Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar

In a city rarely distinguished by subtlety, most people’s first thoughts of Las Vegas involving the flashing lights of slot machines or the pulse pounding beat of a club, it seems hard to image anyplace being “too much,” yet as dinner of Saturday proved there actually may be a point of diminishing returns at a place like Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar where the Food and Drink somehow get lost in the spectacle.

Now approaching its fourth anniversary, one of The Linq’s few opening-day venues that has not changed name or concept, it was earlier this year that Chayo came under the same management as HeXX Kitchen + Bar at Paris, Chef Steve Aguglia taking over as top toque and freshening up a menu that spans from Tacos and Burritos to innovative daily Breakfast and Dinner Specials.

Open from 8am until midnight or later daily, a Taco and Margarita Cart out front tempting passers-by as loud music overflows the promenade, guests entering Chayo will immediately find themselves engulfed in a Tex-Mex wonderland comprising everything from Sombreros and Luchador Masks to a Mechanical Bull, the Hip-Hop soundtrack later spun by a DJ fairly incongruous with the concept, particularly during NFR Rodeo weekend.

Eventually becoming accustomed to the scene, a process aided by excellent service provided by a College-age woman who kept up with Food and Beverage orders over the course of nearly two hours, it was with Cocktails in hand that Chips, Salsa, Guacamole and Queso Fundido were all served simultaneously, the housemade nature of each making them better than the typical Mexican joint with the smoky Salsa and Cheese Dip that never showed a sign of coagulating particularly stand-out.

Dining as a quartet and thus doing a lot of sharing, many of the items re-portioned or plated in order to facilitate this given the immense size of a comfortable leather booth, it was with a plate of Wings ordered for the youngster that adults were presented shallow bowls of Tortilla Soup filled with shredded Chicken and bold aromatics, a follow-up of two styles of Tostada really a tossup as to which was better, though the addition of Mango Vinaigrette to Spicy diced Tuna made it pretty hard to top.

Approximately half-full early but swelling with a mix of Cowboys and verbose tourists as the hours passed, Televisions showing Hockey and Basketball joined by a live feed of Buckin’ Broncos and Calf-Roping, it was just prior to Tacos being presented that a Photographer selling commemorative pictures stopped by to peddle her goods, a Magician soon to follow and finally two scantily clad Jack Daniels ambassadors selling $5 shots and ‘swag.’

Finding far more value in warm Tortillas packed with Chicken Al Pastor, Green Chili Pork or Carne Asada than any of the gimmicks, though a $10 Mechanical Bull ride was well-worth the thirty seconds of fun before being unceremoniously thrown to an airbag below, it was upon return to the table that two Enchiladas proved to be Chef Aguglia’s very best dish, the Short Rib tender amidst spicy Rattle Chile Sauce while the Roasted Corn fared even better alongside Cheese and strips of Mushrroms.

Fairly full at this point, tablemates taking only small bites of Rib-Eye plated atop Onions, Potatoes and a surprisingly convincing housemade Mole, it was with most of the medium-rare Beef finished that all four of Chayo’s Desserts capped things off, the light Sponge Cake holding up well despite being sopping wet with Condensed Milk and Boozy Cream while the Brownie and Bread Pudding were both rich and delicious, though no match for what might just be the sweetest and creamiest Flan in town.

Offering superior Food and vastly better service than one might guess, the only real issue being an almost overwhelming amount of competing ‘activity,’ Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar undoubtedly fits what many both love to criticize about Las Vegas dining, though it would be hard to name a better place serving this style of food on the Strip at such a portion and price-point.

Stopped in for lunch before hopping in my car to head back to L.A. The entrance and atmosphere screams come in and take a seat! haha

The staff is friendly and asked if I had any questions regarding the menu. I knew what I was coming for so I ordered right away. The food arrived fast and I can say it was decent. The portion was large for the cost and filled up both me and a friend leaving us to take home leftovers. I've had better Mexican food by far but the service, fast pace and food is enough to round up my rating to a three.

Visit date 12/7/2014

No complaints - stopped by for some drinks and chips. Low key and that's about it.

Chayo Restaurant offers a dual entrance experience, with one side from the Link Promenade featuring glass doors on a red carpet, adorned with a captivating sugar skull illuminated by various lights. On the casino side, a candlelit ambiance welcomes you, with a small bar on the left. Once seated inside, Chayo's vibrant decor sets the tone, and there are ample opportunities for photos on the second floor, with restrooms accessible via elevator or stairs. A patio outside provides a picturesque setting. Downstairs, another patio on the Promenade is a delightful spot for dining and drinks. The staff's exceptional friendliness reflects a well-executed hiring process. For breakfast, the chilaquiles stand out as some of the best on the strip, making Chayo a must-visit for a delicious meal that might just extend into lunch.

Perfect place for Mexican food. Would love it if they were playing Latin Music during our visit. It was NFR week so they cater to the event by playing country music instead. Other than that, we all enjoyed our food and drinks

Excellent casual spot accessible from the Linq Promenade. Would highly recommend if you’re in Vegas. The queso with chorizo was the best I’ve ever had! It was absolutely perfect! The chicken enchiladas are served with rice and refried beans. Was debating between the tacos and the enchiladas and our server recommended the enchiladas. So glad she did!

Excellent Sweet Corn Enchiladas, for those out there that don’t know like I did, you can add chicken! It’s so good! Really good service and an amazing view of the promenade. You can people watch while you eat your dinner on the patio.

First timers and it was good! Husband and I shared a pitcher of beer with shrimp tacos and queso. Not sure we will be back since we’re here visiting, and I’m sure there are many other places that beat it, but it was a good meal and not extremely pricey.