Barracuda Bistro & Bar in New Haven, CT Relocates Behind Barracuda’s Sister Restaurant, 80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar
January 1, 2025
Barracuda Bistro & Bar in New Haven, CT Relocates to the Back Room at 196 Crown Street Behind Barracuda’s Sister Restaurant, 80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar Beloved Latin American Gastro Bar Celebrates its 10th Anniversary
October 14, 2024, 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 a bold relocation of the duo’s Latin American infused restaurant and gathering place. Barracuda Bistro & Bar will bid farewell to 1180 Chapel Street on Saturday, October 12, and relocate the brand to the back room of its sister restaurant, 80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar, at 196 Crown Street.
“This is an exciting time for the evolution of our brand,” says Sarah 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 will double 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.
“I can’t wait to return to being an active front-of-the-house presence within Barracuda,” beams Chef Sonia,” The ability to oversee both restaurants at once will afford me more time to spend with our guests, shake up a few cocktails, and join the party.”
Chef Sonia and her team will be 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.
In addition to Barracuda’s changes and celebrations, Chef Sonia is thrilled to pass the torch to longtime friend and former employee Colombiana Carmenza Huertas, who will open her first restaurant, The Blue Tortuga, in the old Barracuda location.
“For years, Barracuda has been one of the most renowned restaurants in New Haven. I understand I have big shoes to fill. Blue Tortuga is not just a local business. It’s an opportunity to leave my mark on New Haven. This city welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to achieve my American dream,” says Carmenza,” I have received so much support from so many people in this city, especially Sonia Salazar, a staple and leader of the Latino Community of New Haven. I know Sonia and Sarah share my vision for Blue Tortuga. I love this city and its people, and I hope Blue Tortuga fills my guests with happy memories for many years to come.”
“The New Haven dining scene has so much to offer and continues to thrive,” says Chef Sonia, “We are inspired by the talent that has made our city a popular dining destination, and we look forward to this next chapter for all of our restaurants and others to come.”
*Barracuda Bistro & Bar is planning a grand reopening in early November and a 10th-anniversary celebration in early December. Stay tuned…
Barracuda Bistro & Bar and 80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar
196 Crown Street, New Haven, CT
182 Temple Street, New Haven, CT
No items found.
