Màs Por Favor Taqueria y Tequila — Restaurant in Paradise

This review is for the speakeasy. I really wanted to love this place and I debated 3 stars vs two. There were things that were really good! But also some things that just felt off to the point where 3 stars felt wrong.

The good: The decorations for the speakeasy looked great and very IG friendly. I love Nightmare Before Christmas and some of the details were great-- my favorite being the christmas wreath with teeth. 2/3 of the cocktails we got to try were tasty-- the Oogie Boogie on the specialty menu and Bird of Paradise on their signature menu were the specific favorites. I liked the selection of tequilas and mezcals too. Queens Choice and Mac Daddy on their signature taco menu were delicious and felt unique to this place. Salsa verde was super flavorful. Most of the staff were friendly. Couches seemed comfy & cute for small groups that plan on only ordering drinks.

The problem is the bad parts were pretty major: The biggest issues was cross contamination. Anyone with a seafood allergy will be disappointed. We were told all cooking utensils are used for all items, all cooking oils are used for all items, all cooking surfaces were used for all times. The options for anyone with a seafood allergy was a few of the deserts, drinks or their soup (which was tasty according to the person in our party who had a seafood allergy, so at least there was that.) All tacos and sides were out because of cross contamination and they said they couldn't make anything separately. The rest of us didn't have an allergy, but thinking about the level of allowed cross contamination was concerning. The other issue was water. We were told the tap water wasn't purified/filtered and "will taste worse than the tap water you have at home" so cheapest option for water was $4 bottled fijis. I've seen this at upscale places, but never places that sell $3.50 street tacos (unless it's a food truck). We wondered if the bar had a water gun and what it might be connected to if the tap really was that bad. There were small things too-- I was disappointed that the NBC specialty cocktails didn't seem to take advantage of any of the smoky mezcals-- the options were all about sweets. While the staff were friendly and did the best they could, they were clearly over burdened with tables & drink orders. That felt more like a management issue and wasn't their fault. Since it's reservation only and a set time limit, you would think they would staff for the amount of reservations, but that didn't seem like the case. They had so many tables each that we only got the chance to order 2 rounds of drinks in our allotted time. Layout of the hall to the speakeasy was cute at first and off-putting at the end where the last thing you smell is a well used bathroom before walking into a bar where you're supposed to spend $100-$300. I was glad we booked the $100 high top and not the $300 couches/coffee tables because messy tacos combined with an "enforced dress code" and odd seating for eating did not look easy. But, the dress code seemed wishy-washy too. They say they have one and it's enforced, but doesn't say what the dress code is and I saw people let in wearing basic casual & sportswear.

In general, 2 stars because the decor was fun, food was generally tasty (if you didn't overthink the cross contamination bit), and staff were friendly. But I won't be back because unfortunately, the good didn't outweigh the bad/concerning issues.

Edit: changed to 1 star because honestly the food cross contamination really...

My fiancé and I have been dying to come here. They have a pop up Christmas bar that has been all the rage for the last couple of years. We made reservations about a month before we went and I wish we never set foot here.

It plays off as a restaurant front and has an expansive menu. It's all expensive. Tons of combinations, different protein options, cool. The decor looks very empty as again it's a "front"

We showed up to our 6:30 reservations at 6:20 and were met with a huge line- all waiting for reservations. We noticed a large party drinking and hanging out - turns out they were a Christmas party waiting on their seats in the back too.

We waited and waited and saw they got seated first. AFTER they got seated we waited another 30 minutes. After waiting a total of 45 minutes, I walked up to a oil- slicked, back man playing with an iPad. I asked him for an estimated time for us to be seated and was answered with a "well there are other people waiting in front of you so..." which I promptly answered with a just as smart answer of "well it's been over 45 minutes so..."

He snapped at another young girl and told her to seat us now. Nice.

She told us that some people were finishing up their tab and they're giving us their table after they wipe it down. And to sit at the bar in the meantime. Walk in and decorations are cool- immersive. It's loud, bright and people are super unhappy. A large table of six is trying to get the attention of anyone to take an order and one of the ladies grabs my arm and wishes me luck with the service and getting anything in a timely manner.

We were standing around- no where to sit, no cleaned tables, after waiting 10 minutes, we find and ask the same girl where our table was and she said no we are sitting at the bar. The staff is running around- patrons are grabbing at wait staff as they're leaving with full trays in their hands because no one is coming to tables to take orders.

At the bar- no one makes eye contact. No one greets us, no one is offering us a menu. After finally flagging down a bartender we make an order for drinks only. Seeing the chaos around wanted us to get the heck out. We order off the holiday menu and get our drinks. They were good- but I don't really think we were able to enjoy them at all.

The thing that irked me the most is as all the wait staff is running at full speed- the same slicked back, Armani- exchange outlet tight sweater buff bro is standing around looking extensively at his little iPad. Staff keep coming up to him with complaints and he just keep flailing his arms and pointing at his iPad.

It's clear that there is no one running this place appropriately, nor does he care. It's also super clear that as there are multiple tables that are not cleared off, people complaining left and right- he can't be bothered to help in any way.

Lastly, very clearly this entire night was overbooked. A Christmas party with a full reservation list?...

Established in January 2020, Más Por Favor Taqueria Y Tequila is a gastronomic marvel that seamlessly blends the vibrancy of the Las Vegas Strip with the heart and soul of Chinatown. My personal experience during the opening was nothing short of extraordinary. The buzzing atmosphere, the innovative dishes, and the avant-garde cocktails contributed to an evening of sheer bliss. Más Por Favor not only delivered its promise of a culinary adventure but exceeded expectations with flair and finesse.

Ambiance and Location: Bringing Vegas Glam to Chinatown

The moment you step into Más Por Favor, the ambiance transports you to a world of sophistication and excitement. The sleek, contemporary design perfectly complements the energetic spirit of its Hispanic culture. The fusion of Vegas glamour with local charm creates a chic and welcoming atmosphere, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.

The Speakeasy Experience: Unveiling The D-Bag/F-Bomb

Hidden within Más Por Favor is a speakeasy that adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the dining adventure. One standout creation is the D-Bag/F-Bomb – a daring concoction that challenges conventional expectations. The choice of protein, accompanied by a bag of Fritos or Doritos, white cheddar, nacho cheese, pico, and sour cream, results in a flavor explosion that defies the ordinary. The fusion of textures and bold flavors is a testament to Más Por Favor's commitment to pushing culinary boundaries.

Innovative Drinks: A Symphony of Tequila Delights

The libations at Más Por Favor are nothing short of revolutionary. The Mexican Tickler, a chilled shot of tequila in a hollowed-out jalapeño, rimmed with black Hawaiian sea salt and served in a mini flower pot with crushed ice, is a visual and gustatory masterpiece. El Borracho, with Blanco Tequila, Pamplemousse Liqueur, Lime Juice, and Fevertree Citrus Tonic, offers a refreshing twist that dances on the palate. The Milk Money, delicate and sweet yet packing a punch, combines Reposado tequila with almond milk horchata, honey, and coconut cream, creating a luscious elixir that leaves a lasting impression.

In conclusion, Más Por Favor Taqueria Y Tequila is a culinary innovation and creativity. From the tantalizing D-Bag/F-Bomb to the artful drinks like the Mexican Tickler, El Borracho, and the Milk Money, each aspect of this establishment reflects a commitment to pushing the boundaries of flavor and experience of what a speakeasy should strive for. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Más Por Favor is an essential stop for those seeking an extraordinary fusion of tradition and innovation in the heart...