There may be no shortage of Mexican restaurants in Las Vegas, but there are very few that can compete with Roberto’s Taco Shop when it comes to the combination of quality, quantity, value and availability. With at least a dozen valley locations open 24 hours a day, there is always a Roberto’s nearby and able to satisfy the most nagging hunger.

Roberto’s history dates back to 1964 when Roberto and Dolores Robledo opened their first restaurant, called the Mexican Taco Shop, in San Diego. The original concept of using fresh, authentic, quality ingredients caught on, and Roberto’s has since spread from Southern California into Nevada and Arizona. Anyone who has been to Roberto’s should have no question as to why this fast food establishment has become so successful.

And that is a major component of the business model at Roberto’s. It is, for all intents and purposes, a fast food joint. But unlike some of the national chains, they don’t rely on frozen meat and pre-made sauces that come from a can. Everything is made fresh from scratch, and all food is cooked to order. While it may technically be fast food, there is no comparing Roberto’s to places like Taco Bell or Del Taco; to borrow from Ernest Hemingway, it’s the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.

As the name would imply, tacos are a speciality at Roberto’s. The chicken taco has to be one of the best available in Las Vegas, but the carnitas and carne asada tacos do not disappoint either. These are pretty basic tacos, deep fried and topped with lettuce and cheese—and guacamole in the case of the carne asada taco. While it sounds simple, the result is simply amazing.

But tacos aren’t the only thing on the menu, and as good as the tacos are, the burritos are equally impressive in terms of both quantity and quality. Again, the carne asada stands out, as does the chicken, but there are a number of other offerings worth looking into, with fish, shrimp, adobada, carnitas and beef burritos on the menu. There is also an excellent breakfast burrito with chorizo, eggs, potatoes and cheese that is a great way to start the day... and thanks to the generous size, it’s likely that all but the most famished of visitors will have a little something leftover to munch on throughout the day, too.

Roberto’s also serves up tortas and tostadas in the same styles as the tacos, as well as cheese, beef and chicken enchiladas.

For those looking for a fuller meal, there are a number of combination plates that include a side of beans and rice. From the beef tamale plate to the machaca to excellent dishes like huevos rancheros, chili rellenos and the camarones a la diabla, there is certainly something for everyone at Roberto’s. There is even a plain bean burrito and plain quesadilla for those who abstain from the consumption of delicious animal flesh.

There are a number of side orders, too, that can also double as a meal, like the beef or chicken quesadilla, the carne asade fries and the chimichanga.

While the majority of taco stands—especially those open 24 hours—seem to rely on a certain level of inebriation to detract from the sometimes questionable condition of the food they serve, there are no such concerns when it comes to Roberto’s. There are no day-after penalties for a late night stop at Roberto’s. There is also no big hit to the wallet, whether one stops by Roberto’s for lunch, dinner or breakfast after a long night at the club or the casino.

Roberto’s may not be much of a secret in Las Vegas, but for a community that continually rates Taco Bell among the best restaurants, it is clear that there are not yet enough people who have eaten there. Considering how much better the quality of the food is at Roberto’s, and the fact that the prices are right in-line with the national chains, this is hard to understand.

Roberto’s may not be a Las Vegas original, but it is definitely one of the best little restaurants the city has to offer.

Roberto’s Taco Shop

Multiple locations throughout Las Vegas

Hours:
Open 24/7

By Greg Jones

Greg Jones is managing editor of Casino Connection Nevada, as well as associate editor of Global Gaming Business magazine.