Reopening their main dining room this past weekend for the first time since the start of the pandemic, Baro on King Street West also returns with a revamped menu and a new executive chef.
Easily one of the city's go-to spots to enjoy both patio dining and nightlife downtown, snagging a seat at Baro in Pablo's snack house or their rooftop patio over the past few months has proven to be very difficult. Now that there is increased capacity indoors, which seats around 70 guests comfortably with restrictions in place, this should allow for more opportunities to enjoy a meal there.
"This is an exciting time for the team, and we're pleased to be finally reopening our dining room––the heart and soul of the Baro building," says Matty Tsoumaris, co-owner of Baro and Honeycomb Hospitality. "The space was designed to make our guests feel like part of the Familia, and that's exactly what the dining room achieves, it's a place where guests gather with friends and family and celebrate through food and community."
Joining the culinary team at Baro in June of this year, shortly after the departure of former executive chef Steve Gonzalez, the new executive chef Brent Maxwell alongside chef de cuisine Justin Lee have put their own twist on the menu.
"I'm thrilled to join the Baro Familia and continue offering innovative menu items inspired by the diversity and vibrancy of Latin cuisine," says Maxwell. "My culinary style is multi-faceted and inspired by culture, and you'll find that in every dish served here at Baro."
With new additions like Ensalada de Cuñas––a Latin take on a wedge salad, Cuenco King West––a quinoa based vegan bowl and Pulpo a la Plancha––huacatay marinated octopus on top of a passion fruit lulo sauce, there's surely something for everyone on the menu.
Despite the new menu updates, longtime customers of Baro can rest assured knowing that some of the most popular dishes from the original menu remain. This includes the OG Duck Chaufa––a duck confit friend rice, Lomo Saltado that features beef tenderloin with a vegetable stir fry and Pescado Del Dia, the fish of the day which varies, but is currently brazino.
The food isn't the only menu that got an updated look either. Find a new cocktail list featuring additions like the Baro Sour and Drunk in Love.
Baro is known for putting a modern spin on traditional Latin cuisine, taking many influences from the food culture across South America. This includes the regions of Colombia, Peru, Patagonia and Brazil. This inspiration also goes beyond just being apparent on the menu, as it transcends into the dining space via lush greenery and woodsy details.
Reservations for the main dining room can now be made via OpenTable. They're open seven days a week for dinner service and on weekends for brunch starting at 11 a.m.
Baro's famous rooftop patio is open seven days a week as well, but it's walk-in only for dinner beginning at 5.p.m. Similarly, Pablo's snack house operates from Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. onwards.
