The first U.S. outpost of the famous Hussong’s Cantina makes its appearance at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Touted as the originator of the margarita in Ensenada, Mexico, Hussong’s doesn’t disappoint and has plenty of fun tasty drinks to go with the lively and buoyant Baja atmosphere.
Below is my breakdown of the Hussong’s Cantina menu along with what to expect when you dine there.
Looking to make a reservation for an upcoming visit to Hussong’s Cantina in Mandalay Bay? Hussong’s Cantina uses the Opentable restaurant reservation platform. Make your reservation today!
A Taco Heavy Menu
The menu at Hussong’s is packed with a mix of specialty Mexican dishes and traditional meals that will please even the pickiest of taste buds. From tacos, enchiladas, and burritos to quesadillas and carne asada, there’s something for everyone here.
Below is my review of each menu section at Hussong’s Cantina and what items to keep your eyes on.
The Menu at Hussong’s Cantina
Hussong’s Cantina Menu – Mandalay Bay Las Vegas
Appetizers
The large selection of tasty apps at Hussong’s means everyone is able to find something they love. The portions are big enough to share so get one or two depending on your party size and have at it.
The signature choices are the Mango Habanero Guacamole and the Totchos, which are basically tater tots topped with a ton of Mexican ingredients. Think nachos but with tater tots instead of chips. By the way, they have nachos too as well as Elote, Taquitos, and Diablo Shrimp. There are even two types of ceviche including tropical and Baja. Prices range from $6.45 up to $16.95.
Soups and Salads
The classic tortilla soup is a staple in any Mexican diet and Hussong’s brings authenticity to the dish. The pozole soup isn’t as well known but just as tasty with seasoned pulled pork in a guajillo broth. Both soups are $9.45 a piece.
Two salad options allow you to choose whether you want something with classic Mexican ingredients or a more American version. The Tostada salad comes with freshly grilled corn, queso fresco, jalapeno vinaigrette, and corn tostadas. The Chopped Salad is for those not needing a south-of-the-border-inspired dish. Both salads allow you to add additional protein like chicken, carne asada, shrimp, or carnitas.
Traditional Tacos
You can choose from either two ($17.95) or three ($21.95) of these delicious street-sized tacos. Options include barbacoa, carnitas, chicken, or a veggie mix. Each choice has its own unique combination of fresh Mexican ingredients that feel like you ordered a taco at a restaurant in Mexico. You’ll get refried beans and rice on the side of each taco meal.
Speciality Tacos
For a specialized take on the classic Mexican street taco, Hussong’s Cantina provides thoughtful creations that will satisfy any craving. Just like with the traditional taco, you can choose either two ($19.45) or three ($24.45) of the tacos of your choice.
The must-have tacos include the Baja Fish and the Baja Shrimp. Both are packed full of Mexican-inspired ingredients like tomatillo avocado sauce, chipotle aioli, and pickled red onions. The more adventurous eaters will have their eye on the Lengua (tongue) taco or the Dorados taco, which is filled with barbacoa shredded beef.
Classics
This is where you’ll see all the usual suspects that appear in Mexican restaurants around the globe. The burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas can be found here and they all taste just as good as you’d expect. You can change your burrito to chimichangas for a little extra charge but the real challenge in the Classic section of the menu is the Silver and Black Burrito.
The three-pound monster burrito is stuffed with cheese, rice, beans, queso fresco, and a handful of other fresh ingredients. Another option guaranteed to fill you up is the stacked quesadilla which comes with your choice of chicken, barbacoa, or carnitas. Prices range anywhere from $16.95 to $35.95.
Hussong’s Specialties
A small selection of Hussong’s Specialities rounds up the main part of the menu. The Siete Mares is basically a high-quality seafood soup that has shrimp, white fish, mussels, and crab simmering in a guajillo broth.
Hussong’s Chile Relleno is a crowd favorite and is prepared with chopped steak a la Mexicana. The last option is the Baja Burger. While geared towards American audiences, the burger still has some classic Mexican ingredients that put a slight twist on traditional flavors. It has some jalapeno aioli, Mexican cheeses, and avocado. Expect to pay anywhere between $19.95 and $24.95 for a speciality-cooked meal.
Desserts
While a small selection, the desserts at Hussong’s Cantina deliver on flavor and make a great ending to any meal. The Churros have all the crispness and cinnamon you’d expect, and are served with vanilla ice cream and candied walnuts.
The chocolate cake is anything but standard. It comes with a surprising peanut butter frosting and an unlikely pairing with sweet tomatillo sauce. You’ll pay $6.95 for either dessert.
Margaritas & Cocktails
The star of the drink menu is the huge selection of margaritas you get to choose from. Almost every kind of flavor is included from cucumber and melon to pineapple jalapeno. The original Hussong’s Cantina in Mexico is considered by some as one of the originators of the margarita. Few do it better or put as much emphasis on margs as Hussong’s Cantina. There are a handful of cocktails, as well as plenty of beer on draft and in cans.
Reservations at Hussong’s Cantina
Hussong’s Cantina in the Mandalay Bay uses the Opentable restaurant reservation platform, making it easy for diners to find availability, make a reservation, receive confirmation, and edit/cancel a reservation if plans change.
Opentable doesn’t require you to create an account, but if you do, you can earn points each time you make a reservation and complete your dining experience. Points can be redeemed for various perks including Amazon Gift Cards!
Casual and Relaxed Atmosphere of Hussong’s
Hussong’s Cantina is not a large place. From the front door you can see straight to the back wall. To make the small location appealing to guests, the restaurant has adopted a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The decor is a mix of old framed pictures and random memorabilia hanging from the ceilings. The tables and chairs are beaten in to give you a sense of home.
The staff is friendly, personable, and helpful. They’ll answer any questions you might have about the menu and make sure you get what you want. The waiters are always ready to take a few extra orders if needed. Any party looking for a quick bit they don’t have to dress up for should consider Hussong’s in your plans.
Things To Know About Hussong’s Cantina in Mandalay Bay
Location: From the casino, follow the pathway to Starlight Tattoo. Take a left and go up the escalator to the Shoppes and Mandalay Place. Walk straight and Hussong’s will be on the left.
Hours of Operation:
- Mon – Thurs | 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Fri & Sat | 11:00 am – 12:00 am
- Sun | 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Hours subject to change
Dress Code: Hussong’s practices a casual dress code. As long as you are wearing a shirt and shoes you will be given service.
Price: A couple dining at Hussong’s should expect to pay anywhere from $150 – $200 including apps and drinks.
Hussong’s Cantina in Summary
Plenty of delicious-tasting margaritas and Mexican dishes fill the menus at Hussong’s Cantina. A small but lively atmosphere makes it easy for anyone to quickly drop in for a bite to eat. Thank you for taking some time to read through my Hussong’s Cantina review and for using The Las Vegas Report as your guide to eating on the strip.
If you’re looking for more dining options at this amazing resort, check out our complete guide to restaurants in the Mandalay Bay and Delano.
Here’s our list of the best Mexican cuisine restaurants in Las Vegas.
