Pio Loco’s new downstairs bar. (Photo by Tom Schmidt, www.finephotos.com )
Quite a few people raised their eyebrows when Chef Jeff Cerasaro announced he was moving his main bar downstairs at his expansive Pio Loco Restaurant (1135 Pine St.) in Redding. Everybody seemed to like the upstairs bar where you could look down and around at the big room (formerly the gymnasium at Pine Street School).
But Chef Jeff made the right call and the new 45-foot granite top bar really opens up the atmosphere at Pio Loco. Plus, on busy nights, the upstairs bar can still be used.
“We’re so happy with the change and the feeling,” Cerasaro said. “It feels more sophisticated, but we’re certainly going to keep it relaxed.” The well-placed flat-screen TVs sure look good for watching sports.
Tuesday night (July 14) is a good opportunity to check out the vibe at Pio Loco. A Humboldt County bluegrass/blues band, the Bucky Walters Show, performs at 8 p.m. (Tickets are $10).
The restaurant’s bar hours are 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4:30 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (the bar is also open during the lunch). Drink specials (which change daily) happen during happy hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
A lot of folks are enjoying Pio Loco’s Sangria (a type of Mexican wine cooler). Click here to find the recipe (and Doni’s recent blog). The restaurant also boasts its martini menu.
In addition to the new bar, the restaurant updated its lunch and dinner menus. Some seafood dishes are back (such as beer-battered prawns and halibut). Chef Jeff also added Downtown Nachos, which includes crab, black beans, jalapeño cream and asiago cheeses. From the dinner menu, he suggested the Pollo Verde Azul (chicken breast with green sauce, blue cheese, chiles and onions).
