In a city fueled by spectacle, Sayulitas manages to stand out not with neon or gimmicks, but with 16 inches of bacon-wrapped brilliance and the indomitable force of nature that is Tea Guerrero. Nestled in Las Vegas' vibrant Arts District and with an original location near the Strip, Sayulitas is where Mexican-Filipino fusion meets fearless innovation, where community meets creativity, and where food doesn’t just fill you up—it makes a statement.

We met Tea Guerrero on a sunny Vegas afternoon over cocktails and gut-busting burritos to talk about the restaurant’s journey, her vision, and how Sayulitas became a haven for flavor, family, and fierce pride.

A Vision Wrapped in Bacon

“I grew up in the industry,” Tea tells us. “My parents were in it before the 2008 crash. They lost everything. My sister and I went our own ways—I went into tech. But eventually, she kept calling me back. She was like, ‘T, we know this, we love this.’ So I came back.”

That return led to the first Sayulitas opening in 2015 in San Diego. And like the burritos she would go on to create, the vision only got bigger from there. “I always said, I don’t know when, but I’m going to open a restaurant in Vegas,” she says. “And here we are.”

Sayulitas is named after a beach town near Puerto Vallarta, where Tea’s mother is from. It’s a name steeped in culture and family history, and the restaurant reflects that in every detail—from the vibrant walls adorned with artwork by local women artists to the explosion of flavor in every menu item.

Sayulitas Style: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

Let’s start with the food. Because, dear reader, it is a lot. Literally and figuratively.

We began with the bacon-wrapped burrito, and it was an instant standout. Thinly sliced bacon envelops the tortilla and is grilled to crispy perfection. The bacon grease (or as we prefer, "bacon elixir") seeps into the tortilla, enhancing every bite without overwhelming it. Inside, it’s a symphony of carne asada, guacamole, cheese, salsa, and that heavenly chipotle sauce.

“This burrito didn’t exist before,” Tea says. “I woke up one day and said, ‘Let’s make a 16-inch burrito and wrap it in bacon.’ Everyone told me I was crazy. Now? It’s a bestseller.”

That bold creativity runs through the entire Sayulitas menu. Tea isn’t afraid to push boundaries in flavor, format, or presentation. “I try things. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, we try something else. I’m not afraid of failing—I’m afraid of playing it safe.”

Next up: the Longanisa fries. Picture a bed of curly fries loaded with Filipino sweet sausage, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, chipotle sauce, and a fried egg on top. It’s indulgent, it’s comforting, and it’s unlike anything else in Vegas.

Sayulitas is all about fusion. “We wanted to blend what we knew,” Tea explains. “Mexican food with a Filipino twist. And just go wild with it.”

Case in point: the Pac-Man burrito, named not after the arcade game but after Manny Pacquiao’s son, who tried it and gave it his stamp of approval. It’s a monster burrito stuffed with steak, longanisa, fries, sour cream, pico de gallo, guac, and cheese. It’s heavy, flavorful, and unforgettably satisfying.

Other menu favorites include the Rosy fries, named after Tea’s sister, which take the idea of carne asada fries and elevate them with a hidden flour tortilla base—so when you’re done devouring the fries, you can roll them up into a second burrito.

A Taste of Tea’s Story

Beyond the outrageous flavor combinations and playful plating, Sayulitas is deeply personal.

“Everything about this place is my story,” Tea says. “My family’s story. My heritage. My creativity.”

As a queer Latina entrepreneur, Tea has faced her share of challenges. “People have told me they don’t want someone gay to be their boss. I’ve been denied SBA loans again and again. But I don’t stop. I kept applying. I keep showing up.”

That perseverance is part of what makes Sayulitas special. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a testament to identity and resilience.

Tea’s advice for fellow entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities? “Don’t give up. Put yourself out there. Shake every hand. Smile. Build your community. There are going to be days you want to quit. Don’t. Just keep showing up.”

Drinks, Decor, and Downtown Vibes

Sayulitas has two Las Vegas locations: the first near the Strip across from Mandalay Bay, and the second, newer location in the heart of the Arts District on Fremont.

While the Strip spot is more fast-casual and doesn’t serve alcohol, the downtown space is bigger, more colorful, and features a cocktail menu as wild as the food.

Russ tried the prickly pear margarita—bright pink, sweet but tart, and refreshing enough to justify a second (or third). Ward had the Lychee Michelada, a spicy-sweet fusion of Filipino beer and Mexican tomato juice with a fruit salad garnish and a Tajín rim. “An explosion in your mouth,” Tea describes it, and we couldn’t agree more.

Other drink standouts include the mango habanero margarita, which delivers a perfectly balanced sweet-and-spicy punch.

The downtown location’s decor is a visual feast, with artwork by Vegas-based female artist C. Lopez. The vibrant murals tell Tea’s story—from San Diego to the Strip and now to Fremont.

“We wanted people to walk in and say, ‘Wow.’ But also to feel like they belong. Like it’s home,” Tea says. And that’s exactly what it feels like.

Even the music playlist is curated to reflect that. A mix of Latin beats, pop favorites, and old-school throwbacks pumps through the speakers, creating an atmosphere that’s as much about energy as it is about food. It’s not uncommon to see customers dancing in their seats.

Sayulitas After Dark

Tea isn’t done pushing boundaries. Starting next month, Sayulitas will host Drag Mondays, turning the already colorful venue into a queer nightlife hotspot. And of course, Taco Tuesdays bring $1.99 tacos and $5 drinks that keep the crowd coming.

Tea’s vision for the space isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about nourishing a community. “We want to create space for everyone,” Tea says. “And we want it to be fun.”

She envisions open mic nights, queer poetry slams, and live DJ sets bringing even more energy to the already bustling downtown location. “Food is the start of the experience. But we want it to be a whole vibe.”

Legacy in the Making

One of the sweetest moments of our visit came when Tea introduced us to her niece—the next generation already learning the ropes. “We’re teaching her everything,” Tea says. “So one day, she can run her own spot.”

Sayulitas isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a blueprint for generational success, a showcase of intersectional culture, and a temple to bold ideas.

“I’m not a big chill-out person,” Tea confesses. “The gym is my only break. But I love what I do. This is my life.”

And lucky for us, it tastes like chipotle, bacon, and pure joy.

Sayulitas
Mexican Food With a Filipino Twist

Arts District Location:
616 E Carson Ave #120

Strip Location:
3999 S Las Vegas Blvd