With the recent premiere of The Linq, new food and beverage venues have begun to open their doors onto the wildly anticipated pedestrian thoroughfare leading to the High Roller observation wheel. Among the first is Chayo Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, sitting adjacent to O’Sheas Casino, linked to The Quad and serving its take on Mexican fare by offering a cavalcade of familiar flavors in modern presentations.
The surprises begin immediately with the appetizers. Take the cilantro cream soup—as intriguing a dish as you’ll encounter. Combining the eponymous ingredients with serrano peppers and toasted pine nuts, it blends a hint of heat with crisp cilantro flavor and pine nut texture. While demurely described on the menu, this is a must-have for any Chayo diner.
Similarly, guacamole is topped with pomegranate seeds and served with pork rinds or tortilla chips; the inclusion of pomegranate seeds provides a welcome crunch, while the fresh daily tortilla chips are seasoned with tajín—a traditional Mexican spice combining chili peppers, lime and salt—for a more interesting dipping experience. Frankly, chicharrónes need no introduction. Who doesn’t want to scoop with fried swine skin?
When planning your meal, do not overlook the lobster tacos, which I am proclaiming as a “soon-to-be Strip favorite.” Dos Equis beer-battered Maine lobster is swaddled in a tortilla and slathered with an addictive chipotle mayonnaise and garnished with shredded purple cabbage—it’s an interesting spin on the fish tacos commonly found on the West Coast.
Chayo interior
With a laundry list of must-order appetizers and small plates, you might think you couldn’t possibly have room for an entrée but you’d be mistaken. Explore Chayo’s steak offerings, which include filet mignon served with a flavorful chimichurri where the traditional Argentinian parsley-based sauce complements the meaty cut. From the sea, mahi mahi is presented with sweet corn relish and a sharp guajillo pepper sauce that does not overwhelm the subtly flavored seafarer.
Tequila is revered at Chayo, as evidenced by their collection of more than 50 various vintages. They have also assembled a selection of specialty cocktails highlighting creative uses of the famous Mexican spirit so much more deserving than a little salt and lime. The Anticuado is their delicious tequila-based riff on an Old Fashioned, while the refreshing Office combines lemongrass-infused tequila, St-Germain elderflower liqueur and cucumber soda; the latter will be certainly apropos for partaking in people-watching from Chayo’s spacious rooftop patio as the Vegas weather begins to warm.
But Chayo is not only about dining; it’s also about showcasing the mechanical bull. You certainly can’t miss “Chayo” in the center of the room, and as you ride away in your blaze of glory, surrounding patrons won’t be able to avert their gazes.
After your ride, finish off with either the cinnamon churros or the dulce de leche ice cream. Both are worth the caloric splurge and well represent classic Mexican flavors. Since you’ve already burnt off extra calories demonstrating your superiority on Chayo, then why not order both! You’re ready for the spotlight, aren’t you? Because Chayo is certainly ready for you.
The Linq, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.-Wed., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Thurs.-Sat. 702.691.3773
