If you are out and about on the Las Vegas Strip, you are bound to get hungry, and boy, do I have a great place to fill that void. Rosa Mexicano at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood is one of the most memorable places around, conveniently located near the base of the bridge spanning Las Vegas Boulevard South at Harmon Avenue. This outpost of the popular chain opened last year and has become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors.
Photo by: Anthony Mair
You can enter both Miracle Mile Shops and from the Strip frontage, and you won’t need any rose-colored glasses here. The vibrant décor encompasses a variety of elements that range from whimsical to awe-inspiring, including birdcages surrounding one wall of pink booths, a large tree with hanging pink star ornaments, a wall of hanging plants, wood accents and several bars. The huge pink jaguars over the main bar are sure to inspire a frozen margarita or two. Might I suggest pomegranate or strawberry? May as well keep that pink vibe going. And pomegranate has been a Rosa Mexicano signature option since 1984!
Chips are a must for a Mexican restaurant, and these warm tortilla chips nicely accent the signature guacamole en molcajete, made tableside with ripe avocado and served with roasted tomato salsa. Rosa’s signature nachos feature black beans, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, guacamole, Chihuahua cheese and pickled jalapeños. Other great sharable apps include the queso dip, fried calamari with pickled jalapeños and chile de árbol mayo.
One of my favorite Mexican dishes are empanadas, and here you can try black bean and cheese, chorizo and shrimp, chipotle chicken and birria and cheese. Chicken tortilla soup, Rosa’s Own Caesar salad with chili-spiced croutons and a quinoa bowl with fire-roasted corn, queso fresco, fresh veggies and a spicy tomato vinaigrette round out the menu.
There’s a really great selection of tacos, from Baja-style fish to duck and pork carnitas. Enchiladas range from beef brisket to a roasted mushroom vegetarian version. Large main dishes include roasted half chicken, Mexican fried rice with chorizo and bacon, chile rellenos, steaks and salmon pipián with avocado pico de gallo. Add a few sides like street corn esquites, chili-roasted potatoes and fried ripe plantains and crema.
For dessert, tres leches cake is topped with berries (there is a chocolate version as well), and churros with dark chocolate and raspberry-guajillo dipping sauce.
Photo by: Courtesy
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Breakfast: One of the best deals around is Rosa Mexicano’s daily breakfast—items like tres leches French toast, a Mexican omelet, agave pancakes and steak and eggs are all accompanied by unlimited coffee, at great prices. Add bottomless mimosas for $21 and the morning is golden. Sit inside or on the patio.
Quick bites: No time for a sit-down meal? Just inside the mall entrance, Rosa Mexicano’s bar window will let you grab a breakfast burrito to take along with you. (It’s an excellent price as well.)
Happy hour: This “all-hours” happy hour features food and drink specials like Mexican egg rolls, nachos and mini margaritas—but it is only on the patio!
Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. rosamexicano.com
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