Sammy J’s upscale sports pub replacing Tilted Kilt
The new Sammy J’s in Boca Raton steams Prince Edward Island mussels in sake with wakame seaweed and sweet butter.
Sammy J’s Kitchen + Cocktails
Co-owner Samir Changela quietly opened this new concept in late October, four years after debuting Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery in the same spot as a franchisee of the national chain.
“We wanted to create a more upscale, yet relaxed dining experience, which can be enjoyed by the entire family,” he says. “Not being a franchised restaurant gives us the freedom to listen to our guests and give them what they want and suggest. It allows us to have our own voice. I am most excited to control all aspects of the restaurant, from menu creation and decor to marketing and event planning.”
Gone are the waitresses in short, plaid Scottish skirts and matching bras but not the fleet of TVs — 35, to be exact.
“Many casual dining restaurants now have TVs so that guests can enjoy their favorite team. However, their menu leaves some things to be desired,” Changela says. “I wouldn’t consider Sammy J’s a sports bar but instead the neighborhood gathering place. Our fresh, fromscratch, upscale menu and decor set us apart from the typical sports bar.”
Highlights of the seasonal, modern American lineup include tropical shrimp cocktails ($14), a Butcher’s Blend Burger with horseradish aioli ($14), the Boca Chop Salad with shrimp, bacon and cider vinaigrette ($16), buttermilk-poached fried half chicken ($18), fried chicken and waffle with sweet chili syrup ($18) and shrimp and grits ($18). Slow-roasted prime rib is available Thursday through Saturday nights (10 ounces, $26; 14 ounces, $32).
The cocktails are seasonal too, with caramel apple mule ($9) and walnut old fashioned ($11) featured for the fall. A rectangular indoor-outdoor bar also boasts 44 draft beers and a broad selection of whiskeys.
“Our main colors are a variation of light and dark grays with accents of soft blues. We also have custom-made, powder-coated steel decorative partitions to separate the different dining areas,” Changela says. “There is a lounge area that we call the living room with couches and lounge chairs with cocktail tables for a more casual feel. The side covered patio is large and can accommodate seating for over 70 people. It is decorated in a backyard theme with string patio lighting, teak wood picnic tables and high-top dining tables.”
The owners turned to Boca Raton Historical Society to complete their décor.
“The restaurant was built on an outparcel of the Boca Raton Airport. We learned the entire property used to be a World War II military base,” Changela says. “We decided to use vintage pictures of old Boca Raton to decorate some wall space.”
A digital jukebox and chalkboard drink menus echo the vintage flair. Lunch and dinner will be served daily, and weekend brunch is available.