(Bend Barrio | Rendering courtesy of LRS Architects)
LRS Architects, a firm that values innovation, creativity, and collaboration, is transforming Barrio, one of Bend’s most storied restaurants, into a reimagined space that will effectively function as two separate concepts. The space will be reborn as a restaurant called Bar Rio which will serve tapas and bespoke cocktails in a more traditional sit-down setting, and the adjoining market, to be known simply as Bodega, will offer a more casual grab-and-go array of artisanal foods.
LRS was tasked with transforming and brightening the interiors of the restaurant and bar, maintaining the Mediterranean aesthetic familiar to Barrio’s customers, while giving it a fresh infusion of inspiration from the owners’ extensive travels to Spain, Israel, and Mexico. LRS Project Manager and Interior Designer Trisha Plass guided the vision for Bar Rio and Bodega, opting for earthy terracotta, Alhambra-inspired tiles, and Mediterranean blues and bright white as motifs for the space.
Steven and Amy Draheim, Bar Rio and Bodega owners, previously hired Plass to redesign the interior of their home after falling in love with Plass’s work at a different local restaurant. Later, after Plass joined LRS, there was only one person the couple wanted to update their Bar Rio and Bodega space.
“Trisha positively brought new life to our family home, and there was no one else we dreamed of calling for our restaurant,” said owner and chef Steven Draheim. “She was already familiar with our love for the Mediterranean and truly upped the ante in terms of what we could do on the inside of our business.”
“We wanted the atmosphere of Bar Rio and Bodega to capture that feeling of being transported,” said Plass. “Every detail invites restaurant patrons to imagine they have traveled half a world away with the Draheims. It will be an even better space for dining, enjoying a drink, and gathering with friends and family. You won’t want to leave!”
Both Bar Rio and Bodega will continue the vision of the Draheims to offer unique, distinct flavors in their city. Replacing the long communal tables will be smaller, more intimate seating arrangements to enjoy Spanish tapas. From Bar Rio’s back patio, guests can sip on craft cocktails and enjoy views of the nearby Deschutes River, known for its connection to Oregon’s significant brewing scene.
The restaurant closed in March, and construction is ongoing on an accelerated schedule. Bar Rio is aiming for a soft opening in early August, and the Bodega is set to open later this year.
Plass is excited to share Bar Rio and Bodega’s unique lighting design, bright tiles and Instagram-able spaces. “Amy and Steven have truly elevated the food scene in Bend,” enthused Plass “Bar Rio will be a destination for foodies from across the region, who will journey here to enjoy Gambas al Ajillo and their famous pineapple mezcal in a setting that could not be more welcoming and warm — just like the owners.”
Plass, who has two decades of experience in interior design, joined LRS last summer. LRS specializes in retail and commercial design, and the addition of Plass to the team has expanded the firm’s practice into new territory.
“We are so pleased to bring the Old World to the Bend community we love dearly,” added Draheim. “Thank you, LRS — and thank you, Trisha!”
About LRS Architects:
LRS Architects is a majority woman-owned architecture and interior design firm with offices in Portland and Bend, Oregon. Founded in 1976, the award-winning practice is driven by a passion for good design that goes beyond aesthetics to create vibrant communities and spaces that support the well-being of those who inhabit them. With 135 design professionals, the firm is committed to partnering collaboratively with clients to positively shape the human experience through the physical environment. The diversity of the firm’s project experience provides a broad perspective and proven expertise in design, problem-solving, documentation, and project delivery methods. The firm’s work, while centered in the Pacific Northwest, is found throughout the United States in over 30 states, as well as in China, Canada, and Nicaragua. Recognized with dozens of awards, the practice’s work has been featured in hundreds of publications, including Architect, Fast Company, ENR, and Office Snapshots, among many others. LRS is an Oregonian Top Workplace Award Winner 2016-2022.
