journey.
The closure is the end of an era in Salem. Barrio was a build-your-own taco place that started in Tremont, Ohio, in 2012. The concept was all about customers building their own meal with a huge range of shells, proteins (including vegan options), cheeses, salsas, and signature sauces. It was also a well-known tequila, Whiskey, and craft beer spot and a real go-to for the late-night crowd and weekenders.
What's next for Barrio fans?
While the 41 Lafayette Street location is now closed (leaving yet another significant restaurant space in downtown Salem), customers don't need to say goodbye to the brand altogether.
Barrio Tacos is urging North Shore and regional customers to visit its other New England locations, which are still open in Haverhill, MA, and Portsmouth, NH.
