by Big Vince
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by Big Vince
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She was ready to burn a hole on the dance floor. The blues band was jamming, the bar vibe lively, and she was dressed to slay in trim-fit white slacks, platinum hair sleek.
On any other night, she might have been catching up on “Golden Girls” reruns. But on this recent weeknight at the newly opened Double Roads Tavern, she swayed her hips before my dining companion in hopes of luring him to the dance floor.
The interior of the new Double Roads Tavern in Jupiter. (Richard Graulich / The Palm Beach Post)
She had serious competition – there was a big, juicy burger on the table before the would-be dance partner. And it was a good burger. So the dancing temptress shimmied over to the next guy, who did give in to the live beats.
There are many reasons to click off the tube and venture into Double Roads: the music, the bar food, the lively mix of locals. But it is the sum of those factors that drives this tavern.
It’s a place that feels like it has been here for ages, earned its bar patina and festive clientele. But in fact Double Roads has anchored this highway-front patch of Jupiter for a mere two months. So I’ll take the bustling scene I witnessed on my most recent visit as a sign the place is doing something right. (I reviewed the previous eateries that occupied this space – Gourmet Burger Company and later Red Corner. Both were enjoyable, but never packed.)
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Gumbo with shrimp, chicken and sausage is served at the new Double Roads Tavern in Jupiter. (Richard Graulich / The Palm … Read More
What’s the secret ingredient here? The owner. Double Roads, named after the double dirt road that led to 1960s-era beach bonfire bashes in the area, is the domain of local bluesman-turned-restaurateur Vince Flora, of Big Vince and the Phat Cats fame.
Between walls lined with retro album covers, he has built a kind of shrine to live local music. He has filled the space with blues nights, jazz Sundays, a little funk, and a range of rhythms in between. He’s pouring craft beers, including some South Florida favorites, a small but interesting selection of wines. He’s flame-broiling burgers and serving hearty gumbo. But mostly he’s offering locals a hangout that feels familiar and accessible.
Double Roads is neither a dismal dive bar nor a hipster gastro pub. Sure, there’s decent grub, but not the fussy kind.
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Co-owners Vince and Kelly Flora stand in front of a wall of record album covers inside their new Double Roads Tavern … Read More
This is a spot with pretty decent fish dip, a warming cheese skillet with crab that hits the spot, good sandwiches, hefty salads and an ample selection of entrees.
The Cheeseburger with Rock ‘n Roll Sauce is a terrific choice, a fresh, nicely seasoned, 11-ounce patty that’s flame-broiled and served with lettuce, tomato, red onion slices, thick-cut fries (or tangy coleslaw), and a kicky dipping sauce.
Another delicious bite: the Crispy Buffalo Sandwich, a crispy outside and moist inside chicken fillet that’s coated with (but not overpowered by) Buffalo wings seasoning and served with a blue cheese dipping sauce. This was the best bite I sampled during my two visits.
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The new Double Roads Tavern in Jupiter. (Richard Graulich / The Palm Beach Post)
That gumbo I mentioned? Served in an oversized bowl, it’s a rib-sticking, slightly smoky stew swimming with fresh shrimp, chicken and spicy sausage ($14.95).
We found the night’s fresh catch, mahi mahi, to be less impressive. While it was fresh, abundant and showing nice grill marks, it proved to be slightly dry. And it seemed plain, arranged over a small mound of rice pilaf and string beans. It begged for some sauce, herbs, lemons, something.
The blackened version of the fish was a better choice, as a sandwich. It reinforced my hunch that the way to go here is the small-bites and sandwich route.
That the food choices are good is a bonus at a blues bar. The real reason to visit is the vibe.
As for the service, the staff is efficient and friendly and does its best to accommodate your party’s seating needs. But on busy weekend nights, hosts will seat a party of three or four at a table truly meant for two. Then again, what’s a little elbow-to-elbow seating when the music’s good and the drinks are flowing? Besides, you just may have a better view of the dance floor action.
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