Big City Tavern (BCT) is a well-known, bustling restaurant and bar located on the vibrant Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a classic urban tavern experience with a contemporary American menu.
Here is a detailed look at Big City Tavern:
What Makes it Unique
- Atmosphere and Ambiance: BCT is modeled after the great classic taverns of cities like New York and Chicago, featuring a Prohibition-era speakeasy feel with high tin ceilings, wood floors, brick walls, and a sturdy oak bar. The decor includes leather lounge-style booths, a massive bar, and vintage elements like a fireplace with a moose head.
- Prime Las Olas Location: Its location directly on Las Olas Boulevard, with a large outdoor patio, makes it a premier spot for people-watching and soaking in the lively street energy of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
- Culinary Blend: The menu offers a diverse range of American cuisine with a contemporary and sometimes global-inspired twist, featuring everything from classic burgers and dry-aged steaks to fresh seafood and international favorites like Pad Thai and Jerk Chicken.
- Beverage Program: The bar is a libation-lover’s paradise, boasting an extensive selection of California wines (including wine on tap), locally brewed craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails. Their unique Smokey Old Fashioned, made with a private barrel Old Forester bourbon and presented with an Applewood smoke show, is a notable highlight.
- Dog-Friendly: BCT is notably dog-friendly, welcoming pets on their patio and sometimes even inside the dining room, which is a major draw for pet owners.
History
Big City Tavern was conceived by restaurateur Steven Dapuzzo and is operated by the Big Time Restaurant Group, known for its successful establishments in South Florida. The goal was to create a dining experience that combined the charm of a traditional American tavern with a modern flair. Since its opening, it has quickly established itself as a beloved hotspot, integral to Fort Lauderdale’s culinary and social scene. Chef Ladanna Lawas has served as the Executive Chef, infusing the menu with fresh, house-made ingredients and drawing inspiration from her Jamaican roots and love for Italian cuisine.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu is known for its quality, fresh, and house-made ingredients. Highly praised dishes often include:
- Appetizers: Asian Chicken Wings (soy honey glaze), Crispy Calamari, and Truffle Ricotta Toast.
- Main Courses:
- Rigatoni Bolognese (veal, beef, red wine, herbs).
- Pan-Roasted Salmon Fillet (with jasmine rice and grilled asparagus).
- Ladanna’s Jerk Chicken (free-range bone-in chicken with Caribbean Showdown rice and curry).
- Short Rib Pappardelle.
- Wood-Fired Pizzas (e.g., Margherita, Jerk Chicken Pizza).
- Maine Lobster Mac and Cheese (praised by customers as a standout dish).
- New York Strip Steak.
- Brunch: Popular weekend brunch options often include favorites like breakfast pizza and the availability of endless mimosas.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews generally praise Big City Tavern for:
- Lively and Chill Atmosphere: The atmosphere is frequently described as vibrant, chill, and a great place for people-watching, particularly from the patio.
- Attentive Service: The staff is often highlighted for being attentive and providing excellent service.
- Food Quality: Many patrons rave about specific dishes, such as the crab cakes, salmon, fried chicken specials, and the mac and cheese.
- Great Happy Hour: Their happy hour, featuring specials on drinks and half-price appetizers, is a popular draw.
However, some less favorable feedback has occasionally cited the food as inconsistent or certain drinks, like some wines, as being low quality for the price.
Significant Events
While a comprehensive list of every public and private event is not readily available, Big City Tavern is known as a hub for social gatherings and celebrations, playing a role in:
- Holiday and Seasonal Events: Offering seasonal cocktails (e.g., fall/winter cocktails like the Pumpkin Martini) and being a central location for holiday dining and celebrations on Las Olas.
- Regular Specials: Their ongoing Happy Hour and Weekend Brunch with unlimited mimosas are regular, significant events that consistently draw large crowds.
- Culinary Milestones: The restaurant’s longevity and consistency on Las Olas have cemented its status as a staple, with the tenure and creativity of chefs like Steven Zobel and Ladanna Lawas marking important periods in its culinary evolution.
Contact Information
