When I saw that Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) was named the best U.S. airport for dining, I’ll admit I was a bit surprised. What was I missing? Was I spending too much time rushing into the Centurion and Capital One lounges to notice that some culinary revolution was happening all around me?
So on my next couple trips leaving Las Vegas, I decided to pay more attention. Eating at the airport has, of course, come a long way in recent years. Sure, there are still long lines at Starbucks, Dunkin’ and the countless fast food joints anchored in American airports, but more cities are embracing local chefs and restaurateurs or opening sports bars dedicated to their hometown teams. I was about to find out if this was true in Las Vegas.
First, to the facts. The study, which was conducted by SEO for Restaurants, found that the average meal at Harry Reid airport costs just $14.81, which, if true, makes it the best food bargain in all of Las Vegas. The airport also ranked highly for having lots of unique food brands and high ratings of satisfaction.
A quick walk around the two terminals revealed that the airport skews towards fast-service restaurants and beer-branded concourse bars. We’re talking places with names like Kona Big Wave Bar, Bud 29 Track Lounge, Modela Cantina and Beer Union, which serves local craft brews along with burgers, wings and pizza. There are also a number of other sports bars like Village Pub and PGA Tour Grill.
What I didn’t see were many destination restaurants or those being run by local chefs—but the number of eating options was indeed impressive. Here are a few of my favorites.
Las Vegas Chophouse & Brewery
Terminal 3
This is a more upscale steakhouse serving entrees like chicken picatta or citrus salmon. Even breakfast is a bit elevated with prime rib burritos and creole omelettes.
Shake Shack
Terminal 1, A&B rotunda
For those on-the-run with a short connection time, the NY-based smashburger spot is a good bet.
Ruby’s Diner
Terminal 1, D gates
The nostalgic diner is a great sit-down for a classic breakfast, burgers, melts, hot dogs and handspun shakes with flavors like peanut butter cup.
Vegas Born Bar & Grill
D Concourse
This Golden Knights restaurant and bar celebrates the city’s first professional sports team. It’s bar food in a hockey-themed space.