Las Vegas Weekly

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Growing up in what was then the northwest tip of Las Vegas, in the late ’80s and early ’90s, we had our hangout spots. First it was a couple slices at Verrazano Pizza and maybe cylinder-shaped ice cream scoops at Thrifty in the summertime. Friday nights were spent at the Meadows Mall or the Red Rock movie theaters—not today’s Summerlin megaresort but the one that used to be on Charleston at Brush St. And if we were lucky, if it was a good weekend, we’d con some adults into taking us for Mexican food at Macayo’s.

That one, our Macayo’s on Charleston and Arville, is done. Open since 1971 and one of four local restaurants operated by the family that started the company in Phoenix in 1946, our Macayo’s is closing for good on January 31. The lease is up and won’t be renewed.

Fortunately, the other three locations will keep on, and staff will be relocated, but there is still some sadness with the loss of this neighborhood favorite. Just check the Macayo Vegas Facebook page, where former employees, families and grown-up kids like me are reminiscing on birthday dinners, banquets and memorable meals. “I grew up going to this Macayo’s!” posted one such regular, Art Martinez. I can vouch for his Macayo’s affection; he was one of the first kids I met when I moved to Vegas in 1987.

For those looking for another plate of enchiladas, crispy tacos or one more “TCT,” stop in from January 27-31, when some special dishes and discounts are planned.