Taste Of The Town Gets Crafty At American Social
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - It's a throwback to Old Glory, with a modern twist at American Social on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.
College buddies Ricky Mijares and Paul Greenburg patterned their busy bar and restaurant after classic Chicago pubs.
"The name inspires us to go into color schemes, the Life Magazines on the wall, the Chicago bricks and the beer. When the name became a reality, the ideas and concept and juices started flowing. Now the beers are flowing," Ricky Mijares told CBS4's Lisa Petrillo.
With 54 beers on tap, American Social offers "serve-yourself" brews at the draft wall, or you can pour your pint at one of the self-serve beer tables.
"It only measures what you pour. You pay the exact same thing you'd pay using it as if you ordered from the bar," Ricky said.
Everywhere you look there's a taste of Americana, from timeless Time Magazine covers on the walls to the food on your plate. If it's Tuesday ribs are five bucks.
"We want to have the best of everything. Everything is homemade. Same with the cocktails and the beers we choose. They are all hand selected," said Mijares.
Chef Kurt brought out his Miso Seas bass with wasabi mashed potatoes and cucumber relish.
"That's not pub food, that's fancy food," declared Petrillo.
Hawaiian Pokey Tuna Tartar was next, stacked with crispy fried wasabi wontons and guacamole.
"It's spicy and crunchy from the wontons," said Petrillo. "That's a great appetizer or meal."
Lastly, Petrillo tried the walloping Surf and Turf Burger. It's an 8 ounce burger topped with lobster chunks and grilled asparagus.
"That's a mouthful and that is good!" said Petrillo.
So whether you come for the food, the beer, or both, Ricky hopes your experience at American Social will leave you feeling like you've come home again.
"I want you to feel like you've left friends or family," said Ricky. "You've had a great time and you will say those are nice people. I want to go back."
