(Hotel restaurants are not eligible in this category)
Mexican Restaurant
Chevys Mexican Restaurant
CHEVYS MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Multiple locations
This Pepsico-owned franchise kept a low profile among locals during its three years on the Strip. (You ever try making a left into that place?) But it shot to a firm victory after opening second and third locations in more easily reached 'burbs. Viva Mercados, which we've long championed in our staff picks, finally caught on with readers enough to pull down second place.
Our Pick:
CHEVYS
We'll agree. Not only does Chevys sport that franchised bric-a-brac look so important to Las Vegans ("Hey, this looks just like the one back home!"), but the menu choices go beyond the tacos and cheese enchiladas to reflect an adventurous spirit. Spinach wraps? Honey-Dijon mustard?