Rex Seafood & Chop House is now open at Mockingbird and Abrams: Photo by Brittany Nunn
Way back in February we learned Rex’s Fresh Seafood and Market planned to take over the old Genaro’s space at Abrams and Mockingbird. Months later, the new Rex is finally open, but it’s a Rex’s Seafood and Chop House.
A peek inside: photo by Brittany Nunn
Not only will the restaurant serve its signature fish and oysters, but it will also serve a variety of steaks. However, the market part hasn’t been lost on this new concept; neighbors can still buy seafood in the market, just like at Rex’s original location on Lovers.
“If we have it in the restaurant, there’s a 98 percent chance that [guests] can get it from the market and take it home,” says Ron Reese, the general manager of the original location.
The location at Mockingbird and Abrams opened for a soft opening last week, and although the restaurant hasn’t done any advertising yet, it was packed over the weekend.
“It has been really busy.” Reese says. “The community has been waiting for a concept like this. I always say it’s five-star seafood in a two-star atmosphere. So it’s quality seafood in a nice, casual atmosphere.”
The patio: photo by Brittany Nunn
One of the main draws of the new location is its giant patio, which isn’t open yet. The restaurant is still in the process of attaining a liquor license, so the patio probably won’t open until then.
“It’s going to have a full bar, but we’re still waiting on the city,” Reese says. “So I don’t know the timetable on that.”
Red tape issues with the city is the main reason why the restaurant took so long to open, Reese explains. “There were a lot of issues with getting the certificate of occupancy from the city. We had to wait for some of the legal stuff.”
For now the restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, and it’s closed on Mondays. There’s a set menu, and there’s also a blackboard inside that features seasonal fish.
Plus, Rex’s opened just in time for the holidays, which is one of its busiest seasons because its platters of fresh crab meat and its smoked salmon are big hits at parties. Rex’s offers takeout.
For more, visit the website.
