El Barrio To Build a Speakeasy and Taqueria in Chinatown

Early word on an unconventional venture headed to the Center at Spring Mountain calls for plans to introduce “Tijuana-style” tacos to its Chinatown neighbors.

Slotting into vacant spaces 3873 and 3829, a couple of doors down from Udon Monzo and Hot N Juicy Crawfish, El Barrio Taqueria y Cantina is promising to “bring the distinctive flavors of Mexican Street Food to the city of Las Vegas.” The big twist will be the addition of a “speakeasy” bar at the back of space, hidden behind the taco restaurant out front.

Also shortening its name to El Barrio, the concept is basing its menu on the “rich and delicious street foods from Baja California, Mexico.” Anticipating to become a “high volume” venture, the team is currently hiring staff familiar with an al pastor, vertical rotisserie grill.

Inside will feature a dining area, lounge and bar, but little details of the speakeasy operation have been revealed. Attached to the project are Adam Modder and Anthony Connelly, who oversee the self-serve beer kiosk Hop inside the Strip’s Harmon Corner.

El Barrio is pushing for a spring debut.

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