Overview: Elizabeth Barrientos and her husband, Guillermo, have opened SUR Barrels & Boards in Dream Hall in downtown Elgin. The venue specializes in dishes and drinks from Italy and Argentina with a grand opening scheduled for August 5, 2026.
The Full Story
Elizabeth Barrientos of Hampshire and her husband, Guillermo, are bringing the concept to Dream Hall at 51 S. Grove Ave. They will host a grand opening on Wednesday, Aug. 5. The space features a long bar and several areas with chairs and couches or barrel tables with stools. Among the small plates on the menu are a number of pinsa Romana, or flatbread, options, including the La Porteña with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, shaved Parmesan and balsamic vinegar.
Other shareable bites include gauchitos — toasted crostini topped with slow-cooked brisket, arugula and chimichurri. They also offer cheeses baked in cast iron skillets and served with crostini. The bar will highlight wines from Italy and Argentina, including some on tap, which Barrientos said are “easy on the palate and easy on the pocket.” Those wines also are used in house-made sangrias. The cocktail menu leans into the couple’s heritage with some Argentine staples, including the El Clásico of Fernet and Coke and El Diego, concocted with sweet vermouth, Coke and a splash of whiskey. Mate tea service is among the specialties at SUR Barrels & Boards in Elgin.
Brand & Industry History
Elizabeth Barrientos spent years working for nonprofits as a child advocate, most recently with CASA Kane County. She said she frequented the food hall when working in the field. Calling it the culmination of a “lifelong dream,” a Hampshire couple is opening a new tapas and wine bar in downtown Elgin to share their love of food, drink and hospitality. Barrientos said she doesn’t have any professional restaurant experience, but her house always has been the “gathering place” for family and friends.
What This Means
The venue occupies the upstairs bar space at Dream Hall in Elgin, in the space formerly occupied by Lounge 51. Wednesday’s grand opening will include a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m., followed by a wine tasting. There will be live music, free appetizers and some giveaways. Barrientos said she is excited to do something like this for herself after working for a very long time.
Consumer Takeaway
The food menu consists of small plates that reflect the way she entertains at home. It’s highlighted by, as the name would imply, charcuterie boards. Boards feature a selection of artisan meats, cheeses, seasonal fruit, olives, nuts, spreads and more. SUR Barrels & Boards specializes in dishes and drinks from Italy and Argentina.
Source: Read the original article
