No, it's not another bad joke. It's good news actually. The guy is Sam, a Hollywood resident and also the first customer to order a brew at the newly-opened Riverside Market South in Fort Lauderdale. And his craft beer of choice: Due South's Category 5 IPA. Yes, beer lovers, Riverside Market South is open — sort of.
In early May, the Keg on Sixth — an old converted gas station turned beer bar and restaurant located at 3218 SE Sixth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale — officially closed its doors. Sadly, the business called it quits after just one year and had been listed for sale for several weeks.
But all was not lost. Instead, husband-and-wife craft beer team Julian and Lisa Siegel, owners of the city's now-famous and beloved Riverside Market, decided to take over operations. The two immediately began planning to re-open the off-the-beaten-path location as Riverside Market South, a second location to their popular beer bar and restaurant.
On Friday, July 10, Riverside Market South opened its doors — "by accident" according to an administrative Facebook statement.
So this dude, Sammy, walks in and wants to buy a beer. First customer, first sale is a Due South Category 5 IPA. Anyone else want to stop by?
Posted by Riverside Market South on Friday, July 10, 2015
A comment from Riverside Market on the same day went on to explain: "We are not officially open, but the beer is here, we are here, and the place looks good. We are looking to have a soft opening on Tuesday, but give us a call (954)524-8986 No food yet!"
As of now, that soft opening has been slated for Wednesday, July 15, when the restaurant is also expected to begin serving food.
According to Siegel, Riverside Market South will be open for both lunch and dinner with an expanded food menu that includes some of the original Riverside Market's signature dishes, like barbecue chicken pizza, fish tacos, and the North Fork sandwich.
The new space also features more than 300 craft beers by the bottle, and another 28 on draft.
"Riverside Market has reached a period of necessary expansion for quite some time now," Siegel has said. "The new location is not as hidden as the original Riverside, there are no parking challenges, and we will have fun adding the Riverside touches. We plan on maintaining our honor system with the self-service bottles and a cutting-edge draft selection."
Riverside Market South is located at 3218 SE Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-524-8986.
Nicole Danna is a food writer 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 the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.
