A Toronto restaurant that was a go-to in the summer months thanks to its epic patio just announced it’ll soon be closing down for good.
For nearly a decade at the peaceful intersection of Queen East and Booth, Barrio Cerveceria has been a hot spot for Leslieville locals and passersby alike, serving up a standard (and there’s nothing wrong with that) menu of Mexican fare.
Owned and operated by brothers Howard and Oscar, the restaurant’s appeal extends beyond guacamole, tacos and margaritas, though; it also earned a particularly popular reputation thanks to its stunning courtyard patio, which, somewhat enclosed from the street and adorned with bright murals and string lights, has been a deeply unique add to the community.
Spending the first quarter century of my life living in the Beaches and Leslieville, I can say personally that more dinners and cocktail hours have passed on that patio for me than I can count on both hands.
It won’t be another summer of patio margs and churros for dessert for Leslieville residents, though, as Howard and Oscar recently announced that the restaurant will be closing permanently this spring.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of Barrio Cerveceria,” they write in the caption of an Instagram post announcing the closure, as well as a statement on their website.
“After 9 wonderful years of serving our community, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors.”
The reason behind the restaurant’s closure, Howard tells me, simply comes down to not enough business which, it can be surmised, is particularly pronounced in the winter months when that dazzling patio can’t be packed to the rafters.
“The reason is lack of business which caused financial trouble,” Howard tells me, adding that Barrio “won’t be [making] a comeback in [the] near future.”
For the many people who love Barrio — myself included — it’s not too late to visit the restaurant one last time. Their last service will take place on April 1, so swing by to show your appreciation and bid Howard and Oscar a bon voyage on whatever journey they take next.
Barrio is located at 884 Queen East.
