Racks Downtown Eatery and Tavern

• Cuisine(s): American, Comfort Foods, Gastro Pub, Seafood
  Hours: Daily 11:30am-3:30pm, Sun-Wed 5:30pm-10:30pm, Thu-Sat 5:30pm-12am
  Price: $, $$
• Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover
  Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Takeout, Kid Friendly, Vegetarian Friendly
  Serving: Dinner, Lunch
• Alcohol: Beer/Wine, Full bar
  Reservations: Accepted
  Parking: Free, Garage, Street, Valet

Description

An odd juxtaposition of populist food and elaborate décor, Rack's Downtown Eatery and Tavern has been drawing buzz for its $4 million price tag since it opened in Mizner park. The restaurant's wide selection of mostly casual American comfort food is a touch on the predictable side, but it's well worth the cost thanks to a menu that's both approachable and well-executed. The decor is a striking mix of timeless themes and hip accents that would feel at home in New York or Los Angeles. Pair that with pristine seafood from the raw bar, like Blue Point oysters served on the half shell or fresh Maine lobster topping giant cobb salads and club sandwiches. Owner Gary Rack is known for pizza, but skip the version here in favor of the "three napkin" burger, a messy beast topped with a fried egg. More must tries: A pitch perfect French onion soup, dewy wild salmon roasted in the wood oven, and a version of trout almondine that pairs moist, crisp-crusted fish with a Summery succotash of lima beans and yellow corn. Outstanding.