Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant, located within the newly opened Durango Resort and Casino near the Las Vegas Strip, is a striking example of design-driven innovation and cultural creativity. Conceived through a collaboration between Station Casinos, Clique Hospitality, and acclaimed design studio Studio Munge, Mijo reimagines the traditional Mexican dining experience with artistic flair and meaningful cultural storytelling.
At the heart of Mijo’s identity is a bold design vision that blends tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from the agave plant—an enduring symbol in Mexican culinary and cultural heritage—Studio Munge has infused the space with forms, textures, and colors that honor its legacy. The result is an immersive environment that balances authenticity with modern sophistication.
Design innovation is evident in how familiar cultural elements are reinterpreted through a modern lens. The custom host stand, shaped to resemble a sliced agave, anchors the entrance with solid wood craftsmanship. A tiered bottle display, echoing an agave cone, becomes both a functional and sculptural focal point. The bar, finished with Fusion Blue Quartzite and glossy ceramic tiles, features a circular coved ceiling that enhances the lighting and highlights artisanal detailing.
Creativity flows throughout the venue, with every detail designed to evoke wonder. The entrance sets a theatrical tone with marigold installations, a tufted orange velvet sofa, and a striking Mariachi skeleton figure. Inside, guests encounter evolving palettes and textures: from metallic blues and hand-woven wicker screens to warm terracottas and plush velvet banquettes, each space unfolds as a chapter in a larger visual narrative.
The dining area further reflects this layered storytelling. A vaulted, tunnel-like space features romantic plaster finishes and radial floor patterns, centered around a handcrafted ash wood table detailed with marquetry. Clay pendants above add rhythm and intimacy. A semi-private room, framed by arched wood carvings and ashwood walls, offers an elegant space for gatherings, maintaining the tactile richness of the overall design.
Outside, the patio continues the design language with beige terracotta tiles, curved wood slat screens, and a dramatic 11-foot rope chandelier. Custom banquettes with terracotta leather and piped detailing create a cozy, refined atmosphere, while a mosaic-tiled table evokes traditional Mexican textile artistry—merging craftsmanship with storytelling.
Mijo’s design reflects a thoughtful engagement with cultural expression. By reinterpreting iconic symbols and materials through a contemporary lens, it creates a dining experience that is immersive, respectful, and emotionally resonant. The project highlights how design can bridge tradition and innovation, enriching the guest experience and contributing to a broader appreciation of Mexican artistry.
Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant
Studio Munge
Silver

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Designer
Client
Stations Casino
Floor area
600 ㎡
Completion
2023
Furniture
Finishes
Lighting
Furniture
Furniture
Furniture