Steve
11-13-2007, 02:29 PM
Hell of a time.
Diablo's Cantina is a raucous hangout with good food.
By: Al Mancini/Las Vegas City Life
FOR ME, FOOD IS A PASSION more than an occupation. So even my vacations always revolve, at least to some degree, around restaurants. My recent 10-day driving tour of California was shaped in part on the restaurants I wanted to visit, and I was fortunate to eat at some of the most exclusive restaurants in the Golden State (thanks to all my local friends who assisted in recommendations and reservations). But it wasn't all about fine dining. One of my favorite meals consisted of incredible fish tacos at a beachside bar called South Beach in San Diego. Bon Appetit recently listed them among the best tacos in the country, and I completely agree with their assessment.
In fact, those tacos were so good, I felt a little guilty reviewing a Mexican place my first week back -- afraid that no Las Vegas restaurant could compare with what I'd had in California. But my photographer had already been assigned the photo shoot, my editors were expecting a story and I didn't have any suitable replacement in mind. So I paid a visit to The Light Group's brand new, super-hip restaurant Diablo's Cantina at the Monte Carlo. I won't waste time comparing it to what I had in California, except to say Diablo's offers excellent food in a fun atmosphere, that (to an extent) made me feel like I was still on vacation.
It's no surprise the new establishment is already a hit. The Light Group demonstrated they know how to run restaurants with Bellagio's Fix and Stack at the Mirage. Diablo's is a bit more casual, and probably won't cater to the same Hollywood crowd (although Pam Anderson has already paid it a visit). It's more about hanging out with friends than seeing celebrities or being seen.
The interior is a cross between The Pink Taco's tacky Tijuana casual and the open, airy feel of Agave on West Charleston. The logo is a scantily clad devil woman reminiscent of the work of famed concert poster artist Coop. The entire atmosphere puts you in the mood to slam shots of one of their 75 tequilas, let your hair down and get a little rowdy without spending too much cash. Sure, The Strip wasn't lacking in that department, but at least this one has good food.
The menu is fairly simple, and almost exactly what you'd expect of a casual Mexican restaurant. Starters include empanadas ($10), queso fundido ($10) and a spicy fried calamari with three dipping sauces ($9). There are four varieties of nachos ($11-$13), five types of tacos ($12-$14 for an order of three), four stuffed quesadillas ($11-$14), three types of fajitas ($14-$19) and four burritos $11-$13). It you want something more hearty, try the tequila ribs ($18), rum-glazed hickory-grilled salmon ($19) or bacon-wrapped filet mignon ($25). And the six sandwiches ($12 to $14) include a massive 15-ounce hamburger ($13).
While the restaurant is generally affordable, I was a little surprised to see it charges $4 for chips and salsa. Nonetheless, while the chips are a little greasy, the three delicious salsas are worth the price. My wife and I also enjoyed the basic but tasty "Diablo death wings," which were spicy but not inedible when ordered with "XXX rated hot sauce." For my entrée, I had an order of delicious chicken tacos that were wonderfully spiced with cilantro and lime and topped with a nice assortment of all the usual accompaniments. My wife had a great wood-grilled half chicken brushed with chili sauce and served with asparagus, as well as garlic & sour creamed mashed potatoes ($16). Our only disappointment came when our waiter forgot my side dish, and I wasn't able to sample the delicious-sounding corn on the cob, grilled with cilantro, parmesan cheese and lime salt ($6).
That screw-up on our waiter's part wasn't the only glitch when it came to service. Diablo's is very new, and they still seem to be working out some kinks in their operation (my wife and I were originally seated at the table of a couple who'd gotten up to use the restrooms). But nothing was out of the realm of normal growing pains associated with a new establishment. And the staff was friendly and seemed eager to please. As they get used to the new place, I have no doubt things will improve.
For the most part, the public doesn't seem bothered by any minor problems. I had to wait 45 minutes for a table when I arrived without a reservation on a Tuesday night. Since I was still pretending I was on vacation, I didn't mind hanging out at a bar. But if you're in a hurry, make sure you call ahead.
Diablo's Cantina
Monte Carlo hotel-casino
730-6666
http://lvcitylife.com/articles/2007/10/04/eats_and_drinks/dining/iq_17003130.txt
Diablo's Cantina is a raucous hangout with good food.
By: Al Mancini/Las Vegas City Life
FOR ME, FOOD IS A PASSION more than an occupation. So even my vacations always revolve, at least to some degree, around restaurants. My recent 10-day driving tour of California was shaped in part on the restaurants I wanted to visit, and I was fortunate to eat at some of the most exclusive restaurants in the Golden State (thanks to all my local friends who assisted in recommendations and reservations). But it wasn't all about fine dining. One of my favorite meals consisted of incredible fish tacos at a beachside bar called South Beach in San Diego. Bon Appetit recently listed them among the best tacos in the country, and I completely agree with their assessment.
In fact, those tacos were so good, I felt a little guilty reviewing a Mexican place my first week back -- afraid that no Las Vegas restaurant could compare with what I'd had in California. But my photographer had already been assigned the photo shoot, my editors were expecting a story and I didn't have any suitable replacement in mind. So I paid a visit to The Light Group's brand new, super-hip restaurant Diablo's Cantina at the Monte Carlo. I won't waste time comparing it to what I had in California, except to say Diablo's offers excellent food in a fun atmosphere, that (to an extent) made me feel like I was still on vacation.
It's no surprise the new establishment is already a hit. The Light Group demonstrated they know how to run restaurants with Bellagio's Fix and Stack at the Mirage. Diablo's is a bit more casual, and probably won't cater to the same Hollywood crowd (although Pam Anderson has already paid it a visit). It's more about hanging out with friends than seeing celebrities or being seen.
The interior is a cross between The Pink Taco's tacky Tijuana casual and the open, airy feel of Agave on West Charleston. The logo is a scantily clad devil woman reminiscent of the work of famed concert poster artist Coop. The entire atmosphere puts you in the mood to slam shots of one of their 75 tequilas, let your hair down and get a little rowdy without spending too much cash. Sure, The Strip wasn't lacking in that department, but at least this one has good food.
The menu is fairly simple, and almost exactly what you'd expect of a casual Mexican restaurant. Starters include empanadas ($10), queso fundido ($10) and a spicy fried calamari with three dipping sauces ($9). There are four varieties of nachos ($11-$13), five types of tacos ($12-$14 for an order of three), four stuffed quesadillas ($11-$14), three types of fajitas ($14-$19) and four burritos $11-$13). It you want something more hearty, try the tequila ribs ($18), rum-glazed hickory-grilled salmon ($19) or bacon-wrapped filet mignon ($25). And the six sandwiches ($12 to $14) include a massive 15-ounce hamburger ($13).
While the restaurant is generally affordable, I was a little surprised to see it charges $4 for chips and salsa. Nonetheless, while the chips are a little greasy, the three delicious salsas are worth the price. My wife and I also enjoyed the basic but tasty "Diablo death wings," which were spicy but not inedible when ordered with "XXX rated hot sauce." For my entrée, I had an order of delicious chicken tacos that were wonderfully spiced with cilantro and lime and topped with a nice assortment of all the usual accompaniments. My wife had a great wood-grilled half chicken brushed with chili sauce and served with asparagus, as well as garlic & sour creamed mashed potatoes ($16). Our only disappointment came when our waiter forgot my side dish, and I wasn't able to sample the delicious-sounding corn on the cob, grilled with cilantro, parmesan cheese and lime salt ($6).
That screw-up on our waiter's part wasn't the only glitch when it came to service. Diablo's is very new, and they still seem to be working out some kinks in their operation (my wife and I were originally seated at the table of a couple who'd gotten up to use the restrooms). But nothing was out of the realm of normal growing pains associated with a new establishment. And the staff was friendly and seemed eager to please. As they get used to the new place, I have no doubt things will improve.
For the most part, the public doesn't seem bothered by any minor problems. I had to wait 45 minutes for a table when I arrived without a reservation on a Tuesday night. Since I was still pretending I was on vacation, I didn't mind hanging out at a bar. But if you're in a hurry, make sure you call ahead.
Diablo's Cantina
Monte Carlo hotel-casino
730-6666
http://lvcitylife.com/articles/2007/10/04/eats_and_drinks/dining/iq_17003130.txt