You’ve seen it. That massive, industrial-chic patio at The Gardens Mall, usually packed with people who look like they’re having a way better time than you are while you’re just trying to buy a new pair of jeans. It’s loud, it’s vibrant, and honestly, it’s a little intimidating if you aren’t in the "know."
But here’s the thing: Tap 42 Palm Beach Gardens isn't just another mall restaurant where you settle for mediocre wings because your feet hurt from walking. It’s a beast of its own. It’s the kind of place that managed to win "Best Restaurant in South Florida" from the South Florida Business Journal for a reason. And no, it’s not just the $25 bottomless mimosas.
Actually, scratch that. The mimosas definitely help.
The Vibe Shift: Why This Location Hits Different
Walking into Tap 42 in Palm Beach Gardens feels like stepping out of a sanitized shopping center and into a high-energy urban gastropub. The lighting is moody. The decor is all reclaimed wood and metal. It feels expensive, but you’re allowed to wear a t-shirt.
You’ve got the massive bar right in the center, which basically acts as the heartbeat of the whole operation. If you’re coming here for a quiet, romantic first date where you want to hear each other whisper? Maybe pick somewhere else. This place is for the energy.
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The staff, people like Alex Cordero who regulars swear by, actually know their stuff. They aren't just reciting a script. They’ll tell you if the Salmon Crispy Rice is better than the Calamari Tower today (spoiler: they’re both ridiculous, but the towers are built for Instagram).
What to Actually Order (And What to Skip)
Everyone talks about the burgers. And look, the Prohibition Burger—with that sweet and salty mix of applewood bacon and secret sauce—is a classic for a reason. But if you’re only eating burgers here, you’re kinda missing the point.
The Drunken Goat is the real sleeper hit. It’s a lamb and beef blend with whipped goat cheese and a raspberry jam that sounds like it shouldn't work, but it absolutely does. It’s funky, sweet, and messy.
If you’re feeling "healthy" (or as healthy as you can be in a gastropub), the Grilled Salmon Zen Bowl is the move. It’s got pan-fried brown rice and a truffle miso glaze that makes you forget you’re eating vegetables. For the pescatarians out there, the Spicy Tuna Tartare with malanga chips is a legitimate highlight. The chips are thin, crispy, and way better than a standard tortilla chip.
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Whatever you do, don't leave without the Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding. It arrives swimming in salted caramel and vanilla bean ice cream. It is heavy. It is sugary. It is worth every single calorie.
The Strategy: How to Save Money
Let’s be real. Dining out in Palm Beach Gardens isn't cheap. If you just walk in on a Friday night and start ordering craft cocktails, your wallet is going to feel it. You have to play the game.
- The Monday Burger Bash: This is the gold standard. $5 off all burgers starting at 4:00 PM. You have to buy a drink to get the deal, but considering you were going to buy a beer anyway, it’s basically a free upgrade.
- Wine Wednesday: $20 off all bottles of wine all day. If you’re doing a girls' night or a mid-week celebration, this is the only time to do it.
- Happy Hour (Mon-Fri, 3 PM - 6 PM): This is when you’ll find $7 beers and $8 spirits. It’s the best way to sample the craft beer list without spending $11 a pint.
The Bottomless Brunch Chaos
Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM is when things get interesting. For $25, you get bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, or Funky Buddha Floridian.
It gets loud. There’s usually a DJ. People are dancing at their tables. It’s a scene. If you want a table, you’re going to want a reservation, or you’ll be standing by the bar staring longingly at someone else’s Chicken and Waffles for forty-five minutes.
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Practical Logistics
The address is 3101 PGA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. It’s located in the upper level East Wing of the mall.
Pro Tip: Park in Lot G. It’s the closest walk, and you won't have to navigate the entire mall interior just to get a drink.
Hours vary, but they’re generally open until 11:00 PM on weeknights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays they wrap up a bit earlier around 10:00 PM.
How to make the most of your visit
- Check the calendar. Don't show up on a Monday expecting a wine deal. Know the daily promotion before you sit down.
- Sit at the bar. If the dining room is packed, the bar staff is fast and the full menu is available there.
- Download the app. They have a loyalty program that actually gives you points you can use. If you live in the 561, it’s worth the 30 seconds of setup.
- Ask for recommendations. The draft list changes. The bartenders usually have a favorite new tap that isn't on the printed menu yet.
Stop treating Tap 42 like a mall food court option. It’s a destination. Whether you’re there for a $5-off burger or a three-hour bottomless brunch, just make sure you’re ready for the noise.
Next Steps for You:
If you're planning to head there this weekend, jump on their website and snag a reservation for brunch at least 48 hours in advance. If you're going for a weekday happy hour, aim to arrive by 4:30 PM to secure a spot on the patio before the post-work rush hits at 5:15 PM.