A cult-favorite Los Angeles taco store that rocketed to nationwide fame because of Dangerous Bunny will open in Las Vegas — however some SoCal followers aren’t celebrating.
Highland Park hotspot Villa’s Tacos, the Michelin-recognized taqueria that famously appeared within the pop famous person’s 2026 Tremendous Bowl halftime present, introduced it was heading to Sin Metropolis on Monday — opening its first location exterior California on the Durango On line casino & Resort.
The informal Mexican spot is ready to open this summer time on the property’s “Eat Your Coronary heart Out” meals corridor.
The growth marks a significant milestone for chef-owner Victor Villa, whose operation famously started in his grandmother’s entrance yard — earlier than turning into one in all LA’s buzziest taco locations.
Whereas Villa is able to double down on Vegas, some followers again house fear the model is dropping its soul in a rush for growth.
“Villas is rising too quick and serves chilly tacos,” one disgruntled diner complained on a Reddit discussion board devoted to all issues meals in Los Angeles.
The taqueria, well-known for blue corn tortillas and signature crispy Monterrey Jack cheese skirts, has develop into an LA icon.
After sharing the stage with Benito throughout his Massive Sport efficiency, Villas Tacos solidified its star standing — turning into an “it” spot for LA model avenue meals.
Nevertheless, the fast scale up from humble beginnings to a multi-location mini empire spanning two states has some locals asking for a pause.
“In the event that they’re going to make it long run they should put money into operations, no more growth,” a Redditor wrote. “All their spots can enhance how they’re run.”
Others declare the standard is already taking a success because the traces get longer.
“Their meats aren’t good and they aren’t run properly,” one other critic chimed in. “They take 45 min to get via a line that angels might get via in quarter-hour.”
Whereas many applaud Chef Villa’s savviness and hustle, others discover the rapid-fire growth as “clearly financially motivated” and worry it’s “ill-fated.”
Regardless of the hometown warmth, Durango On line casino & Resort execs are betting large on the model.
“Their distinctive flavors, high quality components and robust connection to their neighborhood make them a pure match for the property and a compelling new providing for our friends,” stated David Horn, Vice President and Normal Supervisor of Durango, as a part of the announcement.
Villa’s isn’t the primary SoCal taqueria favourite to strive their luck within the Vegas market — Tacos 1986, began by taquero Pleasure Alvarez-Tostado in 2018 as a avenue meals stall, lately opened at The Resort at Summerlin.
In the meantime, Tacos El Gordo, a San Diego-area staple that originated in Tijuana within the Seventies, has been a late evening Las Vegas Strip important for years.
