El Gran Malo Team to Open El Big Bad in Early October

The wolf is heading downtown this fall. El Gran Malo's second location, El Big Bad, will be opening in early October at 419 Travis— the former Cabo space.

Owners Steve Sharma and Lea McKinney say they'll be serving up the collection of palate-shocking tequila infusions they accreted at their original Heights location, including peanut butter, rye, horchata, vanilla habanero and roasted red beet.

Randy Rucker of Bootsie's fame will be crafting the gastrocantina menu at this location. EGM's Mexican street food with a gourmet twist will expand to include full plates and fajitas, which were famously omitted from the Heights menu. Also on the menu is a campechana, duck empanadas, roasted chicken with tomato sofrito and sunflower seed pilaf.

El Big Bad will occupy 8,000 square feet with a bar, dining room and a 2,000-square-foot second floor balcony for additional repose and people watching. It's unclear if EGM's signature dia de los muertos décor will fill this space, since the owners have hired Erin Hicks to decorate the downtown locale. Part of the allure of the original location is its part-art-installation atmosphere that adds a laid-back, fun vibe to guests' dining experiences.

Check back for images of the renovation, menu peeks and soft opening date.
-Darla Guillen
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