Las Vegas Sun

March 19, 2024

El Sombrero restaurant says farewell to Las Vegas after 64 years

El Sombrero Closes

Yasmina Chavez

The open sign is off at El Sombrero restaurant located on Main Street, which has been open since 1950, during its last day of operation Saturday, April 12, 2014.

El Sombrero Closes

The last piece of flan at El Sombrero restaurant located on Main Street, which has been open since 1950, during is closing day Saturday, April 12, 2014. Launch slideshow »

As I bite into the last available piece of rich and creamy flan with an admirable subtle sweetness at El Sombrero on its closing day, I instantly regret this being my first and last time doing so.

The restaurant wasn't packed on its last day, but the only empty tables available were on reserve and the patrons who were already enjoying their dinner looked like regulars from how they interacted with co-owner Teresa Aragon.

Teresa and Jose Aragon took over the restaurant in 1970 from Jose Aragon's uncle and aunt, Clemente and Emily Griego. They have decided to close after 64 years of serving the Las Vegas community.

"I'm here, but it's like I'm not even here." an emotional Teresa Aragon said when asked about how she felt on the last day.

When I arrived, the open signs were already off as I imagined they were all day, signaling the end of a rich experience for locals and tourists alike from one of the few remaining historic businesses in Las Vegas.

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