Riccardo Ullio is best known as the successful chef/owner of a pair of beloved Inman Park Italian places, Sotto Sotto and Fritti. But two more recent Ullio concepts in Midtown — Beleza, a Brazilian lounge, and Cuerno, a Spanish restaurant that underwent a Mexican makeover to become Lupe Taqueria — both closed last year.
Now, Ullio is back in Midtown with Escorpion Tequila Bar and Cantina — a cocktail-centered revision of Lupe, with a menu of Mexican favorites, such as tacos and tamales, plus ceviche, salads and a few entrees.
The look: A giant scorpion sculpture marks the spot at the corner of Peachtree and 5th Street, where Eno had a long run, followed by the short-lived 5th Street Cafe. Inside, the gonzo design was inspired by the movies of Robert Rodríguez, Ullio said. The ceiling is tattooed with images of scorpions and skeletons and the walls are hung with everything from matador jackets to crosses and milagros.
The scene: Ullio said he's already been doing a brisk lunch business with lots of workers from the nearby AT&T building. One evening, the crowd was a mix of Midtown neighbors and younger couples. A few singles were settled in among the cowhide stools at the rectangular bar, munching fried pork rinds with salt and lime and perusing the multipage drink menu.
The menu: Tuna ceviche ($8) with watermelon and serrano peppers and shrimp salad ($10) with pineapple and jicama are among the bright, summery starters. Tacos include braised beef tongue ($3.50), braised goat ($4) and fried shrimp ($5). Under the al la carte selections, look for larger plates of chicken with red mole and grapefruit ($16) and hanger steak with cilantro chimichurri ($16), with sides ($2.50/ $6) such as Mexican rice and poblano cole slaw.
The drinks: Mixologists Adam Fox and Gilbert Marquez have created a cocktail menu around agave-based spirits, tequila, sotol and mezcal, including sours and daisies made with seasonal ingredients. The street food-inspired Santa Anna Fruit Cart ($10) is mix of blanco tequila, pineapple cordial, cucumber and lime. There's also tequila flights and beer and wine.
The extras: The entire menu is available until closing every night, and Ullio hopes to foster a lively late-night drinking and dining scene with fellow restaurant industry folk.
Dining out
Escorpion Tequila Bar and Cantina
11:30 a.m. -- 1 a.m. Mondays -- Thursdays; 11:30 a.m.- 2 a.m. Fridays -- Saturdays; 12:30 p.m. -- midnight Sundays.
Ceviche and salads, $6-$10; appetizers and quesadillas, $4 -- $8; tacos and tamales, $3.50-$5; a la carte dishes, $8-$16; sides, $2.50-$6.
800 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, 678-666-5198
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