Las Vegas is growing like no native could have anticipated 20 years ago. People from all over the state and even worldwide have decided to call Vegas their permanent home. It has made the city richer in so many ways. First of all, a real community has been established. Once upon a time, people were less neighborly. You got up in the morning, waved at your neighbor whose name you’ve never known, and went on about your business. People now make an effort to get to know each other. The city’s food scene exploded in many ways that the local palate was unprepared for. The growing number of Happy Hour restaurants in Las Vegas makes it easy to try new and hopefully, “good Mexican food”. With this flood of restaurants and people, opinions will always be thrown into the ring, strong opinions from those missing what their native state had the best. I have yet to find a decent bacon, egg, and cheese, but I’m still looking (preferably something under $25). The main thorn in many locals’ side is the lack of “good Mexican food in Vegas,” a charge usually led by former Californians.
We hear you all, and for many years, you were right. The local 24-hour spots we went to in high school and college are no longer doing it for us if they ever had. You are not wrong in your opinions, but I ask you to be more open and patient with the city. A new spot opens up almost every other month, around the corner from your house. Las Vegas will never be California, no matter how many palm trees we plant. Right now, there is a spot called Milpa, owned and operated by Chef DJ Flores, who has been cultivating his style of Mexican cuisine in the city. 
Chef Flores is not reinventing the wheel but instead returns to food at its essential core. You can taste and appreciate house-made tortillas, quality produce, high-grade meat, and an arsenal of excellent ingredients. I and many friends and strangers have had nothing but praise for the work Milpa and their crew have been producing for almost 4 years they have been operating. 
The restaurant currently runs a weekly special for those hunting for a new Mexican spot with satisfying food and Happy Hour like deals: $5 Michelada Monday, Taco Tuesday, Wine Wednesday, Tipsy Thursday, and Follow Friday, which takes a percentage off your order when you follow their official account.
Milpa is one of many spots in Vegas that offer quality Mexican food. Recently, Chef Dan Krohmer, the owner of Other Mama, another local favorite, opened Chamana’s Cafe. This new restaurant highlights and celebrates Oaxacan culture and food. Items such as barbacoa skillets, birria omelets, empanadas, and a coffee program curated and crafted by professionals dedicated to creating the perfect drop of coffee in every mug. Another soon-to-be staple in the city would be the Taco Stand on Valley View and Spring Mountain. The street taco you’ve been missing is located within their walls. It is a fast, casual establishment that aims to satisfy those who need good Mexican food in Las Vegas on the go or even dine-in.
These are only a few places that I have discovered. I’m sure many more gems exist throughout the city, tucked into unassuming lots we pass by daily, and the best is yet to come. Dj Flores is currently set to open two more establishments, one being another restaurant with a Hispanic-inspired background and a tequila bar. With so many people coming from all over, we will see an influx of new restaurants, ideas, and concepts popping up to comfort and fulfill the cravings of those missing a piece of their home. It takes time, a bit of curiosity, and some adventure for us to find it.
In the meantime, check out some of my favorite Mexican Happy Hours in Las Vegas. From margarita drenched Cantinas on The Strip to authentic or vegan street tacos, happy hours gives you a chance to experience the bite-sized wonders of good Mexican food in Vegas.
