What to Order at Black Jack’s If You’re a First Timer
Your First Visit Should Hit Different
Walking into Black Jack’s for the first time can be a little overwhelming — in the best way. The walls feel like a ship’s galley crossed with a neighborhood bar. The scent of grilled meat and citrus hits you before you even sit down. And the menu? It is stacked with bold flavors, big portions, and Caribbean soul.
But if you have never been here before, where do you even start?
That is what this guide is for. Whether you came because a neighbor told you, you saw us on Google, or you were just craving something with rum and fire, we are glad you made it. Now let’s make sure your first order lives up to the hype.
This is not about trends. It is about taste. It is about what Black Jack’s does best — the drinks, the bites, and the dishes that keep people coming back. The ones that turn first timers into regulars.
Let’s eat.
Start with a Cocktail
If you want to understand what Black Jack’s is all about, start with the drink in your hand. We are a rum bar at heart, and our cocktails tell you that story in the first sip.
The Shipwreck is where most first timers begin. It is our signature drink and the only cocktail that comes two for oneduring happy hour. But value is not the main reason people order it. It is the balance. The bold pour. The tropical notes that somehow still feel grown up. It is the kind of drink that goes with just about everything and sets the mood for the night.
If you are in the mood to explore, go deeper. The Davie Jones’ Locker is a showstopper — layered rums, golden falernum, and a flaming lime that draws every eye in the room. It is bold without being heavy, and it was built for people who want to try something unforgettable.
The Black Cherry Rum Old Fashioned leans richer and darker. If you are more of a whiskey drinker but want to lean into the rum game, this is the move. Chocolate bitters and dark fruit round it out and make it a perfect pairing with ribs or steak.
Looking for something lighter? The Monkey Bite brings scotch and pear liqueur together with lemon and ginger. It is bright, balanced, and unexpectedly smooth.
And if you are not drinking, we still have you covered. The Virgin Mojito and Sparkling Tropical bring just as much flavor and care to the table — minus the alcohol.
One drink in, and you will start to get it. This place is not just about eating. It is about setting the tone.
Appetizers You Shouldn’t Skip
You can tell a lot about a restaurant by how it starts the meal. And at Black Jack’s, the opening act always brings the flavor.
If you are here for the first time, the conch fritters are non-negotiable. They come out golden and crisp, with a tender, savory center and just enough kick to wake up your taste buds. We serve them with a zesty dipping sauce and a wedge of lime, because a little citrus cuts the richness just right.
Next up — the jerk wings. These are not your average bar wings. Ours are grilled, not fried, then coated in a housemade jerk rub that is smoky, spicy, and just a little sweet. You will want extra napkins. You will not want to share.
If you are looking for something crispy and craveable, the Cuban “cigar” spring rolls are a sleeper hit. Rolled tight and fried to perfection, these little guys are packed with bold, meaty flavor and make the perfect companion to a rum cocktail.
And during happy hour, all of these bar bites get even better. Most are featured on our specials menu at a price that makes it easy to try two or three. That way, you can do what we recommend most — order for the table and let everyone grab a bite.
These are not appetizers designed to stall. They are meant to build anticipation. To set the bar. To say this is what Black Jack’s is about.
Entrées That Tell the Full Story
When it comes to entrées, we do not do subtle. At Black Jack’s, your plate should tell you something the second it hits the table. That this is not just another meal. That someone in the kitchen gives a damn. That you are about to eat something with flavor, weight, and purpose.
Start with the fish and chips. It is one of our most popular dishes for a reason. The batter is light and shatter-crisp, clinging to fresh snapper — not haddock, not pollock, not filler — but real, flavorful fish with a clean taste and delicate flake. It comes with fries, house slaw, and a dipping sauce that pulls the whole thing together. It is satisfying, it is simple, and it is done exactly right.
Then there is the FRITA burger. This is not your standard pub burger. Ours is made with a blend of prime beef and chorizo, stacked with spicy ketchup and crispy potato straws. It is juicy, savory, and a little messy, which is how the best burgers usually are. Order it with fries or plantains and make no apologies.
For something that goes deep into flavor, try the mojo pork. Slow-cooked, marinated, and served with bold seasoning, it is the kind of dish that sneaks up on you. Each bite pulls you further into the plate. Pair it with rice and beans or veggies and let it ride.
And if you happen to be here on a Wednesday, there is only one move: the prime rib night. Fourteen ounces. Juicy and tender. Served with grilled shrimp, mashed potatoes, and Caribbean vegetables. For twenty five bucks. This is the kind of deal you do not find just anywhere in South Florida, let alone at a place with cocktails this good.
These are the dishes that define us. They are the reason people come back. They are the answer to what makes Black Jack’s one of the best restaurants in Davie.
Save Room for The Hidden Gems
The big hits get a lot of love. But if you stop at the most obvious dishes, you will miss some of the sleeper stars that regulars know by heart.
The grilled chicken and pineapple salad is one of them. It is fresh and filling but never boring. The chicken comes hot off the grill, layered over crisp greens and sweet pineapple with just enough acidity to balance it all out. It is the kind of dish that makes you feel good after you eat it and still tastes like something special. Especially if you pair it with a citrusy cocktail or one of our zero-proof options.
Then there are the empanadas. You can choose beef, chicken, or spinach. All hand-pressed and golden brown. They are small but mighty. Perfect as a side or a light meal on their own. Dunk them in sauce and you will start wondering why you did not order more.
For those looking to explore the bar side of things, we always recommend trying a rum flight. Ask your bartender to build one around your taste — something smooth, something spiced, something that opens the door to what rum can be when it is not buried in sugar. It is a great way to learn something new and find a favorite you will come back for.
Not everything on our menu shouts for attention. Some things just speak quietly and stick with you long after.
Bring a Friend and a Plan
The best way to experience Black Jack’s for the first time? Bring someone with you and split everything. That is not just a suggestion. It is strategy.
Our portions are generous. The menu is built for sharing. And the vibe gets better when the table is full of drinks, plates, and people passing bites back and forth.
Start at the bar with a Shipwreck while you decide. Order two appetizers and trade halfway through. Share a prime rib and a burger. Go half and half on sides. You will get to taste more and you will start to understand why our regulars have a hard time picking a favorite.
And if the weather is right, ask for a seat on the deck. Our outdoor space has a 200 inch screen for games, special events, and the occasional movie night. It is covered, breezy, and feels like the best seat in the house without being fancy about it.
Want to feel like a local from day one? Ask about the Captain’s Card. If you live, work, or study nearby, you might qualify for 10 percent off every visit — no app, no sign-up, just a sleek black card you can show at the table. And if you like to earn rewards, sign up for Shipwreck Rewards and start stacking points from the jump.
The food is great solo. But it is even better when shared. Come with a plan. Leave with a new favorite.
Wrap It Up
There is no wrong way to do your first visit at Black Jack’s. But there are definitely a few dishes and drinks that will make sure you get it right.
Start with the Shipwreck. Try the fritters. Share a burger. Order the fish and chips and know you are getting snapper done the way it should be. Save room for something unexpected. Let the drinks lead the vibe. Let the flavors do the talking.
And most of all, let yourself settle in.
We are not here to rush you. We are here to make it worth your time. Ask questions. Try something new. Come back a second time and order the thing you missed the first time.
Because the first visit is just that. The first.
First time or not, we are here to feed you right. Come hungry. Bring a friend. And let us show you what Black Jack’s is all about. We will have the grill hot and the rum ready.
