Biting In: The Pork Carnitas at Gonzalez Y Gonzalez
The Gonzalez Y Gonzalez menu is loaded with items for less than $20.
I don’t know why I’ve been writing so many food articles when I’m not a foodie, but whatevs. When I’m in Vegas, I seek out delicious food with a low price to pay. I like a meal that is filling, tasty and in a pleasant environment, and if I can get that for 20 bucks (not including tip), I’m a happy camper. If I’m willing to invest Jacksons (soon to be Tubman’s) into a slot machine or at the tables without a thought, then a good meal isn’t a bad investment either; I need my energy and focus!
One of the things I love about Vegas is there’s food at many different price points. Sometimes you want an aged ribeye, and sometimes you just want White Castle. If you’re like me, you read a menu much differently than anything else you might read in English print–instead of left to right, you go right to left. I’m not ashamed to admit that when I look at a menu, I look at the price column first until my “just right” point is found before even looking at what I might pay for. You do that too, right? Maybe sometimes? Bueller? Even if it is just me, I can accept that.
One of the places I have found to be consistent with reasonable prices and well-prepared food is Gonzalez Y Gonzalez at the New York-New York. When I last visited and browsed through the menu, this is what caught my eye:
Pork Carnitas
crsipy marinated fried pork with salsa cruda, guacamole & warm tortillas
$15.95
Reasonable price? Check. So I ordered up!
The pork, the guac, the salsa cruda. Flavors combine like a harmony of voices singing “DAAAYYYYMMM!” The cooking was on-point, seasoned just right with no texture surprises, cooked just as perfectly as one might expect. The tortillas are in a round container to the right. I also asked for sour cream on the side as well (and wasn’t charged for it). The rice and refried beans are part of the combo. It was delicious and filling.
The atmosphere at Gonzalez Y Gonzalez was obviously Mexican themed, what else would it be?
If you head to Gonzalez Y Gonzalez website and look at the menu, you’ll find that that there’s only one item above $20 bucks listed; it’s a steak. So if you’re low-rolling on the Strip, this is a place to keep in mind for a good meal that won’t break the bank. You can splurge without splurging too much more and have a very satisfying ROI.
[Images: Michael Movestro, Craft+Brand]
Michael Movestro founded Vegas Bright to continue the tradition when Vegas Chatter cashed out. Michael pays the bills, maintains the site, writes articles, hosts VBN – Vegas Bright Newscast.
10 thoughts on “Biting In: The Pork Carnitas at Gonzalez Y Gonzalez”
Comments are closed.
Great to know, and I love Mexican food! Also, I’ve been to the Mexican place by the M&M factory on the strip a few years ago. I remember it being good too, and not over the top expensive.
As I understand, most Mexican restaurants have lots of items under $20, which I wasn’t aware of.
Pork and the salsa w/ the chips looks great. The guac and refried beans looks like it needs help. I have a go to list for every type of food except Mex. I want to try the famous place on the strip that folks were in arms about when it closed and now it’s back. Thanks for the review.
What place was that?
Tacos El Gordo
We eat here Everytime we make a trip to Vegas.they make the guacamole at the table.it is absolutely amazing.its a must try.the salsa is excellent too and don’t forget the Poole soup.
That was supposed to be pozole.
Hahaha I was like “Poole Soup?” The guac was delicious!
This is so weird…we usually go to PH Miracle Mile shops and hit up the La Salsa Cantina or the one outside of MGM if we are on the South part of the strip. But during one of our last stays at NYNY we decided to try Gonzalez Y Gonzalez…and then until I read this article completely forgot about it. It is very good and differentiated enough for me now to want to go back. For some reason that name just doesn’t stay in my head though…but probably the “hidden” gem in NYNY for food that isn’t too fancy (Gallagher’s Steakhouse) or too simple (Nathan’s on 2nd floor) near arcade. Even on NYNY Restaurant page it’s at the bottom of the list (same row as Alternative Venue)..and you have to click “More Restaurants” at least twice to get there. So really “hidden gem”…even on NYNY site….and goood…did you try the tequila bar there?
Hey, Marty! I didn’t try the Tequila Bar, tequila and I don’t get along. At least, twelve years ago we didn’t get along. Tequila and I haven’t been on drinking terms since then.