We could barely contain our excitement! From restaurateur Matias Pagano and The KAO Group, the minds behind South America’s renowned Sushi Club concepts, Coral Gables’ KAO Sushi & Grill and Boca Raton’s J&J Fresh Kitchen, comes KAO Bar & Grill – a two-story container restaurant in Hallandale Beach. Following a ribbon cutting ceremony, live music and grilling, the new concept has finally arrived to offer a flavorful Argentine grill-inspired menu.
Now you may be wondering, what exactly is a container restaurant? Adding a contemporary and vibrant spin to the neighborhood, the entire restaurant is made from old shipping containers, which have been repurposed and hand-painted with murals by artist Falopapas.
Accented with natural wood, plush lounge seating and soft ambient lighting, the 5,000 square-foot structure features an alfresco patio anchored by a 14-seat bar, offering a wide selection of beers, wines and craft cocktails. A rotating roster of live entertainment will take over the KAO Bar & Grill for guests to take in the sights and sounds of while enjoying their favorite libation.
Floor-to-ceiling windows also surround the walls of the main dining room, creating an inviting atmosphere for people to feel connected to the outdoors.
“We’re thrilled to bring our first container restaurant project to Hallandale and to share our passion for Argentine and American cuisine with the community,” said co-founder Matias Pagano in a release. “We’ve worked hard to create a welcoming space that’s perfect for gathering with friends and family, enjoying great food, and making memories. We can’t wait for everyone to experience it for themselves!”
Ahead of the grand opening on Thursday, May 18, the owners hosted a special ribbon cutting ceremony with live music, Argentine grilling stations and more. Representatives from Argentina and the City of Hallandale Beach, including City Manager Dr. Jeremy Earle, Mayor Joy Cooper and Consul Adjunto of Argentina Matías Valverde, were among those in attendance.
As for the food, the restaurant will fuse Argentine and American flavors and dishes. Think: flavor-packed empanada tablitas, or platters; Argentine-style prosciutto pizza; tango sliders; fired-up grilled meats with homemade chimichurri and so much more!
The offerings pair perfectly with the list of unique handcrafted drinks and delicious desserts such as churros served with ganache or dulce de leche, a skillet chocolate chip cookie or a light and airy tres leches.
KAO Bar & Grill is located at 11 NE First Ave. in Hallandale Beach. It is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Happy hour will run Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.