Las Vegas!

From Tropicana Ave bridge, Aug 2019, iPhone 8

Las Updated: 23 Jan 2024

We have landed in Las Vegas and are really loving it. Here are some places we are enjoying as we make the transition to being "locals".

🔥 = "muy caliente" a special recommendation from yours truly
🌞 = outdoor seating
👔 = warning! dress code in effect
🆕 = new opening or updated suggestion

🍸 Lounges & Cocktails

🔥🌞👔 Legacy Club (Circa, Downtown) — On the 60th floor; private elevator located at Casino level. Excellent cocktails and a surprising selection of eastern whiskeys including some Kavalan options. Dramatic views of the Strip and the whole city, best I have seen so far, with an outdoor patio open year round. Not to be missed! 👔 No Baseball caps, certain open-toed shoes, or overly distressed clothing. Good parking available at Garage Mahal just across the street.

🔥 Rosina (Palazzo, The Strip) — World-class cocktail bar in a perfectly designed classic 20's speakeasy setting right off the casino floor. Not a typical Vegas bar— the drinks are excellent, served correctly and should appease the most discerning palette. For additional fun, some seats feature a "Press for Champagne" button. Open limited hours; if closed, head for Juliet Cocktail Room through the tunnel over at Venetian, which is by the same people.

Vesper (Cosmopolitan, The Strip) — This lobby bar is a very solid cocktail spot with lots of classics on the menu. Behind the bar in the darker back area is where you want to be. Bonus: occasionally features literal pimps and hoes. Open 24/7.

🆕 The Golden Tiki (Chinatown) — Now my go-to recommendation for tiki drinking and related fun since it is universally loved. Rumor has it that Disney designers did the room and its decor, which are top-notch and have some uh, fun hidden surprises. Live music on occasion. Strongly recommended to make reservations on weekend evenings. It's plenty "local" but if you want to dive even deeper and are OK with the smell of 40 years of cigarettes, try Frankie's Tiki Room (I-15 & Charleston) — Off the beaten path but not far from the action, it caters particularly to regulars and the service industry.

Ghost Donkey (Cosmopolitan, The Strip) — Unmarked hidden cocktail bar focused on tequila and mezcal. Quirky!

South Point Casino (I-15 & Silverado Ranch) — For really cheap drinks and local dive-ish casino fun, the Silverado Lounge and Pendleton Whiskey bars will save you some serious dough compared to the strip. In December and other parts of the year, cocktails can be found as cheap as $2.

Avoid

• Bar Ginza (Arts District)— Ambiance does not live up to the promise of its name.

Steak

🆕 Oscar's (Plaza, Downtown) — My go-to steakhouse in Las Vegas. "Named for former alleged mob attorney and former Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman", it's not unnecessarily fancy or expensive; it has real character, a classic Las Vegas gem I am proud to introduce people to. Great food and drink, wonderfully friendly wait staff. NOW OPEN 7 DAYS, but does close occasionally for special events, so check the web or call before you head over.

Gordon Ramsay Steak (Paris, The Strip) — Very solid steak, wine, and cocktails. The sliders are remarkable; Janeé loves the risotto, and Gordon's trademark beef wellington is obviously very, very good. On the pricey side, but with great ambiance, and excellent service in main dining room. You can usually grab a seat in the bar late in the evening without reservation.

👔 Scotch 80 Prime (Palms) — Beautifully designed; excellent service. I had easily one of the best steaks of my life here, a ribeye cap, cooked to absolute perfection. Not crowded. 👔 No ball caps.

Honorable Mention

• Barry's Downtown Prime (Circa, Downtown)
• The Palm (Caesar's, The Strip)
• Hank's (Green Valley Ranch, Henderson)

亞食 Asian

🔥 Best Friend (Park MGM, The Strip) — Korean BBQ and elevated street food by Roy Choi. My meal last night was one of the best I've ever had, and the reason I finally started this Las Vegas list. To be clear, most of the food on the Strip is not great, so when you do find something that is frankly, world-class, it should be called out as such. The flavors are HUGE and spectacular. Order the Chef's menu for the right combination of everything, and pair with soju and water (avoid cocktails; the flavors are too big with this food). Beyond just great food, the whole experience is great fun. It's my new Tasty n Alder (RIP) and my new favorite restaurant in Las Vegas.

🔥 義美豆漿 Taiwan Café (Chinatown) — 太棒！！！ OMG it's legit Taiwanese breakfast in Las Vegas 🇹🇼🇺🇸😄

🔥 Weera Thai (Rainbow / Sahara / Chinatown) — Recently upgraded to 🔥 — if you like intense flavors and a bit of spice, this is a really special spot. Strongly recommended: Boat Noodles w/ Beef (!), Nam Khao, Rad Nar. A white friend and I ordered these three dishes and got surprise looks from two separate members of the wait staff, who both commented that these dishes are what real Thai people would order. The flavor is off the charts. Beware— although friends and I really enjoy this place, it is a bit too much for my wife; your mileage may vary.

Bāng Bar by Momofuku (Cosmopolitan, The Strip) — Awesome food, quick, well priced for the strip. Maybe the best rice bowl I've ever had.

Noodle Asia (Venetian, The Strip) — This is a staple that some Asian friends introduced me to. You wouldn't think that a tourist-oriented noodle place on the Strip would warrant real Asian customers, let alone fans, and yet, here we are. A wide variety of noodle dishes and related foods, all good. Right off the casino floor; open very late into the night.

金元寶廚坊 (Gold Coast) — I must also mention the incredibly racist-sounding "Ping Pang Pong" (I use the Chinese name to avoid saying this out loud myself). It‘s a solid spot that's open until 3 AM. The Chinese version of Trip Advisor is linked so you can get an idea of what the real authorities think about this place. Actually this whole Casino is pretty wacky good time; you can have a lot of fun with less bills if you know what you're doing.

The Noodle Man (Southwest) — Hand pulled Chinese noodle dishes. If they served this to me in Taiwan, I'd be totally happy. Recommended to start with the "signature" 山西刀削麵 Shanxi Sliced Noodles.

Verdict still out: Momofuku, Tim Ho Wan (Palms), Lotus of Siam

Avoid

• 鼎泰豐 Din Tai Feng (ARIA Hotel) is not a reasonable substitute for the Taipei or Seattle locations

Tacos

Tacos El Gordo de Tijuana B.C. (The Strip / Town Square / E. Charleston) — Despite the misleading name, another chain of San Diego origin. Their thing is carving fresh roasted meat for your tacos off a rotating spit right when you order, and it is superb. The E. Charleston location is more locals focused and way easier to park at.

Tacos El Pastor (Boulder Station) — If you happen to be milling around Boulder Highway (don't do that), stop at this taco place in the casino food court to try out the pastor tacos. The meat comes off a spit; tortillas are made on the grill to order and have a super delicious fresh corn flavor. Also, notably kind, fast, excellent service.

Roberto's — An iconic, standard issue taco shop chain from San Diego and you can find them all over the city, usually open 24/7 or very late. When in doubt, this does the job just fine.

🔥🌞 La Comida (East Fremont) — CLOSED!!! 😭😭😭👎👎👎 Epic al pastor tacos, great drinks, fantastic ambiance. It is rumored to be returning to some different location, and I sincerely hope it does!

The Strip

Recommended resorts for casual perusing: Park MGM, Paris, Venetian/Palazzo

🔥🌞 Mon Ami Gabi (Paris, The Strip) — I believe most people know this one already, but to re-affirm, it is good, and I don't know anyone who thinks otherwise. Excellent brunch on the patio (ask for a seat outside) facing the Bellagio fountains; delicious and relatively inexpensive steak options at dinnertime. Busy during weekend mornings; be prepared for a wait.

The Buffet at Wynn (Wynn, The Strip) — Very extensive, upscale, delicious buffet recommended for breakfast or brunch. This is the wife's choice for champagne birthday breakfast.

🌞 Aft Cocktail Deck (Wynn, The Strip) — Previously the famous "Parasol Down", this was recently renovated to focus on its lakeside outdoor seating. To be clear it is not a good cocktail bar, but the ambiance is cool in good weather and (hopefully still) offers a weird surprise for your thorough enjoyment every 30 minutes, rotating.

Verdict still out: ARIA Hotel, The Mirage, Palms, Foundation Room (Mandalay Bay, The Strip), Flamingo Garden Bar

Avoid

• Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill (Caesar's, The Strip) is OK but should be better for the $$$

Downtown, Fremont, Arts District

🌞 Peyote (East Fremont) — Upscale nouveau Mexican/Latin? IDK, whatever it was, the food and drinks were very delicious. Excellent patio. I see myself visiting many more times in the near future.

🌞 ReBAR (Arts District) — If you need a break from all the wacky Vegas-ness, take a load off at this fun and funky dive bar. Good food, very Portland vibe, and lots of outdoor seating; random vintage things for sale. Mystery shots!! Locals and I agree that this place is 👍

Verdict still out:  Carson Kitchen

Chinatown

🌞 杏記甜品 Sweethoney Desert (Chinatown) — HK style desserts and snacks. Delicious!

Ramen Tatsu (Chinatown) — Not all ramen in Vegas is great, but this is solid. Cute. Our go-to for now.

Milkywave is reportedly now closed.

Verdict still out: Mas Por Favor, Ramen Sora, Shang Artisan Noodle

Elsewhere

🍣🍜🍻 Osaka (Anthem, Henderson) — If you don't think this place is good, you are missing the point. Is it Michelin-star Japanese food? No. Is the omakase going to make you see in new dimensions? No. But is it a great izakaya? Yes— the Asahi and Kirin are flowing, the fish is solid, the vibe is chill and you are welcome. Hang out for hours if you like. Grab a seat in the bar and soak in the repertoire of the piano bar guy who somehow plays like 6 of 7 nights a week. Even the graphic design and interior nails late 90s suburban izakaya in a white neighborhood, making the whole thing seem oddly sincere. Reminds me of home. If I take you here, it's because you're a real friend, and I think you'll get it. A++

🔥🌞 Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana (Green Valley Ranch, Henderson) — This has to be my favorite place in the suburbs and has never let me down over several dozen visits, so it has patiently earned its 🔥 designation. And as a matter of fact, it IS real wood 🔥 fired Napoli style pizza, very delicious, great negronis and charcuterie... reasonably priced! The patio is great year round and no one ever seems to use it, so, enjoy!

🔥 Naan & Curry (Anthem, Henderson) — Really delicious yet low key AYCE Indian lunch buffet. If you like Indian food, I haven't had better in a long time.

NY Pizza & Bagel (Anthem, Henderson) — The best bagel I've had in years.

Lucky Penny (Green Valley Ranch Casino, Henderson) — Diner style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all served around the clock. Delicious. Drink options not exceptional, but the coffee is fine. Open 24/7.

🌞 DW Bistro (Summerlin) — This place probably reminds me the most of the incredible artisan eateries that flooded Portland in its hey-day; it is very, very delicious; the wait and bar staff are superb, and there is lots of outside seating in a cozy plaza. From the website: "...a mix of Jamaican and New Mexican cuisine...a marriage of flavors like jerk spice and green chilies, DW Bistro is boldly flavored yet simply prepared..." Highly recommended.

🌞 Raiders Tavern (M Resort, West Henderson) — Food and drink not exceptional but the patio overlooks the pool and the views extend into the valley and out towards the Strip, beautiful.

Bar at M Café (M Resort, West Henderson) — The bar right next to the "Coors Chill Zone" is a cool little cocktail spot that has live piano jazz starting at 4 PM most weekend days. The service is friendly and sometimes they'll sneak over some food for you from the other restaurants. Chill.

Verdict Out

Here's a list of places I've gotten a tip on, but I either haven't tried yet or have not written up yet.

• Two Hands (Korean Corndogs)
• Tacos La Carreta
• Boulder City
• Piazza Lounge @ Tuscany
• Michael says: Star Piano, Moonshiners
• Don't Tell Mamas
• Dispensary Jazz Club
• Esther's Kitchen
• Lotus of Siam
• The Front Yard
• Echo & Rig
• Giordano's and Rosati's for Chicago style pizza
• "Fluff Ice" （台式？）
• Polaris Street Café — Local breakfast spot
• Prime Rib Buffet @ Southpoint
• Venetian lobby bar
• Golden Steer
• Hugo’s Cellar
• Peppermill
• Italian American Club
• The Pinky Ring lounge
• @cheongdamfoodhall @ryusauce
• Pine Bistro
• Herbs & Rye
• Mama Bird
• Popparoti
• Firefly
• Taco Chinatown
• Mas Por Favor
• Nora’s
• KiSS Mini Golf
• Toca modera Tuesday
• Baguette Café / Easy’s lounge
• Osaka (yelp)