Taco Escobarr to Replace Smashed Pig on Fremont East

There’s a lot happening in the Fremont East entertainment district, and now there’s a new restaurant in the works, Taco Escobarr.

Taco Escobarr hasn’t officially been announced yet, but the concept appears in documents being used to pitch spaces to new tenants.

Taco Escobarr will sit in the space previously occupied by Smashed Pig. Smashed Pig closed in May 2023.

Neon not included, probably.

The building in play was formerly owned by Tony Hsieh and includes Inspire, Corduroy, The Griffin, Downtown Cocktail Room and Flippin’ Good. Inspire is closed and Downtown Cocktail Room has announced it will close this month.

The property was sold for a paltry $14.6 million in 2023 to Boston Omaha Asset Management. Boston Omaha’s co-managing partner, Brendan Keating, also runs the brokerage firm charged with shopping Hsieh’s downtown real estate. It’s complicated.

Here’s a look at the graphic that gave away what’s next in this building.

It’s not about how big a place is, it’s about what you do with it, and that’s the story we’re sticking to.

The Inspire and Downtown Cocktail Room spaces are also up for lease.

Why has there been so much activity in this building (and in the Boston Omaha-owned Tony @ Carson building as well)? Well, reality has sunk in. Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project subsidized many of the businesses downtown, several have decided to call it quits when faced with having to be viable without financial support.

Smashed Pig Gastropub
The footprint wasn’t huge, but damn, we miss the fish and chips.

As the announcement of Taco Escobarr hasn’t been made yet, we can’t be sure if it’s the same as Taco Escobarr in Portland, Maine. If the font fits, draw reckless conclusions. Here’s their Instagram account.

Maine, of course, was where tacos got their start. Just play along, this is a Las Vegas blog, not a history book.

Wrasslin’ is a thing downtown. A wrestling-inspired bar, DDT, recently opened in the Tony @ Carson building, also owned by Boston Omaha Asset Management.

Here’s a blurb from the Taco Escobarr Web site: “Taco Escobarr is all about an upbeat and fun atmosphere! We are casual, affordable and open late. We serve a variety of delicious food inspired by authentic Mexican cuisine. Craft beer, Mexican beer, and fun specialty cocktails. Our margaritas are always made with high quality ingredients and fresh squeezed lime juice!”

Tacos, of course, are nature’s perfect drunk food, so a taco place on Fremont East should do well.

The competition is La Mona Rosa (once La Comida) and Nacho Daddy (once next door to itself).

We’ll share more when details are made available. Big thanks to @JaybirdVegasNV for passing along this juicy scoop.