A Mexican steakhouse laser-focused on top-notch ingredients, farm-to-glass cocktails, sophisticated design and entertainment bordering on theatrical, Toca Madera appears to be tailor-made for the Las Vegas Strip.
But while Noble 33 Hospitality co-founders Mikey Tanha and Tosh Berman first met while partying at XS Nightclub more than 10 years ago, this elegant concept was launched in West Hollywood and then expanded in Scottsdale, Arizona. Still, the Vegas location, which debuted in August in the former pub space between Aria and the Shops at Crystals, was built as the brand’s flagship.
Tosh Berman (left) and Mikey Tanha
“I think Vegas exemplifies the importance of creating a new style of what … dining is, not just feeding people but giving people experiences,” Berman says. “For Mikey and I, so much of this is based on creating a space that fits the needs of us personally. As we’ve gotten older, we’ve become a little less interested in traditional nightlife venues … and we’re going to restaurants to bridge those elements.”
Does that place Toca Madera in the recent wave of glamorous Strip restaurants redefining the classic dinner-and-a-show experience? It does. And yet, distinguishing characteristics are easily found in both elements.
“People are loving it,” Tanha says. “I think we’ve carved our own little niche, and we’re bringing something unique.
“The experience part is what we do,” he continues, noting that the company has its own design firm anchoring the creative spirit of all its projects. “We don’t just want to be an average restaurant that turns up the music; we want to be a state-of-the-art restaurant with top culinary and beverage offerings, and the feedback so far has been that the food and beverage is some of the best our guests have experienced in this city.”
The menu was freshly crafted for Las Vegas and is now being introduced at the other locations. The obvious showstopper is a 40-ounce Wagyu beef tomahawk steak served flaming with bone marrow and roasted salsa verde ($325), but you don’t have to be on the baller budget to embrace the Toca Madera experience. Start with familiar favorites like guacamole or queso fundido (both $18) or amp it up with crispy tacos of bluefin tuna ($18) or Maine lobster ($20).
Raw bar offerings and salads could pave the way for your favorite cut, or you could opt for chicken or shortrib enchiladas ($38), seared salmon in hibiscus-lime butter ($38) or the signature, indulgent truffle burger ($48).
Not enough choices? There are separate vegan and taco menus, yielding intriguing bites like chipotle tofu tostaditas ($22), truffle mushroom tacos ($18) and more.
With these dynamic options and plenty of energy, it’s no surprise that Toca Madera is starting to win over the city’s hospitality industry. And nothing could make its operators happier.
“It’s one of the most fulfilling things to me, to see casino hosts and marketing hosts and nightclub hosts coming in two or three times a week, sending their clients and friends who are in town,” Tanha says. “That puts the biggest smile on my face.”
TOCA MADERA Shops at Crystals, 725-255-9030, tocamadera.com. Sunday-Wednesday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Thursday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.
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