Barcelona Wine Bar Expands in Brookline’s Washington Square

When an established restaurant operator doubles down on a location rather than chasing new markets, commercial real estate observers will note the signal. Washington Square just received that validation: Barcelona Wine Bar is expanding into the adjacent former Ivory Pearl space at 1704 Beacon Street, adding approximately 2,700 square feet including a new service kitchen, dining area, and bar.

Barcelona Wine Bar applied for an alteration permit to expand into the former Ivory Pearl space, which closed in March 2024. The Spanish tapas restaurant has operated at 1700 Beacon Street since 2013, maintaining consistent acclaim across its Massachusetts locations in Brookline, Boston’s South End, and Cambridge. Fairsted Kitchen opened at 1704 Beacon Street also in 2013, beginning the space’s cycle through multiple concepts before Barcelona’s absorption. During the December 2025 Select Board licensing hearing, Barcelona’s attorney cited high reservation demand as the primary driver for expansion.

What the Ivory Pearl Vacancy Reveals

The 1704 Beacon Street space cycled through three concepts in twelve years before Barcelona absorbed it. Steve Bowman opened Fairsted Kitchen in 2013, converted it to Grassona’s Italian in 2018, then closed after stating the restaurant was “never busy enough to keep up with all the costs.” Ivory Pearl followed, earning recognition in Boston Magazine’s Top 50 Best Restaurants in 2021 despite closing in March 2024 after approximately four years. The space then sat vacant for twenty-one months before Barcelona’s expansion announcement.

Commercial property owners in Washington Square: The pattern suggests that critical acclaim alone doesn’t guarantee financial sustainability for independent restaurants, while established multi-location operators with proven track records can justify expansion investment even in challenging market conditions.

Investors evaluating Brookline investment properties with ground-floor retail: Barcelona’s decision to expand adjacently rather than relocate validates sustained consumer demand in this specific pocket, though the extended vacancy period between tenants indicates selectivity in the current leasing environment.

Buyers considering Washington Square homes: The expansion signals confidence in neighborhood fundamentals from an operator with twelve years of local track record, though proximity to successful restaurants may also mean increased evening activity and parking competition in surrounding blocks.

Renters evaluating walkability: Washington Square’s dining concentration includes award-winning establishments like Mahaniyom and Sarma alongside Barcelona, creating a secondary dining destination distinct from Coolidge Corner’s denser commercial hub.

What Buyers and Renters Should Watch

Barcelona operates more than 20 locations across 11 states, but CEO Adam Halberg has articulated a deliberate strategy avoiding malls and major developments in favor of established neighborhoods. The company’s expansion philosophy—growing within proven markets rather than pursuing geographic diversification—aligns with broader restaurant industry trends toward operational optimization over aggressive unit growth.

Restaurant-adjacent residential buyers: Barcelona’s expansion benefited from timing: Massachusetts granted Brookline 12 additional liquor licenses in late 2024, facilitating the company’s application for the additional bar space, which may signal further dining corridor development.

Commercial corridor observers: According to Brookline’s 2024 Commercial Area Vibrancy Report, restaurants comprised 26.42 percent of total storefronts in 2024, indicating relative stability despite broader economic pressures.

Prospective residents prioritizing neighborhood character: Washington Square functions as a tree-lined, lower-density alternative to Coolidge Corner with its own identity, though commercial tenant turnover in spaces like 1704 Beacon Street suggests independent concepts face meaningful financial hurdles that established operators can better absorb.

Investors tracking regulatory environment: The town reduced Outdoor Dining Program fees in November 2024 to support restaurant viability, though participation declined from 48 restaurants at peak to 25 in 2024 largely due to previous fee structures.

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