WORTH THE WAIT

After 18 months of anticipation, Barrio Tacos opens OSU location to campout lines, fanfare

By Jack McLaughlin / Photos by Jordy Middlebrooks

Just like so many of the indulgent proteins served at Barrio Tacos, before Columbus could enjoy their new location on Ohio State’s campus, we had to let it simmer.

Initially announced in early 2021, the Cleveland concept’s hotly-anticipated second Columbus eatery endured just about every COVID-related setback under the sun, from staffing to supply chain and more.

And then, earlier this year, when a real shot at opening appeared on the horizon, that, too, fizzled out.

“We had a window to open earlier, but that would’ve happened at a time when school wasn’t in session, which just wouldn’t make sense for us,” managing partner Jason Beudert said.

After a year and a half that Beudert said felt like a lifetime, Barrio’s second Columbus location officially opened its doors on a brisk September day.

It did so to a reception restaurants don't often see. On opening morning, a line of well over 100 people–mostly college students–stretched down the 1800 block of North High Street. The atmosphere, with cheering fans and music, felt more like a weekend music festival than a weekday morning on a college campus. →

“The line was so emotional to see since this project has been in the works for two years,” Beudert said. “We’re so grateful to OSU students for showing up today.”

Barrio—which was created a decade ago in Cleveland—initially came to Columbus in the spring of 2020 with a restaurant in Grandview. And ever since that opening, Columbus has been clamoring for more.

According to Beudert, part of what makes the concept so desirable to such a wide age bracket is the ability patrons have to customize their food, and in a fullservice setting.

“The new wave of dining we’re in, we prioritize freedom. When you create something yourself, it’s a lot more appealing,” he said. “That idea of building your own is a part of so many successful businesses: This is my drink; my Starbucks; my bowl; my taco.”

Yes, Barrio does let you customize tacos—in addition to offering multiple flavor combination suggestions if you don’t know where to begin—but you also have options if you choose to imbibe. A dozen different margarita combinations, such as the Burnin’ Thyme with mango and fresh thyme and the jalapeño-infused Freaky Tiki, are offered, alongside a full menu of house and brunch cocktails. →

"THE NEW WAVE OF DINING WE'RE IN, WE PRIORITIZE FREEDOM."

↓ Barrio Tacos’ bustling interior ↑

"IT’S NATURALLY JUST A REALLY GRANDIOSE SPACE,”

And while these are available at each of the concept’s locations throughout Ohio, the Barrio team makes sure every new location feels truly unique. According to Beudert, it wasn’t too difficult to make its new North High Street space stand out.

“We honestly got very lucky with the location. It had exposed, 20 foot-tall ceilings that we left. It’s naturally just a really grandiose space,” he said.

The campus eatery also features the addition of original artwork from Eileen Dorsey—a large-scale but finely detailed mural—and Steven Bush, who created a massive spider chandelier in addition to installing a collection of multi-pronged metal stars which hang from the ceiling.

“Just to get it open successfully was one thing, but we’re super happy with how we’ve been received as well,” Beudert said. “OSU has always been one of the reasons we’ve wanted to come to Columbus, and this was always intended to be a flagship location for us.”