Bar Tulio’s, located at 2839 NW 1st Avenue in Wynwood, has quickly become a go-to destination for bold Mexican cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and a high-energy sports environment. Known for its extensive tequila collection, lively atmosphere, and fourteen massive screens streaming games every day, the restaurant has carved out a distinct spot in the neighborhood’s vibrant dining scene.
“We wanted to create a place where people could enjoy bold flavors, expertly made cocktails, and a fun, lively atmosphere,” owner Brian Parenteau tells What Now in an exclusive interview. With more than 100 tequila references, a top-rated cocktail menu, and a broad food offering, Bar Tulio’s delivers on that vision. The menu, designed by Chef Tulio, ranges from classic birria tacos to dishes like blackened grouper with mango salsa and cheese-stuffed poblano peppers. “Whether you’re looking for something chill to eat while watching a game with friends or a rich, fulfilling meal, we’ve got you covered,” Parenteau explains.
The restaurant also stands out as a sports destination. With fourteen massive screens, Bar Tulio’s shows NFL, NBA, UFC, MLS, and more. Guests can enjoy daily specials, happy hours, and themed events like Margarita Monday, Taco Tuesday, and weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas, Aperol spritz, and rosé wine. “We want people to feel welcome, to have fun, and to come back again and again,” says Parenteau.
Parenteau’s journey to opening Bar Tulio’s was anything but conventional. “I actually found my way into the hospitality industry by accident,” he recalls. “After graduating from college, I was searching for a corporate job and took a temporary position as a barback at a nightclub to hold me over. But once I stepped into that environment—the energy, the people, the fast pace—I instantly fell in love with it.”
Though he never intended to work in hospitality, Parenteau’s entrepreneurial spirit had been developing for years. “I previously owned a used car business and an events hall, so building and growing businesses has always been part of who I am. Hospitality just happened to be the industry that captured me completely and became the foundation for everything I’ve built today,” he says.
The idea for Bar Tulio’s merged his personal passions with a perceived market opportunity. “I saw a real need for a concept like this in the market,” he says. “I wanted to combine my love of bartending, Mexican food, and tequila into something that could stand out in Wynwood.”
Selecting Wynwood as the restaurant’s home was a conscious choice. “I’ve always loved the edginess of Wynwood, the cultural diversity of the city, and the fact that Miami is constantly growing and evolving. It’s the perfect place for a fresh, creative concept like ours,” Parenteau explains.
Opening the restaurant has not been without challenges. “Things have been very challenging trying to understand the dynamic of Wynwood Miami,” he says. “The most challenging part of opening a business is developing a consistent, loyal clientele from the local community. Building trust and becoming part of the neighborhood takes time, patience, and a lot of intentional effort.”
Despite these challenges, Parenteau says the rewards are undeniable. “The most rewarding part of opening a business is the sense of personal accomplishment—seeing an idea come to life and grow into something real,” he says. “But even more meaningful is creating a place where people can meet friends, connect, and build a sense of community. Knowing that the space brings people together is the biggest reward.”
Bar Tulio’s food and drinks reflect this philosophy. The restaurant offers daily happy hour specials, from $7 house margaritas to $3 tacos, as well as game-day discounts on chicken wings and drink buckets. It is as much a destination for casual nights with friends as it is for celebrating wins with fellow fans. “We’re Wynwood’s tequila masters, proudly offering over 100 different tequila brands and a generous lineup of expertly crafted cocktails, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks,” says Parenteau.
This is Parenteau’s fourth concept, and while he is proud of the Wynwood location, he is focused on growing Bar Tulio’s rather than expanding immediately. “I’m not sure what the future holds, but I do not have any plans in the pipeline as of now. Not ruling out anything,” he says.
Reflecting on his journey, Parenteau acknowledges how unexpected his path has been. “I never intended to end up in hospitality. In fact, I always said I’d never work in this industry because I didn’t want to work weekends or holidays. But life has a funny way of steering you where you’re meant to be. You never really know what your destiny is until you step into it,” he says.
From bold tacos and craft cocktails to game day energy and one of Wynwood’s largest tequila collections, Bar Tulio’s is the realization of both Parenteau’s vision and the neighborhood’s appetite for vibrant experiences. “You never really know where you’re meant to be until you step into it,” he says. “Bar Tulio’s is proof of that for me, and I hope it becomes that for the community as well.”
