A new burger bar and music venue is coming to Fort Lauderdale, and according to creator Laurent Tasic, chef and owner of Sage French Cafe, it will fill a void in the city's live music scene.
QBar Burger and Blues will offer a place where you can grab a signature burger, listen to live jazz and blues, and enjoy a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., seven days a week starting in December for lunch and dinner.
See also: Warsaw Coffee Company Coming to Fort Lauderdale
The new concept takes the place of the former Eastside Pub in the Union Planters Plaza (the shopping center that houses Whole Foods Market and d.b.a./Cafe) on Federal Highway.
Following a complete renovation, Tasic -- who took over the space in April -- said QBar has been a long time in the making. The award-winning chef -- who has owned and operated several restaurants in Paris, Monaco, French Antilles, and Miami -- says it's been a life-long dream to pair his love of music and food.
"I saw a need for a venue that brings the community together for the love of live music and food," says Tasic. "Since the closing of O'Hara's on Las Olas, there hasn't been anything like this. I saw a niche, and collaborated to collect ideas and develop our unique concept to bring back live jazz and blues to Fort Lauderdale."
Large glass doors separate an outdoor patio space from the modern, industrial chic interior that is a mix of exposed brick, multi-colored wood, vintage lighting, and antique mirrors. QBar also has a one of a kind elevated stage, which is a backdrop to a 78-foot copper bar, a nod to the jazz and blues bars of New Orleans.
"QBar has a menu that goes far beyond your typical bar fare," says Tasic. "I worked very closely with my chefs, and business partner George Jacomino, to develop items that span from the gourmet classic hamburger to more adventurous small plates selections with a French Creole flare."
The menu will highlight a number of signature burgers, all made using grass-fed beef, with topping like foie gras, scallops, short rib, and duck bacon. It doesn't stop there, however. QBar will also have a selection of vegetarian burgers and appetizers, salads, and small plates like shrimp and grits, grilled octopus, and charcuterie meat and cheese boards.
On the beverage side of things, expect up to 30 craft beers by the bottle and on draft, as well as an array of specialty cocktails, and a menu of top-notch picks from the restaurants' shared wine cellar.
Sage French Cafe and QBar are located at 2378 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-565-2299, or visit sagecafe.net.
Nicole Danna is a food blogger covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on Clean Plate's Instagram.
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