From innovative margaritas and cocktails to unique Mexican and Latin food combinations, the Border Grill Mexican Restaurant in Mandalay Bay Las Vegas is one of the best Mexican restaurant experiences on the strip. Not only is the food expertly prepared by Chef Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, but the sheer size of the restaurant and patio also make it a must-visit.
Take a look at my complete review of Border Grill including menu items and the complete dining experience.
Looking to make a reservation for an upcoming visit to Border Grill Mexican Restaurant in Mandalay Bay? Border Grill uses the Opentable restaurant reservation platform. Make your reservation today!
Latino Food From Around the World
Regardless if you’re at the Border Grill for brunch, lunch, or dinner, you’ll find food from every part of the globe including Spanish food, Argentinian Food, Mexican, and more. Although the three menus are different, I’ll focus on the dinner one since it has some of the better signature items.
Chef Milliken and Feniger come together to create a menu that is as traditional as it is innovative. Take a look at the different items the Border Grill has available to learn which ones you and your party will enjoy the most.
The Menus at Border Grill
Border Grill Menu – Mandalay Bay Las Vegas
Starters
The Border Grill menu makes it easy to transition from one section to another by starting you off with the basics. Chips and a Trio of Salsas give you a sample of the heat, and taste, of what’s to come. The Border Guacamole is a favorite but if you’re a more adventurous patron you will want to try the Argentinian Empanadas, which are veggie with impossible meat.
Your other options include the Tortilla Soup, Plantain Empanadas, and a Quesadilla. All of these dishes are served authentically just like you would see them in any Mexican home. Prices in this section range from $5 to $17.
Ceviches
Usually, you only get one option when you’re looking for a fresh ceviche, but Border Grill outdoes the rest by offering three different unique ceviches that would please any seafood fanatic.
The Border Ceviche is your signature choice because it comes with ahi tuna and throws in some unique flavors like aji amarillo, plantain chips, and pickled onions. The Baja Ceviche Tostada comes on a large, lightly fried chip with lime marinated shrimp. The Aguachile version also comes with shrimp but with some citrus puya chile broth and serranos to give it a slight spice. Each type of ceviche will run you $18.
Salads
Only one salad makes an appearance on the dinner menu at Border Grill but at least it’s a good one. A twist on the classic caesar, the Tijuana Caesar still has the same romaine hearts and dressing, but you get cotija cheese croutons and an option between garlic, chicken, steak, or shrimp. Prices range between $14 and $24.
Tacos
Made from hand-pressed corn tortillas, the tacos are street-sized and come in a range of options. The classic Al Pastor Tacos give you the mix of sweet and savory while the Vampiro Shrimp Tacos go straight for the heat.
Treat yourself and splurge on the Smoked Prime Rib Tacos and you won’t regret it. Slow-smoked prime rib with manchego cheese grits and serrano chiles make this a must-try dish for dinner. Your other option, the Crispy Diablo Cauliflower Tacos, is quite the opposite and is made with cauliflower, pickled onions, and radishes. Tacos range from $24 to $30.
Enchiladas
A unique option of enchiladas are crafted by the chefs at Border Grill and they’re worth ordering, if at least for the table. You have four different kinds to choose from and each one includes a unique blend of Latin flavors.
The Chicken Poblano Enchiladas are the most recognizable but the Seafood Enchiladas are one of the most memorable. It includes lobster, crab, and shrimp along with Oaxacan cheese and a lobster chipotle cream.
The other must-try is the Short Rib Enchiladas with tender slow-roasted short ribs and guajillo chile sauce. The last option is the Smoked Tofu Enchiladas for those that prefer a vegetarian option. Prices began to get a bit pricier in this section from $28 – $36.
Entrees
A good amount of expertly prepared entrees round out the menu at Border Grill. The signature dish is the Seafood Molcajete, which combines some Las Vegas fresh ingredients with classic Latin cooking methods. It includes a mix of shrimp, seasonal fish, scallops, mussels, grilled cactus, and more over a hot lava rock.
Other notable dishes include the Yucatan Pork which is roasted in banana leaves, and the Jamon Serrano Pollo Relleno, which offers a boneless chicken breast wrapped in serrano ham.
Prices are understandably higher in this section and range anywhere from $30 – $39.
Margaritas & Cocktails
The real highlight of the drink menu are the margaritas and crafted cocktails. Although, you can find a good amount of bottled and draft beers. There are even a few wines at the bar you can try out.
The five margaritas at Border Grill are all based on traditional margs, but like the menu, they all include a modern twist. The Cadillac Margarita is crafted perfectly and is one of my favorites.
There are over 10 different cocktails and each one is made with a unique spirit. You’ll have a pick of everything from mezcal and rye whiskey to vodka and bacardi. You’ll pay around $15 or $16 for cocktails and $14 or $15 for margaritas.
Reservations at Border Grill
Border Grill Restaurant 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!
Border Grill: Ambiance and Atmosphere
Border Grill in Mandalay Bay is one of the premier spots to eat because of its large size, huge patio, and well-made food and drinks. You’ll find several different areas to eat including the main dining room, the glass-covered dining area, and the large double-story patio.
The al fresco patio and outdoor bar are perfect for calm nights or 70-degree days when you and your party want some fresh air while eating delicious Mexican food.
The decor is decidedly modern and unique drawings of faces cover the walls. Overall, the mood is light and the music is fun. There’s always light shining through its huge window-covered walls, illuminating what makes Border Grill special.
Things To Know About Border Grill in the Mandalay Bay
Location: From the casino, head to the southwest corner towards the Rhythm & Reefs installation. Continue down the Southwest corridor passing the restrooms and the Libertine Social. Take a left at the fork and continue straight. Border Grill will be on your left side.
Hours of Operation:
- Mon – Fri | 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sat & Sun | 10:00 am – 10:00 am
- Hours Subject to Change
Dress Code: The dress code is casual at Border Grill and because it faces towards the swimming area people are often in swimsuits when dining. However, you must be dried and completely clothed to receive service.
Price: For a couple dining, expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $200 including drinks and appetizers.
MGM Rewards Dining Perks: The Mandalay Bay is a part of MGM Resorts, so if you’re an MGM Rewards member, you can earn or redeem points for dining at Border Grill. MGM Rewards membership is free. You can find more information here at MGM Resorts – MGM Rewards.
Border Grill Mexican Restaurant in Summary
Every time of the day is the right time to visit Border Grill in Mandalay Bay. Brunch, lunch, and dinner all get their own menus filled with authentic Mexican classics along with Latin dishes from all over the world. The large patio and great view of the swimming areas make it one of the more relaxing and enjoyable spots to eat in Mandalay Bay. I want to thank you for reading through my review of the Border Grill and for using the Las Vegas Report for all things Vegas!
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.
