Mexican Food in Las Vegas

Here Are Las Vegas’s 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists | Eater Vegas

Chef DJ Flores was named a 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalist in the restaurant and chef categories; the semifinalists list was announced on January 22, 2025. The initial list will be trimmed to nominees on April 3, 2025, before winners are announced on June 16 at the awards ceremony in Chicago. The James Beard Awards are considered some of the most prestigious awards in food; the program, which gave out its first awards in 1991, faced scrutiny after canceling programming in 2020 and 2021 over misbehavior and abuse allegations and a lack of nominated and winning Black chefs, and conducted an internal audit to improve inclusivity before returning in 2022. - Rebecca Roland

A Mexico City family runs this tiny stalwart known for huaraches, pambazos, and Saturday barbacoa. Praised by Las Vegas Weekly and regularly cited by local critics, it’s a go-to for Chilango flavors like consomé loco and handmade masa snacks.

A third-generation family institution since 1980, famous for tamales and holiday masa marathons. Recognized by local news outlets and the Review-Journal over the years, it remains a downtown staple for enchiladas, menudo, and margaritas.

Family-run and festooned with Mexican folk art, this Main Street anchor serves classic plates, fresh tortillas, and strong margaritas. Frequently recommended in Eater’s Arts District guides and by local writers for its abuela-style cooking.

Small, daytime-only spot where menudo reigns and tortillas are pressed in-house. Eater’s Mexican roundups highlight it for soulful weekend soups and mole; locals come for generous plates and homestyle flavors.

A locally owned mariscos house spotlighting Sinaloa-style seafood towers, tostadas, and cocteles. Featured in Eater guides, it’s a reliable bet for octopus, shrimp, and bright coastal flavors away from the Strip.

Chinatown’s playful taqueria with a secret back-room parlor pairs street-style tacos with a serious agave program. Covered by Eater and local outlets for its speakeasy vibe and late-night energy, it’s a fun off-Strip night out.

Independent hangout near the Convention Center mixing 20 rotating taps with creative tacos and happy-hour specials. Noted by Eater for inventive fillings and a deep beer list, it’s a friendly pre-show or game-day stop.

A family project that grew from a food stand to a colorful eatery known for hefty tortas, chilaquiles, and cafe de olla. Newly highlighted on Eater’s best tacos list, it leans into nostalgia and handmade touches.

New Mexican flavors—think red and green chile, sopapillas, and all-day breakfast burritos—draw locals to this east-valley counter. Eater notes it among the city’s standout breakfast burritos; don’t miss the carne adovada.

Traditional birrieria serving beef or goat with consomé alongside quesabirria and birria ramen. Featured in Eater’s birria guide and praised by locals for deeply flavored stews and generous portions.

Chef Leticia Mitchell debuts Letty’s De Leticia’s Cocina in the Arts District | Eater Vegas

Sitting under an iconic Arts District neon sign on Main Street, I discovered Letty’s De Leticia’s Cocina, a counter-service spot from local restaurateur Leticia Mitchell that replaces the 1,842-square-foot El Sombrero Cafe space at 807 S. Main Street — a location synonymous with Mexican dining since 1950. Open daily at 7 a.m. (generally until 9 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), the menu expands on Mitchell’s Leticia’s Cocina & Cantina offerings at Santa Fe Station and draws on her Mexico City roots. Small plates include $8 ceviche, $5 grilled corn, $8 chicharrones, and seasoned fries upgraded with Mexican chorizo, Oaxaca cheese, and topped with two eggs; heartier items range from tacquitos, tamales, empanaditas, and gorditas to $9 enchiladas and an $11 steak ranchera. Tacos are served both street-style (al pastor, pork belly, carne asada) and as guisados (pork mole, birria, chicken tinga), plus a $4 ensenada taco made with seared or battered fish and shrimp; tortas, sides, desserts, beer, margaritas, and an evolving cocktail list are also available. The sand-colored exterior has been enlivened by a mural from Snipt, Tony Castillo, and Yournameiswhatnow, the counter features a protective barrier and socially distant seating, and the restaurant has applied for permission to add a seasonal 19-seat patio next to the Main Street entrance. - Bradley Martin