The Team Behind Tap 42 Finally Debuts Their Latest Restaurant, Bar Rita

After years of anticipation — four, to be exact — the Tap 42 founders, have officially opened the doors to their latest restaurant, Bar Rita at 1401 S Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.

The restaurant and bar is much in vein with Tap 42, and offers both an expansive food and drink menu — this time with a Mexican influence. For cuisine guests can expect dishes like fajitas made with everything from carnitas to cauliflower, build-your-own bodega bowls, and a selection of tacos like truffle barbacoa and carne asada cheesesteak. As for cocktails think a tequila heavy menu focused on the namesake margarita or the Mexican Old Fashioned.

Owned and operated by Sean and Blaise McMackin; executive chef, Andrew Balick; COO, Andy Yeager; and partner, Damon DeWeerdt, the group bought the land for the property back in 2014, and rumors quickly circulated by its seemingly never-ending delay in opening.

“The truth,” says Yeager, “is that the city couldn’t have been more supportive of this project. Our delay was in many ways, a strategic one, as we had an opportunity to further invest in abutting commercial real estate in our neighborhood, which we now own and have neighboring lots under control through our local partnership.”

That investment Yeager is mentioning is the massive expansion of Tap 42 in South Florida. Over the past four years the Tap 42 has opened four new locations, in addition to the original Fort Lauderdale location, in Boca Raton, Coral Gables, Midtown Miami, and most recently, at Aventura Mall.

The Bar Rita space itself is also designed by Sean and Blaise McMackin, who spearheaded the interior and exterior design work both for the Tap 42 expansion. The 5,500 square foot space, including the 2,000 square feet outdoor patio and bar, features modern Mexican design elements along with more classic features.

The restaurant and bar is now open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. For more information call 954-990-6658.