Hussong’s Cantina inside Mandalay Bay is bringing south of the border flavors and Baja revelry to Sin City. This legendary Ensenada, Mexico landmark is the newest cantina to hit the strip, with authentic Baja cuisine. The 3,700 square foot restaurant is almost an exact replica of the rustic original, right down to the green and red bar. The eclectic décor includes original Mexican photographs dating back to the late 1800’s, memorabilia from the now-demolished Hacienda Hotel & Casino and a large Hussong’s Cantina Logo constructed from poker chips.

The Vegas version is true to the original, with beautiful bartenders, hunky mariachi men and strong, flavorful margaritas. The mariachis here don’t just play classics like “La Cucaracha” but also hip 80’s classics. That’s right, songs like “Another Brick in the Wall” by Pink Floyd are part of these musicians' repertoire, making Mariachi bands...almost cool? But it's not just about the fun atmosphere, it's also about the food you’ll crave.

You’ll find Baja’s best, with signature dishes including Pulled Chicken, Carnitas or Steak Sopes. Huarache, a Baja steak prepared over a thick oval tortilla, refried beans, pacilla salsa, topped with cabbage, pico de gallo and cotija cheese, and Baja Fish Tacos, two Tecate-battered fish tacos topped with a mix of cabbage, tomatillo avocado salsa and sour cream are some of the favorites. Their flavorful chicken and steak tacos topped with green or red salsa will make your mouth water. The food here is addicting and it doesn’t stop there. You definitely can’t miss out on the desserts. The Fried Ice Cream is dulce de leche ice cream breaded with panko and served with fruit pico de gallo, and the (to die for) Churros come filled with your choice of cajeta (Mexican-style Dulce de Leche) or pastry cream.

Hussong’s Cantina is rumored to be the creator of the Margarita. Legend has it that back in October of 1941 the Margarita was created for a beautiful woman who frequented the bar in Mexico. The evolution of the margarita has continued with the Original Margarita now a two-oz pour of 100 percent blue agave tequila with fresh squeezed lime and blue agave nectar. Then there is the Libertad o Muerte (the Liberty or Death Margarita), a combination of Casa Noble Tequila, Cointreau, blue agave nectar and Grand Marnier served in a take-home skull cup and comes with a complimentary refill. That’s right, you can drink, then try it all over again. But if Margaritas just aren’t enough, take a shot or two from the Cantina Banditas and their custom made Shot-Slammers Cart. If you have a hangover from the night before, no worries. Hussong’s has you covered with the ultimate medicine for your hangover, the Hussong’s Red Eye. This strong hearty drink is made with Tecate red beer and homemade bloody Mary served with a shot of Hussong’s Reposado Tequila on the side, garnished with jerky and celery.

GetWize: The original Hussong’s Cantina is located 50 miles south of Tijuana, Mexico, and opened in 1892, making it one of the oldest Cantina’s in the world. For more information check out Hussong's Cantina website or call 702-553-0123.