It seems like singer Tommy Brown and Clancy’s Cantina have been together forever. A stream of long-time fans arrive on a Thursday night, and Brown remembers not only their names but their favorite college football teams.

Clancy’s is relatively new at their current location at 301 Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach, but both the restaurant and Tommy Brown have been around for a long time. Clancy’s started in 1983 over on 3rd Avenue, but Brown’s musical career goes back to the 1950s.

He started playing piano and singing in Dallas, sharing the stage with the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Trini Lopez and Freddie Fender. In the sixties he performed at the legendary Pillow Talk and Satellite Lounges in Cocoa Beach, and then moved northward, playing for many years at Daytona’s Castaway and AkuTiki restaurants, and finally at Clancy’s.

While patrons order their favorite Mexican dishes, Brown entertains them with a mix of popular oldies and country songs from yesteryear. The dance floor fills up quickly when Tommy plays a slow dance number. Two of Tommy’s musician friends, country singer Mona Bailey and singer / fiddler David Potter show up and join Tommy for a few songs. The audience loves it.

It’s a good idea to call Clancy’s first to confirm that Tommy Brown is playing on any given Thursday. Get there early to get a table up front. You’ll enjoy an evening of good food and good music at Clancy’s Cantina.

Photos courtesy of Yes2LocalNews – http://www.yes2localnews.com/?p=1988

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.

If you are headed to New Smyrna Beach for summer fun, there are a few newcomers to the dining scene and some old favorites in new locations you may have overlooked in your rush to get a prime spot on the beach.

For a sampling of surfside fare, cruise historic Canal Street. Then turn right onto Riverside Drive and follow the north causeway to Flagler Avenue. Head south on Peninsula Avenue, turn left onto Third Avenue (State Road 44) and the road gently curves into A1A.

Clancy’s Cantina is moving from its longtime location in the Indian River Shopping Village to 301 Flagler Ave. (386-428-4500). The menu melds Mexican, Florida and Caribbean culinary concepts, and the margaritas are fab. The new location opens June 12.

Read Full New Smyrna Beach Locations Review