Meet Ulises Pineda Alfaro | Chef & Operator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ulises Pineda Alfaro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ulises, what do you attribute your success to?
At El Barrio Cantina, we believe the key to our success lies in building a brand that resonates deeply with the heart of Long Beach. It’s not just about serving delicious cocktails and food; it’s about creating a welcoming space that feels like an extension of our vibrant community.

We view success through the lens of finding the perfect identity – one that reflects the desires of our customers while staying true to our core values. Long Beach is a dynamic city, constantly evolving, and we strive to do the same. We listen to our patrons, adapt our menu to reflect local tastes, and source ingredients from nearby farms whenever possible. This constant evolution ensures we remain relevant and exciting for our loyal customers. We stay connected through our love language: food and cocktails and by creating fun and unique events at our space that welcomes those that live in or visit the city of Long Beach.

Think of it this way: El Barrio Cantina isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place for friends, families, and neighbors. We’re proud to be a part of the local tapestry, and that connection is what truly fuels our success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
El Barrio Cantina is the brainchild of Chef Ulises Pineda-Alfaro, a South Bay native raised in a family of chefs. Food is in his blood. Uli honed his skills in diverse LA kitchens before returning to his roots and opening El Barrio Neighbhoor Tacos in West LA prior to opening El Barrio Cantina in Long Beach. Here, Uli’s passion shines through his unique take on Mexican classics. He wants to redefine the Cantina experience for Long Beach, one delicious bite at a time. Recognizing a gap in the market, Uli aims to elevate the Cantina experience for today’s diners.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Lots of fun spots for a little food tour through different pockets/neighborhoods, these are some of my go to’s: Speak Cheesy, La Parolaccia Osteria, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, Phnom Penh Noodle Shack, Crystal Thai, Tacos La Carreta, ammatoli

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! El Barrio Cantina wouldn’t be here without the incredible support of our community. First and foremost, a huge shoutout goes to all our amazing patrons! Their feedback, good or bad, has been instrumental in shaping who we are. It’s their continued support that keeps us going.

Beyond our loyal customers, there are so many local heroes who deserve recognition. Dan and Sal from LB Home Living, James (LB Food Coma), Brian Addison of LB Food Scene – these influencers are the lifeblood of our city’s dining scene. They not only champion local businesses, but they also connect people and create a sense of community. We can’t forget the amazing people who work tirelessly at the city – their dedication makes Long Beach the special place it is. It’s truly a collaborative effort, and we’re so grateful to be part of it.

Website: https://www.elbarriocantinalbc.com

Instagram: elbarrio_cantina

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElBarrioCantinaLBC/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/el-barrio-cantina-long-beach