By Jamye Durrance, Hometown News

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – After 25 years in business, Clancy’s Cantina has become a New Smyrna Beach landmark.

The restaurant had been a fixture of the Indian River Shopping Center on Third Avenue, serving up Mexican food and margaritas to residents and visitors alike.

With such a loyal following, it isn’t surprising that after Clancy’s recent move to Flagler Avenue, everyone tagged along.

“It’s been great, we are loving it down here on Flagler Avenue,” said Margaret Clancy.

After opening two weeks ago, Clancy’s has been the same non-stop buzz of activity it always was.

The restaurant was originally opened in 1983 as a family dream of the Clancy parents, Bill and Marianne. They wanted to open their own restaurant modeled after Bill’s mother’s restaurant in Arkansas.

They first opened in a tiny space next to Publix in the Indian River Shopping Center.

Eventually they moved to the larger space, with 80 seats.

With their silver anniversary approaching, the Clancys knew it was time for a change.

“We needed something to get us into the future,” Margaret said. “We just thought of all the positives with being on Flagler Avenue.”

The family got its building permit in March and closed the old restaurant in May while they put the finishing touches on the new location, just east of Pine Street.

The address might have changed but the food is still the same – great.

On a recent visit, I had the Chicken Monterey ($13.99), chicken sautéed in a wine and butter sauce, served up with grilled onions, bell peppers, sliced tomatoes and sour cream. It was the definition of delicious. The chicken was tender and the sauce added just the right kick of spice.

The dish also came with the choice of two sides.

My companion ordered the Quesadilla De Res (half serving $7.95), which was charbroiled steak and cheddar cheese in a tortilla pouch.

The quesadilla had the right amount of steak and cheese filling inside and the half serving was more than enough to fill up on.

For dessert, we ordered the fried ice cream ($4.25) and fried cheesecake ($4.75), both of which were the perfect, sweet finishing touch.

Margaret Clancy said future plans for Clancy’s include adding more outdoor seating and bringing in live entertainment.

Clancy’s is at 301 Flagler Avenue. For more information, call 386-428-4500 or visit www.clancyscantina.com.