While this might mean some bad decisions in retrospect, the (lack of) memory is worth going all out and sampling the extensive margarita and tequila selections offered at the best Mexican restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip. Arrrrriba!
CHAYO MEXICAN KITCHEN + TEQUILA BAR
The prime selection at the saucy LINQ Promenade spot Chayo includes more than 50 tequilas, rare finds and exotic limited-editions—plus a beckoning mechanical bull you can ride free. For $21, do a specialty tequila flight, with either three kinds of Don Julio or Patrón. If you win big at the tables and feel like splurging, order from the Featured Tequilas list, with Casa Dragones, Don Julio Real and the truly good stuff: $85-a-glass Patrón Gran Burdeos.
If cocktails are more your thing, taste one of the 11 other tequila drinks, from the Panco Villa with Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila to Mexican versions of mojitos and Moscow Mules. The huge taco platters and tostadas pair great with any of the above and are ideal for groups. Margarita lovers will especially love the specials: 2-for-1 margaritas on Taco Tuesday as well as during daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m.
MARGARITAVILLE
Flavored, exotic, mega-sized—as the name suggests, Margaritville is the grand daddy of all margarita hot spots. This Flamingo corner Strip locale boasts every flavor and mix imaginable, from oversized “boat drink” tequila cocktails to mixed shots. There’s even a 45-ounce, take-home blender cup packed with enough juice to aid your treks walking the Strip.
Feeling bold? Try the 5 O’Clock Somewhere, with Margaritaville Silver Rum and Paradise Passion Fruit Tequila, Bacardi 151 Rum, orange and pineapple juices, sweet and sour and a splash of grenadine. The Chocolate Banana Colada is also dangerously delicious. Picture sitting patio-side and sipping a sweet frozen treat of Pineapple Chocolate Whipped Vodka, 99 Bananas and coconut puree, and topped with a float of Myer’s Dark Rum. Undecided? There’s also a bargain margarita flight, with four different tropical flavors on the rocks: original, watermelon, blueberry pomegranate and mango.
MESA GRILL
Celebrity chef Bobby Flay is famed for his love of mixing in Southwest flair to almost everything—and that includes his tequila menu at Mesa Grill in Caesars Palace. For some mind-blowing kick, pair your Chipotle Glazed Rib-Eye with Red and Green Chile Sauce with his raved-about Prickly Pear margarita. Next, sample the popular Cactus or White Peach margaritas, which has just the right hint of sweetness.
While in your tequila-induced haze, nosh on more of Flay’s signature dishes that marry fine Southwestern spices and flavors from the grill: New Mexican spice-rubbed pork tenderloin with bourbon-ancho chile sauce, sweet potato tamale and crushed pecan butter. Since you’re already splurging, down a shot of Patrón Silver or Don Julio with your dessert of deep dish banana cream pie and churros.
TEQUILA TAQUERIA
Get the best deals south of the border at the new Tequila Taqueria inside Bally’s Las Vegas. Tucked away next to BLT Steak, this sizzling fiesta is a great stop before you hit the center Strip just outside Bally’s front doors. Even better, it’s open until 6 a.m. for post-clubbing cravings. (Ahem, all you Drai’s partiers across the street.)
There are more than 37 premium tequilas on hand, including Blanco, Reposado mescal and Anjeos. Our pick? The Taqueria Primo Margarita, with Sauza 901 silver tequila. Pair it with the slow-roasted pork enchiladas on tortillas made fresh daily, or get the tableside guac and Nachos Grande to share. The 10 different bottled Mexican beers here aren’t bad either.
BORDER GRILL
I welcome you to have an all-out foodie fest here. Border Grill at The Forum Shops at Caesars is known for its acclaimed dishes that never disappoint, and its drinks on are naturally on par, too. Being that the popular Mexican restaurant is owned by Top Chef Masters’ hot tamales Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, the margaritas and tequila cocktails here aren’t your run-of-the-mill varieties. I love the unique flavors in the margaritas—you’ll spot everything from pineapple vanilla infused tequila blanco to blood orange, almond milk and orange cream soda.
Food and drink pairings are especially important here because of the unique flavors that carry over to the dishes. (The short rib enchiladas will blow your mind.) P.S.—Border Grill’s brunch is one of the most renowned in the city and a definite must-try for any visitor or local. Just don’t get so sloshed you forget to shop afterward!
CARLOS ‘N CHARLIE’S
If your tolerance is sky-high and you love a good deal—and anything-goes shenanigans—head to kitschy party bar-restaurant Carlos ‘n Charlie’s at Flamingo. A festive atmosphere means there are always ice-cold drinks to go with the ongoing live music or sports games playing. Dig into jumbo-sized Mayan Pyramid nachos and plunk down some change for a whopping 34-ounce frozen margarita. Bonus: The icy delights come in an array of flavors including passion fruit, strawberry, mango and lime. Two-for-one frozen house margaritas are offered at happy hour, nightly from 2-6 p.m., as well as Wednesday Latin night—the perfect time to show off your moves to the DJ.
4 MORE MUST-TRY FAVES
Searsucker at Caesars Palace Order one of the specialty jalapeño and strawberry infusion drinks, or imbibe in the When Doves Cry cocktail, made of Casamigo blanco tequila, hibiscus, grapefruit and lime.
Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen + Bar at LINQ Go big or go home! The Kick’d Up Caddy cocktail is also available in a 52-ounce punch bowl size. It’s a mix of Patrón silver tequila, grand marnier, agave syrup, fresh lime juice, shaved jalapeño and a spiced salt rim.
La Gloria at The Forum Food Court in Caesars Palace The full infusion margarita menu at this famously authentic San Antonio restaurant features Pina Mezcal, with pineapple, Mezcal, orange and vanilla bean.
Lobby Bar at Caesars Palace Try the Patrón Duels or the Patrón Anejo barrel select, specifically handpicked for Caesars Palace.
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