Mexican Food in Las Vegas
In a desert city with a Spanish name, you would have every reason to believe you could find excellent Mexican food of every description. Not too long ago, this might not have been the case. But today, both on and off the Las Vegas Strip, a wide variety of comidas Mexicanas is on offer, from fast and cheap to relaxed and fancy.
One of the longest-running and respected restaurants for Mexican on the Strip is Border Grill (Mandalay Bay Convention Center), where you find signature dishes like chicken panuchos and Tecate carnitas in a fresh environment overlooking the festive Mandalay Beach. This end of the Strip for some reason specializes in Mexican: mere steps away, you can also try the more casual Hussong's Cantina (don't miss the street corn and special tacos) in Mandalay Place, and the festive Tacos N Tequila at the Luxor (nearly 100 tequilas, last time we counted!) Both Border Grill and TNT are known for their weekend brunches, too.
Speaking of festive, if you're ready to party, Diablo's Cantina at Monte Carlo might be your spot. Just look for the two story devil girl...which tells you exactly what to expect. Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina further along at Planet Hollywood is one of the best Strip-side people-watching spots, and you won't be mad at their margaritas at all. But you might have a hard time deciding whether to park yourself there, at Senor Frog's (Treasure Island), at Carlos & Charlies or at the classic Margaritaville (both Flamingo). Are they 'authentic?' Well, no--but that's not the point. The food is trustworthy, the drinks are strong, and the spirits are high. If there's a better recipe for a fun time, we haven't found it.
On a more refined note, one of MGM Grand's better-hidden secrets is the more refined Diego, where you'll experience elegantly presented chile Colorado short ribs and sea bass Veracruz. If you find yourself further north on the Strip, Cañonita in the Grand Canal Shoppes has been offering a little bit of Centro Americano inside the faux Italy (don't think about it too hard) for over a decade. They must be doing something very right.
If you're feeling adventuresome, off-Strip are other spots like Ricardo's and Dona Maria's that many locals swear by, not to mention critically praised hole-in-the-wall joints like Los Antojos. One of the most exciting new spots in downtown's Fremont East district is Las Comidas, a grungy-cool open air spot with a legit chef from Mexico City (get the puerco ahumado, you'll thank me).
Sabores, amigos?!
