Fans of the popular Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q have been anticipating the opening of Big Tex Cantina for quite some time. The new Decatur spot from brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox mixes what they call Texas-style comfort food with a lively bar scene.
The look: The brothers took over a corner of storefront spaces at Ponce, Ponce Place and Swanton Way that once housed several other restaurants, including Levi's Key West Fish House. The bright, kitschy makeover resembles a Texas roadhouse, with all manner of Lone Star memorabilia on the walls and the de rigueur set of longhorns over the bar.
The scene: During a recent afternoon visit, Big Tex seemed to have quickly achieved the aura of a neighborhood hangout. Longtime Fox Bros. regulars mingled with Decatur denizens in convivial conversation, while chipper servers and bartenders kept the orders rolling along.
The menu: As for the comfort food, think heaping helpings of chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and cream gravy ($13.95), Texas poutine fries with red chili gravy and cheese curds ($4.95/$7.95), plus barbecue-influenced burgers, tacos, enchiladas and chimichangas. For dessert, look for equally decadent stuff, like red velvet cheese cake or Dr. Pepper chocolate cake ($5.95).
The drinks: The bar has 90-plus beers, from pints of draft PBR ($3) and Shiner Bock ($4) to Sweetwater 420 ($5) and Terrapin Rye Squared ($7), in addition to bottled craft offerings from Bell's, Founders, Sierra Nevada and Stone. There's a selection of 24 tequilas and house drinks include the Texas Spicy Bloody Mary and a watermelon margarita.
The extras: A crispy taco with one side ($4.95) and steak fingers with gravy and fries ($5.95) are on the kids menu. For grownups, the kitchen stays open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and a secluded game room hideaway in back features vintage arcade favorites.
Dining out
Big Tex Cantina
11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Sundays. Bar open late. Appetizers and salads, $4.95-$12.95; sandwiches, $8.95-$12.95; tacos and taco combos $3.95-$11.95; entrees, $10.95-$13.95; sides, $3.95; desserts, $4.95-$5.95. 308 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite H (at Ponce de Leon Place), Decatur. 404-377-3939.
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