Reata Is For Real
Last weekend I made my debut trip to the Fort Worth Reata restaurant in downtown on Sundance Square.
Having just been to the original Reata opened in 1995 in Alpine Texas a few weeks ago, it was only fitting I seek out this establishment as well, Opened in 2000, it has become an iconic institution in the downtown dining scene over the past two decades.
I got the pleasure of meeting the President and owner of both locations Mike Micallef on my visit to learn about the building, the business, the menu, and the history of Reata. Mike, much like his father, is a successful serial entrepreneur, finding success in many endeavors he pursues, with Reata being his hallmark business operation. Mike is a chill guy with a warming personality, eager to share the Reata business story and history. Of course, anyone reading this now or who knows a thing about Reata and the building it occupies likely knows about the rumors going around about them leaving soon. I asked Mike about this, it was clear that the story is a can of worms for another day. He told me that news would be breaking the very next day and that to get the best inside scoop on that matter, to check out this WFAA story for the full details which I did of course. After seeing this place myself top to bottom, it pains me to think it would not stay here for twenty more years.
After getting a full tour of the building, I was blown away by the rooftop patio space this place has. The views, the setup, the size! Holding private events of all sizes, this would be an amazing place to hold an event for any occasion. The large, historic stairwell leading back down to the ground level is decked out with pictures of every single mayor of Fort Worth from present-day to the very first mayor of the city in February 1873, Mayor William Paxton Burts.
The five adjacent private dining spaces available for small groups to reserve for events and functions are each adorned with the unique history of Fort Worth. Relics and particular memorabilia, one-of-a-kind items from movies, artists, rodeo riders, authors, painters, and more. In this building, you get a rich exposure to local history as much as you do great food and drinks.
The dining room service is on point as well. My server gave the impression she comes to work happy and ready to please and serve guests with great food and experiences. Not just to fill a role and earn a paycheck, nothing like that at all.
The two entree items I got from the regular lunch menu were the stacked chicken enchiladas and the buffalo burger with fries in place of house chips.
Both of these options are solid picks I would recommend to anyone. My burger does not show the normal swiss cheese it would come with mind you (lactose I hate you!). Flavors, aromas, quality, and value, you get all of this on these plates. Mind you these two entrees only scratch the surface of all the many options you have to choose from on the lunch menu as well as the Sunday brunch menu they offer.
Reata will remain where it is, as it is until the current lease period ends on June 30, 2024. So you and I alike, still have two solid years at least to go in and experience the food, history, and vibe this place offers its patrons. My hope is that this can be extended much longer as I have many more items on their menus to come back for.
