Coral Springs, FL, August 12, 2024: An upscale “Boca Style” restaurant has opened in Coral Springs. TACOCRAFT Taqueria and Tequila Bar will be the hottest hangout spot.

I was always skeptical that the city of Coral Springs could fulfill its promise of a vibrant downtown.

The Downtown Complex got off to a bad start a few years ago with a poorly located building that was closer to the street than the lamp posts on the southwest corner of Sample and University. The people involved walked a fine line financially. They were local developers with access to certain city council members who tried their best to accommodate them. Unfortunately, the development of downtown Coral Springs went awry and I had little hope for the promises to make downtown Coral Springs similar to Mizner Park.

Then came MillCreek with Cornerstone Downtown Coral Springs, owned by Predesco Property Investments, LLC. Described as “a luxury mixed-use apartment community in the heart of vibrant Coral Springs,” a real developer had emerged instead of amateurs. Millcreek’s residential developers own properties nationwide and wanted to bring their charm to our city.

I wondered if they could deliver. The apartments in phase one have been completed and phase two has started – when will the restaurants and shops come into the complex? How can they be sure?

Enter Tacocraft, a taqueria and tequila bar. The first restaurant and tenant to open in Modera.

Now I know that Downtown Coral Springs really exists.

It’s not just that a restaurant finally opened its doors last week; it’s the feeling you get when you’re at Tacocraft that this is an oasis in the city, unlike any other restaurant before it. It feels like we’ve finally achieved something similar to Mizner Park in Boca Raton. Aside from a few restaurants in our city, Tacocraft has actually invested in furniture and interior design. Beautiful interior and very well planned.

Apparently they did a comprehensive market study and realized that Coral Springs lacks a street bar and upscale, classic interior design.

Tacocraft stands out for its unique dining experience. They offer an impressive margarita menu with over 130 varieties of tequila and mezcal. They even offer Patrón Gran Burdeos for $110 a shot! Make way, Pappy Van Winkle.

Tacocraft’s extensive menu offers a wide variety of different taco combinations. And that’s not all: there are steaks and of course fajitas with their own cheese topping. Even more impressive is their keto option for those on a low-sugar diet – the lettuce-wrapped tacos.

The entire staff is well trained. A week after opening, I was pleasantly surprised at how well organized the kitchen was and how the food was prepared on time. The delivery guys took care of the deliveries, while the servers, like Melissa, a Coral Springs resident, were professional and well-informed about the menu offerings.

It was a hive of activity. There is no doubt that this will be the central meeting place in Coral Springs.