Every restaurant has an origin story. Amigo Al's has a tall tale, and it says so on the menu.

A Tribute With a Wink

Brandon Landry, the restaurateur behind Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, Smalls Sliders and Supperclub, built this St. Gabriel tequileria to honor his father, Alton "Amigo Al" Landry. The restaurant's website spins a legend about tequila runs through Mexico, a cursing parrot, a donkey named Poncho and a yellow truck sold to buy sugarcane land back home in Louisiana. The family bought that truck back, and the restaurant became the place for Al to pour.

How much of the legend is true is part of the fun. The menu is easier to pin down.

What's on the Table

Expect Mexican plates with Louisiana detours. Gumbo Rojo pairs chicken and andouille with Spanish rice. Tacos include beef birria with dipped corn tortillas, Baja-style mahi, braised short rib and filet tip with chimichurri. A 9-ounce filet carne asada headlines the plates. Bowls, fajitas, enchiladas, a jalapeno smashburger and Mexican donuts round things out.

The bar leans hard on agave. Margaritas run from the house pour to a mezcal version and a smashed watermelon, with frozen options named for the family, like Meme's Marg and Pop's Paloma. A mezcal old fashioned and a tequila espresso martini cover the cocktail side.

Weekly Reasons to Go

Taco Tuesday: $2 tacos all day, dine-in only (filet tacos are $4).

Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m., with $5 small and $10 large frozens and $3 drafts.

Thursdays: live music and happy hour all day.

Plan Your Visit

Amigo Al's is at 735 E. Hwy 30, Suites E and F, in St. Gabriel. It's open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Call (225) 217-1000.

Photo courtesy of Amigo Al's.