A new watering-hole option has opened up in downtown Woodburn, and its proprietors feel it will fill a perfect niche.
Tito's Bar had its soft opening last week in the Metropolis building, bringing a sports-pub presence to downtown and adding a touch of variety to the current food and beverage offerings in the area.
Tito's is directly across from the Hungary Lion Asian Cuisine on the west edge of the brightly lit Metropolis environs, looking out onto the the water feature and palm trees of the Downtown Plaza. The sports décor is non-partisan as University of Oregon Ducks and Oregon State University Beavers banners each flank one side of the bar.
"When the weather gets nicer we'll be able to open up the (overhead) door and get a nice breeze in here," Tito's manager Ulises Morales said.
Morales is a longtime Woodburn resident and 1991 graduate from Woodburn High School. He feels Tito's will be a good fit for the area.
"I'm a big sports fan, and what's better to have than a nice, decent, sports bar where you can enjoy a beer and a basketball or football game – right here in downtown Woodburn," he said.
Though Tito's is a new undertaking, Morales is familiar with the hospitality industry. His mother, Teresa Morales, has been in the catering business locally for over 40 years, providing "Real Mexican Food."
Down the road, Morales sees potential for an express lunch addition in the Metropolis, perhaps supplying 5 or 6 of the favorites from his mother's recipes. Right now the food fare at the bar includes chicken nachos, beef nachos, hot dogs, wings, guacamole and chips. He also plans to furnish patrons complimentary chips and salsa.
Of course, right across the way there a bounty of options on the menu at the Hungry Lion.
Tito's initially opened with domestic and imported bottled beer and wine selections, and tap cider from local establishment Bauman Farms. But plans are for a full array of tapped beers. Those should be available by Tito's Friday, April 26 grand opening.
Open for business
What: New sports pub, Tito's Bar
Where: Downtown Woodburn at the Metropolis, 347 N. Front St.
Hours: 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 2 to 12 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Phone: 503-509-4204
Special Event: Grand Opening, Friday, April 26, with live music beginning at 6 p.m. and free hot dogs from 5 to 8 p.m.
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