Las Vegas Weekly

August 6, 2012 · 12:23 PM

Weekend Hangover: T&T Mariachi Brunch

By Brock Radke

The Top Shelf Margarita at T&T deserves its name.

Let’s be honest: the booze makes the brunch. Without a mimosa or Bloody Mary, you’re really just having a late, lazy breakfast. This meal without a cocktail is like taking the bacon out of a BLT.

Vegas is big on boozy brunches, and this past weekend I discovered one loaded with tequila, music, spicy bites and an overall fun, laidback vibe. The Mariachi Brunch at T&T (in Luxor) may not be as well-known as other Sunday specials on the Strip, but it packs a big punch for a small price. Great plates for $14 or less like chilaquiles or a hearty machaca burrito will attack any hangover, and the restaurant’s signature Top Shelf margaritas are two for one. You know what that means … four for the price of two.

This ‘rita recipe is one of the sharpest, most clean tasting in town, made with Jose Cuervo Reposado, a dash of Grand Marnier, organic agave nectar, and a house-made sweet-and-sour mix heavy on fresh lime juice. The flavor is crisp and bright with plenty of bite, a taste that actually makes sense with the obligatory salt rim. If you’re looking for something fruitier or spicier, try the pineapple chipotle margarita made with Herradura Silver, Dutch orange curacao, lime and pineapple juices and a sizzling splash of Tabasco chipotle sauce.

This stop feels more like a relaxing family fiesta than one of the truly bananas party brunch destinations proliferating in casinos. And the band is great … I may have had too many Top Shelves, but I’m pretty sure the mariachi trio twisted War’s “Low Rider” into Rick James’ “Super Freak” while I was scooping up some guacamole.

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