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Often associated with holidays such as Christmas, New Years Eve, and Mexican Independence Day, pozole is a traditional Mexican stew with a base of hominy, corn that’s dried and softened while being cooked in an alkaline solution. Cooks typically prepare the dish with pork, or another protein such as chicken, but vegetarian options also exist. The savory, warm, spicy stew combines the textures of tender meat, fresh radish, and creamy avocado for a profile that’s dynamic and classic.
In Las Vegas, pozole options range from popular haunts just off the Strip to destinations that take diners into some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Here are five places to find the Mexican stew:
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A local favorite for pozole
Las Vegas locals are quick to mention El Menudazo when asked about pozole. The restaurant may specialize in menudo, which looks like pozole but is actually prepared with tripe, but its pozole, which is slow-cooked with pork and available in two sizes, is a hit too.
El Menudazo, 3100 E. Lake Mead Blvd., North Las Vegas; 702-944-9706
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Warm pozole and cold margaritas
With locations in Mesquite, and Victorville, California, Los Lupes has been serving Mexican food in the southwest since owners Maria and Guadalupe Martinez opened the original location in 1998. The Las Vegas location, which can be found in the Frias Shopping Center in Spring Valley, pairs a hearty pozole with frozen margaritas.
Los Lupes, 5255 S. Decatur Blvd., Suite 115; 702-545-0606
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Pozole worth waiting all week for
Weekends are for pozole at Abuela’s Tacos. Each Saturday and Sunday, the eastside restaurant prepares the signature stew for diners who have been waiting all week to order a bowl. The menu also includes tacos and burritos made with homemade tortillas.
Abuela’s Tacos, 4225 E. Sahara Ave.; 702-431-0284
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A hidden gem in Silverado Ranch
Tucked away in a strip mall in Silverado Ranch, Las Cazuelas offers a casual, counter-service restaurant that serves as an homage to Puebla (the name is a reference to the clay pots used to cook the city’s regional cuisine). Here, diners can order pozole served with onions, radish, lettuce, and tortilla chips.
Las Cazuelas, 9711 S. Eastern Ave.; 702-837-0204
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Pozole at midnight
The 24-hour Mexican spot El Dorado Cantina brings pozole to diners craving the dish late at night just moments from the Strip — or just moments from a strip club, considering the restaurant shares a building with Sapphire. The massive menu at El Dorado Cantina features pozole made with pork, hominy, and cabbage along with chips and arbol salsa.
El Dorado Cantina, 3025 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive; 702-722-2289