La Vecindad was founded by Raúl Martínez, originally from Toluca, Mexico, and his wife, Vanessa Barreat, from Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. They started with a small food stand at a local Las Vegas swap meet, just four workers, including the owners themselves, and not even a POS system to ring up orders.
With no inheritance and no outside money, they worked full-time jobs during the week and poured everything into the food stand on weekends. Two years later, thanks to the support of the community, they opened their first official location, in a spot that, at the time, most people had forgotten about, but the rent was right and the dream was bigger.
How We Became "La Vecindad"
Here’s a twist most guests don’t know: we weren’t always La Vecindad. The restaurant was originally called Pico de Gallo — until 2020, when a certain California wine company (yes, that Gallo) and a San Antonio restaurant with the same name (registered since 1983) made it clear the name had to change.
Since the restaurant was already decorated like a classic Mexican neighborhood, the switch to La Vecindad® made perfect sense — and “Pico de Gallo” stayed on as a subtitle, a nod to where it all began.
Recognition That Followed the Hustle
- Best of Las Vegas – 4 consecutive years
- Featured on Food Network’s Cooking Channel, Food Paradise’s “Get in My Deli”
- Official supplier for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas
Two Locations, One Family
Today, La Vecindad has grown into two distinct spots on Sahara Ave: the original family restaurant, where kids eat free on select days, and La Vecindad Cantina, the 21+ location with live entertainment and themed nights.
