If you're looking for a place that blends incredible Mexican street food with a lively, speakeasy-style nightlife, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is a must-visit. My husband and I recently had the pleasure of experiencing their Fort Lauderdale location, and from the moment we arrived, we were hooked.

The atmosphere was electric, the food was bursting with bold flavors, and the cocktails perfectly paired with the food and the overall upbeat vibe of the location.

A Vibe Like No Other

Walking into Bodega, the first thing that hits you is the energy. The taquería has a casual, inviting feel, with their signature retrofitted airstream serving up unique Mexican-inspired eats.

The real magic happens when you step through their doors and realize that Bodega is not only a quick service restaurant serving their food but is also a hidden speakeasy.

While there, you’ll feel like you are transported into a whole new place, a lounge with dim lights and neon lights. At times, they offer DJ-spun beats, which adds to their ambiance.

We decided that the cocktail menu at Bodega can compete with some of the best bars in town.

It’s the perfect fusion of laid-back dining and high-energy nightlife, and we immediately knew we were in for something special.

This is a place where dining, music, mixology and cheeky art collide, so expect the unexpected, in a good way.

A Deep Dive into the Menu

Bodega’s menu is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the best in Mexican street food.

They offer a variety of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and bowls, each packed with bold, authentic flavors.

We kicked off our meal with their Barbacoa Taco, featuring slow-cooked short rib, cotija cheese, onion, crispy potato sticks, cilantro, and salsa rosada. The tender meat melted in our mouths, and the crispy potatoes added a perfect contrast in texture.

Another must-try is the Steak Chimichurri Taco, made with juicy carne asada, fresh tomato, radish, crispy potato sticks, and a chimichurri aioli that added a bright, herbaceous touch.

If you’re looking for something lighter, the Ahi Tuna Taco is a standout, topped with crispy shallots, chipotle aioli, cucumber, cilantro, and avocado mousse, giving it a balanced mix of crunch, spice, and freshness.

Vegetarians will love the Hongos Taco, a flavorful blend of mushrooms, garlic, Chihuahua cheese, pickled onions, and cilantro.

For sides, we tried the Chicken Empanadas by TOMA, which were packed with seasoned pollo verde and paired with a chimichurri aioli for dipping. The empanadas had the perfect balance of flaky pastry and a well-spiced filling.

Beyond tacos, Bodega also offers burritos stuffed with rice, beans, cheese, and protein choices like chicken, steak, and shrimp, as well as quesadillas with gooey cheese and crispy tortillas. Their Birria Quesadilla is a top pick, featuring slow-cooked short rib with melted Chihuahua cheese and a rich consommé for dipping.

Cocktails Meant to Impress

No visit to Bodega is complete without sampling their impressive cocktail selection.

They offer an extensive lineup of tequila- and mezcal-based drinks, along with creative takes on classic cocktails.

My husband enjoyed their Spicy Margarita, a bold mix of tequila, lime, agave, and a kick of heat from fresh jalapeños. It was perfectly balanced. It was zesty and refreshing with just the right amount of spice.

We both also tried the Mezcal Old Fashioned, a smoky twist on the classic cocktail made with premium mezcal, agave, and bitters. The deep, rich flavors of the mezcal added complexity, making it a smooth yet powerful sip.

If you’re a fan of mezcal and tequila, Bodega’s Mezcaleria is available at select locations. For those who love mezcal, the addition offers a curated selection of premium and rare agave spirits, giving connoisseurs a chance to explore a range of distinctive flavors.

Why Bodega is Taking Over

Since launching in South Beach in 2014, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has been redefining the way people experience Mexican street food and nightlife.

With locations in South Beach, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Aventura, it’s already a staple in South Florida, meaning that there might be one close to you to go enjoy.

But Bodega isn’t stopping there.

Recent expansions have brought them to Chicago, and upcoming locations in Washington D.C. and Nashville will introduce even more people to this incredible concept.

Plus, their latest venture at Hard Rock Stadium’s East End Zone Suite is set to give different options to eat for game-day and has been a popular spot since it opened in August 2024.

This all proves that its unique take on Mexican street food and nightlife is only just beginning to take over, so do tell your out-of-town friends to give it a try if there is one near them.

Those that enjoy flavorful tacos, carefully crafted cocktails, and a lively, hidden-lounge experience, will enjoy Bodega Taqueria y Tequila.

From a casual bite to a vibrant night out, this spot delivers.

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila Locations:

· South Beach

· Fort Lauderdale

· West Palm Beach

· Coconut Grove

· Coral Gables

· Aventura (Taqueria-only)

For more information, visit bodegataqueria.com.