First Look: Barrio on DeMun Avenue

The space that once housed DeMun Oyster Bar has undergone some big changes in recent weeks.

As Sauce reported in March, executive chef Daniel Sammons said DeMun Oyster Bar, located at 740 DeMun Ave., in Clayton, would close and reopen as Barrio, a concept featuring Mexican, Latin American and Spanish cuisine. Barrio made its public debut Monday, April 16.

The Barrio menu features Sammons’ take on everything from street corn to tacos to veggie-forward dishes like a jicama, mint, chili and cucumber salad and charred asparagus. Larger shared plates like a split roast chicken are also available.

The beverage program boasts 50 agave spirits, rotating sangrias, agua frescas (served with or without spirits) and standbys like the Barrio Margarita, a traditional take with Milagro reposado tequila, curacao, agave nectar and lime juice.

For now, DeMun regulars won’t notice much different aesthetically at Barrio. A neon Barrio sign now hangs above the door, and the dining room boasts new tables and chairs and repainted walls. Eventually Sammons said they will move the massive copper-clad bar back and remove the old oyster bar. Al fresco fans shouldn’t worry ­­– the popular patio and the massive windows that crank open to expose the dining room to the elements will remain. 

Barrio is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. Here’s a look at the latest eatery on DeMun Avenue. 

Matt Sorrell is staff writer at Sauce Magazine.