Table Mesa Bistro has been serving quality “south of the border” fare on the Bentonville square since August 2008. A second location was added last November in Joplin, Mo., and a third opened Feb. 28 in Fayetteville.

The newest location enjoys prime real estate just off Dickson Street on the first level of the Legacy Building at 401 W. Watson St., site of the former Legacy Blues Lounge.

All three sites are owned and operated by Carl and Lindie Garrett. Upon moving to Northwest Arkansas from Seattle, the couple realized the potential for a restaurant featuring Latin, Mexican and Pacific Northwest dishes. That niche fills the gap between casual Mexican and fine-dining restaurants.

With more than 35 years’ experience working with Latin foods and Pacific seafood, Carl Garrett has had the benefit of working with seasoned chefs. As a result, the menu presents flavorful, refined dishes made with quality products. The multicultural cuisine is made with local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible, and the modern architecture of the building is softened with a warm, Southwestern palette.

“We are a [made-from-scratch] kitchen. We make simple dishes with complex cooking methods for a little kick,” Garrett said.

For instance, instead of the commonplace side of rice and beans, the Table Mesa in Fayetteville serves roasted potatoes and butternut squash garnished with parmesan cheese. A basket of chips and salsa is not dropped on the table upon arrival, but the slow-roasted tomatoes, garlic and onions are a popular order.

“We try to keep the prices as low as we can and pass along good value and high-quality items,” Garrett said.

The extensive menu includes marinated Kobe beef burgers, pastrami reuben, portobella mushroom melt, blackened salmon salad, hummus, calamari, potato skins and more. The menu also boasts a plethora of fajitas, burritos, tacos, enchiladas and other Mexican dishes.

A limited menu of popular items will be offered at the Fayetteville location for the first few weeks. Hours are 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. More information is available by calling (479) 668-4019 or online at tablemesabistro.com.