La Barbacha, viral Mexican spot on Queen West, hit twice by vandalism in August

La Barbacha, the family-run Mexican restaurant that went viral for its birria pizza and birria tacos, has been vandalized twice in the past month—first with graffiti on its exterior wall and windows, then with a more serious attack that smashed through its front door.

The second incident forced the restaurant to close temporarily while staff cleaned up and secured the space. Replacing and installing the new front door alone cost more than $1,500. The damage was both financial and emotional: "We've been hit hard by what has happened, both emotionally and financially," the team said. "La Barbacha is a family business we built from the ground up with hard work, love, and sacrifice."

The incidents have disrupted more than just the restaurant's operations. "That day affected not only us, but also our employees, suppliers, and customers, because we couldn't operate," they said. Police are investigating, and while the restaurant's security cameras weren't working during the second incident, footage from a neighbouring business has been turned over to police.

The vandalism marks another setback for the restaurant after its original Kensington Market location was abruptly shut down in May 2026, when the landlord halted operations. La Barbacha relocated to Queen Street in June and has since built a strong customer following. Despite the damage, the team says their customers' response has provided some support. "We're still here. We're working, rebuilding, and stronger than ever," they said.

La Barbacha is located at 1647 Queen Street West.