Churrasco skewer
Pink Taco is an institution. As one of the original restaurants from the 1995 opening of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, it has stood the test of time; within minutes of sitting down in the festive room, it’s easy to see why. As the enthralling soundtrack seamlessly transitions from Screaming Trees and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Rush, the knowledgeable and attentive staff will make sure you’re having a good time. Your only responsibility? Deciding what to eat and drink.
Begin with the churrasco skewer. A trio of chicken, shrimp and beef on metal skewers—who doesn’t love meat on a stick?—is delivered to your table, hanging from a hook. Served alongside chile butter and poblano sauce with a stack of housemade tortillas, these grilled bites are a welcome smoky, meaty start to your meal.
The bacon-wrapped jalapeños are a challenge and a treat. A housemade smoked ranch complements the peppers stuffed with a trio of gooey cheeses: traditional Mexican cotija, Oaxacan and mozzarella. But that’s not all. In a nod to Russian roulette, one of the dish’s half-dozen peppers is hotter than the others; it’s your challenge is to guess which one. Good luck!
There is no mystery with the Diablo Nachos—they’re just straight-up caliente! This dish is the devil’s playground with the deadly duo of Scorpion chile cheese sauce—made from the pepper currently acknowledged as the hottest known to man—and habanero beans. These are intermingled with more approachable ingredients—grilled chicken, roasted peppers and sour cream—atop housemade chips. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The pozole is a traditional pork and hominy soup that eats like a meal—a rich, deep revelation with smoky undertones. Even a bit heartier is the chile colorado. Rife with chunky beef and just a slight hint of heat, it’s served alongside addictive cilantro-cotija rice and is a must have. On the lighter side is the sabana de pollo with chimichurri. A flattened chicken breast caressed with a vibrant chimichurri sauce, this favorite has been on the menu since the beginning. It’s easy to see why.
Of course, an hombre cannot live on food alone so be sure to check out the margarita collection. The Cadillac is a play on the standard with Patrón Citronge and a Grand Marnier float for hints of citrus. Even more interesting is the Kinky Bitch—the perfect margarita for a restaurant that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Named for Kinky liqueur—an amalgamation of blood orange, mango and passion fruit—it’s a veritable taste of the tropics.
If margaritas aren’t your style, I’d suggest some straight tequila or mezcal instead. Pink Taco general manager Joseph Opalewski has quietly compiled a rather impressive collection, so it’d be practically rude for you not to explore. Two unique selections are the Cabo Uno añejo, which drinks like a spectacular bourbon, and the Delirio de Oaxaca Joven mezcal—aged in white pine—with a robust, smoky flavor. Either would be an outstanding finish to your meal. Viva la fiesta!
Hard Rock Hotel, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-late Fri.-Sat. 702.693.5525
