Checkered Parrot Bar & Grill

NEWS

Taste of the Northside: Bites:

Nachos reign supreme at Checkered Parrot

By Marcus K. Garner
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/21/07

GOTTA HAVE: Nachos Supreme with shrimp and salsa

SERVED BY: Checkered Parrot

COST: $12

HOW IT'S MADE: Tomatoes, onions, sauteed mushrooms, jalapenos and shrimp are grilled together before being added to a blend of yellow and white American and cheddar cheeses and piled onto a mound of fresh tortilla chips.

BACK STORY: The nachos represent one of the only Southwestern style dishes at a restaurant often mistaken for a Tex-Mex spot, said co-owner Nelson Chan. "We're more of a bar and grill," Chan said. Also offered with chicken or steak as the meat choice, the dish takes advantage of the benefits of grilling food. "Grilling really brings out the flavor of all the ingredients," Chan said.

WHAT ELSE: Although the owner and staff insist the restaurant isn't a Tex-Mex establishment, there are other Southwestern dishes. Choose from chicken or steak tacos or have a veggie quesadilla. And there are entrees like the parrot pork chop and a seafood pasta. But the best offerings are the sandwiches. The French dip and buffalo chicken sandwiches are among a tasty list of choices. Of course, there's a full bar, tons of TVs, and live music Thursdays through Saturdays.

HOURS: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

INFORMATION: www.checkeredparrot.com

Phil Skinner/AJC STAFF

(ENLARGE)

Exterior of the new Checkered Parrot in Alpharetta, which is nothing like the old Gwinnett nightclub of the same name.

Phil Skinner/AJC STAFF

(ENLARGE)

Cheeseburgers and nachos highlight the menu of the new Checkered Parrot , a family-friendly Tex-Mex restaurant.

CHECKERED PARROT

• Signature dish: Giant platters piled high with nachos
• Entree price range: $ 12.95-$15.95
• Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily
• Reservations: for large parties
• Credit cards: yes
• Web site:

NEIGHBORHOOD NOSH

The Checkered Parrot

By H.M. CAULEY
From The Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/01/2007

Anyone who remembers the music and bar scene in Gwinnett County from a decade ago, prepare for your blast from the past. The Checkered Parrot was the place to party outside the Perimeter. (Oh yeah — they had food, too, but that wasn't the primary attraction.) Owners of the Parrot, who are the same folks who run Fire of Brazil and Jalapeno Charlie's, liked the good memories the name evoked enough to keep it as the title of their latest venture on Mansell Road in Alpharetta. The former Cancun's has yielded to a more Key West theme and a completely revamped concept.

"This Checkered Parrot is definitely more restaurant-oriented," said spokeswoman Mary Lou Rodgers of what will be the first franchised operation. "We did make a lot of cosmetic changes and added some pool tables and lots of TVs, but we're also big on food."

From the kitchen

There may be a tropical island theme going in the decor, but the menu is another story. The 300 diners who pack into the dining rooms, bar, patio and decks of the Parrot will find a menu loaded with Tex-Mex favorites."We're best known for our nachos," said Rodgers. "They come with the usual ingredients, but are served piled really high on an extremely large platter." Other starters are classic pub grub: tater skins, cheese sticks, loaded fries, artichoke and spinach dip, and chicken fingers. The quesadillas are another favorite, along with sandwiches, wraps, five burgers, a French dip, a Philly cheese steak and hot dogs. Salads come as sides or a main course, topped with chicken or steak. Say you're really hungry for something more than lunch. The entree selection is where the "expanded" concept kicks in. Steaks, pork chops, grilled salmon and seafood pasta are among the more sizeble options. Got kids? Ask for the family-friendly dining room away from the bar. There's also a game room with TVs and pool tables. After 10 p.m., the bar allows smoking and patrons must be 18 or older.

From the bar

Those who just want to nibble and mingle can hang out in the bar, where more than 60 beers are available, six of them on draft. There's a by-the-glass-only selection of 15 wines, and a menu of specialty drinks. Among the most popular: Bahama Mamas, mojitos, Lynchburg lemonade, martinis and margaritas.

Just for fun

The entertainment spirit of the old Parrot is alive and well during the various amusements going on through the week. On Mondays, sign up for karaoke or settle in to watch football. Wednesdays are devoted to team trivia. Thursdays are for Texas Hold 'Em. There's live music in the game room on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays are devoted to the big sports events. Though the Parrot opened a few weeks ago, an official grand opening party is planned for Saturday with prizes and giveaways from 8 to 10 p.m.