Tap 42 announced plans to open its second location in Boca Raton yesterday. The craft beer bar and restaurant confirmed it will be taking the former English Tap & Beer Garden space in the Boca Center alongside establishments like Rocco's Tacos, Uncle Tai's and Morton's Steakhouse.
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Co-owner Sean McMackin told Clean Plate Charlie the hunt for a second location has been in the works for some time. A Coral Gables restaurant was expected to be the first of several sister establishments he and brother Blaise have planned for the future as they expand the Tap 42 concept, but the vacant lot they had targeted posed too many problems, he said. Instead, the Tap 42 team has chosen a new location in Coral Gables, and is currently working to secure the deal.
"We're very close to securing the Coral Gables deal, but the Boca location happened first, and we're hearing a lot of positive feedback," said McMackin. "What really attracted me to the space is the large outdoor courtyard area, so we can continue to have our weekend brunches."
Although the design and layout of the Boca Raton Tap 42 will be tweaked slightly, McMackin said the overall concept and food menu will remain the same, with a focus on craft beer, specialty and small-batch liquors, and craft cocktails. The Boca location will also feature the same specials, including Prohibition Burger Monday, ladies' night on Wednesday, and bottomless brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Construction has not yet begun, but McMackin expects Tap 42 Boca Raton to open in early 2015, in addition to the Coral Gables location and the rooftop Mexican restaurant concept planned to take over the north portion of the Tap 42 Fort Lauderdale building. A name has not yet been chosen, but McMackin says the menu will be their take on modern Mexican -- so don't expect the usual burritos, quesadillas and tacos.
And what about more Tap 42 restaurants? According to McMackin, letters of intent have been drafted for several additional locations outside the Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County area -- but the hunt is on for more within the area.
"The trick is finding the right location," said McMackin. "So we're taking our time until the right place presents itself."
The new Tap 42 location will be located at 5050 Town Center Circle, suite 245, Boca Raton. Visit tap42.com.
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