A year after closing their beloved Montrose Tex-Mex restaurant Bocados, owners Terry Flores and Lily Hernandez have returned with Red Ox Bar & Grill. Located in the near Northside neighborhood between downtown and the Loop, Red Ox features a mix of Bocados favorites as well as some new creations from Flores.
Hernandez tells CultureMap that with the restaurant's construction now complete, they're "ready to serve good food." The menu supplements the Bocados Tex-Mex classics with sandwiches, burgers and salads. Of course, the fajitas, guacamole and other favorites are still available.
Former Bocados customers are making the trek from Montrose, too. "They love it . . . It's the next best thing to the original," Flores jokes.
"The neighbors have been very receptive," Flores adds. "They've been waiting for a new venue." She says they're coming by foot, bike, and the recently expanded METRORail line. Former Bocados customers are making the trek from Montrose, too.
"They love it . . . It's the next best thing to the original," Flores jokes.
Inside, Flores describes the design as rustic and eclectic. "Everything has a story," she says. That includes everything from the mural designed by local graffiti artist Wylie to small details like patio planter boxes made from wood reclaimed from a house Hernandez owns.
Of the new menu items, the chorizo burger is particularly tasty. The slightly spicy chorizo and pickled jalapenos provide a little zing to the thin patty and standard toppings. The fajitas and guacamole are still both solid, thankfully.
All in all Red Ox seems poised to establish itself as a pleasant destination for its up and coming neighborhood. Just like Bocados was once upon a time.
Red Ox Bar & Grill will celebrate its Grand Opening June 21 with a fundraiser to benefit Barrio Dogs, Inc.
Local graffiti artist Wylie painted this mural.
