“Rustic Authentic Mexican” with a view. That’s ALEBRIJES, Chef Paco Cortez’s outstanding new restaurant on Fremont Street.
ALEBRIJES By Chef Paco at NEONOPOLIS
This past week was a rough one for Sin City restaurants, with many announcing impending closures. A few shuttered abruptly, leaving dozens unexpectedly without jobs. On the bright side, the opening of a new restaurant is always welcome, especially one as gorgeous and delicious as ALEBRIJES by Chef Paco.
Located next to NOTORIETY on the third level of Fremont Street’s NEONOPOLIS complex, ALEBRIJES is an ambitious project. It’s also the realization of a long-held dream by Chef Paco Cortez, a highly respected figure in the field of Mexican cuisine.
Rendering via crashnburn.com
ALEBRIJES took over a massive indoor/outdoor space most recently occupied by CRASH N BURN. That was a burger joint and gameroom which quickly lived up to its name (VEGAS 411 never had a chance to visit before CRASH N BURN folded).
The CNB website suggests that it’s somehow partnered with Chef Paco for ALEBRIJES. Supposedly, a skydiving simulator on the roof above ALEBRIJES (promised for summer 2024) is still coming. We shall see.
But back to the restaurant. ALEBRIJES is a glorious space that combines Mexican tradition with a neo-modern aesthetic. The decor is colorful, cool, and inviting. One interior wall is dominated by a mural commissioned by Chef Paco. The painting depicts the afterlife significance of a hummingbird. It honors Chef Paco’s mother, who recently passed.
The word “alebrijes” means “colorful, fantastic creatures that symbolize imagination and tradition”. You’ll find similar artistic touches throughout the restaurant. They evoke Chef Paco’s Mexico City origins and his desire to bring its culture and rich flavors to Las Vegas.
Chef Paco’s treasured artwork, which honors his late mother…
Mexican tradition is what makes ALEBRIJES come alive. “This isn’t Tex-Mex”, the Chef says. “Our menu is authentic rustic food. We even serve grasshoppers”, he told VEGAS 411. Be that as it may, this writer politely declined the insect delicacy. Instead, I graciously accepted a presentation of Paco’s most popular fare, beginning with a platter of chips and his signature mole.
As is the case with a growing number of contemporary dining establishments, the menu here is digital. Scan the code with your phone and get ready to make selections. You can become familiar with the offerings and prices in advance by visiting their online menu. The staff here is top-notch, so your server can answer questions and recommend choices based on your preferences.
Chef Paco has established himself as a legend in Las Vegas Mexican cuisine. He’s most widely known for the wonderful El Dorado Cantina, a multi-award winner. His achievements have been recognized by the Nevada Restaurant Association, Las Vegas Review-Journal, and Congressman Joe Heck. Before opening ALEBRIJES, he was in charge of redirecting food operations for Senor Frogs locations across the globe.
Ingredients used at ALEBRIJES are carefully selected from specialized farms, family businesses, and vendors from Mexican and local markets. Wherever possible, they are non-GMO, organic, and sustainably sourced.
Food this flavorful, colorful, and aromatic deserves to be presented in a location befitting its quality. ALEBRIJES offers unparalleled views of the SLOTZILLA zipline and Fremont Street Experience. The open-air dining room and patio overlook all the activity, putting you above the excitement while you dine.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, the restaurant transforms into a nightclub. Live singers and musicians play, and guests are invited to dance the night away. A smaller dining room near the entrance continues to serve dinner during those hours. Whenever you arrive, you’re sure to leave satisfied. So bring your appetite to ALEBRIJES and enjoy!
ALEBRIJES By Chef Paco is open daily from 11 am until midnight. Reservations are not required, but can be made here. The restaurant is located at 450 E. Fremont Street on the third level of NEONOPOLIS. Parking is available underneath Neonopolis. From 4th Street, enter the ramp just past Denny’s and take the elevator to the 3rd floor.
