Big Changes for Barrio in Downtown Bend, Food Trucks

This spring, beloved Central Oregon restaurant Barrio will close temporarily to undergo a major transformation. Located in Downtown Bend, Barrio will convert into two distinct concepts and spaces. What we all know as Barrio will become “Bar Rio,” while the adjacent space will become “Bodega.”

Both Bar Rio and Bodega will bring ethnic flavors to the culinary scene—with a unique twist. Bar Rio will feature distinctive cocktails and tapas while neighboring Bodega will offer a dynamic grab-and-go market that caters to the downtown area’s workers, locals, and tourists. Local owners Steven Draheim and his wife, Amy, share their plans—and inspiration— for Bar Rio and Bodega.

From Barrio to Bar Rio

Creating Bar Rio will be the first phase of the two-phase project. Bar Rio will reside in what is now the bar area and high tops at the Downtown Bend Barrio. Chef and owner Steven Draheim and his Bar Rio team have crafted a unique and exciting supper club experience reminiscent of the cultures of Barcelona, Israel, and Mexico.

Conveniently, the new name—quite literally Barrio split in two—loosely translates to “the river bar.” The name is almost serendipitous with its proximity to Mirror Pond, a basin of the Deschutes River. Along with these changes, Bar Rio will exclusively serve the 21-and-over crowd.

Ultimately, Bar Rio will provide an enhanced cocktail and tapas experience. However, some of Barrio’s original elements will remain, like the beloved Pineapple Mezcal and Gambas al Ajillo.

Plus, the renovated Bar Rio will feature a gorgeous aesthetic designed by Oregon-based LRS Architects. “In our travels to Spain, Mexico, and Israel, we’ve been inspired by markets, kitchens, and cultures from Lanzarote to La Paz,” says Steven Draheim, the Bend-native and Western Culinary alum behind Barrio and Shimshon. He continues, “[this] fueled our initial passion for bringing these ‘barrios’ from around the world to Bend, my hometown.”

Bodega Downtown Market

The imaginative and approachable market will occupy the space adjacent to the now-Barrio’s bar area—think what is now their booth seating area. Spanish for “small grocery store,” Bodega will offer prepared grab-and-go foods, hand-selected wines, spice blends made in-house, and culinary treasures from across the globe.

“‘Can you bottle that?’ is something we’ve heard often over the years, whether it’s the sherry vinaigrette Steven uses to toss the Barrio green beans, or the perfectly smooth hummus at Shimshon,” says Amy Draheim, co-owner of Bar Rio and Bodega. “Bodega will be just that. It will be your place to source prepared food you love from Barrio and Shimshon, as well as a place to grab the basics to create your own Barrio or Shimshon-inspired meals at home.”

Bodega will provide a sophisticated yet down-to-earth experience in Downtown Bend. Further, Bodega strives to create a nostalgic experience for customers from their own travels. For those craving restaurant-quality food in an instant, Bodega will satisfy.

Steven and Amy Draheim recognize that the way people dine has changed; their concept provides a space for and inspires Barrio chefs to share their creations with Central Oregon and beyond. And, with its curated market, they encourage customers to be experimental and “taste the world.”

Barrio Food Trucks

While Barrio’s Downtown Bend restaurant will temporarily close for renovations, the Barrio food trucks will remain open. At On Tap, Barrio’s truck will begin offering a range of quick-serve and tapas items inspired by bodegas. Customers can expect to feast on plates like “Loncheras,” Mediterranean-inspired boxed lunches. Rest assured, the Power Taco and Jibarito will continue to be available.

Meanwhile, Midtown Yacht Club’s Barrio and Shimshon food trucks will remain open and serve their original respective menus. Here, customers can continue to enjoy their long-time favorites, like the Cubano and tacos platter. At The Grove, Shimshon’s new counter-service eatery will continue to serve your favorite Shimshon plates—like the stuffed pita and Mezze sampler.

What’s Next for Barrio in Bend

For years, Barrio has been a favorite restaurant in Bend, Oregon, for locals and visitors alike. Drawing from Latin, Mediterranean, and Spanish flavors, the Draheims have created a unique and memorable dining experience for guests. “We will continue to deliver those rich flavors with Bar Rio, but with a refreshed concept featuring tapas and craft cocktails to meet the evolving, post-pandemic guest experience,” Steven Draheim shares.

Barrio will remain owned by Steven and Amy Draheim. While the renovations are expected to begin in mid-March, a soft opening is planned for late May. Follow along on Instagram @barriobend or visit Barrio’s website for updates.