The Roots in CDMX

Jonatan Garay arrived in the U.S. to study finance, dreaming of Wall Street. But as semesters passed at SMU, homesickness tugged harder than any stock ticker. He found himself craving the simple magic of a neighborhood taco stand: the hiss of tortillas on a plancha, the communal hum of late-night crowds, and the unpretentious comfort of the warmed tortilla wrapped around seasoned meat. That memory of paying the local taquero for his guacamole recipe and feeling it transport him straight back to his neighborhood became Chilangos’ North Star.

From Homesick Dream to Bold Vision

In Dallas, Jonatan quickly noticed a culinary void. While Tex-Mex dominated the scene, there were a few offerings that reflected the true essence of Mexico City cuisine. More importantly, none captured the soul, sound, and sabor of a bustling taquería. Jonatan envisioned something different. Chilangos was created not just to serve tacos, but also to defend a culinary and cultural identity that is too often diluted for mass consumption. Every decision, from sourcing to service, reflects that ethos. Handmade nixtamal tortillas, layered trompos carved fresh daily, and scratch-made salsas are declarations of culinary integrity.

The Uncompromising Commitment

From day one, Chilangos has proudly refused to compromise on quality or authenticity. As Jonatan puts it, “Our masa takes time; our meats demand respect. If that costs more, so be it.” That bold stance, rooted in pride and precision, has defined the brand’s voice and attracted a loyal following. More than just a taquería, Chilangos is a flag planted in the ground for what Mexican food can and should be when done right abroad.

Every taco tells a story. The Signature Ribeye taco, thinly sliced and seared to a char, remains the brand’s icon—a simple yet masterful representation of Chilangos’ commitment to premium ingredients and proper technique. For those craving something heartier, there’s the Birria Taco, slow-stewed for hours until the meat falls apart, served with rich consommé for dipping. Even the Vegetariano, filled with seasoned hongos and smoky flavor, proves that authenticity isn’t limited to meat alone.

Why the Vegas Strip?

Las Vegas is a city that thrives on spectacle and reinvention—but when it comes to Mexican cuisine, the Strip has long lacked a place that truly reflects the flavors of CDMX. Chilangos changes that. It delivers bold, rooted flavors with the kind of high-energy aesthetic Vegas diners crave. Think: street food authenticity, plated with style and served with swagger.

The new location at 3631 S. Las Vegas Blvd., #310, brings everything fans love about Chilangos—signature tacos, curated playlists, and immersive visuals—to a new audience, with a few surprises. Start your order with a signature Chingónrita, the house special that is everything Mexico City flavor should be. Follow that with some ribeye tacos, and finish with a fresh order of churros. And for an actual Vegas-only experience, don’t miss the sirloin trompo—carved to order, it’s a showstopper that pairs excellently with the Strip’s neon glow.

Beyond Tacos: A Cultural Ambassador

Chilangos isn’t content to stop at tacos. Jonatan’s vision stretches to cumbia-fueled playlists, community-focused events, and custom merch. He views the brand as a bridge, educating Americans about the depth of Mexican culinary traditions, celebrating Mexico City’s street food, and elevating food standards for every customer. It’s food as cultural diplomacy.

About Chilangos Tacos

Chilangos Tacos is a Mexican-owned and operated fast-casual taquería specializing in Mexico City street food. Founded by Jonatan Garay, the company operates locations in Dallas, TX, Nashville, TN, and now Las Vegas, NV. The brand’s mission is to modernize taco culture while honoring traditional CDMX cooking techniques, using high-quality ingredients, and building community through cultural pride—one chingón bite at a time.

For more information, visit www.chilangostacos.com or follow the flavor at @chilangostacos on Instagram.