The best tacos on the Las Vegas Strip is subjective. Like politics and sports, talking about who has the best taco is a highly controversial. Everyone, including myself, has their favorite spot where they claim to find the best tacos.
And, it’s not unheard of for a taco spot to be loved by one group and disliked by another. Many of those spots will be on this very list.
On the Las Vegas Strip, you can find every type of cuisine, ranging from cheap eats to fine dining to international cuisine. Therefore, it’s no surprise that you can also find the ubiquitous taco about everywhere. Whether from food trucks, fast-food spots, or high-end restaurants, tacos are readily available.
While you can certainly find great tacos all around Las Vegas, on my recent visit, I set out to find the best tacos on the Las Vegas Strip. This is my list of 15 of the best tacos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Planning a trip to Las Vegas? I recommend a guidebook such as Fodor's Las Vegas for the best places to visit and eat. The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas is also great for finding hidden spots. These guides really help me make the most of my trips and I think they can help you too!1 – Tacos de Adobada at Tacos El Gordo
Founded in 1988 in San Diego, Tacos El Gordo has become one of the most popular locations in Las Vegas for tacos. You can find a line at almost any hour of the day at their location across the street from Resorts World.
At Tacos El Gordo, you stand in specific lines based on the type of meat you want, such as adobada, carne asada, or cabeza. While they are known for their sopes, mulas, quesadillas, tostadas, and fries, most visit for the tacos.
On my visits, I always order the Tacos de Adobada. These spicy pork tacos come with fresh sliced marinated pork, onions, cilantro, and green salsa on a homemade corn tortilla. While there may be a wait, especially late at night, the wait is worth it.
What to order: Tacos de Adobada
Tacos El Gordo
Address: 3041 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 10:00AM-2:00AM; Friday-Saturday: 10:00AM-4:00AM
2 – Tacos al Pastor at Tacos El Pastor
Located next to Tacos El Gordo is the frequently confused Tacos El Pastor. While it may not be as popular, in my opinion, the tacos here are better than those at Tacos El Gordo.
The setup and menu here are similar to Tacos El Gordo. You stand in a specific line to order based on what you want whether it is tacos, burritos, nachos, or fries. Similarly, you choose your desired filling from a variety of options including pastor, asada, chorizo, carnitas, and more.
My go-to is the tacos al pastor. While these tacos are small, the meat is tender, crispy, moist, and salty, right off the spit. The creamy and tangy green sauce is delicious while the soft, simple corn tortilla, lightly grilled, brings the whole taco together.
What to order: Tacos al Pastor
Tacos El Pastor
Address: 3049 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 10:00AM-12:00AM; Friday-Saturday: 10:00AM-4:00AM;
3 – Carnitas Taco at China Poblano
China Poblano, located at The Cosmopolitan, is one of the more unique restaurants on this list. Created by celebrity chef José Andrés, China Poblano creatively blends Mexican and Chinese cuisines. If you have the chance, grab a seat at the bar where you can watch the chefs at work.
While dim sum and ceviche might be an unusual combination, at China Poblano, they share the menu. Additionally, the menu features a variety of gourmet tacos crafted with tortillas made from heirloom Oaxacan corn. Unique options include the Viva China Taco with crispy beef tendon and raw oyster and the Camaron Estilo Baja Taco with battered and fried Mexican Gulf shrimp.
I enjoy ordering the Carnitas Taco, which comes with a generous amount of braised pork, crispy chicharrón, onions, cilantro, and salsa verde on a light and fresh corn tortilla. This might be the most expensive taco on this list, but it is worth it.
What to order: Carnitas Taco, Viva China Taco, Camaron Estilo Baja Taco
China Poblano
Address: 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S Level 2, Boulevard Tower, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (located inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas)
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00AM-10:00PM; Friday-Saturday: 11:00AM-10:30PM
4 – Negra Modelo Beer Battered Fish Tacos at Nacho Daddy
Nacho Daddy is a popular restaurant located in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Day or night, the place is always busy and it’s not unusual for there to be a wait. They’re also featured on my list of the best late night eats on the Las Vegas Strip if you are looking for a late night meal.
With the name Nacho Daddy, the locally-owned establishment is best known for their gourmet nachos. Along with nachos, they offer breakfast, a variety of unique Mexican-American dishes, and of course, tacos. On the menu you’ll find street tacos, soft and hard shell tacos, and a selection of tacos featuring different types of seafood including shrimp, fish, and lobster.
As for me, I’m a fan of the Negra Modelo Beer Battered Fish Tacos. These tacos come with two large pieces of fresh fish served on a signature flour tortilla. And, on the side is Mexican rice and refried beans. The tacos are topped with shredded cabbage, Serrano aioli, mango salsa, avocado lime salsita, and cilantro.
What to order: Negra Modelo Beer Battered Fish Fish Tacos
Nacho Daddy
Address: 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd #595, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (located inside Miracle Mile Shops)
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 8:00AM-2:00AM; Thursday-Saturday: 8:00AM-3:00AM
5 – Quesabirria Tacos at 664 TJ Birrieria
A short walk from Tacos El Gordo and Tacos El Pastor brings you to 664 TJ Birrieria. This local restaurant first opened in National City, California in 2016, then expanded to San Diego in 2018 and the Las Vegas Strip in 2019.
As the name suggests, 664 TJ Birrieria specializes in birria, a savory shredded beef stew. This stew serves as the foundation for a variety of dishes such as tacos, quesabirria (a taco filled with cheese and birria beef), and quesadillas. Birria is often enjoyed with consomé, the rich broth in which the beef was slow cooked. In recent years, birria has gained popularity in the United States.
My favorite choice is the Quesabirria with a Side of Consomé. The beef is tender and juicy with a rich flavor, the result of being slow cooked for hours. The cheese adds a salty flavor and a chewy texture. And, the double tortilla absorbs the flavorful broth, adding depth to each bite. Cilantro and onions bring this simple but delicious taco together. For even more flavor, be sure to dip each taco into the rich, salty, and flavorful consomé.
What to order: Anything with birria including the Quesabirria
664 TJ Birrieria
Address: 3061 S Las Vegas Blvd #1a, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hours: Monday: 7:00AM-2:00AM; Tuesday: 7:00AM-3:00AM; Wednesday: 7:00AM-2:30AM; Thursday-Friday: 7:00AM-3:00AM; Saturday: 7:00AM-4:00AM; Sunday: 7:00AM-3:00AM
6 – Koreantown Tacos at Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen
Love him or hate him, Guy Fieri has a significant culinary footprint in Las Vegas with several restaurants under his belt. One of those restaurants is Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen located at The LINQ.
If you’re not familiar with him, Guy Fieri is a celebrity chef known for his Food Network shows. His menus often feature dishes with big, bold flavors and twists on comfort food. Just as on his shows, his menu will transport you to Flavortown.
While the “Koreantown” Tacos are the only taco option on the menu, they might just be my favorite on this list of the best tacos on the Las Vegas Strip. This taco is made with marinated thin-cut ribeye, avocado-lime mash, kimchi, pico de gallo, and spicy mayo on a corn tortilla. The thinly sliced tender beef, with its bold sweet and salty umami flavor, along with crunchy tangy kimchi and creamy avocado, is special.
What to order: “Koreantown” Tacos
Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen
Address: 3535 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (located inside : The LINQ Hotel)
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 10:00AM-11:00PM; Friday-Saturday: 10:00AM-11:30PM
7 – Combination Tacos at Gonzalez y Gonzalez
Gonzalez y Gonzalez is another one of those restaurants I have walked by countless times, but have never tried until now. Located along Village Street at the New York-New York Hotel, they are well known for their south-of-the-border cuisine and extensive tequila selection
For tacos, they have a small selection, but it includes everything you could want. This includes beef, chicken, carnitas, fish, carne asada, and avocado shrimp. Each order comes with three tacos, so I like to ask for one each of Beef, Chicken, and Carnitas to sample them all. And, you get rice and beans.
The shredded beef is smoky, salty, and tender, almost melting in my mouth, with a bold, beefy flavor. The shredded chicken is moist, with a smoky tomato flavor. The carnitas feature chunks of tender, flavorful pork. And while the taco shells might not be particularly special, I personally enjoy a simple, crunchy taco shell.
What to order: Beef, Chicken, and Carnitas Tacos
Gonzalez y Gonzalez
Address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (located inside New York-New York Hotel )
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 12:00PM-10:00PM; Friday-Saturday: 11:00AM-11:00PM
8 – Barbacoa Tacos at Hussong’s Cantina
Hussong’s Cantina, which is located inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, is a casual Mexican restaurant and cantina. Its origins can be traced to the original Hussong’s Cantina in Ensenada, which is often credited as the birthplace of the margarita. While I do enjoy a margarita from time to time, I visit for the tacos.
On the menu at Hussong’s Cantina are a great selection of tacos to choose from. This includes traditional options like carnitas, chicken, and barbacoa. Additionally, they have specialty choices such as baja fish, baja shrimp, carne asada, and even burnt ends.
I like the Barbacoa Tacos. These tacos come with tender shredded beef, onions, fresh cilantro, salty queso fresco, and tangy pickled red onions on a basic but soft tortilla. While simple, the flavors and textures are great. Even better, the tacos come with rice, beans, and complimentary chips and salsa.
What to order: Barbacoa Tacos
Hussong’s Cantina
Address: 3930 Las Vegas Blvd S Suite 121B, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (located inside The Shoppes At Mandalay Place)
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:00AM-11:00PM; Friday-Saturday: 11:00AM-12:00AM; Sunday: 10:00AM-11:00PM
9 – Baja Fish Tacos at Yolös Mexican Grill
Near Gordon Ramsay Burger at Planet Hollywood, right in the middle of the casino floor, is Yolös Mexican Grill. This sleek yet casual restaurant is known for their menu that blends traditional Mexican favorites with an international twist. This includes flavors from the Caribbean, South America, and the Pacific Rim. Additionally, they are known for their selection of over 60 tequilas and their margarita bar.
Yolös Mexican Grill offers a great selection of both specialty and street tacos. Specialty options include al pastor, quesabirria, and pork belly. Street taco choices keep it simple with grilled chicken, carne asada, and carnitas.
Seafood isn’t the first thing that comes to mind in the middle of the desert, but you can’t go wrong with the Baja Fish Tacos. The fish here is flakey, moist, and cooked to perfection while the golden brown breading is crunchy, airy, and light with a rich and salty flavor. Add crispy cabbage, tangy pineapple relish, creamy lime crema, crunchy pickled onion, and fresh cilantro, and you have one of the best fish tacos on the Las Vegas Strip.
What to order: Baja Fish Tacos
Yolös Mexican Grill
Address: 3667 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (located inside Planet Hollywood)
Hours: Sunday-Friday: 12:00PM-10:00PM; Saturday: 10:00PM-11:00PM
10 – Shrimp Tacos at Cabo Wabo Cantina
Cabo Wabo Cantina, founded by rock musician Sammy Hagar, is a popular restaurant known for its casual Mexican cuisine, tequila, and cocktails. While it may be touristy and there are better restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, I love Cabo Wabo Cantina for its central location, lively atmosphere, happy hour, and its tacos.
Cabo Wabo Cantina has one of the best happy hours on the Las Vegas Strip. Monday through Friday, between 3:00PM and 7:00PM, they offer drink specials and three tacos for $6.00. Taco choices are chicken, carnitas, and vegetables.
If you aren’t there for happy hour, I recommend the Shrimp Tacos. These tacos come with shredded lettuce, chipotle aioli, tomatoes, cilantro, and pickled onions on a basic, but soft flour tortilla. They’re simple but always delicious thanks to the large, fresh shrimp that are moist, plump, and tender. All they need is a squeeze of lime and a dash of Tapatio to bring everything together.
What to order: Shrimp Tacos, Happy Hour Tacos
Cabo Wabo Cantina
Address: 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (located inside Miracle Mile Shops)
Hours: Open daily 8:00AM-1:00AM
11 – Happy Hour Tacos at El Segundo Sol
Located across the street from the Wynn is El Segundo Sol, an often overlooked Mexican restaurant known for their vibrant Mexican dishes and over 100 tequilas. If you are looking for the charm of a Mexican hacienda, on the Las Vegas Strip, then this is your spot.
El Segundo Sol also has a great happy hour. Their happy hour, which they call Loco Hour, features $4.50 draft beers, appetizers starting at $3.95, and $5.95 tacos.
Taco options include barbacoa, grilled chicken, carnitas, grilled mahi, and veggies on a soft, fresh corn tortilla. While the tacos are small, they pack a lot of flavor. I enjoy the Happy Hour Tacos with tender, smoky chicken and the grilled mahi, which includes a generous piece of fish
What to order: Happy Hour Tacos
El Segundo Sol
Address: 3200 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (located inside Fashion Show Las Vegas)
Hours: Open daily 11:00AM-10:00PM
12 – Mini Tacos at Sayulitas Mexican Food
Sayulitas Mexican Food is a family-owned restaurant with locations in San Diego County and on the Las Vegas Strip across from Mandalay Bay. Though located on the Strip, the shop has the feel of a local taco joint, far off the beaten path.
The menu at Sayulitas Mexican Food prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to craft dishes that blend traditional Mexican cuisine with a Filipino twist.
You can’t go wrong with any of the taco choices, whether it’s chicken, beef, carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, fish, or shrimp. I like to order the Mini Tacos with carnitas, chicken, and carne asada. Despite what the name suggests, these tacos are packed to the brim with tender meat, guacamole, cilantro, and onions on a soft, chewy corn tortilla. And, don’t forget to grab some of the house-made salsas from the salsa bar.
What to order: Mini Tacos
Sayulitas Mexican Food
Address: 3999 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 8:00AM-12:00AM; Thursday: 8:00AM-2:00AM; Friday-Saturday: 8:00AM-3:00AM
13 – Street Tacos at Cañonita Street Taqueria
Cañonita is a traditional Mexican restaurant located in the maze that is the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. Their menus feature scratch-made Mexican favorites, each with a soulful twist.
While Cañonita is a great place for a sit-down meal, I like to order from their Cañonita Street Taqueria taco truck, located in front of the restaurant. Eating at the food truck is quick, cheap, and the quality of the food is the same. This includes the tortillas, made in-house, which are soft, fresh, and chewy, and hold up to the last bite.
While the tacos are small, I like to order two types of tacos, carnitas and chicken. The Carnitas Taco is filled with a generous amount of shredded pork that is tender with a rich, salty flavor. The Chicken Taco is stuffed with shredded chicken marinated in chipotle and topped with fresh, crispy lettuce. Don’t forget to ask for the arbol salsa on the side. It’s creamy and smoky with a spicy kick.
What to order: Carnitas Taco, Chicken Taco
Cañonita Street Taqueria
Address: 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (located inside Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian)
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:00AM-10:00PM; Friday-Saturday: 10:00AM-10:00PM
14 – Fish Tacos at Border Grill
Border Grill, founded by celebrity chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, is a vibrant and modern Mexican restaurant located inside Mandalay Bay. The restaurant is known for its traditional Mexican cuisine which draws inspiration from chefs throughout Mexico. Many of their dishes feature a California-inspired twist, a nod to their first location which opened in Los Angeles in 1985.
While not the cheapest Mexican food option on the Las Vegas Strip, the menu at Border Grill features sustainably sourced, fresh, and organic ingredients, with a focus on locally grown produce. They believe food should be healthy and light, without sacrificing flavor.
At Border Grill, menus are updated with each season to provide the freshest ingredients. And, their lunch and dinner menus feature distinct taco options. For lunch, I enjoy the Fish Tacos with crispy beer battered fish topped with a spicy cabbage slaw, crunchy radish, creamy avocado, salsa fresca, and cilantro aioli on a homemade corn tortilla.
What to order: Fish Tacos
Border Grill
Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (located inside Mandalay Bay)
Hours: Monday-Friday: 11:00AM-10:00PM; Saturday-Sunday: 10:00AM-10:00PM
15 – Crunchy Taco Supreme at Taco Bell Cantina
It might seem strange to include Taco Bell on a list of the best tacos in Las Vegas. However, this isn’t just any Taco Bell—it’s a Taco Bell Cantina.
If you don’t know what Taco Bell Cantina is, it’s a modern, urban twist on the traditional Taco Bell experience. These locations offer alcohol, an upgraded interior, and sometimes even live entertainment. Often, there’s a line to get in, as if you’re at a club. Its prime location on the Las Vegas Strip, in front of Planet Hollywood, makes it worth the visit on its own.
The menu is similar to most traditional Taco Bell locations. Personally, I like to keep it simple with the Crunchy Taco Supreme filled with ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream in a hard shell. And since I’m in Las Vegas, and at Taco Bell, I always pair it with a beer.
What to order: Crunchy Taco Supreme
Taco Bell Cantina
Address: 3717 S Las Vegas Blvd Suite 140-A, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (located inside Miracle Miles Shops)
Hours: 24 hours
Last Updated on December 17, 2024
Related Posts