The colorful, Día de los Muertos-inspired restaurant announced its permanent closure this week at 2706 Fifth Avenue, thanking its loyal customers and staff for nearly two decades of shared meals, margaritas, and memories. Founded by restaurateur and chef Isabel Cruz in 2010, Barrio Star was known for its creative, health-conscious approach to Mexican cuisine - blending bold Latin flavors with Asian influences and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The bright orange corner building between Hillcrest and Bankers Hill became a local landmark, instantly recognizable for its vibrant murals, lively décor, and upbeat energy. Over the years, it attracted both neighborhood regulars and visitors drawn by its award-winning cocktails, hearty rice bowls, and inventive tacos served on house-made tortillas.
Under longtime owner Todd Camburn and bar manager–turned–general manager Jeremy Stellenwerf, Barrio Star continued to evolve while keeping its signature flair. The restaurant’s menu reflected Camburn’s passion for balancing indulgence and wellness - from tamales bathed in chile guajillo and jasmine rice to the beloved Brazil Bowl layered with coconut rice, black beans, and mango salsa. Stellenwerf helped build the bar’s reputation, earning back-to-back San Diego Reader awards for “Best Margarita in San Diego” in 2018 and 2019 for the now-iconic Roasted Jalapeño Blackberry Margarita.
The restaurant’s closing marks the end of an era for Bankers Hill dining. When it debuted, Barrio Star helped redefine what Mexican food could be - colorful, elevated, and full of personality without losing its soul. Its influence can still be seen across San Diego’s dining scene, from the rise of fast-casual Mexican-fusion concepts to the city’s obsession with craft margaritas.
In their farewell message, the owners wrote, "It’s been a privilege to share meals, margaritas, and laughter with all of you for the last 17 years. We will always carry the memories of this community with us."
Though the bright orange building on Fifth and Nutmeg will soon take on a new life, Barrio Star’s legacy of creativity, flavor, and heart will remain part of San Diego’s culinary story.
Originally published on October 8, 2025.
