Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar held the grand opening of their new Broward location on Friday, Feb. 18. The new location sits on the busy Las Olas Boulevard and featured a private VIP, invite-only reception from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The VIP reception featured an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a step and repeat for photos, and a live mariachi band. The evening’s energetic festivities then opened to the public at 8 p.m.  Owner Rocco Mangel enthusiastically poured drinks for guests while occasionally taking the microphone to interact with the crowd.

Rocco’s officially opened for business Saturday, Feb. 19. Mangel has partnered with the Big Time Restaurant Group to open this third Rocco’s location. Diners can sample from over 225 varieties of tequila and enjoy their guacamole prepared table-side. Rocco’s will be open seven days a week, offering lunch, dinner, and late night dining options. Chef Adam Dombrowski has conjured up a number of unique dishes like the Camarones Patron; sautéed shrimp in tequila chipotle butter, scallions, tomatoes and nopales.

The restaurant’s decor is a mixture of colorful artwork, traditional Mexican flair, and unique, whimsical touches. The most breathtaking piece is a colossal one-of-a-kind blown glass chandelier that hangs over the reception area. The space also features day-of-the-dead figurines, black & white photos of Frida Kahlo, metal lantern chandeliers, and memorabilia of Mexican luchadors. The vibrant decor is contrasted by warm lighting and brick walls, allowing the space to be visually stimulating by also intimate and inviting.

Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar; 1313 East Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33301 ; 954-524-9550; www.roccostacos.com

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