Working downtown, I frequent Due Amici for lunch. So when I heard Jeff Mathes was opening a “hot new tapas bar” around the corner, I was excited to check it out.On my first visit to Barrio, the intent was to swing by for a quick drink with a girlfriend. One drink turned into appetizers, which turned into dinner, which ended 3 hours later with a tawny port and a flour-less chocolate cake. YUM. I think it was a combination of rainy weather, good conversation and a great selection of small plates that kept us going.
My second visit was equally good, when a couple of coworkers and I took advantage of a beautiful Friday afternoon and walked down for lunch. The floor to ceiling windows all pull open, giving the entire restaurant the feeling of dining al fresco. I definitely recommend lunching at the bar; you’ll feel like you’re on vacation.
Long story short, Barrio is a great new place… rain or shine.
Their specialty is the Ceviche, a unique combination of either tuna, scallops or shrimp, served with plantain chips, popcorn and chayote squash. If you’re into spicy foods, it’s definitely worth a shot. The Bacon Wrapped Dates are amazing, and I wouldn’t skip on that chocolate cake either, served with a raspberry mole sauce!
How appropriate to feature some outstanding Latin American cuisine – on Cinco de Mayo of course!








