Mexican favorite Border Grill celebrates 25 years on the Las Vegas Strip

One of the most revered restaurants in Las Vegas has to be Border Grill. This casual restaurant by chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, located poolside at Mandalay Bay, has celebrated and elevated Mexican cuisine. In recent years, the regional cuisine has increased in popularity, thanks in part to the efforts of chefs like Feniger and Milliken, who preside over Border Grill’s inaugural Mexican Food & Wine Festival this week in celebration of the restaurant’s 25th anniversary.

“We’ve seen firsthand how the city’s culinary scene has evolved, and it’s been so rewarding to see how much Mexican cuisine continues to resonate with locals and tourists alike,” said Feniger. “Authentic Mexican food creates community, builds culture, and provides comfort—it’s where bold and vibrant flavors come together.”

Those vibrant flavors come together at Border Grill in such favorites as chicken poblano enchiladas smothered in a verdant sauce; fish tacos available both grilled and beer-battered; steak nachos with organic black beans, Yucatan pork (achiote pork roasted in banana leaves) and a chili relleno burger, piled high with a cheese-stuffed poblano, tomato and chipotle aioli. You can switch out the beef for Impossible meat if desired. 

At the weekend brunch, sit on the patio and order from an array of small shareable plates and larger entrées like the steak and eggs; spicy chicken tamale with guajillo sauce; salmon avocado toast; horchata French toast; and prickly pear parfait. Plus, Border Grill has some of the most delicious margaritas around, with options such as the blood orange margarita with Cazadores blanco tequila and the Zig-a-Zag guava margarita with Zignum tequila. At brunch, the flavors of pineapple, vanilla and lime accent the margarita.

But perhaps you prefer wine. That’s lucky, because Border Grill has an extensive list of Mexican wines. “At Border Grill, we’re proud to be at the forefront, not only with our food but as the first and only restaurant in Vegas to feature a full Mexican wine list, showcasing the incredible depth and quality of Mexican wines,” Feniger said. “It’s no surprise that a city so diverse and vibrant as Las Vegas is embracing Mexican cuisine more.

That passion for both food and wine has led the pair to spearhead the Border Grill Mexican Food & Wine Festival on Oct. 25, which features 15 wineries to sample from, and cuisine from not only Border Grill, but also from the chefs’ other venues like BBQ Mexicana and Vegas restaurants such as Rosa Mexicano at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. A portion of ticket sales supports the Nevada Restaurant Association Foundation’s ProStart.

“We are continually innovating our culinary offerings to provide exceptional dining experiences,” Milliken said. “The inaugural Border Grill Mexican Food & Wine Festival represents a significant milestone for us, as we bring together the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with carefully selected wines. We are excited to offer our guests a sophisticated and memorable experience, showcasing the best of both worlds in an elegant and unparalleled setting.”

Mandalay Bay. 702.632.7403. mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com

For festival tickets, go to bordergrill.com

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