Lona Cocina Tequileria

Overview

Lona Cocina Tequileria sits inside the Westin on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, placing an upscale Mexican kitchen directly across from the sand. The patio faces east with unobstructed ocean views, and regulars time their reservations to catch the sky shift colors at sunset. Inside, the dining room trades the breeze for a quieter, art-forward space with coordinated decor that leans eclectic without trying too hard.

The bar program centers on tequila and mezcal. Margaritas here hit harder than expected – lime-forward, lightly spiced, and balanced enough that the strength sneaks up on you. Sangria and mixed cocktails round out the list, though frozen drinks are not on the menu. The weekend brunch adds an endless cocktail option with flowing margaritas and Bloody Marys alongside a buffet spread.

Food runs modern Mexican with real heat available for those who want it. Crab lump guacamole is a standout, served tableside with enough richness to justify the beach-adjacent pricing. Chicken tacos come well-seasoned, fajitas arrive sizzling, and a habanero sauce option pushes the spice level into memorable territory. Brunch plates draw consistent praise for flavor and tenderness. Portions and quality hold up well for a hotel restaurant, and two people can eat lunch for around sixty dollars.

A live DJ spins on the patio, which creates energy but pushes the volume high enough that conversation gets difficult outside. If you want to talk, grab a seat indoors or at the interior bar. The crowd skews toward the see-and-be-seen set, with a welcoming atmosphere across the board. Service varies by visit – some servers like Nelson earn rave reviews for attentiveness and personality, while others have drawn complaints about slow response times. Making a reservation is a smart move, especially for brunch or sunset dining.

Good to know

• Rating: 4.5/5 (via Google)
• Best for: sunset drinks on the beach, date night dining, weekend brunch crowd, tequila and mezcal lovers, oceanfront people watching
• Features: Beach, LGBTQ+

Hours