Barrio offers great cuisine, a warm atmosphere and a giveaway!
By Scott Peacock, Public Relations Manager
Photo: Barrio
Owned by local restaurateur Jeff Mathes, who also owns Due Amici, Barrio opened in March of 2009. The tapas bar and lounge is open seven days a week and serves brunch, lunch and dinner. The menu features dishes from South America and Spain in a warm, neighborhood bar atmosphere. The wine menu is inspired by Argentina and Chile.
The new Express Lunch menu offers a wide variety of entrees to choose from, and sides including soup, salad, fries or chips and pico. Most items are around $10, making them a good value. I would recommend the fries, as they are deliciously drizzled with a sherry vinegar aioli, garlic and herbs. They are mouthwatering good.
My favorite menu item is the chorizo and manchego meatballs; I have been know to eat more than a few plates in one sitting. With any order you receive fresh bread that comes from North Market merchant Omega Artisan Baking , paired with a sweet creamy butter made with agave syrup and a side of ancho chili oil.
Another dish I recommend is the crab and almond empanada, a favorite of many of my coworkers. If you are up for something different, try the charred sirloin steak with sweet potato puree and crumbled cabrales cheese - what a pleasant surprise this pairing was.
Whether you work downtown and want a new place for client lunches, want to change up your local happy hour spot to meet new people, or need a new spot to meet up with friends after work, Barrio offers plenty of exploratory food options, great drinks and a comfortable, laid back atmosphere that invites you to stay a while.
Things to Know Before You Go
Happy Hour : Daily from 4-7:30 p.m. includes $2 Red Stripe and $2 Modelo as well as ½ off pitchers of rum punch, house sangria, margaritas and mojitos. Make sure you arrive early to get a seat in the bar - if you are sitting in the restaurant area, you can’t get the happy hour specials.
2 for Tuesdays : Two tapas for the price of one. This can be one of anything listed under the small plates or the traditional and original small plates sections of the menu, giving you about 20 items to choose from.
Reggae Sundays : From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. you can get the chef’s special paella for $5, $2 Red Stripe and ½ off pitchers of rum punch, house sangria, margaritas and mojitos. There’s reggae music from DJ Madd Mike from 3-7 p.m. and CD101’s DJ Trevor from 7-9 p.m.
Valet parking is available at night for $5.
A giveaway!
Barrio will give away a 5-course chef’s tapas tasting for four people to one lucky reader. To enter: Comment on this post and name at least one item that you’d order during a visit to Barrio (check out menus here ) . Your comment must be posted by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15 - after that time, we’ll select a random commenter to win.
UPDATE: The entry period has ended. Congratulations to our winner, Rachel Lewis!
Tags: Barrio
January 14th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
I love the pablano soup. Best. Thing. Ever. :)
January 14th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
I’d get the Salsa de Aguacates and the Provoletta for sure.
January 14th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
manchego meatballs!
January 14th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
crab, almond & avocado empanadas…yes.
January 14th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
I would definitely order paella - with so many varieties, each restaurant has its own chance to showcase its best ingredients (and salt shouldn’t be a big ingredient!).
January 14th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Everything sounds so good! I wouldn’t know where to begin. I would definitely try the crab & almond empanada, the paella or Solomillo de Res
Charred Sirloin Steak on my first visit. And of course, I’d order dessert! ;-)
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January 14th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
paella mixta looks delish! and i’d love to do the wine pairing with my meal….
January 14th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
The Solomillo de Res sounds delish - especially with the sweet potato puree! One suggestion: add platanos maduros to the menu!
January 14th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
I’d love to try the paella.
January 14th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
I would order Pescado
Catch of the Day
Love fish!
January 14th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
paella para mi. husband would want anything with chorizo!
January 14th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Those crab empanadas are the best thing on the menu.
January 14th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Tortilla Española for me!
January 14th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
i have been dying to try this place…the crab and almond empanadas sound AMAZING.
i definitely agree that some form of plantains need to be on the menu…patacones/tostones or platanos maduros - no me importa!
January 14th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Caramelized provolone sounds AWESOME.
January 14th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
I looove the baby octopus!
January 14th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
I’ve had the lamb chops, the crab empanadas and the scallops. All delicious, especially with the sangria. Next time I want the sirloin with sweet potato puree. Stop in on Sundays when DJ Trevor from CD101 spins reggae music.
January 14th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I would definitely order the Provoletta / Caramelized Provolone Cheese small plate. Yummy!
January 14th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
I would love the Grilled Cornish Hen.
January 14th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Tacos!
January 14th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Chorizo y Albóndigas de Queso Manchego…yum!
January 14th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
The crab empanadas sound delicious!
January 14th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
The aprepas - been meaning to stop by for brunch!
January 14th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
An ice cold Pacifico and the calamari sautee… Heaven
January 14th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
I saw a photo of the paella mixta and I have been wanting to try it ever since.
January 14th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Mmmmmm…grilled baby octopus. I haven’t had any since my trip to Greece!
January 14th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
The Tostada Spicy Chicken Tostada and the Bistec y Fritas
Sirloin Steak & Fries sounds YUMMY!!
January 14th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Paella Mixta
January 14th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
A large pitcher of sangria, all to myself! Not sure if they still have it, but the cheese plate with quince paste is also delicious!
January 14th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Calamares Salteados. One word. Mmmmm
January 14th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
The cornish hen sounds incredible!
January 14th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
It is ALL about the popcorn!
January 14th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Barrio has the BEST sangria in town - especially during happy hour!!! No lie!!!
January 14th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
I can’t decide between the Paella Mixta and the Medallones de Cerdo Pork Medallions!! I guess I’d have to flip a coin..
January 14th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Paella Mixta sounds awfully good…
January 14th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
I’ve had to share the Dátiles Envueltos en Tocino every time I’ve ordered them, but I want them all to myself!
January 14th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
My favorite was the pork tacos!
January 14th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
The Scallops or the Lamb… probably both next time!
January 14th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
I don’t even have to look at the menu — it’s the grilled octopus!
January 14th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Grilled baby octopus..yum! Definitely gonna make it for 2 for 1 tapas Tuesdays
January 14th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
love, love, LOVE the Papas Fritas…absolutely sinful!
January 14th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
I would LOVE to try the Solomillo de Res, or the Tortilla de Carne!
January 15th, 2010 at 6:31 am
The place is beautiful!
January 15th, 2010 at 8:56 am
Paella Mixta and the Pork Medallions are very tasty indeed…
January 15th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Paella Mixta and the Medallones de Cerdo Pork Medallions are tasty indeed…
January 15th, 2010 at 9:23 am
crab, almond & avocado empanadas sound outstanding.
January 15th, 2010 at 9:26 am
We LOVE the crab, almond & avocado empanadas! They are amazing! The beet salad is so unique and delicious as well! Love Barrio!
January 15th, 2010 at 9:27 am
I would order the provoletta - and I wouldn’t share :)
January 15th, 2010 at 9:30 am
I love their sangria and order it every time. Yum!
January 15th, 2010 at 9:34 am
I would start off with,
Costillas de Cordero a la Parrilla Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops,
after that my soup course would consist of Costillas de Cordero a la Parrilla Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops,
my salad course would be Costillas de Cordero a la Parrilla Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops,
my entree course would be Costillas de Cordero a la Parrilla Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops,
then I would finish that off with a dessert of Costillas de Cordero a la Parrilla Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops.
For an after dinner drink, Costillas de Cordero a la Parrilla Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops
I JUST LOVE THOSE LAMB CHOPS!!!
January 15th, 2010 at 9:38 am
The pork tenderloin was quite possibly the best pork I’ve ever eaten. I would order it again in a second.
And the Sangria is amazing!
January 15th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Ahh I’ve only had the pleasure of going to Barrio once, and I’d LOVE to go back - and for free! For the win! The Provoletta sounds very yum :)
January 15th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Bacon Wrapped Dates…such a good combo! Salty and sweet.
January 15th, 2010 at 10:55 am
Solomillo de Res Charred Sirloin Steak for sure.
January 15th, 2010 at 11:48 am
I’ve got my eyes on the Dátiles Envueltos en Tocino. Yum
January 15th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
After the week I’ve had, I think I’d order a pitcher of rum punch.
January 15th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
I’d go with the lamb chops! And a glass of red wine.
January 15th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Sangria (a pitcher) + Ensalada de Remolacha Dulce y Manzana.
January 15th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
I’d had and would love to have again (for free)Solomillo de Res Charred Sirloin Steak*….Mmm everything tastes better when its free! :-)
January 15th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Solomillo de Res Charred Sirloin Steak sounds good. I love sweet potatoes!
January 15th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
I’ve got to try those rioja braised short ribs
January 15th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
I would get the vegetable plate. I’m vegetarian and I hope they get more options on their dinner menu for us!
January 15th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
everything sounds so good…would’t know where to begin to choose something…but the tacos and avocado salad sound yummy! Great giveaway,thanks for offering it!
January 15th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
I would most definitely like to try the papas fritas. I love trying potatoes in different ways and Barrio’s is a new prep that I haven’t tried yet.
January 15th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
You can not go wrong with Empanadas Rellenas dePimientos y Zetas: Mushroom and Piquillo Pepper Empanada
roasted garlic aiol. Add a pitcher of Sangria and enjoy a few bites of heaven.
Nom nom nom…
January 15th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
LOVE LOVE LOVE the Pulpito a la Parrilla with Malbec wine!
January 15th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
I’ve only been for tapas and for drinks and for drinks and tapas but I’d like to try a dinner plate, especially the Corte de Costilla de Res a la Rioja or the catch of the day but I bet the best bet is usually the Chef’s Selection with wine.
January 15th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
I’m a sucker for Tapas and I plan to get real friendly with the Vieira y Jamón very soon!
January 15th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
I would order the grilled octopus and Tres Leches Cake. YUM!
January 15th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
The Paella Mixta sounds awesome. As Jean said, It’s a great way to showcase the ingredients but also a way to showcase the skill of the staff.
January 15th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Oh! Let’s see- Drunken goat, Ensalada de Remolacha Dulce y Manzana, Plato de Vegetales, Aceitunas Marinadas. It seriously all looks incredible- it would make me very happy to eat any of it!
Just saw the Tres Leches- I bet that’s amazing.
January 15th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Sweet potato pure…Yum!
January 15th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
4:30 has come and gone! I’m here to announce the winner, which we just chose at random (with help from random.org):
Congratulations to #48: Rachel Lewis!
Rachel, I’m about to send you an email with details on how to redeem your prize. Enjoy.
And thanks to everyone who entered!
January 17th, 2010 at 4:26 am
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by ExpCols: Pssst…you have a chance to win a 5-course chef’s tapas tasting from @BarrioTapas: http://sn.im/u2ys9...