Finding Mexican food in the Las Vegas Valley is easy, but just because it’s plentiful doesn’t mean it’s all good. You might need to explore some unfamiliar territories to find the truly authentic cuisine. One such destination, situated in a strip mall in the unheralded culinary region of East Craig Road near Nellis Air Force Base, is Saborr.
A play on the Spanish word for flavor, Saborr lives up to its name with some of our most flavorful local Mexican fare. Served in a clean, inviting space with a Chipotle-esque setup, it’s accessible and delicious—exactly what you should be looking for in a restaurant. Orders are placed into the open kitchen—you select your proteins, sides and toppings and dishes are assembled before your eyes.
The bulk of Saborr’s menu is made up of standards, including tacos ($2 each), burritos ($6), quesadillas ($5) and tortas ($5). Choose from eight different proteins, ranging from carnitas and chile verde to fish and shrimp.
Tacos El Gordo’s adobada is legendary among local taco fanatics, and while Saborr’s is nothing like it, it’s memorable in its own right. Rather than dry-shaven from a spit, this version is served wet in a complex red chile sauce. Similarly, carne asada is served swimming in a deep sauce with hints of smokiness, although I’ve encountered the occasional piece of gristle, so tread lightly.
The grilled chicken is mildly spiced without being dry, but the lightly breaded fish is a better choice. Buttery sautéed shrimp is simple and completely worthy of the 50-cent upcharge if ordered in a taco, while the birria is incredibly layered. Either is a quality option.
While house-made corn tortillas are available, I found them a bit too flimsy, particularly for tacos where only a single tortilla is provided. Instead, go with the flour ones, browned on the flattop. Even in these heartier tortillas, some sauce is bound to escape, but a pro move is to mix it with rice to soak up the flavor.
In a twist atypical of most fast-food Mexican places, you can order alcohol—beer/lime/Clamato micheladas ($1.75) with add-on options of cucumbers ($2) and shrimp ($2.50), because who doesn’t like add-ons?—and desserts. For $1 each, choose between miniature dulce de leche flan or piña colada rice pudding. Both are an uncommon ending to an uncommonly good meal.
Saborr 4348 E. Craig Road #150, 702-834-7998. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.