You walk through The English Hotel in the Las Vegas Arts District and the first thing you notice isn't the decor. It's the smell. It’s that specific, char-grilled scent of high-end protein hitting a flat top, mixed with something bright and citrusy. That’s Lula’s by Todd English. Honestly, it's a bit of a departure for a guy who made his name on Mediterranean powerhouse Olives and the sprawling food halls of New York City.
Todd English is a celebrity chef who has seen it all. He’s won James Beard Awards. He’s been on every TV show imaginable. But Lula’s feels different. It’s personal. Named after his mother, this spot isn't trying to be a white-tablecloth temple of gastronomy where you sit for four hours and contemplate a single foam. It’s a "Mexican Greenhouse" concept. It’s fast, it’s loud, and it’s arguably some of the most interesting food in the 18b Arts District right now.
People are obsessed with the "Sexiest Tacos" branding. It sounds like marketing fluff, right? Usually, when a restaurant calls itself the "sexiest" anything, I roll my eyes. But then you see the presentation. We’re talking about hand-pressed tortillas that actually taste like corn—not the cardboard-style ones you get at a drive-thru—topped with ingredients that feel like they belong in a fine-dining kitchen.
What’s Actually on the Menu at Lula’s by Todd English?
If you're expecting a standard beef-and-cheese taco, you're in the wrong place. English is playing with textures here.
Take the Lobster Taco. It’s basically the signature move. You’ve got butter-poached lobster—very on-brand for a New England chef—tucked into a tortilla with a bit of a kick. It’s decadent. It’s also $18 for a single taco, which usually makes people gasp until they actually take a bite. Is it worth it? If you like lobster and you're in Vegas, yeah, it probably is.
Then there’s the Al Pastor. Traditional? Sorta. But the pineapple isn't just a garnish; it’s integrated in a way that feels intentional.
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- Duck Carnitas: Rich, fatty, and perfectly rendered.
- Carne Asada: High-quality cuts, charred to perfection.
- Vegetarian Options: They actually care about these. The mushroom tacos aren't an afterthought.
The vibe is very "Indoor/Outdoor." Because it’s located in The English Hotel, the transition between the lobby and the dining area is blurred. You've got hanging greenery. You’ve got neon. It feels like a place where a DJ might start a set at 10:00 PM and nobody would be surprised.
The Arts District Context
Vegas is changing. Everyone knows the Strip is the Strip—it’s expensive, it’s crowded, and it’s increasingly corporate. But the Arts District (18b) is where the locals and the "in-the-know" travelers are heading. Lula’s by Todd English fits perfectly into this ecosystem. It’s elevated enough to feel like a "celebrity chef" experience, but it’s gritty enough to match the murals and galleries surrounding it.
You aren't going to find many $100 tasting menus in this part of town. You will find great beer at Able Baker down the street, and then you'll stumble into Lula’s for a tequila-based cocktail and some shared plates.
Let's talk about the cocktails. They’re heavy on the agave. The Margarita list isn't just "flavor of the week." They use real lime juice. That sounds like a low bar, but in Las Vegas, you’d be surprised how many places still use sour mix from a plastic gun. At Lula’s, the drinks have a bite. The spicy margarita actually has heat. It doesn't apologize for it.
Why the "Mother" Connection Matters
Todd English has often spoken about how his mother, Lula, influenced his palate. It’s a common trope in the culinary world, sure. Every chef has a grandmother or mother who "started it all." But at Lula’s, you see it in the hospitality. It’s less transactional than his larger ventures.
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The staff actually seems to know the menu. They can tell you why the salsa verde is particularly bright today. That kind of detail usually gets lost when a chef scales up to fifty restaurants. Here, it feels like a passion project.
The Realities of Dining Here
Look, it’s not cheap. If you come here expecting a $3 street taco, you’re going to have a bad time. You’re paying for the Todd English name, the atmosphere, and the quality of the ingredients.
- The Space: It’s relatively small. It gets packed on weekends.
- The Noise: It’s loud. If you want a quiet place to discuss your taxes, go elsewhere.
- The Location: It’s tucked away in The English Hotel. If you’re staying at the Bellagio, you’re going to need an Uber. It’s about a 15-minute ride depending on traffic.
One thing people get wrong is thinking this is a formal restaurant. It isn’t. You can show up in a t-shirt and sneakers. In fact, most people do. It’s "Vegas Casual," which means anything from a designer tracksuit to a cocktail dress goes.
The menu is designed for sharing. Don't be the person who orders one taco and a water. Get the guacamole. It’s topped with things you wouldn't expect—sometimes pomegranate seeds, sometimes toasted pepitas. It’s thick, chunky, and seasoned correctly.
A Shift in the Todd English Empire
For a while, the narrative around Todd English was focused on his legal battles or his business expansions. But Lula’s by Todd English feels like a return to form. It’s focused. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone. It’s just trying to be a really good Mexican-inspired greenhouse kitchen.
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There’s a certain "cool factor" here that is hard to manufacture. You either have it or you don't. By leaning into the Arts District vibe instead of trying to fight it, English has created something that feels authentic to the 2026 Vegas scene. It’s a scene that values craft over glitz.
Is it the best Mexican food in the world? Probably not. You can find more authentic street food in East LA or deep in Mexico City. But is it the best version of "Celebrity Chef Mexican" in Nevada? It’s a strong contender. The fusion of high-end culinary technique with the approachability of a taco is a winning formula.
What to Order if You’re Overwhelmed
If you sit down and the menu looks like too much, just do this: Order the Short Rib Birria. It’s trendy right now, everyone is doing birria, but English does it with a richness that most places miss. The consommé is deep, dark, and savory. It feels like it’s been simmering for days. It probably has.
Pair that with a "Lula’s Ghost" cocktail if you like heat. It’s got ghost pepper infused tequila, but it’s balanced enough that you won't lose your taste buds for the rest of the meal.
The Verdict on Lula’s
The Arts District needed a "destination" restaurant that wasn't stuffy. Lula’s filled that gap. It’s a place where you can start your night or end your afternoon. The pricing reflects the quality, even if it might give some budget travelers pause.
When you go, sit at the bar. That’s where the action is. You get to see the drinks being built, you get to talk to the bartenders who actually know the neighborhood, and you get your food faster.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit:
- Timing is everything: Go during "Golden Hour" (late afternoon). The light hitting the greenhouse-style windows is incredible for photos, and it’s usually easier to snag a table without a 40-minute wait.
- Parking Hack: The Arts District is notoriously difficult for parking. Don't even try to find a spot on the street right in front of the hotel. Look for the public lots a block or two over, or just use a rideshare service so you can enjoy the tequila selection.
- Explore the Hotel: Since Lula’s is inside The English Hotel, take five minutes to walk around the property. It’s an adults-only boutique hotel, and the design elements are world-class. It gives you a better sense of why the restaurant looks the way it does.
- Order the "Secret" Specials: Always ask the server if there’s a seasonal taco off-menu. English often tests new flavor profiles at this location before rolling them out elsewhere.
- Stay for the Vibe: Don't rush out. This isn't a "turn and burn" diner. Order another drink, enjoy the music, and soak in the 18b atmosphere. It’s the most "real" part of Vegas you’ll find.