Restaurants sometimes take a while to find their groove, but after only five months Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina appears to be everyone’s favorite local Mexican joint. The reason could be the staff, the majority of whom worked together for years at Viva Mercado’s, the old Valley favorite. Or maybe it’s Dave, the most gregarious restaurant manager you’ll ever encounter—he alone might be worth the visit. But the approachable Mexican cuisine is a huge draw, too.
Juan’s fajitas live up to their name with a tableside saganaki-like fire show. Other restaurants deliver sizzling plates, but Juan’s offers a production, featuring vodka lit to impressive effect. With a little less fanfare, mulitas—love children of the taco and quesadilla—layer tortillas with cheese, refried beans and your choice of meat. Piled high with guacamole and sour cream, this is an excellent choice if you’re not looking for a show.
Lunch is a little more limited than dinner (read: no tableside guacamole), but be sure to check out the plate specials. It’s never too late for a good rendition of huevos con chorizo y papas, and Juan’s doesn’t disappoint.
There are more “challenging” restaurants in town when it comes to hard-core Mexican menus, but Juan’s certainly is entertaining (and it’s the only one with Dave).
Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina 9640 W. Tropicana Ave., 823-1400. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
