Tacos El Gordo

Tacos El Gordo is the budget meal that Las Vegas visitors talk about as much as the fine-dining rooms. The business opened its first restaurant in 1972 and its first United States location in San Diego in 1998, and it now has several branches in the Las Vegas area. The Strip location on Las Vegas Boulevard South is the most convenient for visitors and one of the most popular cheap eats on the boulevard.

The menu is short and focused, built around tacos, mulitas, fries and drinks. The spicy adobada is the order customers praise most, and the carne asada and chorizo also have plenty of fans. Mulitas are a heartier option for bigger appetites. Ordering is done at the counter, so have an idea of what you want before you reach the front.

Expect a line at busy times, especially late at night when people stop in after a show or a night out, but it usually moves quickly. Seating is simple and the atmosphere is casual and lively. Bring an appetite and order a few different tacos to compare, as portions are modest and prices are low, which is part of the fun.

Tacos El Gordo suits budget travellers, groups of friends and anyone who wants a quick, satisfying meal between bigger plans. Families are welcome, and children usually enjoy the simple food. It is not the place for a long, relaxed meal, but it is one of the best-value ways to eat well on the Strip. Check opening hours before you go, as they vary between locations.

For a group, ordering a round of tacos with different meats and then going back for more of the favourites is the most efficient way to eat. It works equally well as a quick lunch between sights, a cheap dinner before a show or a late-night snack, and it is a reminder that some of the best food in Las Vegas costs very little.

The Strip branch is on the North Strip, within reach of the resorts around the middle and north of the boulevard. The other Las Vegas branches, on East Charleston Boulevard near Downtown, on Sunset Road and on Losee Road in North Las Vegas, are useful if you are staying away from the Strip or exploring the Arts District. All are easy to reach by car, taxi or ride-share.