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Lots of casual, affordable food, a central Cobb location and those 100 tequilas at the bar are making the first franchise venture of the Twisted Taco into a dining destination. The eatery already has been successful in Midtown and Roswell and now has moved to the northwestern side of town with the same popular concept.

Owner Charlie Gerster transformed the former Triple Play Sports bar into a Southwest-inspired space, adding faux painting, hardwood floors and a completely new bar. The deck with about 10 tables remains, and there's room for almost 200 people inside. "It's saloon meets sports bar," said Gerster with a laugh, "just a lot brighter."

Renee Brock/AJC special (ENLARGE)
The Greek, Baja and Monterrey taco combo is just one from the mainstay selections at Twisted Taco. There are more than 16 taco varieties to choose from.
Renee Brock/AJC special (ENLARGE)
Twisted Taco applied Southwestern decor to a former sports bar.
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Tacos and more

The mainstay of the menu is the taco section, with more than 16 varieties to choose from. Fillings wander well away from the basic beef and range into fried or grilled chicken, crab cakes, roasted or pulled pork, fried or blackened tilapia, lamb and fried shrimp. The top seller is a taco "club" stuffed with grilled chicken, jack cheese, bacon, guacamole, tomato, lettuce and ranch dressing. Quesadillas, burritos and fajitas can also be filled with similar ingredients. And there's always a weekly entree special that may be a chipotle grouper or beef brisket over rice. "Whatever we come up with it, it always has a Mexican theme to it," said Gerster.

Nachos are a main dish in themselves, piled high with a variety of toppings, including beef, grilled chicken, steak, sauteed peppers, onions, warm cheese, pinto beans, salsa and sour cream. The lighter side features salads in tortilla bowls, wings coated in the restaurant's signature fajita sauce, chicken tenders and queso dip.

From the bar

The full bar features 75 bottled beers and a dozen on tap. The short and simple wine list has only by-the-glass choices. The big attractions are the 100 tequilas, many of which find their way into the lengthy margarita list that goes from frozen to pomegranate.

Just for fun

There's something happening almost every night at the Taco. Each Monday, domestic bottled beers are $2; on Tuesday and Wednesday, domestic pitchers are $2. On Wednesday, it's karaoke, following by an '80s-themed Thursday when female diners can order cocktails for $3. Each Friday and Saturday, there's either a DJ, a band or, sometimes, both.

• Signature dish: Any of the 16 tacos
• Entree prices: $6.95-$19.99
• Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Sundays-Wednesdays; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Saturdays
• Reservations: No
• Credit cards: Yes
• Web site: www.twistedtaco.com