13 Mexican Restaurants In Las Vegas, Nevada You Just Have To Visit
Las Vegas may sparkle with world-class casinos and dazzling shows, but its Mexican food scene is just as impressive.
Across the city, you’ll find everything from stylish cantinas on the Strip to neighborhood favorites serving recipes passed down through generations.
These 13 spots bring bold, authentic flavors that will make your Vegas trip even more memorable.
1. Javier’s – ARIA Resort & Casino
Hidden within the luxurious ARIA Resort, Javier’s serves coastal Mexican cuisine that makes me forget I’m in the desert. The hand-carved wooden bar showcases over 100 tequilas.
Their carne asada is legendary among locals, cooked to perfection and served with the creamiest refried beans I’ve tasted outside of Mexico.
2. Tacos El Gordo – Las Vegas Blvd (The Strip)
A Tijuana-style taco shop that constantly draws lines for good reason. Their adobada (marinated pork) is sliced directly from a rotating spit, topped with pineapple, and served on handmade corn tortillas.
The assembly-line setup might seem chaotic at first, but it’s part of the authentic experience. Each meat has its own line, so strategy is key.
My tip? Send friends to different lines and share the bounty when you reunite at a table.
3. El Dorado Cantina – Sammy Davis Jr Dr (The Strip)
This 24-hour cantina serves organic, non-GMO Mexican food in a surprisingly upscale setting. The tableside guacamole preparation is pure theater, with servers mixing fresh ingredients right before your eyes.
Last summer, I stumbled in at 3 AM after a night of gambling and found the place buzzing with energy. Their chile relleno changed my life that night – perfectly charred, stuffed with cheese, and swimming in a smoky tomato sauce that haunts my dreams.
4. China Poblano – The Cosmopolitan
José Andrés’ innovative fusion concept blends Chinese and Mexican cuisines in ways that shouldn’t work but absolutely do. The silky queso fundido with handmade tortillas sits comfortably alongside perfect dim sum on the menu.
Their tacos arrive on one side of the restaurant while dumplings emerge from the other kitchen. The Salt Air Margarita features a cloud-like foam that transforms the classic cocktail into something magical.
The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere mirrors the bold flavor combinations.
5. Casa Don Juan – Arts District (Main St)
Family-owned Casa Don Juan brings generations-old recipes from Michoacán to downtown Vegas. The colorful dining room buzzes with locals who know this is where to find authentic Mexican comfort food.
I first visited on a friend’s recommendation and now I can’t stop ordering their chile colorado – tender beef swimming in a rich red sauce that’s perfect for sopping up with their fluffy rice.
The complimentary chips come with three distinctive salsas that showcase different heat levels.
6. La Neta Cocina y Lounge – Downtown Summerlin
La Neta brings modern Mexican flair to Summerlin with its Instagram-worthy space and creative takes on classics. The hanging garden of plants and massive tequila display create an atmosphere that’s both trendy and welcoming.
Their birria tacos come with a rich consommé for dipping that will make you close your eyes in pure bliss.
The cocktail program deserves special mention – each drink arrives beautifully garnished and packs a flavorful punch without being overly sweet.
7. Milpa – S Durango Dr (Spring Valley)
This unassuming strip mall gem specializes in heirloom corn tortillas made fresh daily. Chef DJ Flores uses traditional nixtamalization techniques to transform corn into the foundation for exceptional tacos.
The menu changes seasonally, highlighting whatever ingredients are at their peak. My obsession is their mushroom taco – wild fungi caramelized with just enough garlic and epazote to make a vegetarian option that outshines most meat offerings.
The agua frescas are made in-house with unexpected flavor combinations.
8. Tacotarian — Downtown Las Vegas
Plant-based Mexican food that will convert even dedicated carnivores. Their menu boasts “The most vegan tacos in the universe,” and after trying their mushroom asada and jackfruit carnitas, I’m inclined to believe them.
During my last visit, I watched a table of skeptical meat-eaters order reluctantly, then frantically flag down the server for second rounds.
The cashew-based queso has a perfect texture that most vegan versions can’t achieve. Their creative agua frescas pair perfectly with the bold flavors.
9. Leticia’s Cocina & Cantina – Santa Fe Station (NW Las Vegas)
Chef Leticia Mitchell shares her family’s culinary traditions from Michoacán through dishes that taste like they came straight from a Mexican grandmother’s kitchen. The molcajete arrives sizzling hot with grilled meats and vegetables in a volcanic stone bowl.
Her mole sauce takes three days to prepare, incorporating over 20 ingredients for depth that can’t be rushed.
When I mentioned my love for authentic chilaquiles, my server winked and brought me an off-menu version that made me want to hug the chef.
10. Casa Playa — Wynn/Encore
Coastal Mexican cuisine gets the luxury treatment at this Encore gem. The seafood-focused menu highlights sustainable catches prepared with traditional Mexican techniques and unexpected twists.
Their lobster tacos feature butter-poached Maine lobster nestled in blue corn tortillas with a habanero “coral” sauce that delivers heat without overwhelming the delicate meat.
The tequila cart that rolls tableside offers rare spirits and educated guidance from passionate servers.
11. Diablo’s Cantina – Luxor
Lively energy and potent margaritas make this Luxor hotspot perfect for starting your Vegas night. The lively bar and dining room offer prime people-watching while you sample from their extensive tequila collection.
Their nachos deserve special mention – individually topped so every chip gets equal treatment. I once challenged a friend to try their Ghost Pepper Margarita, and watching his face cycle through shock, pain, and then surprising enjoyment was worth the price of admission alone.
12. Cabo Wabo Cantina – Miracle Mile Shops (Planet Hollywood)
Sammy Hagar’s rock-and-roll cantina delivers on both atmosphere and flavor. The sprawling patio offers some of the best Strip views, perfect for watching the Bellagio fountains while sipping their signature Waborita.
Beyond the celebrity connection, the kitchen turns out surprisingly solid Mexican fare. Their fajitas arrive on cast iron skillets that continue cooking the marinated meats tableside.
The breakfast offerings make this a great morning-after spot when you need a recovery meal.
13. Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar – The LINQ Promenade
Located on the lively LINQ Promenade, Chayo offers two floors of dining plus a mechanical bull for those brave enough after a few tequilas. The outdoor balcony provides perfect views of the High Roller observation wheel.
Their street corn is charred perfectly and slathered with cotija, chili powder, and lime aioli. I made the mistake of riding the mechanical bull after dinner once – let’s just say the staff was very understanding about the mess and my wounded pride.