A myth once circulated in the Las Vegas eatery scene that was spread by locals and tourists alike: There is no good Mexican food here. It never seemed to make sense because it was never true. Great Mexican food has always been a big part of the Vegas culinary puzzle. And you don’t have to go far to find out how true it really is.
Mexican cuisine has evolved and diversified in Las Vegas because it is so popular here. There is plenty of space for various specialized restaurants as well as similar and well-known concepts that are characterized by great flavors and exciting atmosphere.
One of the newest additions to the scene is the centrally located one Mariposa cuisine & cocktails (702.476.3330) who serves up colorful libations and favorite plates that everyone can enjoy while spicing things up with some unexpected twists. Try the house pot roast enchiladas with a decadent ancho chilli cherry sauce, bold flavors that go perfectly with a refreshing prickly pear paloma. As you explore the menu at Mariposa, you’ll find that every dish has something special, from spicy-sweet grilled pineapple mango habanero salsa to crispy avocado tacos made with tomatillo ranch. These flavors will stay with you.
Speaking of favorite Mexican dishes: a local institution recently reopened its beloved original location after a renovation, and the many fans of Sweet Michoacan (702.735.6828) are overjoyed. Cozy new stands and tables and a refreshed interior await along with typical dishes such as New York steak and shrimp, chicken in a green mole and carnitas fajitas. With three locations spread across the valley, including the original restaurant west of the Strip, El Dorado Cantina (702.722.2289) is another local hotspot recommended by many. Its authentic cuisine and commitment to organic and non-GMO ingredients make El Dorado an industry leader, but a bite of fresh guacamole, chilli-grated seared tuna, or crispy mahi mahi tacos is all you need to become a fan .
Mexican food options have traditionally been more accessible and plentiful in various neighborhoods of Vegas than in the mega-resorts on the Strip, but there are certainly several must-see casino restaurants in this category. By aria, Javiers (866.590.3637) is known for its hand-shaken margaritas, light and tangy ceviche, an extensive tequila selection and shrimp and crab enchiladas in tomatillo sauce. But also its unique, Aztec-inspired decor and its lively, almost club-like atmosphere characterize this restaurant. You won’t find such a combination of coolness and comfort anywhere else.
South on the Strip at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, Hussongs Cantina (702.632.6450) has all the energy you could want in a Mexican restaurant and brings diners to Enseneda to celebrate the best of dishes and delicious libations. Choose from Carne Asada, Baja Prawns or Specialty Fish Tacos with Beer Batter and don’t miss the Original Margarita, the recipe that supposedly started this cocktail madness, originally created in 1941 by Hussong’s. If you like what your trying there is a second place off the strip in the Summerlin area.
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