The651.com

I’m sure you’ve been hearing everyone and their mother rave about Minneapolis’ Barrio Tequila Bar, which opened to much praise last Fall. But St. Paulites rejoice! There’s no reason to make the trek across the river, as Barrio just opened a bigger and better St. Paul location on Wednesday! A combination of festively contemporary decor, delightful Latin street food and strong liquor makes Barrio a mandatory destination for hip foodies and Tequila lovers alike.

Barrio offers a primo selection of over 130 tequilas and mescales that will please any boozy connoisseur (or frat boy). A curious addition to the drink menu are the specially created “Compadres” from the mind of famed cocktail concoctor, Johnny Michaels. The “Compadres” are carefully crafted chasers or sides designed to enhance the distinctive flavor of the tequila. Try Spicy Grapefruit, Pineapple Lime, Cilantro-Tomato Water, or Melon and Ginger/Apple, with fun names such as “Night of the Iguana,” Treasure of the Sierra Madre” and “Eastwood.” Michaels has also created a divine menu of fancy specialty cocktails for those of you who have tequila shot terrors (thanks, college).

The food is enticing as well, with a unique Latin street food theme. Nibble on small plates priced at $7.50; Tacos and Enchiladas ranging in price from $3.50 to $4; and larger plates ranging from $16 to $22. Try glorious entrees such as Seared Tuna with Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa and Quinoa Salad, the Grilled Skirt Steak with Chile-Lime-Tequila Butter and Fried Yucca and the Sautéed Shrimp with Tangerine-Serrano Mojo and Cilantro Rice. This is important: do NOT forget the house-made Guacamole!

Call me obsessed, but what I am most excited to see at the new Barrio is the art! One of my favorite artists of this year, Andrea Stanislav, is a permanent fixture in the new space, as is brilliant furniture and fixture designer Atom Pechman, who also happens to be a St. Paul resident.

Says co-owner Tim Rooney, “When we were developing the first concept in Minneapolis, we came up with more ideas than we could execute in that small of a space. The St Paul site has given us the opportunity to play with those ideas and even expand on them. While we have Western movies, bull-fighting and motorized marionettes in Minneapolis, in St Paul we’ll have all those, plus original art by Andrea Stanislav and Atom Pechman and a few other surprises you’ll have to come in to experience for yourself.”

Barrio is located at:

235 East 6th Street

Lowertown St. Paul (next to The Bulldog)

Restaurant Hours:

Open daily at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Happy Hour is 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The website does not appear to be updated with the St. Paul info yet, but it should be soon: www.barriotequila.com