Several years ago, a tornado destroyed Reata's perch on top of a high-rise office building. Worried Fort Worth folk begged the owners to relocate in the Sundance Square area of downtown. The new location is on the main floor and roof of the old Caravan of Dreams nightclub. All the jazz is gone and the restaurant decor is very heavy on cowboy chic. So is the menu. www.reata.net.
Much of the art from the old location was preserved and is now in the new one. As much of it is valuable and even historic, we are so glad.
You have two choices for dining and drinks locations: the main floor of the building and up on the roof. Arrive very early for the rooftop locations during fine weather. The furniture is ranch house style, heavy on quality leather and old wood. Plenty of western saddles and boots on display. Would I call this a restaurant for the family? Sure, if the children are old enough to enjoy the decor.
Let's talk about the food.
The portions are huge. We split entrées, as we couldn't face a chicken-fried steak that could easily feed the whole family for Sunday dinner. The salads are wonderful. Possibly the best salad dressings I've ever had. Couldn't waste a drop of the Reata Wedge Salad with pico vinaigrette ($6.95). Dipped up the last of the dressing with fresh bread from the iron basket on our table.
For four adults, we ordered two entrées (had the desserts in mind). Be prepared for a 20% extra charge for splitting. The manager waived that charge for us, as we ordered so many other things, including a large plate of calf fries in cream gravy ($8.95). If I have to explain what they are, you really don't want to know.
Our second entrée was a chicken dish. Well, it was supposed to be chicken, but turned out to be another beef dish. On a busy night, this can happen. We didn't complain, but perhaps should have.
Desserts and coffee finished off the meal, with the bread pudding and apple crisp with ice cream being the clear winners.
A generally wonderful evening enjoyed by all four of us. Don't miss those salads!