It should come as no surprise that seafood is a staple in Mexican cuisine. Locals swear by Mariscos el Diamante as the place for Mexican seafood. The menu swims with oysters, ceviche, and aguachiles that transport diners to the  beaches of Mazatlan. Diners can order a variety of Mexican beers, a Michelada, or get crazy with a mango-chelada. 

At Antojitos Sinaloa, the inspiration for the food is right in the name, the state of Sinaola, Mexico, in the northwest along the Gulf of California. While the menu features traditional Mexican dishes, Antojitos is known for its Sinaloa Tower with octopus, shrimp, ceviche, and topped with avocado and a special sauce. A lively party atmosphere gets diners up from their seats to sing and dance along to the live mariachis. 

Located in the heart of the Arts District, Casa Don Juan puts as much reverence for the culture into the surroundings as it does the food. Art celebrating Mexican artist Frida Khalo is as deliberate as the menu. One of the few spots to offer tamales by the dozen also offers a classic Mexican menu with soups, tortas, and tostadas on it. Three locations across the city feature this abuelita style of cooking.

Los Antojos may be small in size, but it certainly offers a mega Mexican mouthful of flavor. Fans rave about the menu of chilaquiles, sopes, and a variety of huaraches that remind them of dishes found in Mexico City. For those tried and true lovers of genuine Mexican food, Los Antojos even has manitas de puerco, pig’s feet, a staple in Mexican cuisine. Seating is limited but worth the wait in this friendly atmosphere.

Mariposa offers a contemporary take on traditional Mexican and South American food. The higher-class establishment’s cuisine is far from casual. Crab and lobster enchiladas, mole braised short ribs, and honey-glazed shrimp burritos help anchor this fusion fare with a classic taste of Mexico at the core. Cocktails such as the Prickly Pear Paloma and a happy hour DJ make this place better suited for a date night or a ladies’ night. Mariposa is about as high energy and la-tee-da as they come. 

Milpa (cornfield) is a Mexican restaurant with a twist. It’s healthy Mexican food. Chef DJ Flores, a Las Vegas native who has worked all up and down the Strip with names such as José Andrés and Lorena Garcia before taking up residence in Mexico City, opened this gem in February. The menu features natural ingredients from local sources that together make dishes such as Milpa grain bowls with roasted corn, beans, quinoa, and other fresh vegetables. Or, have a try of a black bean tetela, green chorizo and lentils, or an avocado tostada from the brunch menu. For a little something sweet, how about a cup of cafecito with a concha? 

A Las Vegas Mexican staple, Juan’s Flaming Fajitas is best known for its, well, flaming fajitas brought right to the table. But, that is second only to the atmosphere with bright murals, live music, and a solid happy hour menu. Juan’s full menu is comprehensive and has just about every typical Mexican dish a diner expects. The original location sits on Tropicana Avenue on the westside with the newer location in Henderson on Water Street.

Located in the Green Valley neighborhood of Henderson, chef Jose Rodriguez’s restaurant Chavelos offers a colorful and fiesta-like atmosphere. Known for its signature molcajetes available in both meat and seafood, this establishment is one of a few places on the list with vegetarian dishes on the menu. Dine on avocado tacos or opt for spinach and mushroom enchiladas. Patrons can also wet their whistles with a variety of Mexican tequilas on the outdoor patio.

Il Toro E La Capra is a blend of Mexican and Italian cuisine created by Javier Barajas. Barajas always envisioned opening an Italian restaurant with the classic Vegas feel of his favorite movie. “Casino.” The menu boasts Mexican food with an Italian lean. Find tacos, carne asada, and fajitas. But you can also find pizza topped with pulled pork carnitas.

If you’re looking for tacos, load up on plates of carne asada, chicken, pork, and shrimp tacos, all over-stuffed and filled with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. True to its name, pair your meal with an agua fresca, with choices of strawberry, watermelon, pineapple, mango, chia lemonade, spinach, and cucumber.