A&E

Bajamar does tacos in a different way Downtown

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Bajamar’s pulpo enchilado tacos might change your life.
Photo: Christopher DeVargas

Adorned with octopi and surfboards, Bajamar Seafood and Tacos seems more suited to a SoCal beach than Downtown Las Vegas. But here it is, sharing a parking lot with Olympic Garden and Luv-it Custard. And Downtowners should be thankful for it.

Bajamar (Spanish for “low tide”) is a bastion of all things seafood; the only meat on the menu is the carne asada, which comes as part of a wonderful surf-and-turf offering piled atop French fries. If you’re in the mood for typical Mexican fare like carnitas, pastor or cabeza, you’ll need to make your way to Tacos El Gordo. But for all you pescatarians, look no further than Bajamar.

Tacos make up a large swath of the menu, and all are seafood-based. Pulpo enchilado tacos ($4 each) layer inexplicably tender grilled octopus with Monterey cheese and chile de arbol in a glorious, delicious mess. Be sure not to wear your best whites to Bajamar, as overspray is a badge of honor.

A more mainstream selection is the gobernador taco ($4), swaddling sautéed shrimp and bell peppers in cheese. The Lucas taco ($5) is essentially the unholy union of a chile relleno and a taco, plus grilled shrimp, while the marlin taco a las bresas ($4) exudes hints of smokiness. The Bajamar fish tacos—only $2.50 on Mondays and Tuesdays—use lightly breaded tilapia.

Beyond tacos, the menu features a collection of ceviches, cocktails and tostadas, all of them seafood-centric. Particularly memorable is the fish chicharron ($8)—listed on the menu as “battered spicy fish chunks.” The fish itself isn’t spicy, but the accompanying chipotle cream sauce delivers hints of heat. Pro tip: Request the more potent lime juice-laced chile mixture the kitchen makes to order. You’re welcome.

Bajamar Seafood and Tacos 1615 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-331-4266. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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