The Bell Tower in Fort Myers got a gorgeous new addition on Wednesday, May 14.
That’s when Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar made its impressive 10,366-square-foot, two-story debut.
“I’m so proud of how this turned out,” Alex Rudolph, executive vice president and managing partner of Tapco Restaurant Group, said. “We’re so excited about this space, about being here. We feel like the Bell Tower is a natural progression for us. It feels like a perfect Tap 42 space.”
It sure looks like it, too.
An upscale vibe is carried throughout, from the luscious Versace wallpaper, plush leather booths and sleek and modern bar downstairs to the greenery-fueled upstairs area featuring another long and lean bar, numerous seating areas and attention-getting murals (think flamingos and a martini-sipping alligator).
“It looks so nice during the day,” Rudolph said. “But at nighttime, it’s really special. With the lights, it’s something to see.”
The space, which once housed Johnny Rockets and Taste of New York’s before it was Society (and HaVen very briefly), emanates a warm, welcoming glow that gets more pronounced as the sun sets.
The two levels have been completely remodeled since Tapco Restaurant Group closed on the lease last July and began work in October.
“Everything you see is new,” Rudolph said. “Every fixture, every feature. The only thing structurally we did was open the bar, so you see it inside and out.”
Upscale and casual, all in one
And as impressive as the high-end wallpaper, coffered ceiling, mesmerizing lighting and dazzling chandeliers are, customers need not feel intimidated by it all.
“We feel like this brand resonates with everyone,” Rudolph said. “We are different things to different people. For some, it’s a great spot to come and watch sports. For others, it’s a casual lunch spot. It can also be an elegant dinner or date night restaurant. No matter what you’re looking for, we’re here to provide a great experience.”
This is the 12th Tap 42 overall and second in Southwest Florida behind the 8-month-old North Naples venue, which opened in AZN’s previous spot at Mercato Shops. The restaurant’s name comes from the first location that opened in Fort Lauderdale in 2011, with a beer wall and 42 taps.
Tap 42s have come a long way since.
‘One of the coolest places around’
“With each one, we try to elevate the design,” Rudolph said. “With this one, it’s the rooftop area. It’s the only one to have it. To be honest, the rooftop scared us a little at first. But we’re so happy about how it turned out. It’s now the thing we are most excited about. This space we know can’t be replicated. We think it’s one of the coolest places around.”
While the first-floor area is open daily, that upstairs space — aptly called The Rooftop — is available beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
“We will have live music on Wednesday and a DJ on Saturdays to start,” Rudolph said. “That will probably change though. We will see what works best. It’s our first time doing it. I feel the Fort Myers market loves live music.” And food.
Contemporary American cuisine on the menu
This location, which has a staff of about 90 in the front and back-of-house, has the same menu Tap 42s have become known for — contemporary American with a twist. The selection ranges from Philly cheesesteak egg rolls and spicy tuna tartare appetizers to a Cajun grilled mahi sandwich and lamb & beef blend burger. There are a handful of salads (Southern fried chicken, ahi tuna poke and Caesar included), along with chicken, seafood and steak entrees.
The crispy Asian calamari tower, wagyu steak & noodle bowl, truffle filet steak sandwich, burgers and grilled chicken avocado salad are among the most popular items.
“Our new (viral and trending) chopped chicken Caesar wrap is now one of the top sellers, too,” Rudolph said.
House-made desserts and a kids’ menu round out the offerings.
“We also pride ourselves on having a great beer selection,” Rudolph added. “We don’t have 42 beers on tap anymore. We’ve come a long way from that. But we are a place that has great beers. We have a ton of cocktails too. I think 16 signature ones, including the 1942 millionaire margarita (with a Don Julio 1942 mini bottle floater) and the peachy lychee (Grey Goose Essences peach, fresh lychee juice and lemon), which has always done well since day one.”
With all it offers, Rudolph hopes the Bell Tower location becomes a “one-stop shop for going out in Fort Myers.”
“You can have a drink upstairs, then come down for dinner when you’re ready,” he said. “Or it can be you have dinner downstairs and come upstairs for drinks after. We’ve pretty much got you covered either way.”
And did we mention it’s gorgeous?
Tap 42, 13499 S Cleveland Ave., Unit 221 in Bell Tower, Fort Myers; downstairs opens at 11:30 a.m. Monday to Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday; The Rooftop opens at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; (239) 291-9922; tap42.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: First look: Luxurious new restaurant opens in Fort Myers, rooftop bar included
Reporting by Robyn George, Fort Myers News-Press / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
