Santos Tacos: Another Disappointing Downtown Restaurant
A few Facebook friends were talking about the newly opened Santos Tacos on Carson Street in Downtown Las Vegas, so I decided to give it a try for lunch. I was really disappointed! First off, they do not have a lunch or combo menu, everything is a la carte. So, my two little 4 inch diameter tacos, side of chips and iced tea was over $17 (plus paying for the parking meter downtown); which is outrageous for lunch and that quantity of food. They do not have any fresh brewed iced tea and thus you have to buy a bottle with no refills. Also, they were out of stock on a couple styles of tacos at lunchtime on a Wednesday afternoon.
Secondly, they were raving on their Facebook page about their handmade/rolled soft tortillas; but nowhere in the restaurant was there any mention of that, nor could you see them rolling the tortillas like in better Mexican restaurants.
Thirdly, you have to stand in line and place your order at a small impersonal window and then they bring your order to you. However, they do not know basic restaurant customer service because they did not bring any utensils or even napkins. The table next to me and I both had to ask for napkins – really? You are eating tacos with your fingers…bring napkins! As well, they did not offer me any type of salsa other than what came on the tacos; but I saw they took salsa bottles to other tables. The staff needs to learn consistency and customer engagement!
The décor is really cute and they could do so much better with branding their identity if they made a few simple changes. As a foodservice consultant for several years, I’m not going to give them my suggestions on here for free. I was doing a bit of backstory research, and I see they are the newest addition to the Lev Restaurant Group, which has been known to abruptly close restaurants in town. Since they are all ‘experts in the hospitality industry,’ I’m sure they are not interested in my simple suggestions to make this restaurant better and maybe have a chance to survive.
The Naked Magicians
You can pull more than a rabbit out of the hat at the new Naked Magicians Show at MGM inside Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club! Direct from Australia and touring the world, Christopher and Mike will have you laughing in your seats. And yes, by the end of the show they are bare-assed naked! Their set-up and execution of traditional magic tricks is truly unique and is what gives the show its comic edge. This is the new must-see show for all bachelorette parties coming to Las Vegas, as well as all those wanting a unique comic night out!
Fuerza Bruta
Want to know what is inside that big circus tent in front of Excalibur? It’s Fuerza Bruta, direct from Argentina! This is the hottest avant-garde performance art show in every city they appear. They have been celebrating rave reviews from all over the world. I saw their original show, De La Guarda, almost 30 years ago in New York City. You stand the entire duration of the70 minute performance, but the action is all around and above you. This is a very unique show and nothing you will find anywhere else in Las Vegas. They are only here for six months, so make it a point to see it while they are here!
Big Whiskey
Several of us with the press were invited to a pre-opening sampling of the food and cocktails at the new Big Whiskey restaurant at Town Center. The food was amazing with nice and strong cocktails! This is their first Nevada location from their St. Louis headquarters. I would compare them to a nicer version of a Chili’s with better tasting food and comparable prices. Make sure to leave room in your tummy for their incredible version of Bananas Foster dessert. I will definitely be back!
Lady Antebellum
The Pearl at the Palms welcomes Lady Antebellum for a 2019 residency. This marks the first time a country genre band has had a residency at the Pearl. They put on an amazing show and the Pearl is perfect concert venue for sound and sight-lines. Check out the Palms’ website for additional show dates in 2019.
Bronx Wanderers
The Bronx Wanderers have been a big hit since they moved to Las Vegas. Their upbeat, family oriented show will have you dancing in the aisles! They play everything from Frankie Valli to Bruno Mars, with a bit of musical history thrown in along the way. They just relocated to the larger showroom at the Linq. Their show times vary based on their tour schedule, so check the Linq’s website for a current schedule. This is one show you could see every week and never get bored!
Area 15
I had a private tour of the construction site for the new Area 15. When completed later this year, it will be a 200,000 square foot art, eats, and retail space; along with rentable indoor and outdoor event space. The lead tenant is Meow Wolf, the famous interactive art venue in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They are currently leasing additional retail space and other space for activity/performance art (escape rooms, axe throwing, etc.). Area 15 is that large construction site on Desert Inn along the west side of the 15 freeway. Watch for more news on this exciting new additional to the Las Vegas entertainment scene.
This has been a couple busy months for the first part of 2019, with many more exciting happenings to come! ~ Ken
