Starr Power

If you haven’t been to the W Fort Lauderdale in a while, we have the perfect reason to visit.

James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr opened an outpost of his popular El Vez Mexican concept in the hotel, where his Steak 954 already resides.

“It’s hard to imagine a better place to sip a margarita than at W Fort Lauderdale, and I’m happy to continue our successful partnership,” says Starr in a press release. “El Vez will be a great fit for the fun and laid-back pace of Fort Lauderdale Beach.”

Located on the hotel’s first floor and featuring an indoor-outdoor bar with expansive lounge seating and patio space for games like cornhole and shuffleboard, the 300-seat restaurant serves up Mexican favorites with a modern twist alongside craft cocktails. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekday happy hour from 4-7 p.m.

Chef Steven Menter, who has worked with STARR restaurant group for several years and opened El Vez New York, whips up such culinary delights as Crispy Mahi Mahi Tacos and Tacos al Carbon, which pair perfectly with the venue’s expansive tequila selection.

Meyer Davis, the design firm behind the W Fort Lauderdale’s recent renovations, outfitted the space with a warm, eclectic vibe and oriented it toward the expansive ocean views.

El Vez is located in the W Fort Lauderdale, 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. For more information, call 954-414-8336 or visit elvezftlauderdale.com.