Dining critic candidate No. 14

Rudy’s Little Hideaway

Location: 1721 S. Nevada Ave.

Hours: Tue – Sat 6AM – 2PM

Sunday 7AM – 2PM

Closed Monday’s

This 20 table diner, in front of the South Nevada Travelodge Motel, probably goes unnoticed by the 100’s of cars that pass it each hour. I would have kept on going too if it hadn’t been for pure curiosity.

I wasn’t so sure of this place when I had to park in the motel’s parking lot, even less confident when I wasn’t sure of what door to enter through. But, I was here, so I pressed onward.

Red and white Christmas lights hang from the ceiling of this seat-yourself diner. Spanish music plays softly in the background and the daily special boards hang above the counter stools. The open door and window cutout between the kitchen and the dining area gives you a clear view through to the seasoned grill. Part of the tables has a vinyl paste on cover that’s beginning to peel. The dark worn carpet hides its spots well. Over all, it’s got that worn but clean appearance.

Two or three upside-down coffee mugs, each placed on a paper napkin, sit on the empty tables. As soon as I turned the mug over the busgirl was there to fill it and give me my silverware. Considering that the menus sit on the tables, I was pleasantly surprised that they were not sticky. The salt and pepper shakers and sugar canister looked as if they too had just recently undergone a good scrubbing.

The mediocre coffee never stops flowing but it’s apparent that coffee isn’t what people come here for, it’s the green chili. You can order anything from huevos rancheros to tacos covered with the spicy, diced pork and jalapeño filled sauce; but if you do order it be prepared to break a sweat. I mentioned to the waitress that the chili packed a punch; she smiled and told me Rudy makes it from a secret recipe. She added that you never know just how hot it will be, but you can be sure it won’t be mild.

The menu features a dozen varieties of breakfast burrito. I chose the Mexican Burrito, bursting at the seams with two scrambled eggs, Chorizo sausage, refried beans and jalapeno’s blends wonderfully with the green chili and cheese covering the beast. Be prepared to take half home.

In case Mexican breakfasts aren’t your style, don’t worry they serve everything from French toast to pancakes. You can also get eggs, bacon and hash browns to order.

The 55+ senior menu isn’t limited to one or two items, but a full array of eggs, soups and sandwiches. It comes with the added bonus of a meal running around $3.50.

Don’t count on the waitress to bring you a ticket until you signal her as the regulars like to sit and chat. It’s up to you to either speak up or just go to the counter to pay. But when you do, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that it only runs about $5.00 per person.

Rudy’s Little Hideaway gets……Hardy and spicy, napkins optional.