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Tropical State of Mind

  • August 4, 2026
  • FLMag Staff
Photography: courtesy of Clase Azul
Clase Azul Cocina Mexicana brings a fresh take on Mexican dining to Fort Lauderdale, pairing traditional flavors with a breezy, tropical point of view.

Its story starts with the name. Clase Azul draws inspiration from the luxury Mexican tequila brand known for its handcrafted, hand-painted bottles created by Mexican artisans. That same sense of care and authenticity carries into the restaurant’s approach, where intentional details shape both the menu and the atmosphere.

Manager Orlando Coreas says that commitment begins in the kitchen and behind the bar. “This is my favorite restaurant because we try to make everything from scratch in the kitchen. Everything at the bar—our strawberry, cucumber and watermelon purees—we make fresh in-house,” he says.

That attention to freshness shows up in customer favorites such as the Don Julio Margarita and the Cadillac Margarita, where familiar cocktails feel elevated by house-made ingredients and a more thoughtful approach.

On the food side, staples such as the Burrito Loco and Enchiladas Bandera remain among the most-ordered dishes, but Clase Azul also makes room for more traditional fare, including hearty dishes like Menudo and Pozole. The menu balances crowd-pleasers with the kind of classics that speak to the restaurant’s roots.

Photography: courtesy of Clase Azul

That contrast extends to the overall concept. While the design feels sleek and contemporary, the food remains grounded in tradition.

“We moved away from the classic Mexican restaurant,” Coreas says. “People are used to walking in and seeing walls decorated with mariachi decorations, skeletons, pinks, yellows and greens. But we try to resemble the tropical style of places like Cozumel and Carmen, with vibrant blues and a more relaxed energy.”

That mood starts at the entrance, where tropical greenery frames the doorway and round windows in the front doors create a subtle porthole effect. Inside, the restaurant fully embraces its signature color palette. Royal blue booths, velvet blue walls and blue glassware create an immersive look, while oversized Clase Azul tequila bottles stand as sculptural accents throughout the space.

Modern touches appear in the rainbow string installations that descend from the ceiling to divide the booths, adding movement and color. Tropical plants and soft lighting keep the room warm and lively, reinforcing the easygoing coastal feel.

Photography: courtesy of Clase Azul

Music plays a big role in that atmosphere, too. Light trumpet and guitar melodies drift through the restaurant, adding to the festive mood as guests settle in with margaritas and plates of classic Mexican fare.

“Saturday is my favorite night at Clase Azul,” Coreas says. “We have live music at 7:30, and it’s energetic. The musicians are usually bilingual, so they may play English pop and classic rock, or they may go to Spanish songs. It’s a mix of Spanish and English ambiance.”

Still, beyond the music, decor and visual identity, Clase Azul’s focus is simple: serve fresh, high-quality Mexican food in an inviting, distinctive and memorable setting.
“I’m proud of what we’re doing here,” Coreas says. “We’re trying to make a difference in the area. And people here love it”

Related Topics
  • Chef's Corner
  • Clase Azul
  • Mexican tequila
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