Las Vegas residents have long been anticipating the arrival of Javier’s, the beloved Mexican cantina with locations in Orange County (where it’s home to the county’s largest tequila selection) and Los Cabos, Mexico. Work on the spot, located on the casino floor in ARIA’s former Union Restaurant space, teased anxious diners until October, when the restaurant opened with a bang. The design makes a powerful first impression. A massive, 3,000-pound piece of chainsaw art that depicts the Mayan Creation myth and modern Mexican history hangs on one wall in the 9,000 square foot space. Hundreds of rope strands are gathered like a massive chandelier canopy, covered with a vintage roulette wheel. Even the smaller details—like abalone tiles covering the walls and ceiling in the private dining room, reclaimed vintage belts on the windows, and pottery from Guadalajara—are eye-catching. Yes, it’s definitely the Vegas version of the cantina, but the food is as classic as ever, with amazing seafood creations (like Callitos Mazatlan or fresh wild scallops in chipotle sauce), incredible moles, and of course, more varieties of hand-shaken margaritas than you can imagine.
