From beachfront Lona Cocina & Tequileria to the wildly popular El Vez right on Las Olas (the perfect taco Tuesday spot), there's a Mexican restaurant for everyone on your list. If you're looking for more old school, mom 'n' pop Mexican spots, look no further than Jalisco across from Flagler Village and Casa Frida.
Without further ado, listed alphabetically are the ten best Mexican restaurants in Fort Lauderdale to cure your taco, burrito, chile relleno, spicy margarita, and queso cravings. ¡Buen provecho!
Casa Frida
5441 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-530-3668
casafridamexicancuisine.comTerracotta tiles, deep orange walls and wooden tables transport folks to the heart of Mexico at the Fort Lauderdale gem. You won’t find lamb donning too many Mexican menus around these parts, but Casa Frida does it pristinely, spanning a homemade stew to lamb barbacoa. For Taco Tuesdays, it’s a fiesta like few others, with free tequila shots, live jams and 14 different tacos starting at $3 a pop.
Casa Monarca Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar
2980 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-765-6864
casamonarcafl.comEasy to zip by when you’re traveling along Federal Highway north towards Oakland Park Boulevard, this modern Mexican spot brings a certain level of warmth through its fare and friendliness. A part of that friendliness is a daily happy hour (from 4 to 7 p.m.) with plenty of bites in the $5-10 range (shrimp ceviche, elote and flautas among them) and $4 draft cervezas.
El Guanaco
331 NE 44th St., Oakland Park954-351-0792
elguanaco-oaklandpark.comLocated in Oakland Park, this Mexican-meets-Salvadoran spot is king. Among a menu of sopes, chile rellenos and a doused chicken mole, the lunch specials here are unreal for modern times. For $10 on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can snag one of a dozen entrees (grilled tilapia and a steak among them), including two sides and a drink.
El Vez
401. N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-414-8336
elvezfortlauderdale.comFrom the founders of Steak 954, Makoto and LeZoo locally, among others, is this beachside escape. The restaurant occupies a ground-level space at the W Fort Lauderdale, with ocean vistas right across the street. Views aside, the guac wows here, which is available in classic, mango-infused and poblano-dashed varieties. The overarching flair here is baja-style and it is a winner, spanning creative ceviches to a crispy whole yellowtail snapper with a kickin’ habanero aioli.
Jalisco
700 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-462-9695As Flagler Village has towered with apartments across Federal Highway, this totally unassuming joint continues to thrive. Key to its decades-long success amid an influx of Mexican competition? Those ever-sizzling fajitas (there’s a sign outside saying "World Famous Fajitas," and it is not a lie) and plenty of fruity margarita selections. It’s an authentic experience in an area that's surrounded by corporations and chain restaurants. Kudos to you, Jalisco.
Lona Cocina & Tequileria is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Lona Cocina & Tequileria photo
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-245-3069
lonarestaurant.comFounded by chef Pablo Salas, count on home cookin’ with panoramic ocean views. It’s a colorful experience, with a vividly-painted pedestrian bridge looming over A1A next door, Mexican-inspired art on its floors, and bright orange, cushioned chairs. Creative concoctions here include a lobster quesadilla, crab guacamole, and mushroom empanadas. Its brunch is among the best in town, with a Mexican chopped salad bar, salmon mole station, and taco bar, among other Mexican favorites.
Rocco’s Tacos
1313 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-524-9550
roccostacos.comSure, tacos are in the name here, but there is so much more to the Rocco’s experience than its namesake. First, the vibe – with a wall of tequila, lime green booths, and star-draped chandeliers. Second, its margaritas are loaded with tequila, and they're available by the liter, should your heart desire. And, last but not least, let's taco 'bout the grub. Its mammoth nachos piled with protein, fresh-melted cheese, jalapenos and more – can feed a family and its lava rock molcajetes are equally a sizzling spectacle as they are satisfying.
Tacocraft
510 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale754-779-7437
tacocraft.comYou don’t have to be a gringo to enjoy the ultra-melty "Gringo Queso" dip here, which includes roasted poblanos and, for $3 more, dreamy chorizo. While the innovative tacos here, like the smash burger, short rib birria, and Hawaiian bigeye tuna get a lot of love, its surf and turf fajitas are an under-the-radar showstopper, piled with skirt steak and shrimp. Beyond its Federal Highway location, Tacocraft also has Broward locations in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Plantation.
Bar Tulio's in Wynwood will also offer brunch, serving up plates like lemon ricotta pancakes, breakfast quesadillas, and crab tostada.
Bar Tulio's photo
Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar
2150 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors954-530-5523
tuliostacos.comAt the heart of Wilton Drive, this bright Mexican restaurant gets points for more than the alliteration in its name. Mondays through Thursdays, there is a different special daily, spanning Margarita Mondays ($5 house margaritas) to Wine-Down Wednesday (half off wine glasses and bottles). Within a seemingly endless selection of Mexican favorites and margs, park it with the Cadillac margarita with a Grand Marnier foam and generous lobster tacos.
Quvo Tacos & Craft Beer is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Quvo Tacos & Craft Beer photo
Quvo Tacos & Craft Beer
4354 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-368-3664
quvotacos.comWhereas you may get stuck with a Corona or Modelo at most Mexican restaurants, this cozy, strip mall restaurant regularly has killer brews from 3 Sons, Lost City, Tarpon River Brewing, and more. Its homestyle tacos always impress, with a variety of protein filling ‘em, including a pork chile colorado and rotating delights like a pork chile verde. End any Quvo experience with its deep-fried churros with a cinnamon sugar coating – que delicioso.
