Barriles RestoBar seeks to elevate modern Mexican cuisine

Restaurant owners Mario Trujillo, Donna Vasquez and Fernando Vasquez. Photo by Claudia Gomez

DOWNEY – Barriles RestoBar (BRB) celebrated its grand opening in downtown Downey last Friday. 

Located at 11040 Downey Avenue, the modern Mexican eatery replaces Mi Cielo, an upscale lounge and steakhouse. 

“Downey is such an exciting place to be right now. We wanted to add to the excitement by providing a venue that delights guests with hand-crafted speciality cocktails, unique dishes, and a lively rooftop to create a one-of-a-kind experience,” said co-founder Fernando Vasquez, who owns the restaurant with Mario Trujillo. 

“This is a destination for socializing, enjoying great drinks and sharing delicious food,” Vasquez added. 

Vasquez and Trujillo said the inspiration for BRB came from their upbringings, when their families would enjoy lunadas (casual get-togethers under the night sky) in Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico. 

“We wanted to create an environment that allows guests to form memorable experiences under the night sky,” said Trujillo. 

Barriles RestoBar made a $1,500 donation to veterans organization Courage Forward last week. Photo by Claudia Gomez

Jerry Tou is the restaurant’s executive chef. His modern technique is influenced by traditional, Mexican, Asian and French cooking methods. Signature dishes from the menu include bone-in carnitas, a chilaquiles burger, ramen pozole, and vegan tortillas. 

Cocktails are infused with locally sourced citrus that is squeezed fresh daily. The cocktail menu includes a celery serrano margarita, the Downey Bellini and El Smash, along with traditional cocktails and an array of local and international draft and bottled beer.

The interior of BRB was designed by Retail Design Collaborative of Long Beach and features wood surfaces and plush seating with an industrial decor that pays homage to the agave and mezcel cultivation and fermentation processes. 

The new restaurant is expected to create 60 jobs, including a security team largely comprised of Downey veterans. 

“Hiring veterans is not just smart business, it’s the right thing to do,” said Trujillo. 

BRB is open Tuesday through Sunday, and its rooftop lounge Thursday through Sunday.