Salud Mexican Bistro and Tequileria

2 Reviews on “Salud Mexican Bistro and Tequileria”

• Michael U.

  Open for just six months at the former site of Rosemarys it seems Salud! Mexican Bistro and Tequileriahas captured a following faster than many, the upscale twist on Mexican cuisine distinctively separate from what anyone else seems to be doing in Sin City and more-or-less comparable to the Cuisine offered at Candelas on the Bay on Coronado Island.Toqued by Chef Israel Reyes and owned by a family of Restaurateurs, at least one of them present on-site and checking in with patrons on a regular basis during a visit on Friday, Salud promises Food worthy of a fine dining restaurant with a casual atmosphere and it is immediately upon entry that the later is confirmed, a Bar stocked with top-shelf Tequila lined by guests watching sports television while the dining room offers a more sedate atmosphere decorated in art made by the Chef and his staff.Taking a modern approach to Mexican Food but still offering Tacos, Burritos and Guacamole, the former even part of an AYCE option along with Margaritas on Mondays, it was after confirming a reservation that seats were offered at a sturdy wooden four-top in the center of the room, the list of Food and Drink soon distributed by a waitress who proved efficient and pleasant throughout the evening.Dividing the menu into several sections with prices lower than portions dictate, the sizable kitchen quick to send out complimentary Tortilla Strips flanked by three Salsas including a beautiful Guajillo version that eats like dipping Oil with a robust head of Garlic, it was after a moments indecision that two Appetizers and three Entrees were selected, a seemingly manageable amount of Food that in reality could have fed at least two others.Understanding that those seeking authentic or cheap Mexican may be turned off by something that at times feels fusion-y, blistering Queso Fundido studded with Corn like the Koreans nonetheless exemplary with up-front heat and lingering sweetness, it was also in a humongous pile of Carne Asada Fries for just $9 that first impressions of Reyes cooking were formed, the hand-cut Potatoes crispy and capable of standing up to thick chunks of Beef served with white Cheese and smoky Colorado Sauce.As usual doing plenty of research on the place before making a reservation, misspellings on the website and a Grub Hub that mirrors neither price nor scope of the offerings evidencing ownership not quite as on-the-ball as they suggest, it was only a few minutes after receiving Appetizers that a loud male server approached to inform the table that Entrees were ready, the first two plates barely half-finished and his suggestion that Food could be left under the warmers forcibly deemed acceptable as there was simply no room to bring them out.Feeling rushed even though the Restaurant was less than 1/6 full, the rest of the Fundido and Fries shoveled onto share-plates, it was with plates piping-hot from Lamps that the Owners favorite stuffed-Chicken was cut into next, the Cheese not as thick or prevalent as on Saluds Facebook post from November but flavor and technique still great with juicy Bird complimented yet not overwhelmed by Chorizo and Cream Sauce.Additionally ordering the $25 Duck Carnitas and $19 Mexican Gnocchi, both portions easily sharable but the former unfortunately a bit under flavored without the accompanying Chutney, it should be fairly obvious to anyone paying attention that the Pasta is not light despite being Vegetarian, three completely distinct flavors of velvety Dumplings highlighted by dark ones tinged in Guajillo Peppers, though all played well off a thick Sauce teaming with Mushrooms.Packing up several Gnocchi plus a heap of Beans and Rice perfumed with Cilantro for home, easily enough for another diner despite everyone being quite full, it was only after being presented a verbal list of sweets that two were decided upon, the Tres Leches Flan a good idea that is unfortunately compromised by bitter Citrus notes while the Churro Waffles fall short of those at CRAFTkitchen by being a bit greasy, though the Whipped Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream and Cajeta do a good job of covering up for it.THREE AND A HALF STARS: Giving credit where it is due, a unique concept these days difficult to find on-Strip let alone in the Suburbs, Salud! Mexican Bistro and Tequileria would be well served to slow down and focus on the details when volume is low instead of trying to lure patrons in with Bingo, AYCE and Comedy Night as Sparrow & Wolf, Other Mama and Esthers Kitchen have shown great Food and service sells itself. endoedibles.com

  May 13, 2020, 6:08 pm

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• Westie

  Salud initially came up on my radar after I read a few positive comments by local reviewer John Curtas. I was also attracted by the ambitious menu which includes a mix of both traditional dishes and some highly inventive ones. On entering, I realized the restaurant space was once occupied by Rosemary’s – sigh. We had made Opentable reservations for a Saturday evening which proved to be unnecessary as the restaurant was only about 1/2 full, the bar less so. A trio of what I believe were house made salsas accompanied by a bowl of taco chips were brought to the table while we reviewed the menu. My wife chose the Pacific halibut with pineapple mango tequila sauce that included both black beans and cilantro rice. The sauce nearly overwhelmed plate perhaps in recognition of the halibut being very dry due to overcooking. I gravitated to the bone-in short rib with quajillo chipolte mole that was topped with crispy onions and accompanied by charro beans and roasted corn. The biggest problem was the short-rib was unusually stringy and dry, once again requiring massive amounts of sauce to make it more palatable. Given the upscale pricing, we were not overly impressed. On a more positive note, the service throughout was very good.

  March 12, 2020, 4:34 pm

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