The culinary landscape of the U.S. is deeply intertwined with Mexican culture – and that reflects in the latest top made by The New York Times. The highly anticipated list, called“41 of the Greatest Mexican Restaurants Across the United States,” is a love letter to the diversity, innovation, and traditions. It’s highlighting everything from family-run stalls to new-generation innovators. And yes – Vegas is on the list!
El Yaquesito is one of the best Mexican restaurants in the U.S.
While culinary institutions like L.A., Chicago, and Texas were heavily featured, Nevada proved it can hold its own. A beloved Las Vegas eatery proudly secured its spot among the Times’ top 41.
Meet El Yaquesito! Located on W Washington Ave, this unassuming gem is famous for bringing deeply authentic Sonoran flavors to the desert. Rather than relying on tourist-friendly dishes, El Yaquesito won critics over with its commitment to regional specialties. Every made bite transports diners to the streets of Ciudad Obregón – and that’s what makes it special.
Here’s what Bill Esparza from The New York Times had to say:
“In Vegas, it’s not unusual to sit in the blazing sun beneath a tarp-covered bench, eating over-the-top seafood tostadas ornately stacked with high-end shellfish, and molcajetes chock-full of seafood snacks. What sets Jorge Silva’s ocean-blue trailer apart is a morning specialty: cahuamanta, or stingray soup. A growing number of Sonoran immigrants have relocated to Sin City, a desert locale that feels a lot like back home. Mr. Silva’s cahuamanta is buttery, tangy and comes with springy shrimp and rich tuna fin that add layers of fatty flavors. It tastes like a Sunday in Ciudad Obregón, where Mr. Silva was born.”
Why is the New York Times list important?
Being on a curated, nationwide list by The New York Times goes beyond a temporary bump in reservations. It cements a restaurant’s legacy and puts a national spotlight on the hardworking chefs behind the scenes. For foodies in Vegas and beyond, this guide proves that the greatest era of Mexican dining in America is happening right now. Oh…what a time to be alive.
