There’s more to Las Vegas than just casinos and nightlife and warm weather — in fact, this is one of the better places in the country to find good Mexican food. There are tons of places to go around the city for your favorite dishes, like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. We did the work for you and narrowed it down to these ten places. Put them on your bucket list for the next time you visit and want a fun place to go for dinner near your vacation rental in Las Vegas.
1. El Dorado Cantina
If there’s one thing you want in a Las Vegas restaurant, it’s 24-hour service. Luckily, El Dorado Cantina is one of those places. Don’t be surprised by the establishment’s location (it’s attached to a strip club), because they take great pride in providing organic, non-GMO certified food. Their ingredients come straight from farms—fresh beef from SunFed Ranch, chicken from Mary’s Free Range Organic Chicken, and produce from Better Life Organics. This restaurant raises the bar for what’s considered fresh, authentic Mexican food, so be sure to stop by and try their tasty grub.
2. Jefe’s Taco Shop
Another interestingly located food joint, Jefe’s Taco Shop is located inside of a gas station. Again, don’t let the real estate fool you. This place serves up some amazing Mexican food. Locals love the Carne Asada Fries, or the nacho version, Pollo Asada Mini Tacos, and the Burrito Bowls. Come here in the morning and grab a Monster Breakfast Burrito. This 16-inch flour tortilla is stuffed with your choice of bacon, steak, ham, al pastor, chorizo, or Sausage, as well as egg, potato, and cheese. It’s the perfect cure for a long night out in Las Vegas.
3. Las Cazuelas
Las Cazuelas specializes in food from the city of Puebla, and this family-owned restaurant does the city justice. The Torta de Pierna (roasted pork leg) is thing to get here, but you really can’t go wrong with the rest of the menu. The Chile Relleno and Sopes are crowd pleasers, as are the Flautas and Enchiladas de Mole Poblano. Head to Las Cazuelas any day except Wednesday, when they’re closed, and try their truly authentic Mexican food.
4. Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina
As its name suggests, you’ll want to dive right into a flaming fajita when you sit down at this restaurant. The fajitas are brought out to your table and set ablaze right in front of you. That’s some freshly made food! You’ll also get complimentary chips and salsa, as well as grilled onions and jalapenos to get your palate ready for the main course. Try their guacamole with your fajitas and you might just be in Mexican food heaven.
5. Lindo Michoacan
With multiple locations in Las Vegas, Lindo Michoacan offers visitors and locals authentic Mexican food throughout the city. The Las Vegas Review-Journal has named it “The Best of Las Vegas” for 10 years, dating back to 2004, so you know their food is some of the best in town. The restaurant provides live music, authentic Mexican atmosphere, and powerful margaritas that pair perfectly with the chicken mole, carne asada tacos, or just about anything else on the menu. Head to Lindo Michoacan for the food, environment, and a tasty drink and you won’t regret it!
6. Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant
A little hole in the wall on the west side of Las Vegas, Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant is a hidden gem. Their super burritos are massive and they’re loaded with meat, beans, cheese, rice, and sour cream. A red sauce is then spread across the entire burrito, adding even more flavor to this humungous burrito. They also do a pretty great ceviche, and their self-serve salsa bar boasts cactus, garbanzo beans, and multiple salsas. End your meal with their flan or fried ice cream; customers go crazy for both.
7. Tacos El Gordo
Tacos El Gordo might be famous locally for its Adobada Tacos, but their whole menu offers many other inspired items. Traditionally, Adobada is made with spiced pork that’s been marinated in red chile sauce, vinegar, and oregano, and that’s exactly how Tacos El Gordo does it. The meat is tender and goes perfectly on this place’s homemade tacos shells. If pork isn’t your thing, there’s always chorizo, tripa, grilled cactus, and beef brisket, among other options. Try to find something at Tacos El Gordo that you don’t like; it’s a challenge!
8. Los Lupes Mexican Restaurant
Originally a restaurant exclusively found in Mesquite, Nevada, Los Lupes has opened its doors in Las Vegas and the locals couldn’t be happier. With gigantic margaritas, tasty chips and salsa, and truly authentic combination plates, it’s easy to see why this place is making a name for itself in Las Vegas. Try their carne asada quesadillas, posole, or burritos and you’ll leave feeling satisfied. Make sure to come during happy hour when drinks and appetizers are super affordable.
9. Frijoles and Frescas Grilled Tacos
Don’t just take it from us, Frijoles and Frescas Grilled Tacos has been a crowd favorite since it opened just three years ago. In 2015, they were ranked by Yahoo! as one of the “Best Mexican Restaurants Across America”, and it’s easy to see why. The frescas (or fresh fruit drinks) are made daily and pack a flavorful punch. Choose from Cucumber, Strawberry Watermelon, Pineapple, Mango, Spinach, or Lemonade. The drinks pair perfectly with the al pastor, shrimp, or carnitas tacos. Head to Frijoles and try some of the best Mexican food in Las Vegas.
10. Mi Pueblo Taco Shop
If you’re looking for a no-frills, downright delicious Mexican food in Las Vegas, this is the place to go. It has all your staples—tacos, burritos, tortas, and seafood plates—and the prices are very reasonable. The place even has a self-service salsa bar for its dine-in and take-out customers. Try the al pastor (marinated pork) on tacos or in a burrito, or get a classic Mexican food item and order the Caldo de Pollo (chicken soup). Whatever you eat at Mi Pueblo Taco Shop, you’re sure to enjoy it.