Tarpon Bend's flagship location closing after helping revitalize a hip urban block

Tarpon Bend, the popular fish, burgers and brew destination has announced it will close its flagship restaurant at 200 SW Second St. in Fort Lauderdale's thriving Himmarshee district on Saturday.

The Coral Gables branch on newly renovated Miracle Mile will remain open as the sole Tarpon Bend.

South Florida.Com reports that the Broward location, opened since 1999, is closing because its parent company, the Restaurant People, sold the space to a real-estate development group, which has as-yet undisclosed plans for the spot.

Tarpon Bend, with its loft-like decor, live music performances and hip urban clientele, drew hearty lunchtime crowds of hungry workers to the area. At nights, the eatery would often serve as a pre-theater attraction for crowds attending touring Broadway shows or concerts at Broward Center for the Performing Arts a few blocks away.

In June, the Restaurant People plans to open Township, a beer garden/restaurant, on Andrews Avenue and many of Tarpon Bend's elements, including members of its staff, will define the new joint.

On Friday, a representative for the Restaurant People said some of the Tarpon Bend elements — though not the precise menu — will feature in the new venue, including some staff from Tarpon Bend.

As for Saturday, Tarpon Bend isn't throwing a goodbye bash — "it's kind of sad," after all — but expects a lot of regulars to turn out for one last Sizzling Seafood Kettle, Dolphin Reuben or Orange Dreamsicle drink.

This story was originally published May 18, 2018 at 12:44 PM with the headline "Tarpon Bend's flagship location closing after helping revitalize a hip urban block."