Name of the bar: EL GATO GORDO
If I ever make it and have plenty of disposable income, one thing I’d love to do is open my own bar or club. I’ve always liked Latin culture and the atmosphere that comes with it. I’ve thought about calling it The Fat Cat or El Gato Gordo. I picture a place with good drinks, good food, a DJ, and live music. Somewhere people can go to have a good time and enjoy themselves. I know bars and restaurants are tough businesses, and plenty of them fail. I wouldn’t go into it expecting to make a fortune or even get my money back. It would be something I’d pursue for the experience, the fun, and the chance to build something of my own. Sometimes you have to look at an opportunity like a gamble. You go into it knowing the odds might not be in your favor, but if it works out, the upside could be well worth it. And even if it doesn’t, at least you took a shot at something you wanted to do.
Possible food and drink options:
🍹 Signature Cocktails & Craft Drinks
1. House Cocktails
The Fat Cat Margarita: Tequila blanco, freshly squeezed lime juice, agave nectar, Cointreau, served in a glass rimmed with black lava salt.
El Gato Fuego (Spicy Paloma): Jalapeño-infused Reposado tequila, fresh pink grapefruit juice, lime, and squirt soda with a Tajín-chili rim.
Smoky Sunsphere Mezcalita: A nod to Knoxville’s iconic skyline landmark—featuring mezcal, grilled pineapple juice, lime juice, and a rim of smoked sea salt.
Noche de Fuego (Espresso Martini): Tequila, Kahlúa, fresh espresso, and a dash of Mexican cinnamon.
2. Drafts & Zero-Proof
Knox-Mex Drafts: Local East Tennessee craft brews alongside classic Mexican lagers (Dos Equis, Modelo Especial, Pacifico) served in frosty mugs or turned into spicy Micheladas.
Agua Fresca Mocktails: Freshly pureed Watermelon-Mint or Hibiscus-Lime (Jamaica) served over ice for non-alcoholic options.
🌮 Shared Plates & Tapas (Early Evening)
Smoked Queso & Chips: Warm white queso dip spiked with roasted poblano peppers, chorizo, and fresh pico de gallo, served with house-made tortilla chips.
Elote Spears (Mexican Street Corn): Charred corn on the cob dressed in lime mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro.
Birria Quesadillas: Slow-cooked shredded beef birria in crispy grilled tortillas with melted cheese, served with rich consommé for dipping.
Tequila Lime Shrimp Skewers: Grilled shrimp marinated in citrus, garlic, and tequila, topped with a bright mango salsa.
🌙 Late-Night Bites (Club Hours)
Gato Street Tacos:
Al Pastor: Marinated pork with charred pineapple and cilantro.
Birria: Crispy corn tortillas with melted cheese and braised beef.
Crispy Avocado: Panko-crusted avocado slices with chipotle lime crema (vegetarian).
Loaded Fiesta Nachos: Sheet-pan nachos layered with refried beans, melted jack cheese, jalapeños, avocado crema, and your choice of protein.
Churro Bites: Hot, crispy churros dusted in cinnamon sugar, served with warm Mexican chocolate and dulce de leche dipping sauces.
