Owners Rocco Mangel & Big Time Restaurant Group (the company behind Big City Tavern) will open the doors to the third Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar on Saturday, February 19 on downtown Fort Lauderdale’s famed Las Olas Boulevard. The highly anticipated 6,600-square-foot indoor/outdoor restaurant will offer a full-sensory Mexican dining experience complete with live mariachi bands on occasion and free tequila pourings by Rocco himself. Diners can sample from over 225 varieties of tequila, nibble on guacamole prepared tableside and enjoy a traditional Mexican dinner at the playful restaurant that embodies the true spirit of Mexico.

Offering lunch, dinner and late night dining options seven days a week, Rocco’s Tacos is a welcomed addition to Broward County. “I’m excited to introduce Rocco’s Tacos to the Fort Lauderdale market, bringing the Rocco’s energy to an already thriving destination,” says owner Rocco Mangel.

Similar to the West Palm Beach and Boca Raton restaurants, the new location will offer a diverse menu with a distinct attention to detail including handmade corn tortillas cooked fresh on the restaurant’s Cormal, just as they’re made in kitchens throughout Mexico. Signature starters presented by Chef Adam Dombrowski include Esquitas (Mexican Street Corn) grilled with cotija cheese, cilantro and chile ‘d’arbol and the Camarones Patron with sautéed shrimp in tequila chipotle butter, scallions, tomatoes and nopales. Highlights of the main menu include California Fish Tacos, battered & fried mahi mahi with traditional cabbage slaw and jalapeno mayo, spicy white rice and black beans; Pollo Mole Poblano with grilled chicken breast, mole poblano, red rice, black beans and escabeche vegetables; and Carne con Chipotle, sliced flatiron steak grilled with smoky chipotle cream, sweet potato & spinach, and tomato salad.

Every Tuesday, guests can pick and choose from a selection of Rocco’s famed tacos from the Cochinitas Achiote (show roasted pork) or Hongos (mushroom) to Pesca (grilled or blacked mahi) and Carne Molida (spicy ground beef), to name a few, for their $14.95 all-you-can-eat Taco Tuesday celebration. The restaurant will also run daily happy hour specials with discounted drinks at the bar.

With seating available for up to 200 people, the restaurant is decorated with authentic Mexican flair purchased by Rocco himself at small villages throughout Mexico. Eight five oversized wicker lanterns adorn the trees outside the restaurant setting the scene as guests approach, while large hand crafted masks line the building to ward off evil spirits. Upon entering through the front door, guests are met with a colossal one-of-a-kind blown glass chandelier hanging above the reception area adding a touch of sparkle to the exposed brick walls and etched tin roof. Rocco’s signature star-shaped, punched-metal lantern chandeliers hang throughout the venue along with bright painted tribal masks and vintage movie posters. Unique to the Las Olas location is ‘The Wrestler Room,’ outfitted with images of famous Mexican luchadors, authentic black & white fight photos and a wall mural reading “Rocco vs Santo” – one of Mexico’s most celebrated wrestlers. The restaurant also has a 10-person private dining space, The Milagro Room, with glass encased display of Milagro’s vast selection of tequilas.

While the superior cuisine and cheerful décor have put the Rocco’s Tacos brand on the map, it’s Rocco’s “welcome to my house” attitude, contagious energy and show-stopping sense for creating an unforgettable experience that draws guests in again and again. When regulars hear the buzzword “Tequila!” echo through the restaurant, everyone prepares for Rocco to take his spot on the bar top, dancing feverishly in his legendary shiny-white shoes. The scene reads like one out of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, sans the angry bikers, Rocco steps on ‘stage’ with a bottle of Patron in hand, ready to pour into eager patron’s mouths. This exhilarating display of merriment has made Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar a cherished destination and this location will be no exception.

Hours: Lunch 7-days-a-week 11:30am – 4:00pm; Dinner Sun – Wed 4:00 pm – 11:00pm; Dinner Thurs – Sat 4:00 – Midnight; Late Night Taco Menu 7-days-a-week until 3:00am

The new Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar is located at 1313 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL. You can also visit Rocco in West Palm Beach (224 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL |561.650.1001) or Boca Raton (5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, FL | 561.416.2131). For more information: www.roccostacos.com or www.bigtimerestaurants.com.