Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar

If you think Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar is just another burger and beer joint, think again. The Florida-based restaurant does have a fantastic selection of beer on tap, but they also have an outstanding craft cocktail program and an extensive, upscale food menu that will keep you coming back for more.

Tap 42’s first restaurant opened in Fort Lauderdale in 2011. They have since expanded to 12 locations including two in Southwest Florida. In Naples, find Tap 42 at Mercato. The newest restaurant is at Bell Tower in Fort Myers, and it is massive.

There is a large wraparound bar inside surrounded by lots of tables and booths. An expansive patio allows for outdoor seating, and the Fort Myers location’s second- floor, open-air bar, The Rooftop, is a great place for cocktails, entertainment and a newly added lineup of appetizers.

Besides the inviting atmosphere in both locations, patrons return for what Tap 42 is turning out of the kitchen on a consistent basis.

“The menu is diverse with something for everyone,” said Alex Rudolph, Tap 42 partner and executive vice president. “We have some fun and unique takes on contemporary food.”

Take for instance, the Crispy Asian Calamari Tower. Here, the calamari comes in thick strips, stacked in a tower like the game, Jenga. The strips are lightly breaded and exceptionally tender. They are surrounded by Asian slaw. The dish is topped with a flavorful sesame ginger drizzle and comes with a tangy sweet and sour sauce.

Truffle Street Corn Guacamole dip is another starter that turns heads. It might sound odd at first, but at first bite, you’ll fall in love. Tap 42’s guacamole is layered with charred corn and truffle crema. It’s topped with cotija cheese crumbles and chili-lime spice.

The salads at Tap 42 are not for the faint of heart. They are big and they are loaded with fresh ingredients. Salads range from Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with macadamia nuts and mango vinaigrette to the signature Tap 42 Chopped Salad tossed in creamy tomatillo ranch dressing. All the dressings are made in house.

The Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is another favorite. Mixed greens are adorned with sliced chicken, charred corn, black beans, manchego cheese and more. The dressing is a cilantro-lime vinaigrette.

The sandwiches are just as impressive and sizeable as the salads. One has even gone viral on social media. The Chopped Chicken Caesar Wrap is like none you’ve likely had before. Chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan- Reggiano cheese and focaccia croutons are chopped together and tossed with house-made dressing before getting wrapped neatly in a flour tortilla. It is great tasting and a great value, too.

The burgers are also outstanding. Rudolph says Tap 42 is well-known for The Prohibition and The Big Smash burgers. Thick and juicy, The Prohibition is draped with white cheddar, bacon, dijonnaise and a secret sauce.

The Big Smash has American cheese, caramelized onion and thick-cut peppered bacon for a salty and spicy pop. It’s topped with a signature smash sauce. The burgers and sandwiches come with crispy fries on the side.

Tap 42 has a variety of bowls on the popular entrée list. They include the California Chopped Chicken Bowl, which is loaded with protein like Bell & Evans chicken breast and black beans. Cilantro rice serves as the base of this bowl. The Grilled Salmon Zen Bowl is also wildly popular. A thick-cut salmon filet is glazed with truffle miso and put on top of pan-fried brown rice and a green vegetable stir-fry.

Rudolph says if you are a baby back rib fan, you’re in for a treat at Tap 42. “They are not like other places,” he said. “They are bigger and thicker, and the meat just falls off the bone.”

Beef lovers have an ample selection as well. The New York Strip is 14 ounces of certified angus beef. It is flame grilled for extra flavor. So is the center cut Prime Chimichurri Skirt Steak. It’s prepared with sweet plantains and garlic mojo.

Many of the items that are plated with entrées and even appetizers can be ordered as sides too. Favorites such as those plantains and Asian slaw. But the Truffle Mac & Cheese is a must have.

Desserts are made in house and Key Lime Pie is a signature. Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding is decadent with vanilla bean ice cream, while Strawberry Shortcake Tres Leches is slightly on the lighter side.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday. It includes regular menu favorites along with several breakfast items. A new Baja Breakfast Burrito was recently added. Also enjoy $25 bottomless Bloody Mary’s, mimosas and Funky Buddha Floridian beer for brunch.

There are currently 21 beers on tap, many of them local and from other areas of Florida. Tap 42’s bar program has an extensive selection of craft margaritas. They include ingredients such as prickly pear and basil syrup, or toasted coconut and lychee, along with more traditional creations.

Peachy Lychee is a favorite martini. It’s made with Grey Goose Essence Peach, fresh lychee juice and lemon. Matcha is a hot ingredient right now, so the Strawberry Matcha-Tini has become quite popular. It features vodka, matcha, Licor 43 and strawberry cold foam.

The classic Mule On Tap is refreshing and just right every time. There is a curated selection of shots as well. The Hangover Cure includes CBD-infused Butterfly Pea Tea with vodka and peach. Or, if you have a favorite cocktail, order a pitcher for the table.

Happy Hour specials on select drinks are offered Mondays through Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m.

Tap 42 takes great pride in hospitality and it shows. The restaurant team goes out of their way to make sure patrons have an experience that will keep them coming back. From the food to the drinks to the service and affordability, it’s a winning combination.

Tap 42 is located at Bell Tower in Fort Myers and Mercato in Naples. Indoor and outdoor seating is available at both locations, as well as space for large and private parties. Catering is also available. The restaurants are open Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bottomless Brunch is offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Fort Myers at 239-291-9922, Naples at 239-399-3313 or visit Tap42.com.