El Vez Fort Lauderdale — Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

I went out with my family for my brothers birthday and we had purchased over $800 dollars in gift cards from YOUR website so we wouldn’t have to worry about splitting bills etc. Everything was going perfect , Our server was amazing but had noticed that the manager named sylvia since the beginning had an issue with our table ( i don’t know if this was racial profiling but the majority of our family is of color ) the night went along without issues until we go to check out, which again went through with no issues , our server thanked us for coming and gave us our receipt stating there was a 0 balance pending . Naturally we stay back to take photos because it was our family’s birthday , to our surprise as we are leaving Sylvia comes to us with a terrible demeanor stating that she cannot accept the gift cards that we used to pay and that she would need another form of payment , even though our server had given us our receipt showing a 0 balance. After receiving this news ( after a majority of our family have left ) we were in shock because we had used gift cards at the restaurants associated with the company before ( steak 954 across the hall ) . After 30 minutes of back and forth conversing trying to figure out the billing situation Sylvia then called her General manager AND the Security , only for the security to even state to us and Sylvia that it showed a 0 balance on the receipt and we shouldn’t have to pay 800 dollars once again ( not to mention we tipped the waitress $160 ). We continue trying to figure out what’s going on with the check to reach a final verdict that they will not accept our gift cards . We begin becoming tiresome of the situation and decide to finally pay the $800 dollar bill and told us to figure out the situation of the money we spent on the gift cards . I am very unsatisfied with this interaction and will definitely won’t be coming back to this location as long as Sylvia is working there . Very disappointed with my night spent here and hope this restaurant finds better leadership and management...

Advice from someone who dines at El Vez daily for Breakfast, 5 weeks last year and 6 more in 2023 - this is a great restaurant!

We're staying at the W and have breakfast outdoors on El Vez scenic deck daily. This is a highlight to our day following our morning walk (sunshine, surf, people watching, great company, food and service).

We're greeted warmly each morning by James (manager) and his team. James, JoJo and Ellen always have a smile and ready to accommodate our request.

There are nice Mexican and American menu choices, safe to say we have tried them all!

My husbands top 3 are: Huevos Ranchero (artfully layered crispy tortilla shells with yummy traditional fillings), next the Breakfast Burrito (brisket, creamy scrambled eggs, some cheese, great salsa verde on the side) and a close 3rd is the Classic Eggs Benedict (delicious hollandaise and with crispy potatoes - these potatoes ARE THE BEST we've ever had)!

I am a BIG fan of their egg whites - love the egg while omelet which has spinach, confit tomatoes, feta and comes with a most delicious watercress salad. I like the seven grain toast with their homemade blueberry jam too! Each day I get a watercress salad, salsa verde and their habanero sauce on the side regardless (sauces are homemade as well).

In addition to the fantastic food and James' leadership, the staff at El Vez is excellent. Their servers are attentive and care. We've had Liam, Ashling, Sam and Patricia and a couple more that have been super helpful and accommodating as well (sorry about names). The runners work hard and chefs do an excellent job (appreciate them honoring an occasional request).

PS: At night we mostly do take-out yet promised ourselves we will make an attempt to have dine in more often and enjoy a happy hour or 2! One morning I was taken aback in a most positive way - it was so nice to be recognized and welcomed back by Williams, remembering us from a year ago, and proud to share he had been promoted to a...

I've visited El Vez locations in Philly (OG!) and NYC (southern Manhattan, not far from battery park) but this was my first visit in Fort Lauderdale.

We recalled just how good the frozen blood Orange margarita is. This certainly did not disappoint. We ordered a second round, against our better judgement. "Beware of the brain freeze," our waitress said.

What I somehow forgot is just how good the food is. Simple and delicious, with some special details that make the experience truly El Vez. Our bus boy suggested it's all the women working in the kitchen, infusing their magic and passion for food into the meal.

The quesadilla had a crispy layer of cheese on the outside. As a cheese addict, I couldn't resist having another bite. The mole sauce that came for dipping was also off the charts. Runny and sweet, not thick and chalky as a lesser mole might be.

At El Vez, say yes to ceviche and fresh fish. Tuna tostada came loaded with fish, two sh-medium tostada per order.

Our favorite, hands down, was the shrimp tacos. That beer batter is DYNAMITE. Right balance of tortilla to cabbage to sauce to protein. Crunchy and sumptuous. If we weren't completely stuffed at the end of our meal (too many chips of course) then we would have ordered a second plate of these. If you're into any type of fish taco, these are a must-order!!

We lucked out and dined right along the boulevard overlooking the ocean. A family of grackles entertained us throughout the meal. (Maybe not great if you are someone who fears birds).

If I were to offer any criticism of El Vez: our server was aggressive with upselling. Pas necessito. We came here to feast!

This location will be added to our South Florida traditions. Can't wait to come back...