Not your mama's brunch: Morganton's Reptile Cantina is a hit

It feels like you’re secreted away in an underground speakeasy. The vibe is retro-western-punk-classic horror kitsch. The music leans toward an Americana/Outlaw Country vein and the dimly-lit room is comfortable and cozy.

The restaurant’s wall decor features a large, framed picture of the classic da Vinci “The Last Supper,” and a “Bride of Frankenstein” movie poster. It’s like nothing works together, so everything works together.

You can imagine you’re in a place you’re not supposed to know about, a place where you may need to know the code word in order to be admitted. But in reality, you don’t need a password or a special knock to gain access to one of Morganton’s newest hot spots.

The secret is out. The Reptile Cantina is making its mark as a fresh alternative to your typical downtown dining experience. And the restaurant has just debuted a popular new Sunday brunch option.

Several members of The Paper’s staff met at the cantina on a recent Sunday afternoon to sample brunch. Here’s the low down on the highlights of our experience at one of the city’s most unique eateries.

Arts and Entertainment Editor Sandra Queen: I do love a fried bologna sandwich, and The Reptile Cantina’s offering did not disappoint. I also love home fries and my only complaint about my meal is that I could have used a few more potatoes on my plate. The atmosphere and the service were absolutely perfect. The staff was attentive to our large table of nine folks, as well as all of the other patrons in the place. I can’t wait to try the Reptile’s tacos for dinner soon.

Editor Angela Copeland: My favorite thing about my experience at Reptile Cantina is the vibe. There is absolutely nothing generic about it. The menu is limited, which I prefer to an exhausting list of choices. The food was fine, but it’s everything else about the place that stood out the most.

Senior Reporter Marty Queen: When I walk into a bar and Sarah Shook and the Disarmers are on the radio and the first thing I see is a painting of Townes Van Zandt hanging on the wall, I know I’m in the right place. They could pretty much feed me hay and as long as there was a tall-boy to go with it, they’d get a good review from me. I love the vibe of this place. They’ve got a sketch of Lemmy (Motorhead frontman Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister) hanging on the wall. Johnny Paycheck and Ernest Tubb stare up at me from the tabletop. Meanwhile, the food is tasty, and the drinks are delicious. This place is A-OK by me.

Municipal and Courts Reporter Saydie Bean: Simple yet good. I thought my French Toast was delicious. I added my complementary side of fruit (strawberries and pineapple) on top, which was a great pairing. I also tried my boyfriend’s fried bologna sandwich. The chipotle mayo added a nice kick, and the bologna slice itself was fairly thick, not that I’m complaining!

The Reptile Cantina is in the lower level of Hellbound Heart Tattoo, at 108 E. Meeting St., Unit B in Morganton. The restaurant can be accessed from a small road behind the building, connecting South Sterling and Green Streets. Call them at 828-391-5055.

They are open Tuesday through Thursday from 5-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and on Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Brunch is served on Sunday until 3 p.m., when service switches back to the regular menu.