The new lunch menu at Ray’s Rio Bravo in Sandy Springs is a game changer, injecting a fresh Tex-Mex punch into the daily routine. Start with a few group-friendly munchables like “no beans about it” Texas chili Frito pie ($8), duck meat-filled “Taquito Quackers” ($12) or crispy mole chicken wings ($9). Crisp “Field Fare” includes the Meredith D. salmon salad with pineapple-marinated salmon, grilled avocado, roasted corn, pico de gallo, cilantro-lime vinaigrette and cortija crisps ($15). Take the fork in the road toward Tex-Mex and Texican specialties such as the fried grouper tacos that come with three soft flour tortillas -- two hold fried grouper, grilled jicama-tortilla slaw, chipotle aioli and pineapple salsa -- and one catches the drop outs ($14). Fajitas sizzle their way to the table over a bed of sautéed onions and peppers with compadres of lettuce, guac, pico de gallo, El Machino flour tortillas, rice and refried beans ($18 steak; $10 roasted veggie; $12 chicken). When it’s not lunch without a sandwich, grab the Texas brisket sandwich boasting house-smoked brisket, grilled jicama-tortilla slaw, pickled jalapeños, grilled red onion, barbecue sauce and mango on a challah bun with fries ($12). Depending on how your day is going, opt for Ray’s house-made lemonade or a potent margarita. Ray’s Rio Bravo opens for lunch at 11 a.m. seven days a week. Si, lunching along the Rio is “Rio” grand.
