ROK:BRGR
208 SW 2nd Street., Ft. Lauderdale, FL
954-525-7656
I first visited and reviewed Rok:Brgr about nine months ago when they were still a fairly new kid on the block and there was a lot of positive buzz about the new gastropub in Himmarshee. Since that visit, many other gourmet burger spots have burst onto the scene, and at times, it almost seems like a sort of “burger wars” has descended upon us. I decided to return to Rok:Brgr to find out whether my initial impression—which was excellent indeed—would be confirmed.
On a Sunday evening at about 7:30p.m., we arrived at Rok:Brgr to find the pub filled with people and lively conversation. There was not a seat to be had at the bar, but very quickly a young server came over and informed us she could put two small tables together for the four of us. If crowds are a testament to a restaurant’s quality, then Rok:Brgr has nothing to worry about!
We ordered cocktails and specialty beers from the menu’s impressive list and began to discuss our level of hunger. We all decided that a couple of starters were needed as it looked as though it would take us some time to read and to decide from the menu’s many burger options. Tempura Battered Zuchini ($6.00) and Fried Pickles ($5.00) were ordered as we settled in to sip our drinks and discuss our options. Our starters arrived in timely fashion, and the kitchen at Rok:Brgr knows how to handle deep frying. Neither of our choices were at all greasy; instead they were delightfully crunchy on the exterior and soft and juicy on the interior. The dips that accompanied each choice, a garlic aioli for the zucchini and a smoked ranch dip for the pickles, added a bit of cool zest to the crunchy goodies we had chosen. We liked both of them.
When it was time to order sandwiches, I opted for the Chicken Dance ($12.00), a ten-ounce chicken burger topped with provolone cheese, hickory smoked bacon, tomato, lettuce, and red onion on a sesame bun. When it arrived with its own little fryer basket of hand-cut French fries – which are superb– it was a sight to behold. I cut it in half so I could manage it better, and that was first sign that this was going to be good. The chicken burger was juicy, not at all dried out as can often be the case with poultry. Flavorful and juicy, it was messy to eat, but that’s part of the fun at Rok:Brgr. No pinkies up here! I particularly liked the mayo as an alternative to traditional catsup and mustard. It added flavor while not overpowering the chicken or the cheese.
The sudden quiet at the table let me know that everyone, not just me, was enjoying his selected sandwich. One friend built a burger from the Burger Bar side of the menu, starting with a certified Angus beef patty ($9.00) and then adding cave aged gruyere ($1.50), exotic mushrooms ($1.50), and avocado ($.50). He ordered it cooked medium, and it arrived perfectly grilled. He nodded “yes” when asked, indicating his delight in his personally built burger.
The boyfriend ordered a feature in honor of the holiday: a Thanksgiving burger ($12.00). A turkey burger was topped withcranberry cheddar cheese, stuffing, and the traditional toppings. He loved it and its texture and flavor combinations. The fourth in our party decided that Las Olas ($16.00) was calling his name.
This one offers a ten-ounce waygu kobe beef burger that is topped by cave-aged gruyere, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli on a brioche bun. Once again, it was grilled to perfectly pink medium. He commented that the onions were the star as their sweetness offered a great flavor element to his sandwich.
So, am I still impressed with Rok:Brgr? Absolutely. It’s a fun, noisy, happening place with food that fits its funky pub atmosphere. Sometimes we all just need to put down the knives and forks and eat with our hands. That is exactly what Rok:Brgr invites you to do. No pretense, no ceremony – just darn good food and a fun vibe that almost dares you not to have a good time!