Reata Restaurant in Fort Worth - a Review

Located in the picturesque neighborhood called Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Reata is pricey but worthy of your special occasion dinner, a romantic dinner, or business lunch. Heck, just go for the food and ambiance whenever you can! Reata has two locations in Texas and for the one in Fort Worth you can make online reservations, a great convenience for a popular restaurant.

Even in today's economy, Reata is happily thriving judging by the bustling atmosphere and the reason is simple: the food. The story goes "that the first Reata Restaurant was started when a a west Texas rancher, Al Micallef, had a hankerin' for some really great food and partnered with a Fort Worth businessman Mike Evans in 1995. They opened the first Reata Restaurant in Alpine, Texas and from that grew the nationally renowned Fort Worth location which survived a destructive tornado. Reata then moved t Sundance Square in the heart of Fort Worth in 2002." It is named for the ranch in the 1950's epic movie "Giant" starring Rock Hudson, James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor, based on the novel by Edna Ferber. ¹

The owners have made a concerted effort to create a sophisticated and old west ambiance in the Reata and serve what they call Legendary Texas Cuisine. The menu, which I suggest you take a look at on their website, is full of dishes unique to the Southwest and includes such things as Jalapeno and Elk sausage,Buffalo Rib Eye steak and even Buffalo Lasagna. Their is a selection of various chicken and fish dishes as well. On the side of the menu they tell you what ranches their beef originates from.

Upon entering the restaurant we were asked if we preferred to dine inside or outside. We chose outside and took the elevator to the patio where we were greeted by name and escorted to a table with a wonderful view of the city. Although the wine list is extensive, we had cocktails instead. Upon recommendation from the waiter I had a Reata Grand with Sauza Gold and Grand Marnier. Tall and delicious, I would recommend if you are thinking of going with a Margarita. Not feeling particularly adventurous I chose a field green salad with goat cheese and pecans; my dining partner chose their Jalapeno and Cilantro soup. I had a taste it was scrumptious. The specials that night were a beef tenderloin chipolte glaze, mashed potatoes and asparagus; and a grilled swordfish. I chose the beef tenderloin special. The beef was cooked precisely to order and melted in my mouth. The sides were equally good and well proportioned. My partner had a pan seared pepper crusted tenderloin in port wine sauce which was declared to be excellent. For desert along with coffee, I had the Molten Chocolate cake with berries in champagne and vanilla cream, my companion dove into the Desert Tacos with caramelized bananas and chocolate sauce with gusto.

Entrees range from $15.95 for Martha's Vegetable plate up to $41.95 for the lobster and steak dish. The special cocktails offered will cost $7.95 up to $49,95 for something called the Billionaires Margarita. Our bill came in at approximately $130 but it was a meal to remember.

Service at Reata Restaurant is impeccable and prompt without being rushed. The wait staff is friendly and helpful. In the middle of our meal there was one of those West Texas downpours and we were moved under an awning without anyone skipping a beat. On the patio there is a nice bar and it was tempting to stay and savor the moment. The rain had stopped and after a quick stop at the gift shop we walked through the square before picking up our car from the valet.

¹ taken from the Reata Restaurant Menu