DINING OUT
Lunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Dinner: 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Bar open late Thursday-Saturday.
Starters and small plates, $6-$12; soups and salads, $5-$15; plates, $12-$16; entrees, $17-$34; lunch specials, $10.99.
99 Krog St. NE, Atlanta. 678-791-1310, supericaatl.com.
Just named a 2015 James Beard Awards Outstanding Restaurateur semifinalist, Ford Fry (JCT. Kitchen, No. 246, The Optimist, King + Duke, St. Cecilia) recently added Superica to his Rocket Farm Restaurants group roster.
The “Mex-Tex” concept shares a similar menu and design with the El Felix, which Fry opened in Alpharetta’s Avalon development in late 2014. But the happening Krog Street Market location exudes a different kind of energy.
The look: From the lighted marquee letter sign in front to an expansive bar area and a dining room with a mezzanine that doubles as a live music stage, the design promises a Texas kind of good time. The front patio and private party room offer even more entertainment possibilities.
The scene: Last Friday, an enthusiastic dinnertime throng swarmed the bar and quickly swelled to the edges of the dining room. Fry was on hand, along with chef Kevin Maxey, as busy servers kept orders rolling from the semi-open kitchen to the sounds of Billy Joe Shaver and Roky Erickson.
The food: Fry and Maxey put together a menu that runs true to their hot and spicy Texas roots. Starters and small plates ($6-$12) include hot tamales, tacos al pastor, and three variations on chili con queso. Chicken and vegetable tortilla soup ($5/$9) is flavored with ancho chili, cilantro, avocado and Jack cheese. Plates with rice and beans ($12-$16) range from San Antonio-style "puffy tacos" to chili rellenos and five kinds of enchiladas. Larger plates ($16-$34) include mesquite-grilled quail with pork tamales and a slow-braised short rib grilled with chipotle molasses.
The drinks: On the cocktail list, find eight different margaritas ($8-$12), including the signature Superita with Herradura Double Reposado, Royal Combier, lime juice, orange juice, salt and citrus-marinated olives. The Red Headed Stranger mixes Deep Eddy Ruby Red vodka, Campari, grapefruit juice and lime. Negro Modelo and New Holland Sun Dog Amber are on the current draft beer list ($4-$5).
The extras: Weekday $10.99 lunch specials are served with rice and beans and feature a choice of two items from a list that includes nachos, tacos, enchiladas, soup and a house salad. Look for weekend breakfast soon and live music late Thursday-Saturday.
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