Grand Reopening Of Barracuda Bistro & Bar Celebration Thursday

From Barracuda Bistro & Bar:

NEW HAVEN, CT — Chef Sonia Salazar and Sarah Cornelius, owners of the spirited Barracuda Bistro & Bar, named one of the top Latin American restaurants in the state by Connecticut Magazine, are marking the 10th anniversary of their first New Haven restaurant endeavor with their bold relocation of the duo’s Latin American infused restaurant and gathering place.

Barracuda Bistro & Bar bid farewell to 1180 Chapel St. Oct. 12, and relocated the brand to the back room of its sister restaurant, 80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar, at 196 Crown St.

Thursday, the owners invite folks to celebrate the official grand reopening with food and drink specials all night, raw bar and ice sculpture, and live Latin music performed by Goza, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. followed by a DJ to cap off the night.

"This is an exciting time for the evolution of our brand," Salazar said of the reinvention of 80 Proof’s 5,000-square foot space. "Launching a dual restaurant business model affords us the ability to bring Barracuda to a new neighborhood with higher customer foot traffic and visibility."

Barracuda has doubled in size from its original space with a refreshed design aesthetic and continued energy wrapped in bold flavors, vibrant cocktails, and genuine hospitality. Chef Sonia’s signature Latin cuisine, with a nod to American comfort food, remains at the forefront.

Dining enthusiasts and fans of Barracuda and 80 Proof can enjoy each concept as a single experience or an all-encompassing evening out at two restaurants that share the same ethos as a place to unwind and indulge. The overall high-octane vibe of the original Barracuda space remains, with the addition of a brand-new bar design created by Connecticut designer E. J. Davis Aesthetics, who also designed 80 Proof’s bar. 80 Proof, the restaurant group’s third restaurant, opened in June 2020 and keeps company with Te Amo Tequila Bar & Tacos, Chef Sonia and Sarah’s second New Haven restaurant located down the block from 80 Proof at 182 Temple Street, which opened in November 2018.

Chef Sonia and her team are shakin’ up Barracuda’s uber-popular tropical cocktails, including mojitos with hand-muddled mint and margaritas with fresh lime juice. Menu favorites include yuca nachos, South American street food such as handmade arepas, tacos, and beef salchipapas, and comfort foods that run the gamut from hearty sandwiches to mac and cheese with chorizo.