Mexican concept Chido + Padre's to replace Smokebelly in Buckhead

A tableful of food and cocktails from Chido + Padre's. PHOTO BY HEIDI GELDHAUSER

Credit: Henri Hollis

Credit: Henri Hollis

A tableful of food and cocktails from Chido + Padre's. PHOTO BY HEIDI GELDHAUSER

After announcing the closure of Smokebelly BBQ in late January and plans to open a Baja Mexican concept in its place , Southern Proper Hospitality has released details of its new restaurant. Chido + Padre's will take over the former Smokebelly BBQ space at 128 East Andrews Drive in Buckhead in early March 2018. The company is currently searching for a new space to reopen Smokebelly BBQ.

“Chido + Padre’s will celebrate Mexico’s fresh, coastal cuisine and bring a fun and festive party to Buckhead," said Southern Proper Hospitality CEO Tory Bartlett in a press statement. The menu has been created by Chef Benjamin Meyer, the group's corporate chef, who will utilize a mesquite wood-burning grill to prepare food geared towards both families and the late-night Buckhead crowd. According to press materials, "after 10 p.m., the tequila takes over for a 'fiesta forever' feel..."

In addition to traditional Tex-Mex, the new restaurant will have plenty of seafood on the menu as a nod towards the Baja region's coastal cuisine. Grilled seafood, vegetarian tamales and campechana, a Mexican shrimp cocktail, appear to strike a lighter note than Smokebelly's meat-heavy menu.

The restaurant space will be completely redecorated, with the new design "inspired by the arts and culture of Mexico." The beverage program will include tequila, margaritas, cocktails and a variety of domestic, Mexican and craft beers. As for the name, Chido and Padre represent opposite but complementary characters: the former a mischievous spirit, the latter a good-hearted "voice of reason."

Chido + Padre's intends to open in early March with lunch and dinner service, with plans to add weekend brunch service later in the year. The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, also owned by Southern Proper Hospitality and located directly behind the Chido + Padre's space, will continue to operate on its normal schedule of Thursday through Saturday, 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Chido + Padre's. 128 East Andrews Drive, Atlanta. chidoandpadres.com.

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