Tacos & Tequila is what happens when someone actually gives a damn about Mexican food in Vegas instead of just slapping some queso on chips and calling it authentic. Tucked off-Strip at Luxor, this spot has been quietly serving up solid margaritas and legit tacos while tourists wander past looking for the pyramid buffet. Their loss, your gain.

The Happy Hour Lowdown

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm-6pm, which is perfect timing for a mid-afternoon reset or pre-dinner warmup. You're getting $5 house margaritas and $4 Mexican beers, plus half-price appetizers that include their tableside guacamole (do it, don't question it). The $6 street tacos during happy hour are stupid good—carne asada, carnitas, chicken tinga—all the classics done right. They also throw in $7 queso fundido that's worth the cheese-induced coma.

Why You're Actually Here

Honestly? Because you're tired of overpriced mediocre Mexican food on the Strip, and someone told you about the tableside guac. They make it right there, you tell them how spicy, and it's fresh as hell. The margaritas are generous pours with actual tequila flavor instead of that neon sugar mixer garbage. And the tacos—look, if you've been eating resort Mexican food, these will remind you what properly seasoned meat tastes like. It's not revolutionary, it's just done competently, which somehow makes it stand out in Vegas.

The Vibe Check

Casual, colorful, louder than a library but not club-level chaos. You'll get a mix of locals who work nearby, tourists who did their homework, and people staying at Luxor who stumbled into the best decision of their trip. The staff is friendly and actually seems to enjoy working there, which isn't always a given in Vegas. Day-drinking vibe during happy hour, with that perfect energy of people who decided work can wait another hour.

Real Talk

This is off-Strip in the "technically still connected to a resort" way, so it's not quite a hidden local gem, but it's not getting the foot traffic of Strip-center spots. That means shorter waits and less tourist chaos. The food is solid, not mind-blowing—if you're expecting authentic Oaxacan street food, recalibrate. This is well-executed Americanized Mexican that doesn't insult your intelligence. The margaritas will do the job, and the prices won't make you cry into your guac.

Pro Tips

Order the tableside guacamole first—it's the move everyone talks about for a reason. The half-price appetizers are a better deal than loading up on tacos alone. If you're sensitive to heat, speak up when they make your guac because they'll happily destroy you with jalapeños if you give the green light. Go on a weekday afternoon if you want a chill scene; weekends get busier but still manageable.