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oChef » Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos – Las Vegas
Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos - Las Vegas
Photo from Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos
Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos at a glance
Las Vegas Twin Lakes
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#159 out of 192 places to eat in Las Vegas
#16 Mexican Restaurant out of 20 in Las Vegas
Average
5.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
372
Reviews
44.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Welcoming ambiance
- Helpful personnel
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Dry dishes
- Unpleasant smell
The Mexican restaurant Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos in Las Vegas’s Twin Lakes neighborhood offers an authentic dining experience. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious small plates or a quick bite.
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this spot provides a casual setting with plenty of seating. It’s also a great choice if you’re dining with kids, as high chairs are available.
You can easily stop by for a meal or grab takeout.
Overview: Introducting Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos
Las Gorditas offers a mixed experience, often praised for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere and the dedication of its knowledgeable staff. Many appreciate the authentic flavors found in their dishes, suggesting a strong culinary foundation.
However, some visits are hampered by concerns over slow service and occasional issues with the overall dining environment. While the restaurant aims for a cozy feel, some patrons have noted an unpleasant smell and found the interior space a bit cramped.
Despite these drawbacks, the core appeal often lies in the potential for genuinely delicious food, making it a place with both clear strengths and areas needing attention.
Average
5.2
out of 10
372
Reviews
44.1%
Satisfaction
188
negative
20
neutral
164
positive
Looking at the numbers, Las Gorditas presents a somewhat mixed picture, with an overall Restaurant Score of 5.2 out of 10, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer sentiment also reflects this, with Customer Satisfaction at 44.1%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
These figures are drawn from 372 customer remarks, showing a slight lean towards negative experiences with 188 negative comments compared to 164 positive ones. Delving deeper, Food (6.4) is the strongest aspect, often described as delicious, though it still falls into the average range.
Ambience (6) also hovers around average. However, Service (3.6) and Value (3.4) both register as poor, suggesting significant room for improvement in these areas.
The high volume of feedback on service, in particular, highlights it as a frequent point of contention for many visitors.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Clean, welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive, knowledgeable staff
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Dry, flavorless food
- Unpleasant odors
With a Recommendation Score of 5.5, Las Gorditas offers a dining experience that can be quite inconsistent. If you prioritize authentic flavors and a friendly setting, you might find something to enjoy here, especially if you’re not in a rush.
However, be prepared for potential service delays and the possibility of inconsistent food quality. It’s a place that has its moments, but it might not be the ideal choice if you’re seeking a consistently smooth and high-value meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos
Food (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.4 indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a 58% mixed rating. Based on 109 positive remarks out of 188 total, many rave about the delicious gorditas, freshly squeezed juices, and flavorful salsas, often highlighting the use of fresh ingredients. However, 67 negative comments point to some areas needing improvement.
Concerns include dry meat, dishes described as tasteless, and issues with cold food or stale tortillas. While some items shine, consistency seems to be a challenge, leaving some diners with a less than satisfying experience.
Food
188
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
67
negative
12
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious gorditas
- Freshly squeezed juices
- Flavorful salsas
What people don't like
- Dry, tasteless meat
- Inconsistent food quality
- Cold food served
Often praised
- foodI was in the area looking and found this nice restaurant. I have no complaints towards the food; the food is delicious. However, there was an incident where Rosario, a wonderful server, was yelled at by a "fat lady" for a few minutes while Rosario was checking on my coffee and meal to ensure they were satisfactory.
- gorditasIf you're looking for the ultimate Mexican food experience, you simply must check out Las Gorditas restaurant! The food is absolutely mouth-watering, and their gorditas are simply irresistible. I recently visited the restaurant and was blown away not just by the taste, but also with the fact that they use incredibly fresh ingredients.
- Gordita PlateMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was truly great and amazing, with the Gordita Plate being a standout. However, the service was of poor quality, and finding a parking space was an absolute nightmare.
- Gorditasrandomly craving their Gorditas
- horchatathe horchata was also really good
- pozolespecial mention to the pozole. Lots of meat, lots of flavor. Delicious!
- raspadoI recently stopped by and tried a carne asada gordita along with a tamarind raspado. The raspado was very good, I loved it! However, the gordita tasted a bit old and the meat was very dry.
- raspadoslos raspados y la gorditas esta buenas
- salsasThe fifth star is for the salsas. Top-notch flavor!
- Chile Relleno Gorditait was delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was horrible. The food took a very long time to come out, the meat was dry and everything was flavorless. If you're in Las Vegas, don't go here, it's horrible.
- gorditasThe food was very expensive, and on top of that, they took too long to bring the food. Furthermore, the gorditas were very dry and lacked flavor. I do not recommend this place.
- food qualityI expected an explosion of flavor that simply didn't happen. Atmosphere: Although the ambiance of the place is nice and cozy, the service and food quality left much to be desired. In summary, this restaurant did not manage to represent the authentic essence of the gorditas I love so much from my homeland.
- meatThe raspado was very good, I loved it! However, the gordita tasted a bit old and the meat was very dry. We arrived about 30 minutes before they closed, so I guess the meat wasn't fresh anymore.
- Gorditasthe tortillas tasted rubbery and they were hard to chew and the meat had zero flavor
- picadillothe picadillo was greasy
- raspadosI went to buy raspados and was so disappointed. The service was horrible, and the raspados had no flavor. I will never come back for sure.
- shaved icepedà dos raspados y en lugar de decirme q solo habÃa para uno
- tortillasthe tortillas tasted rubbery and they were hard to chew
- Asada gorditaAsada gordita was dry
If youre craving authentic gorditas and fresh juices, this spot might hit the mark, but be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience with some dishes. Its worth a try if you're willing to navigate the mixed reviews for those standout items.
Service (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are some shining stars! Many guests raved about the friendly and welcoming staff, highlighting individuals like Rosario and Ana for their excellent customer service and knowledgeable recommendations. With 32 positive remarks, it seems some experiences were truly superb, with staff being quick and attentive.
However, the overall picture for service is a bit challenging, reflected in a score of 3.6 and a customer satisfaction of 24.6%. A significant 92 negative remarks point to frequent issues like long waiting times for food and seating, slow service speed, and a general lack of attention and poor organization. It appears that while some staff excel, consistency and efficiency are major hurdles.
Service
130
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
92
negative
6
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Excellent customer service
- Knowledgeable staff
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service speed
- Poor organization
Often praised
- servicethe service and the price all make sense
- AnaAna is an excellent person, super friendly and helpful! Her fame reaches even Wisconsin.
- staffamazing staff. everyone was so kind
- customer service" Rosario remained professional and did not provide the lady's name. I honestly found that beyond disrespectful because Rosario was only offering the best customer service by making sure I had enjoyed my meal. I don’t think she deserved to be yelled at in front of customers like that, especially when she was doing her job.
- RosarioRosario was wonderful server
- attentionvery good attention
- buen servicioque buen servicio
- experienceoverall had a great experience
- kitchen staffkitchen staff working hard to bring food quickly
- knowledgeable staffI could hardly believe that such a perfect dish existed in real life! The atmosphere in Las Gorditas is friendly and welcoming, and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the food they serve. They were happy to offer recommendations and ensure that we had the best possible experience.
Frequently criticized
- serviceI’m constantly craving their food, but the many times I’ve gone here, I know I have to have enough time and not be in a rush to go anywhere else because unfortunately, they do take their time with the service.
- waiting timeEsperamos por 30 min para que nos dieran mesa pero casi una hora para que nos dieran la comida
- customer serviceAs a native of the Comarca Lagunera and a lover of authentic gorditas, I had high expectations that were not met. Customer Service: From the start, the service was deficient. Even though it wasn't very busy, we were ignored for a good while until they managed to take our order.
- staffOne waitress allowed her daughter to sleep on the seats during business hours, which was unprofessional and tacky. The staff showed no concern for customers, even allowing a family to bring in outside drinks not on the menu. We faced a long wait time for our food, specifically hard gorditas.
- waitressLa señorita nomás nos daba la vuelta cada vez que le preguntábamos por la comida
- attentionI was not payed attention to.
- foodIt took forever to get a menu, and it took forever to get drinks. Don’t even get me started on how long the food takes. This place needs to close its doors; they are not ready to run a business.
- waitingThe waiting is to long
- waitressesI didn't like what I had to see between the waitresses
- acknowledgementnever acknowledged us
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially mixed bag on the service front. While some staff offer genuinely warm and helpful interactions, you might face significant delays and a lack of consistent attention. Its a place to try if you have plenty of time and patience, but perhaps not if you're in a rush.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
The ambience here presents a somewhat mixed experience, with a score of 6 and customer satisfaction at 58.1%. Many guests appreciate the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, often describing the place as clean and enjoying the good low music. Out of 31 total opinions, 18 lean positive, suggesting a generally comfortable and authentic vibe.
However, not all experiences are glowing. Some visitors encountered an unpleasant smell or found the interior small. Issues like people waiting too close to tables, creating a crowded feeling, and loud conversation from staff also contributed to the 12 negative remarks, indicating areas needing attention.
Ambience
31
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly atmosphere
- Clean place
- Good music
What people don't like
- Unpleasant smell
- Crowded seating
- Loud conversations
Often praised
- atmosphereI expected an explosion of flavor that simply didn't happen. Atmosphere: Although the ambiance of the place is nice and cozy, the service and food quality left much to be desired. In summary, this restaurant did not manage to represent the authentic essence of the gorditas I love so much from my homeland.
- placeThe place was good and clean
- authenticIt doesn't get more authentic than this
- free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- friendly and welcoming atmosphereThe atmosphere in Las Gorditas is friendly and welcoming
- insideInside is clean and looks nice.
- mom and pop placeSeems like they are a little mom n pop place
- musicgood low music in the background
- plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- restaurant cleanlinessrestaurant itself was very clean
Frequently criticized
- atmospherelas 🪑 sillas que los tocaron en la mesa junto al baño se mueven mucho
- chairslas 🪑 sillas que los tocaron en la mesa junto al baño se mueven mucho
- establishmentthe establishment smelled very unpleasant
- interiorIf you're in Las Vegas, don't go here, it's horrible. Additionally, the interior is super small. Only the shaved ice was decent.
- loud conversationemployees were having loud conversation in the kitchen
- new decorawful new decor
- parking spacelooking for parking space is a nightmare
- people are watchingThey are very busy, which is good, but they should have some control. People are watching you until how fast you chew. Honestly, it doesn't make you want to return, and I know I'm not the only one.
- people waitingThey don't have an order for attending to people. You're eating and literally people waiting stand next to your table or sit on your bench if you have a little bit left. It's very uncomfortable and doesn't even give you a chance to enjoy your meal.
- unpleasant smellvery unpleasant smell, like a sewer
If you're seeking a clean, friendly spot with a casual atmosphere, you might find the ambience here perfectly fine. Just be aware that during busy periods, you might encounter some crowding or an occasional off-putting smell.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners did find some positives, with 5 out of 23 total comments highlighting fair pricing. They felt the price and price per person were quite reasonable, noting that the costs all make sense and the food was reasonably priced. It seems a handful of guests left feeling they got a decent deal.
However, the overall picture for value is challenging, reflected in a score of 3.4 and customer satisfaction at just 21.7%. A significant 17 comments highlighted concerns, with many feeling the prices were too high and the serving sizes didn't justify the cost, leading to poor value for money. Mentions of a credit card charge and even billing issues further contributed to dissatisfaction.
Value
23
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
17
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Very expensive prices
- Not worth the cost
- Credit card surcharge
Often praised
- priceFood is reasonably priced
- price per personprice per person to be between $10–20
Frequently criticized
- priceThe price isn’t worth the quality of food
- pricesCaro y el servicio muy pero muy lento
- value for moneyno vale la pena la verdad
- $40I just wasted $40
- billing issuescharged us three times and they refused to return the money
- cost of raspadocostos de un raspado es casi de 10 ds
- credit card chargecharge 3% for using a credit card
- foodthe food is very expensive
- moneyThe food was cold and lacked any flavor. I will never return to this place; I strongly advise others to save your money and go elsewhere.
- paymentwaitress assumed a tip and did not process the payment as requested
If youre prioritizing value, this spot might disappoint, as many found the prices steep for whats offered. Be prepared for potentially small portions and extra charges, and consider if the overall experience truly justifies the cost for you.
How are the prices at Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos?
You’re looking at roughly $24 per person – reported by 80 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at $24, it’s interesting to see that many guests actually spend less, with a big cluster in the $11–$20 range. This means you can find some great value here, even though there are options for those who want to spend a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 80 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Las Vegas.
Considering it’s a Mexican Restaurant in Las Vegas, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers good value, especially with those more affordable options available, making it a solid choice for many.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Experience: Bad Smell and Billing Issues
What a terrible place! From the moment we entered, there was a very unpleasant smell, like a sewer. To make matters worse, when it was time to pay, they charged us three times.
We pointed this out, but they refused to return the money. 😡
- unpleasant smell1
- billing issues1
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Promising Idea, Needs Improvement
I discovered this place through TikTok, and while I only took a photo, they promised to be the best gorditas in Vegas, but that wasn't the case. The service was really good; the waitress was very friendly. However, the establishment smelled very unpleasant, like a sewer or drain, probably coming from the bathroom.
This could make people sick. Their idea is great, but they need a better establishment and to improve the guisados (stews). For example, the chicharron needs improvement, and they should add classic Mexican guisados like egg in green or red sauce, and pressed chicharron that is truly Mexican.
I'm making this comment more to be constructive than negative.
- service9
- establishment2
- guisados4
- chicharron3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Horrible Service and Bland Raspados
I went to buy raspados and was so disappointed. The service was horrible, and the raspados had no flavor. I will never come back for sure.
- service1
- raspados1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Gorditas, Not Worth the Price
My first and last experience here was disappointing. I ordered two Gorditas, and the tortillas were rubbery and difficult to chew. The meat lacked any flavor, and the overall price did not justify the quality of food received.
- Gorditas2
- tortillas2
- meat1
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Best Mexican Food in Town!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a nice restaurant with some of the best Mexican food in the city. I particularly enjoyed the Gorditas.
I always order the chicharon con chile verde, and their nachos are also very good. The service was take out, and we enjoyed our meal in the indoor dining area.
- Mexican food10
- Gorditas9
- chicharon con chile verde9
What Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What service and parking options does Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos offer?
At Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos, you have several convenient service options including curbside pickup, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. When you visit, you’ll be pleased to find usually plenty of parking available, with both free street parking and a free parking lot for your convenience.
Is Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, Las Gorditas/Los Pinguinos is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. It’s also a fantastic choice for families, as it’s good for kids and provides high chairs to ensure a comfortable dining experience for your little ones.
Q: How does Las Gorditas perform overall according to customer feedback?
A: Las Gorditas holds an overall **Restaurant Score** of **5.2** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **44.1%**, indicating a mixed experience. While **Food** (6.4) and **Ambience** (6) are average, **Service** (3.6) and **Value** (3.4) are areas needing significant improvement.
Q: What aspects do customers typically enjoy at Las Gorditas?
A: Many patrons appreciate the restaurant’s clean and welcoming atmosphere, often highlighting the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The food, particularly certain dishes, is frequently praised for its authentic and delicious flavors.
Q: What are the common complaints or concerns raised by diners?
A: Recurring issues include slow and inattentive service, which can lead to long wait times. Some customers have also noted concerns about dry or flavorless food, as well as occasional unpleasant smells within the establishment.