El Sombrero a mix of modern, classic

El Sombrero, 807 S. Main St., serves a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, such as the Quesadilla Oaxaquena (tortilla stuffed with Mexican cheeses, mushrooms and onions and topped with Mexican cream, guacamole, pico de gallo and cilantro). (Caitlyn Lopez/Special to View)

El Sombrero, 807 S. Main St., serves a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, such as the Bistro Burrito de Pollo (jumbo burrito stuffed with grilled chicken, Mexican rice and beans and topped with roasted garlic tomatillo sauce, Mexican cream and pico de gallo) (Caitlyn Lopez/Special to View)

Never judge a book by its cover.

While El Sombrero’s plain white exterior and original neon sign allow it to blend in with other venues in Las Vegas’ Arts District, its interior holds an elegant dining room with modern lighting, chic mirrors and a brighter color scheme.

The Mexican bistro, 807 S. Main St., opened in 1950 as a family-owned restaurant. After six decades, it was sold to co-owner Irma Aguirre of the shuttered La Madonna, and it was closed briefly for renovation in 2014.

But the old didn’t go out with the new. The revamped eatery kept and spiced up local favorites, offering tacos, tamales, burritos and enchiladas with modern tweaks.

Menu highlights include the bistro chile relleno (stuffed green bell pepper with butternut squash, potato, onion, cheese, tomato oregano sauce and beans served with Mexican rice); tamal de pollo (chicken tamale steamed in a banana leaf and stuffed with roasted garlic tomatillo sauce); mahi mahi a la plancha (tuna, roasted cherry tomatoes and saffron chile seco sauce on a bed of white rice); and alambre de carne taco (grilled mix of skirt steak, onions, jalapenos, bacon and chorizo). Most meals range from $12 to $16.

A lot has changed in six decades, but El Sombrero stays true to its past while appealing to newer generations.

El Sombrero is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. It’s closed Sunday and Monday. Visit elsombrerovegas.com or call 702-382-9234.