Foodcrawling for the Unlucky: Vegas’ Off-the-Strip Gems

There is not a corner of the Earth that isn’t enamored with Las Vegas, and over New Year's we summed up our favorite Latin food destinations on the Strip for the high rollers. But beyond the bright neon lights of Strip restaurants — most stamped with the names of celebrity chefs — is an entirely different playground of food offerings helmed by the area’s dense Latino population. So, in this edition of Foodcrawling, we're continuing the Vegas conversation, highlighting some of the most authentic offerings of the Southwest. Note to the casino-unlucky: these spots don't depend on a win at the craps table.

Viva Las Arepas. 1516 S. Las Vegas Blvd., 702-366-9696.

Just past the sparkling lights of the Las Vegas strip, this quaint stand lacks the ubiquitous neon sign, but don't pass it by! Though the menu is simple, and the ambiance consists of plastic picnic tables lining the north end of Las Vegas Boulevard, tourists and locals alike tend to find themselves in line for what is arguably Las Vegas’ best-hidden culinary gem. Inside the booth are typically one or two cooks serving up classic Argentinean arepas, a flat round patty made of cornmeal that is grilled to a crisp on the outside and soft inside, and then stuffed with your choice of meats or black beans with cheese. At just $4 each, the stand’s cornerstone menu item is surprisingly filling and absolutely delicious. 

Tacos El Gordo. 3049 S. Las Vegas Blvd., 702-641-8228.

Tucked away in a strip mall near Wynn Las Vegas, the newest location of Tacos El Gordo could be missed in the blink of the eye, but almost any Las Vegas local would tell you such oversight is a grave mistake. Whether you choose this Strip location, or the original spot downtown, if you visit during the lunch hour rush or late night, this taquería is usually packed with patrons clamoring for the famous spicy Adobada (pork) Taco and signature Capechanga Fries. Both locations stay close to the their Tijuana roots with vtaco arieties that also include Cabeza (beef head), Lengua (beef tongue), Sesos (beef brains), Buche (pork stomach), Carne Asada (skirt steak), and Tripa (beef stomach), so chicken-loyalists beware: pollo is not on the menu. 

Lindo Michoacán. 2655 E. Desert Inn Road, 702-735-6828.

Want to enjoy classic Mexican fare in a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere? Head to Lindo Michoacán. This popular, family-owned restaurant recently opened its third location ten minutes from the Strip and offers a fun, colorful Mexico-inspired atmosphere to go with your margarita and tableside-made guacamole. Fairly standard Mexican fare, from burritos to carne asada, shapes the menu, but the enchiladas in red or green sauce are a don’t miss. In the mood for something muy authentica?   Lengua, or beef tongue, a popular Mexican dish, is served two ways here: Michoacána (a special unique recipe) or in tomatillo (green tomato) sauce. 

Las Pupusa. 4760 S. Eastern Avenue, 702-341-7776.

At first look, this understated eatery looks like your typical strip mall joint — no neon signs, little fanfare, no interior decor — but the owners say it’s the Salvadorian dishes that make Las Pupusas a local favorite. The signature pupusas (a thick, handmade corn tortilla filled with your choice of cheeses and meats) are surprisingly large and filling for just $1.75 each. Many of the other popular dishes also take on a Salvadorian twist, like Tamales de Pollo (chicken tamales), prepared Salvadorian style, and the Casamiento, os Salvadorian breakfast, consisting of scrambled eggs, plantain, rice and beans, thick corn tortillas, and sour cream. 

Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar. 3900 Paradise Road, 702-369-3971.

The overwhelming variety of options at this local hotspot assures that a foodie could visit a dozen times and still never cover the menu. Boasting more than 30 different Spanish-style tapas, such as the popular baked Tetilla (roasted tomato and tetilla cheese fondue with chorizo, toasts) and Boquerones (Spanish white anchovies on toasts w/roast red pepper, yellow pepper vinaigrette); it’s advisable to save room for the paella and chocolate Tres Leches cake for dessert. The ambiance offers a relaxed modern Spanish setting but be prepared to wait about an hour for a dinner time table, especially if you’re hoping to snag a coveted patio seat.