New to Bellevue, Wash., is Barrio, a modern Mexican hot spot that follows the first location in Seattle’s Capitol Hill, which opened in November 2008. The restaurant seats more than 130 in cozy, rounded booths and around a central bar. Chef Mike Davis, of 26 Brix fame, created a menu containing items like Spice Crusted Sea Scallops. At the bar, local mixologist Casey Robison has created concoctions based on traditional recipes, like the Marmalade Sour: Corralejo Blanco Tequila, lemon, marmalade, lavender bitters and egg white. barriorestaurant.com
Meanwhile, in nearby Seattle, Sip Wine Bar & Restaurant opens its newest location downtown on the corner of 5th Avenue and Madison. The grand opening event will be held Nov. 19 from 5-9 p.m., featuring live music, appetizers and wine pours. Tickets are $20 per person, with all proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. www.siprestaurant.com
Manhattan welcomes Rye House, situated at 11 W. 17th St., just down the street from the Flatiron District gem, Raines Law Room. John Nyomarkay designed the inside space, which features an antique bar accented by modern geometric figures. Lynnette Marrero created the cocktail menu with an emphasis on — what else — rye whiskey, while chef Greg Johnson’s food selections include items such as Smoked Trout Puffs and Buffalo Sweetbreads. ryehousenyc.com
Proof, which first gained fame from its Louisville, Ky., location, is expanding to Cincinnati. Its development is part of a revitalization project by philanthropists and arts patrons Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson to restore the downtown Derby City neighborhood. Proof is headed by Chef Michael Paley and offers cuisine inspired by culinary traditions of Italy and the American South. The drink menu for The Lounge at Proof reflects the restaurant’s farm-to-table commitment with fresh produce and herbs in original cocktail recipes that change seasonally. Restoration is to begin in fall 2010. www.proofonmain.com
On Friday, Northern California's premier gay and lesbian nightclub, Bench and Bar, located in Oakland, will hold its grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Council Member at-Large Rebecca Kaplan, Council Member Nancy Nadel, members of the Oakland business community and Bench and Bar management, staff and customers will kick off the ceremony rain or shine at 5 p.m. at 510 17th St., Oakland. Bench and Bar has been located in Oakland for more than 31 years but relocated to the Uptown District. It now features eight full bars, multiple dance floors, a billards room, a smoking lounge, a second floor VIP lounge and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. www.bench-and-bar.com
Editor's Note: Have an opening or renovation you'd like to share? Send a press release and photos to Managing Editor Emily Hanna Mayock at ehanna@questex.com.