Javier’s

Neon Feast contributor Donald Contursi, president of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, calls himself “a huge fan” of Javier’s, “for many reasons, not the least of which is that it is a family-owned and family-operated restaurant -- a rarity at a glitzy Vegas resort.”

“Founder Javier Sosa's humble beginnings are so compelling, too. He immigrated from Tijuana, Mexico to California, where he worked his way up from dishwasher to waiter at two restaurants. His hard work and passion were so evident that his best friend's father invested in opening Javier's first restaurant in Laguna Beach. With six hot-spot restaurants now, he remains as committed as ever to serving authentic Mexican cuisine at the highest level at each and every one.”

In Las Vegas, Javier’s brings the California spirit with three crudos and six ceviches to start, along with shrimp enchiladas with garlic-butter and tomatillo sauce. All of the familiar dishes are there such as quesadillas and queso fundido, and signatures include Chile Negro, which is braised Angus short ribs in the chile-infused sauce, and Pollo Josefina, an airline chicken breast with mushrooms and creamy chipotle sauce.

Plus there are Mexican-style steaks, combination plates and cocktails including 14 margaritas.