No matter what city you call home or where you grew up, there’s probably a terrific taco shop in your neighborhood that you frequent with much passion. It’s tough to beat the simple, delicious pleasure of a great taco, and the comfortable, casual environments where you can get this treat in almost any place across the country.
Las Vegas is no different. Locals argue about their favorite taco shops and compare neighborhood eateries all the time, and one of the spots that ranks high on most people’s polls has several locations on and off the Strip. Tijuana’s Tacos El Gordo (702.331.1160) is easily accessible on Las Vegas Boulevard just south of the historic Peppermill diner and also serves its legendary adobada spiced pork and juicy carne asada at restaurants in North Las Vegas and downtown on East Charleston Boulevard. Make your meat selection and enjoy the beautiful simplicity of griddled corn tortillas, high quality ingredients and rustic salsas and toppings that make Tacos El Gordo one of the most memorable eating experiences in the city.
There’s a new challenger for the title of best Strip-side taco stand and it’s right across the street at Resorts World. San Diego transplant Tacos El Cabrón (725.204.7767), which also operates its first Vegas store near UNLV, has popped open an outdoor eatery right on the Boulevard, perfect for grabbing a late-night snack during a busy night out on the Strip. Add some melty cheese to your favorite taco for a quesadilla-like experience—a “quesataco”—or check out the selection of burritos, topped French fries and bowls.
El Dorado Cantina (702.722.2289) is a unique, ingredient-driven Mexican restaurant that got its start just off the Strip adjacent to Sapphire gentleman’s club and has expanded with a few other suburban locations sprinkled about the Vegas Valley. Its menu is vast but there’s no reason to skip its impressive tacos, served in a trio of street-style tacos with carnitas, carne asada, al pastor or pulled chicken, or as a larger duo of tacos with rice and beans including filet mignon, lobster, shrimp, or crispy fish options. There’s a reason locals and visitors make it a point to return to El Dorado Cantina again and again.
Similarly, Diablo’s Cantina (702.262.5225) is a vibrant restaurant that serves much more than just tacos, but its two Strip spots at The Mirage and Luxor have certainly perfected this popular signature dish. Check out the filet alambre tacos, flour tortillas filled with steak tips, bacon, roasted poblano peppers and cheese, or the slow-roasted pork carnitas tacos topped with pickled onions. You won’t find these flavors anywhere else.
Back out in the ’burbs at Downtown Summerlin, the new and clubby hot spot La Neta Cocina (702.476.5484) is serving up something that they call BFTs (Big F’n Tacos). This unique taco take is as photo-worthy as it is satisfying, with multiple options including a whole butter-poached lobster, corn purée and fennel-citrus slaw in a cheese-stuffed flour tortilla, or grilled skirt steak and truffle cheese fondue with crispy onions in a crisp, golden shell. These aren’t your mother’s tacos, but they’re definitely worth the trip.
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