When Harbor Place’s newest tenant, Barrio Tacos, opens for business next spring, the family business based out of Cleveland, Ohio hopes to bring a new sense of community to the downtown district with its ninth restaurant.
Maggie Osborn, who co-owns the 4,000 sq. ft. space with her husband Dan, tells WHAV the Atkinson, N.H.-based couple was tasked with bringing Barrio to the East Coast by her brother, who operates the other locations and Haverhill was first on their list.
“I started looking in Haverhill first, because Haverhill just reminded me so much of what Barrio is back in Cleveland, Ohio: In these neighborhoods that are diverse and about community,” Osborn told WHAV.
Build-your-own tacos with a host of proteins like marinated steak, pulled pork, shrimp and chicken are on the menu and available in signature shells like “The Green Goddess” and “The Bombshell,” says Osborn, who prices tacos at $3.50-5.50 depending on toppings. All ingredients are prepared fresh daily—never frozen—and sourced locally whenever possible. Monthly featured dishes will also be served.
She offered a hint at what dishes locals may quickly call favorites. “We’re known for our shells: We have the ‘Green Goddess,’ which is a combination of the hard and soft shell together with guacamole,” said the owner. “The ‘Bombshell’ has queso and bacon bits on it.”
While Barrio has inquired about a liquor license with the City of Haverhill, they have not yet formally applied for one. Osborn does, however, tell WHAV she plans to serve top shelf whiskey and margaritas. Guests will be able to sip and dine inside the 125-seat restaurant or, down the line, on an outdoor patio. Lunch will be served on weekends only.
Intending to bring 30 jobs to the city, Osborn said she looks forward to making Barrio a downtown dining destination and worked closely with the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and Greater Haverhill Foundation to make that a reality.
“They wanted something that spoke to to their vision of bringing families and people to Harbor Place and Haverhill to stay. Something for the community so people don’t have to feel like they don’t have to go anywhere else to enjoy a night out, they have it right here in Haverhill.”