El Segundo: Vail’s Global Taqueria

It might be easy to think of El Segundo as a Mexican restaurant, but its culinary identity isn’t limited by borders or country.

“We’re a globally-inspired restaurant,” said chef and co-owner Dimitri Souvorin. “We are a taqueria — we are a high-end taqueria — and we have a lot of fun with that theme on purpose.”

With a prime location overlooking Gore Creek in the heart of Vail Village, El Segundo is a vibrant and eclectic restaurant that offers a fun, fresh twist on the taco scene, blending flavors and influences from around the world. With a menu that constantly evolves and a commitment to using fresh, made-from-scratch ingredients, El Segundo redefines what a taqueria can be.

Local restaurateur Cameron Douglas wanted to create a restaurant with Souvorin after working with the chef at Montauk in Lionshead. So the two opened El Segundo in 2019; it quickly became a favorite with locals and visitors. Its playful take on what a taco can be, combined with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, has earned the restaurant a loyal following. The menu changes seasonally — about four times a year — to keep things fresh and exciting, with 25% of the offerings rotating to introduce new flavors and ideas. Some classics, like the Korean BBQ taco and the ever-popular crispy fish taco, remain.

At the heart of El Segundo’s success is a commitment to culinary quality. From the tangy kimchi in the Korean BBQ taco to the rich, smoky salsas, the cuisine is layered and complex, offering diners a snack or meal that is creative and satisfying.

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“We make everything from scratch,” Souvorin said. “We soak our beans overnight, make all of our sauces fresh and prep everything to order. I come from a fine-dining background, so I approach our food with that same attention to detail.”

In addition to the rotating menu, the restaurant often runs specials like an indulgent pork belly taco or the quirky meatloaf taco, which Souvorin describes as “tasting like a Big Mac, but in taco form.” The chefs at El Segundo don’t shy away from bold, inventive combinations that push the boundaries of traditional tacos.

Though El Segundo’s menu focuses on tacos, there are plenty of other options. While the restaurant’s casual vibe might suggest simplicity, the flavors are anything but. Start with ceviche or the Mexican street corn salad; pick a few tacos or branch out to a smothered burrito, seafood enchiladas or even a sesame sticky bowl with Korean BBQ Wagyu beef. And, though it may seem strange, don’t miss out on a side of fries — they’re some of the best in the valley.

But it’s not just the food that draws people in. The restaurant’s atmosphere is lively and fun, with bold murals, colorful décor and an open kitchen that invites guests to be part of the action. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch in between runs on the mountain or hanging out late-night with friends, El Segundo feels energetic and welcoming. For Souvorin, the goal is simple: “We want to make food that’s fun and delicious. If we can make someone smile with a taco, then we’ve done our job.”