UPDATE (March 12, 2018): Take a Peek Inside Chido + Padre’s, Opening March 13 in Buckhead
Southern Proper Hospitality (SPH) CEO Tory Bartlett Monday in a press release details for Chido + Padre’s, the Baja-style Mexican restaurant set to replace Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead, at 128 East Andrews Drive.
Smokebelly BBQ closed January 28 and SPH is currently looking for a space to open the barbecue restaurant when a new location is found.
“From Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas, we have visited Western Mexico often and have fallen in love with the food, people, and way of life there,” Bartlett said in the release.
“We wanted to create an authentic concept that would transport some of these customs to Atlanta in a modern way. Chido + Padre’s will celebrate Mexico’s fresh, coastal cuisine and bring a fun and festive party to Buckhead.”
Chido and Padre are the personifications of the notion that opposites attract. Chido is the mischievous risk taker, while Padre is the do-gooder voice of reason.
Executive chef Benjamin Meyer, who also serves as SPH’s corporate chef, will utilize a mesquite wood-burning grill for lunch and dinner items on the coastal menu including meats and seafood, campechana, vegetarian tamales, chicken mole, smoked brisket tacos, enchiladas and other dishes along with a wide variety of botanas (dips) such as queso, house salsas and made-to-order guacamoles.
The restaurant’s beverage program is “upscale yet approachable.”
To top off the margarita, cocktail and tequila list, there will be wine and a variety of Mexican, domestic and craft beers for all.
The decor and design at Chido + Padre’s is inspired by the arts and culture of Mexico from the Otomi Indians and Frida Kahlo to current artists that are internationally renown.
There are pops of coastal Baja colors on a clean and modern palette, floral and animal prints, authentic tapestries and even deer antler chandeliers. The Bandida Bar, separated from the dining room by a chain-link fence, features a darker look and atmosphere with charred wood accents and a Frida Kahlo Bandida image serving as the main inspiration.
Known for providing a “short-term escape” for diners by creating distinct restaurants that appeal to customers’ sense of adventure, SPH ensures Chido +
The restaurant opens in early March with lunch and dinner and will add a weekend brunch at a later date. Free self-parking is available on site.
The Blind Pig Parlour Bar is located directly behind the Chido + Padre’s space, serving craft cocktails Thursday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 am.
