{image1}"The restaurant offers Mexican cuisine but not your average fare," says Terrie Zanotti about Borrego's (223 N. Water St.), the Third Ward restaurant she owns with her husband, Joe.

The restaurant's recipes belong to the Borrego family, who started the original Rudy's restaurant formerly on 5th and National Avenue, next to La Fuente. Gracie Borrego (who was married to Rudy before he passed away) oversees the kitchen, and her son, Eddie, manages the restaurant.

Although classic Rudy's recipes are available, surprising entrees are also on the menu, like stuffed tenderloin, grilled red snapper, slow roasted pork tenderloin and flavor-infused meatballs with a red tomato chile sauce. For those looking for a lighter fare, they also offer grilled meats and vegetables, salads and a special black bean and rice dish.

Borrego's opened quietly in mid-December and celebrated its grand opening Feb. 27.

The storefront is made of glass and an upper level patio is also in the works. Both will allow patrons to casually people-watch and check out the Third Ward scene.

"This summer, the River Walk will be expanded and pass right along the restaurant," says Zanotti, who also owns Club Havana (789 N. Jefferson St.) "Patrons will be able to enjoy the beautiful summer days dining outdoors at Borrego's."

{image2}The interior features Cream City brick, restored floors and wood rafters with unique floor lighting around the bar area. A rich garnet color accents the walls, along with contemporary Mexican art created by three local artists.

Zanotti says they are going for a New York-feel with service that is warm and inviting.

Downstairs, there's a somewhat covert bar called the SpeakEasy with more of a "Soprano's" feel than the Latin American-themed restaurant above.

Drink specials include "Bootleggers Slush," "Moonshine Martinis" and many others revolving around the gangster theme. Wednesday night is Ladies' Night with two-for-one house margaritas, and the bar always serves complimentary tortillas with homemade red and green salsas.

"Borrego's hide-away (The SpeakEasy) is for patrons who want to relax, sip cocktails, and enjoy outdoor patio seating along the river," says Zanotti. "The SpeakEasy offers Gangster Reprieve Tuesday thru Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and drinks that are sure to please and relax any twitchy-finger, trigger-happy gangster."

Borrego's restaurant is completely non-smoking, but smoking will be permitted in the SpeakEasy. Live Spanish guitar music will be performed every Friday and Saturday evening from 5 p.m. to 9:30 by Evan Christian and guest playing Flamenco guitar duets. For more information, call (414) 272-4200