The Setup
Being back in Fort Lauderdale usually means playing social Tetris. Everyone wants to hang, nobody wants to travel, and I’m not about to drag people across the county in flip-flops. I’m staying near the beach; my buddy needed something easy, healthy-ish, and sober-friendly. So I did what I always do when I want zero stress and maximum approval: Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar in Fort Lauderdale. It’s close to the strip, easy to get to, and flexible enough that everyone leaves happy, fed, and not annoyed. That alone earns points.
Drinks First (Obviously)
While waiting, I ordered one of my usual Florida heat survival tools: the Blazing Cucumber. Gin, cucumber, and whatever magic keeps you from melting in 90-degree humidity. Pro tip: get it in a regular glass, not the fancy stemware. More ice, more stability, fewer accidents. It’s smooth, refreshing, and dangerous in that “I could have four of these and still function” way.
What We Ordered
My buddy went the clean route with the California Chopped Chicken Bowl. Grilled chicken, rice, guacamole, corn, beans, tomatoes, and lots of green things. I tasted it. It was solid, well-balanced, and actually flavorful. Healthy without tasting like punishment. I went full Roman. Truffle filet steak sandwich, spicy tuna tartare, and french fries. The steak sandwich was cooked perfectly medium rare, tender, and shockingly easy to bite through. No wrestling, no knife needed. The truffle flavor was there but restrained, which matters since truffle is one of the most divisive flavors on earth. Yes, I’m on Team Truffle. Fight me in the comments. The spicy tuna tartare was fresh, clean, and exactly what you want in Florida. Light, flavorful, and consistent. Tap 42 does this right every single time.
The Vibe
This is why Tap 42 keeps winning. The staff is attentive without hovering, the energy is chill without being boring, and even when it’s packed, it still runs smoothly. Sober friends are happy. Drinking friends are happy. Hungry friends are very happy. That’s not easy to pull off.
Verdict
Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar is still one of Fort Lauderdale’s most reliable choices. Easy location, broad menu, solid cocktails, zero stress. It’s the kind of place you pick when you want everyone to leave thinking, “Yeah, that was a good call.” And honestly, that’s all I’m ever aiming for.
This isn’t my first Tap 42 rodeo.
If you want to see how bad I behaved last time, it’s all here:
https://fatguyfrombrooklyn.com/tap-42-where-great-food-meets-relaxed-vibe
As always, what do I know? I’m just a fat guy from Brooklyn trying to survive winter, one marina martini at a time. If you want more Top 10s steakhouses, burgers, restaurants, you name it click the words and keep going.