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This Historic Michigan Building is Getting a New Mexican Restaurant

Tacos and tequila are a very common combination. If you travel around Michigan, you’ll find plenty of great spots to get your taco and tequila fix, and now, we have…

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit)

Tacos and tequila are a very common combination. If you travel around Michigan, you'll find plenty of great spots to get your taco and tequila fix, and now, we have even more, as a popular taco and tequila restaurant is expanding and opening a new location.

By the way, this restaurant is also known for its whiskey, but "tacos, tequila and whiskey" just doesn't have the same ring.

Barrio, a Cleveland, Ohio-based taco chain, has announced it will open a new Michigan location this spring on the first floor of the historic Helmer Building in downtown Grand Rapids. The restaurant chain currently has 12 locations throughout Michigan, Ohio, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and it's expanding. It's also expected to open a new location in 2023 on Muskegon Lake.

Barrio's menu is known for its build-your-own taco section, plus a whopping 100 different tequilas, cocktails, margaritas and whiskey options. In other words, they have plenty of drink options. Another signature item is the restaurant's "Mac'n On You Queso D," offering queso blanco, hot mac 'n cheese, bacon bits and Nashville hot sauce. According to restaurant plans, it will seat up to 130 people inside and an added 60 people on its patio. Around $1 million has been spent to renovate the 4,600-square-foot space for Barrio. Building owner CWD Real Estate Investment Inc. also conducted a renovation of the building back in 2019.

"Barrio is known for having great food & service," the company states on their official website." "We're also known for our vast selection of tequila, whiskey and beer. The atmosphere is casual with a unique energy that's created from the combination of our decor, music and staff." Barrio also offers catering services and a food truck, with a "request a food truck" option on their website. Depending on where the event is taking place, there may be a travel fee between $50-$300.

Why We Love Michigan in the Winter:

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.