Oaks on 4th soft opens with chef-driven small plates and cocktails

From the culinary minds behind Bascom’s Chop House, a new restaurant is making its debut on 4th Street this weekend. Oaks on 4th is a chef-driven concept opening at 4351 4th Street North in the former Quickie’s BBQ location, and limited spots are now available for weekend dining as part of the soft opening.

In a post announcing the soft open, Oaks on 4th said “We will be offering a limited number of walk-in dinner reservations beginning 12/2. We are working hard to iron out the kinks, so please bring your patience and appetite.”

The space recently completed an extensive renovation, including a beautiful new bar, live oak tables, and an outdoor dining garden. Oaks on 4th is being opened by brothers Paul and Burton Bullard, who have brought in Chef Tony Bonnano to lead the kitchen, who has been the executive chef at Bascom’s in Clearwater for the last six years.

However, while there may be some similarities to Bascom’s, Paul Bullard said this new restaurant is entirely its own concept. The seasonal menu focuses on fresh, scratch-made dishes and homemade pastas and bread. Think upscale small plates – some of the fancier dishes that they don’t have time to prepare at a place as busy as Bascom’s.

Rustic decor meets upscale dishes

The menu itself has not yet been unveiled, though Bullard did share that the former BBQ pit inside the restaurant is being transformed into a look-in grill space and oyster bar for chargrilled oysters, grilled fresh bread, and other tasty creations. Guests will have a close-up view immediately upon entering the transformed restaurant’s “refined rustic” dining room and bar.

“We’re excited to bring our brand of upscale food into a casual environment,” Bullard said. “We’re going to really knock people out with what we’re able to put on the table in front of them.”

Meanwhile, at the bar, Oaks on 4th promises an “unbelievable” cocktail program, with an emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients, housemade ingredients, and handcrafted classics.

Bullard said his team is excited to have a place near so many of the surrounding neighborhoods where locals can come relax, have fun, and enjoy food and drink made with precision and care. Following this weekend’s soft open, Oaks on 4th anticipates a grand opening sometime in December. Follow them on facebook and Instagram to catch all their updates.