![Sophomore Lily Bell posing as a player in the senior assassin game. Seniors participating in the game eliminate others by squirting them with a water gun, and can wear goggles for immunity against others. “People did have to go out and buy [water] guns, but most people have the googles at home, but you don’t even have to use a gun, you can use water of any sort,” senior Gwyn Christensen said.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-1-1-900x1200.jpg)
![The shadows against a captivating blue are a nod to the “Catch Me If You Can” musical poster, both for this performance and the blue from the Broadway show. The detectives in this scene are at shooting practice, in preparation for when they finally encounter Frank Abagnale Jr. “We always say our motto is ‘theater is a team sport,’ and really just emphasizing to our students that everyone is welcome in the drama department. There's always a role for you, whether or not, on stage or behind the scenes, in the costume shop, in the scene shop. [There are] all sorts of different things that go into bringing a show to life. So we love our drama hawks and welcome everyone to drama,” Drama Director Mollie Jo Blahunka said.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/cmiyc-1200x800.jpg)
![Henry, Emily (2021). People we meet on vacation [Book cover]. Berkley Books. Image used under fair use for purposes of commentary and review. Haley, Brett (2026). People we meet on vacation [Movie poster]. Movie poster courtesy of 3000 Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment. Made by Adilyn Hoop using Canva.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/vacay1.png)
![Lockhart, E. (2025). We fell apart [Book cover]. Delacorte Press. Image used under fair use for purposes of commentary and review. The newest book in the “We were liars” collection was released Nov. 4.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wefell1.png)
![A Group of PEOPEL PE students and helpers set up an obstacle course during class. The “Amazing Race” unit had started in PEOPEL PE where the students and helpers got to compete in a variety of different activities and games. “We try our best to make [inclusion] a school-wide event, but it's just so much more different when you actually engage with the students hands-on and actually get to know them as people.” Sophomore Bree Christensen said. Photo Taken by Ada McNulty.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-12-1200x900.jpg)
Opening just around four weeks ago, and around the corner from Northview Middle School, Barrio Burrito Bar is the latest Tex-Mex buffet in Ankeny. After hearing about it recently from friends and other people around the district, I decided to give it a try, and who doesn’t love Mexican food? Located at 1510 N Ankeny Blvd, Suite 102, Ankeny, IA 50023, Barrio Burrito offers new flavors of protein, various sauces, and yummy tastes, which sets it apart from other kinds of Tex-Mex locations with additions such as Bang Bang Shrimp, Chorizo, Veggio Ground, and tons of other kinds of protein.
I will be reviewing it based on various factors, including customer service of the employees, the taste of the food, the environment, and the cleanliness of the restaurant.
Customer Service
The second I walked into the building, I was greeted with a very big and friendly smile as they said hello right from the start. From when I made my order to when I left the building, I was treated with nothing but kindness. When I ordered, I stated that it was my first time ordering, and the guy taking my order helped me decide what was good.
When I went to decide on sauces, I was even allowed to get a sample of which one I thought would taste best and I was also provided with various recommendations. Additionally, when I went to order, they made a slight error and were unable to wrap my burrito, not only did they help assist the employee and taught him kindly, they also provided me with a side of chips and queso, which was very kind so I made sure to leave a good tip.
The Food:
Barrio Burrito is similar to a Chipotle or Pancheros, because it’s up to you to pick what you want on your burrito, but what sets Barrio apart is that you are offered many more options in protein, toppings, and sauces.I settled on the spicy chicken burrito alongside black beans, Mexican rice, queso, jalapeños, and red salsa. I was allowed to try various sauces until I settled on the house burrito sauce, which was recommended to me, and has similar flavors to a sweet ranch style taco sauce.
The burrito itself was mildly spicy but still delicious, and alongside all the toppings, it offered various bold flavors that beat my expectations.
The atmosphere:
When you enter the building, you are greeted with pops of color all over the place. It gives you a very chill kind of vibe, the brightness and warm colors make you feel very at home and comforting to be in. If there is anything I would change about the environment, I would add more comfortable seats; it could also include more paintings and decorations on the wall that could make it a much more unique place to step into, and eliminate the amount of open blank space in the restaurant.
Cleanliness:
On top of the warm environment, it was also a very clean place to eat in. The bathrooms were extremely clean and had a very good scent as well. No food stains were anywhere in sight, it was a restaurant that is obviously very well-taken care of.
Overall Rating:
Barrio Burrito is a great spot for a quick, affordable meal with various options to suit your taste. The high ratings proved to be true, and this is a place I will continue to stop at, especially for being such a new location. I give Barrio Burrito 4.5/5 stars.