Where do Fort Lauderdale's young professionals go to make an ordinary evening feel extraordinary? Big City Tavern on Las Olas Boulevard knows how to make a regular out of you. The soundtrack includes Elvis, Chuck Berry and Sinatra. The relaxed ambiance is filled with stylishly attired folks laughing off the day. The warm décor makes you want to kick back and stay a while, with large banquette-style seating, wood floors, brick walls and high tin ceilings.

Although Big City Tavern, doesn't technically offer a happy hour, local "after 5-ers" have crowned this place the place to be. Alongside the ladies holding cosmopolitans and gents with martinis, you'll also find a mojito or two in the mix, as well as an international selection of beer and wines. Dine at the bar, or move your party to a table for an unforgettable meal.

Chef Marlon Reddie has crafted a sublime menu. Starters that our group personally enjoyed included Littleneck Clams in White Wine Sauce ($12.50), Shrimp and Shiitake Potstickers ($10.50) as well as the Sliced Seared Rare Tuna ($11.50). Salads, sandwiches and pizzas range from the deliciously familiar to the deliciously unique.

The varied palates of our group fell in love with Big City Tavern's Rigatoni with Chicken ($17), Traditional Pad Thai ($17), Thai Marinated Sea Bass ($28) and Dry Aged NY Strip ($33). The Pad Thai and Rigatoni, for instance, tasted refreshingly authentic. The certified angus steak was tender and cooked to perfection. We asked for "medium" and that's what arrived. The Sea Bass featured beautifully matched sides, including jasmine rice and baby bok choy.

In fact, nothing here seemed like an afterthought. At the same time, nothing seemed forced. No "shiny happy" servers or old street signs on the walls. At Big City Tavern, style, taste and good times just naturally fall into place.

Big City Tavern is open seven days and week for lunch and dinner, the restaurant is located at 609 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale. For information, please call, 954.727.0307 or visit www.bigtimerestaurants.com