Ryan Slattery

Las Vegas is a diverse dining destination. There are bountiful buffets, pubs and taverns to gamble and watch sports, quick service food halls and high-end destination dining. All of this means there is something for everyone and it’s not only in the resort corridor. Chefs who once worked on the Strip have branched out and opened remarkable restaurants—without the inflated prices—in neighborhoods all across the valley. Las Vegas is full of food and you’ll find chefs hailing from Michelin-starred establishments and stunning brasseries, all worth discovering. Here’s a look at the best restaurants in Las Vegas right now. April 2025: This list has seen a number of changes since my last update in late September. Because it’s relocating, I’m removing Bazaar Meat and replacing it with its new, equally amazing sister restaurant from José Andrés: Bazaar Mar. Some other incredible newcomers to this list include Chyna Club, Stubborn Seed, Milpa and Mae Daly’s. RECOMMENDED:🍤 The best buffets in Vegas🥑 The best brunches in Las Vegas📍 The best things to do in Vegas🍷 The best bars in Vegas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Vegas

Las Vegas has plenty of places to grab a drink. It’s a city built on vice, after all. But what visitors are finding out is that Vegas is a much more sophisticated drinking city than one would think. Mixologists are digging deep into the ingredient bible and crafting amazing cocktails—some enhanced with theatrics such as smoke and fire. These techniques are not only great for Instagram but purposely add a depth of flavor to enhance the cocktail. Ready for an elevated drinking experience? Below, you'll find the best bars in Las Vegas right now, from dive bars and speakeasies to rooftop lounges and resort bars. Raise your glass to these spots! April 2025: So many bars in Las Vegas are upping the ante and getting more creative with their mixology programs. We’re no longer just a beer and wine and city, and it shows with a couple new openings on this list, including Petite Boheme and Doberman Drawing Room. RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Las Vegas🍤 The best buffets in Vegas🥑 The best brunches in Las Vegas📍 The best things to do in Vegas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Vegas This guide was updated by Las Vegas-based writer Ryan Slattery. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Once Las Vegas mastered nightlife they dove into the dayclub scene, giving the bachelorette and bachelor party crowd a place to play during the day. The resort pool is now one of the coolest places to spend an afternoon. And what Las Vegas lacks in sand and surf it makes up tenfold in scene and vibe. While plenty of dayclubs with big-name DJs make this list, there are also some more relaxing scenes (some even family-friendly) where you can chill with a cocktail, read a book, get a poolside massage or play a little swim-up blackjack. There are also wave pools, water slides, and if you have kids or teens you can venture off the Strip to one of the two waterparks on opposite ends of the valley: Cowabunga Bay in Henderson or Cowabunga Canyon in Summerlin. Here are our favorite places to beat the heat in Las Vegas. This guide was updated by Las Vegas-based writer Ryan Slattery. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: 🍹 The best bars in Las Vegas🍴 The best restaurants in Las Vegas🎰 The best things to do in Las Vegas🏨 The best hotels in Las Vegas👙 The best Airbnbs with pools in Las Vegas 

Las Vegas is unlike any other place on earth—full of wild spectacles and immersive experiences, world-famous sporting events, 24/7 casinos with pulsing nightlife, and even natural wonders, not to mention some of the best dining experiences in the country. Las Vegas has so much to offer and finding the best way to spend your time can be a bit overwhelming. What follows is a nifty guide to the Strip and beyond. Below are our picks of the best things to do in Vegas right now. This guide was updated by Vegas-based writer Ryan Slattery. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Las Vegas right now🏞️ Hidden gems in Las Vegas you need to know about🍷 The best bars in Las Vegas🏩 The best hotels in Las Vegas🏰 The best Airbnb mansions in Las Vegas⛲ The best attractions in Las Vegas

Who said there’s nothing for kids to do in Las Vegas? Even though the city no longer markets itself as a family-friendly destination, this list clearly shows there are plenty of places parents can take their younger children and teens. From roller coasters and water parks to kid-friendly shows and an aquarium, this entertainment hub is full of fun for the whole family. Read on to discover the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Vegas⛰️ The best hidden gems in Vegas🏨 The best hotels in Vegas

Craving some dim sum? Longing for some dumplings? Or perhaps you really want a properly prepared Peking duck. You’re in luck because Las Vegas has some amazing Chinese food. We’re talking hand-pulled noodles, braised pork belly, steamed abalone and so much more. From affordable Chinatown noodle houses to the Michelin-star Wing Lei on the Strip, here are some of the best Chinese restaurants in Las Vegas. RECOMMENDED: See the full list of best restaurants in Las Vegas

The weekend is coming. Let us help you with your plans—we’re already making ours. Whether it’s a concert coming into town, a sporting event, a museum exhibition, a new brunch or dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants, we have you covered. Here are the best things to do in Las Vegas this weekend. We curate a Las Vegas weekend itinerary of the city’s best concerts, comedy, culture and cuisine, every week, just for you. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Las Vegas right now

When it comes to dining in Las Vegas, the steakhouse is king. Yes, the city is still known for its extravagant all-you-can-eat buffets and has some great Italian restaurants as well, but nothing says special occasion (or corporate expense account) more than a great steak—and this city has a bunch of places to get one. Here are our favorite steakhouses in Vegas right now.  RECOMMENDED:🍤 The best buffets in Vegas🥑 The best brunches in Las Vegas📍 The best things to do in Vegas🍷 The best bars in Vegas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Vegas

Las Vegas is always lit in neon, but the city shines a bit brighter during the holiday season. Long-running Christmas celebrations such as Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden, where you’ll find cacti draped in colorful lights, and Glittering Lights, a 2.5-mile drive-through light display at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, have been around for three decades. But just like the slew of attractions, shows and parties that sweep through Vegas year-round, there’s so much more to do each holiday season as other whimsical displays and pop-ups start new traditions. Below, you’ll find our favorite festive Christmas events in Las Vegas. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Las Vegas

The range of French restaurants in Las Vegas run the gamut from brunch spots serving classic dishes to high-end, multi-course dinners from Michelin-starred chefs. But whichever bistro, brasserie or fine-dining restaurant you visit on this list, you’ll be rewarded with an extraordinary experience. From buttery escargot and orange-glazed duck breast to velvety artichoke and black truffle soup and dessert carts that roll sweets to the table (all, of course, paired with champagne or French wine), these top French restaurants will leave you wanting more.

Las Vegas is an outdoorsy town. Visitors sticking to the glitz only get a glimpse from their hotel rooms of the mountains that form a ring around the city. And we get it. Sin City has some of the world’s best casinos, and it’s also evolved into way more than just gambling—check out our list of the best things to do in Las Vegas for proof. (Need more? Las Vegas was named the best city for recreation in America.) But those who really want to experience Las Vegas need to get outside. From desert treks over sculpted sandstone in Red Rock Canyon and mountain hikes to hidden waterfalls to ancient bristlecone forests on Mt. Charleston, Las Vegas has it all. Just a word of advice: You’ll want to make an appointment at one of the city’s best spas to recuperate. So don’t forget to pack your hiking boots. Here are some of the best places to hit the trails.

Italian cuisine is well represented in Las Vegas. There’s everything from family-run, decades-long kitchens that date to when the Rat Pack ran around in search of some Sunday gravy to expensive Strip restaurants run by tuxedoed captains. What you’ll notice most is that all of them have elevated their game by shaping noodles by hand and raising the level of those classic, comforting dishes we all love with fresh, high-end ingredients that still honor the culinary traditions of Italy. So whether you’re craving pasta, pizza or massive meatballs, these Las Vegas restaurants deliver an authentic taste of Italy and are sure to fill you up especially after a day conquering some of the top things to do in Las Vegas.

What is it? A hidden cocktail bar that uses culinary tactics to elevate its drinks.   Why we love it: First, you have to find it among the graffiti murals down an alley between Main and Commerce. But once you do, you’re in for a treat. Liquid Diet may not look like much with its mismatched furniture and rather ho-hum decor but the chef-inspired cocktails are what everyone comes for. And the menu is constantly changing. There’s a reason Esquire named it one of the best bars in America. Time Out tip: Keep it simple and ask the bartender what the best drink on the whiteboard is today.  Address: 1415 S Commerce St, Las Vegas, NV 89102 Opening hours: Wed–Sun 7pm–1am

What is it? A cocktail-forward lounge in a space with taxidermy, vintage knickknacks and novelty artwork.   Why we love it: There is a lot going on at Doberman. The space could easily be mistaken as an antique shop and trophy room. And it’s purposely done. Most of the items on display—we’re talking deer heads and estate sale finds—are part of owner Ryan Doherty’s personal collection. Add some trippy Ben Ashton blurred-line original portraits and you have a room with a distinct look. Award-winning mixologist Juyoung Kang has created a cocktail collection with a clarified milk punch, a martini with lemongrass shochu, and a mezcal meets honeydew cordial. Time Out tip: Go booze-free and try a mocktail like the Coffee Cheesecake, an alcohol-free espresso martini with malt, coffee, honey, parmesan and nutmeg. Address: 1025 S 1st St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 3pm–1am; Sun 3–11pm

What is it? A tiki-type bar to sip tropical cocktails in the Arts District.  Why we love it: Stray Pirate is an escape. Once you step inside this downtown bar you’re transported to the dark sunken hull of a boat where cursed pirates were turned into dogs (pirated pet paintings hang on the walls). The island-themed bar feeds off the tropics with playful drinks like Robbing the Gulf, a reposado tequila-based cocktail cut with watermelon and jalapeño, or the Swing & Berries, vodka sweetened with strawberry, rhubarb and rosewater.  Time Out tip: If you’re opting to stay booze-free, try one of the four flavor-packed tropical mocktails like the Dry Tai.  Address: 1321 S. Commerce St, Las Vegas, NV 89102 Opening hours: Mon–Thu 2pm–midnight, Fri 2pm–1am, Sat 1pm–1am, Sun 1pm–midnight

What is it? A comfy French-inspired space in the Arts District for polished cocktails.   Why we love it: This is a small 40-seat space with an impressive bar program. Walls are painted in Banksy and Basquiat-style murals with robots and astronauts floating among the inspirational graffiti. A patio with twinkling string lights nearly doubles the space where those in-the-know sip cocktails like the J’accuse, which starts with absinthe set ablaze and stirred as apple brandy and amaro are poured in to finish the drink.  Time Out tip: While you’re here, visit James Trees’s companion place, a 120-seat French brasserie located next door.   Address: 1407 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89104 Opening hours: Daily 4pm–2am

What is it? A hidden gem of a bar in the basement arcade of the Horseshoe. Why we love it: The Cabinet of Curiosities is one of the most intriguing, under-the-radar bars on the Strip. It’s a museum of sorts with odd objects displayed next to their ultra-strange stories. The bar prides itself on its craft cocktails and even offers a mixology masterclass. The Cabinet is connected to the Lock Speakeasy, a joint you have to actually crawl into. Ask your bartender for details.  Time Out tip: Schedule a masterclass and learn the intricacies on how to pair flavors and craft a cocktail.  Address: 3645 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Opening hours: Daily 1pm–midnight

What is it? A vibrant speakeasy slinging mezcal and tequila drinks.  Why we love it: To find Ghost Donkey head to the Cosmopolitan food hall and search for the door with a donkey marked on it. Once inside the secret tequila bar, the call is obvious: mezcal and margaritas or a tasting flight for those undecided.  Time Out tip: Don’t forget the nachos. Toppings include: mole chicken, steak and black beans, or black truffle and chives.   Address: 3708 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Opening hours: Sun–Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 4pm–2am

What is it? A spirit-making distillery with a bar and restaurant.  Why we love it: Tour this distillery and then sample the spirits in the tasting room. Hidden in Henderson and decorated with old photos from the 1950s and ‘60s, the Las Vegas Distillery is a vintage Rat Pack-era space serving modern day cocktails made from spirits distilled on the other side of the wall. From espresso martinis and classic mai tais to a daiquiri made with their very own white rum, it’s one of the coolest spots around. Time Out tip: Join a 45-minute tour ($25) to learn how the spirits are made.  Address: 7330 Eastgate Rd, Henderson, NV 89011 Opening hours: Wed, Thu 3–9pm, Fri 3–10pm, Sat 2–10pm, Sun 2–8pm

What is it? Hands down, the coolest bar in Las Vegas.  Why we love it: Ice bars aren’t exactly a novelty anymore, and Minus 5º has three locations in Las Vegas alone. However, they are nice spots to cool off in the sweltering desert temperatures. After all, when else do you get a chance to throw on a parka or faux fur and sip fruity craft cocktails out of a glass made of ice in Las Vegas? The ice sculptures are frequently changed and LED lights and music add to the experience. Time Out tip: Sign up online to become a VICEP for exclusive offers, discounts and giveaways.  Address:LINQ Promenade: 3535 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Mandalay Bay: 3930 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119Venetian: 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Opening hours:LINQ: Sun–Thu 11am–midnight Fri, Sat 11am–2amMandalay Bay: Sun–Thu 11am–midnight Fri, Sat 11am–1:30amVenetian: Daily 11am–11pm

What is it? The Cosmopolitan’s signature three-story lounge.  Why we love it: This is the ultimate meet-up. With over two million cascading crystals, Chandelier Bar is hard to miss and has something for everyone. Each floor serves its very own curated collection of cocktails. You’ll find classic concoctions with a twist on the lower level, modern creative takes on floor 1.5 and champagne-forward drinks from “The Art of Bubbles” menu on the top level.  Time Out tip: Skip the beer and wine and order a signature drink such as My Friend Daiquirita, a daiquiri/margarita marriage of Batiste Silver Agricole Rhum and Pasote Blanco Tequila. Address: 3708 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Opening hours: Open 24 hours

What is it? A nostalgic fireside lounge that gives a taste of what Vegas was a half century ago.   Why we love it: Those who ever wondered what vintage Vegas was like need only pop into the Fireside Lounge, where the magic of yesteryear lives on. Tucked away inside the greasy spoon Peppermill diner, the lounge is bathed in blue-and-purple neon with a fireplace as its centerpiece. Retro drinks and happy hour deals make visitors feel like they’ve entered a time machine. Time Out tip: Visit for happy hour (daily 3–6pm) for discounted drinks and half-price appetizers.  Address: 2985 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Opening hours: Mon–Wed 7am–2am, Thu–Sun 24 hours

What is it? A rooftop bar with expansive Strip views.  Why we love it: There may not be a more iconic spot to drink in Las Vegas than here. Ghostbar originally debuted in 2001, then disappeared briefly, only to return. The reincarnation of this popular haunt meets all expectations. Great drinks, a lively atmosphere and spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip from its perch on the 55th floor make this lounge a must-visit. Time Out tip: The terrace is cigar friendly with dozens of cigars, some rare finds, available for purchase. Address: 4321 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103 Opening hours: Wed–Sat 9pm–close

What is it? A classic downtown dive bar that’s stood the test of time.   Why we love it: Soak up the old-school dive vibe at this local classic. Back in the 1950s, patrons would sit on the roof of Atomic Liquors (the oldest freestanding bar in Vegas, built in 1945) and watch nuclear test explosions in the nearby desert. A renovation and reinvention as a craft beer and cocktail bar has made it a destination for a new crowd. Now, you’ll find millennials on the patio downing pints and Nevada Test Shots while munching on pan pizza. Time Out tip: Be sure to build your own pan pizza.   Address: 917 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 Opening hours: Sun–Thu noon–2am; Fri, Sat noon–3am

Fans of the Las Vegas Aces will soon have their very own bar to cheer on the two-time WNBA champions and the city’s other women’s sports teams when The Sports Bra opens in Las Vegas. The popular Portland, Oregon bar and restaurant—the first sports bar dedicated to exclusively showing women’s sports—just announced it will open franchises in four new cities: Las Vegas, Boston, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. Each new location will be locally owned and operated. Las Vegas franchise owner Esther Taylor says The Sports Bra is more than just a place to watch the game. “It’s a movement that empowers girls and women to feel valued, seen and celebrated. I aim to build a community where women’s sports are at the forefront and where everyone feels encouraged to support and uplift one another.” The location for The Sports Bra in Las Vegas has not been announced.   The Sports Bra in Portland received plenty of national attention in April 2022 when it introduced the concept of only playing women’s sporting events on bar televisions. Now, with the popularity of the WNBA growing and other female sports leagues, such as the Women’s National Football Conference (which includes the Las Vegas Silver Stars), thriving, the idea of expanding into new markets makes perfect sense.   According to a recent report from Barbarian and The GIST, media coverage of women’s sports has increased by 275 percent over the past five years, and revenue is projected to reach $2.35 billion in 2024.  Jenny Nguyen, founde

It’s time to start planning your Las Vegas Restaurant Week outings. Feeling overwhelmed by the dozens upon dozens of options, though? Don’t worry, we have some ideas.  More than 260 restaurants are participating in the 12-day (June 2–13) fundraiser for the Three Square Food Bank, which supports some of the city’s most vulnerable food-insecure residents. Last year’s event raised more than $380,000—enough to provide 1,142,440 meals to Las Vegas residents. Since 2007, more than 10 million meals have been served. It works like this: Participating restaurants create special multi-course menus and every time someone orders it, a portion of the cost of the meal is donated to Three Square. Photograph: Courtesy Tyler BertramBurger at Peter Luger Steak House     This year, menus range in price from quick $20 lunches to splurge-worthy $120 dinners at places like Bazaar Meat, Bouchon, Carbone or Wakuda. There are also a bunch of burgers (looking at you, Peter Luger Steak House), plenty of pastas and so many steaks we lost count. But we did review all 261 menus looking for value or something unique to draw us in. Here’s what we found. Hiroba Sushi Among the $20 offerings, there are some bargains. Hiroba Sushi in Henderson is one that stands out serving miso soup, a bento box and ice cream. 128 Main 128 Main just announced it will no longer serve dinner so lunch it is. During restaurant week, you can get a Chinois salad, bacon BLT and Basque cheesecake for $30. Bjork Caviar Looking for a

I saw astronaut Katy Perry kiss the sky… and I liked it? Sorta.  Actually, I’m kind of torn on my thoughts after seeing Perry’s “Lifetimes” tour in Las Vegas. That’s because I was both equally amused and entertained as I was bewildered and frustrated by it. For a lot of reasons.  Now granted, I’m comparing it to her Resorts World residency a few years ago, “Play,” a production she referred to as Honey, I Shrunk the Kids meets Pee-wee’s Playhouse. Yes, it was as odd as that sentence reads. Perry’s performance found her singing out of an oversized toilet and dancing in a field of monster mushrooms with a lipsticked frog in a bikini. Photograph: Courtesy Taylor O’SullivanKaty Perry’s “Play” residency at Resorts World in 2023 So that’s why, when tickets for “Lifetime” landed in my lap from a friend, I was intrigued by the opportunity. The night started when a wicked windstorm launched a plastic bag into the air near the Luxor light beam as I walked to the show and, of course, fittingly ended with Perry closing her show with that opening lyric from “Firework.”  Between those moments there was a lot going on. Perry was engaging and spoke to the audience quite a bit. Early on, she poked fun at herself in reference to the backlash from her recent Blue Origin spaceflight, saying she’s the “world’s most hated icon.” Later on, Perry thanked the crowd “for loving me despite all of my flaws.” Photograph: Ryan Slattery for Time OutKaty Perry “Lifetimes” Tour Her “Lifetimes” tour, which

What happens in Vegas definitely stays in Vegas. Jennifer Lopez parlayed her American Music Awards hosting gig and performance at Fontainebleau Las Vegas into a platform to propel her post Ben Affleck plans: a 12-date Caesars Palace residency that will kick off over New Year’s weekend at the end of the year.   The “Jenny from the Block” singer quickly took to Instagram to announce her string of shows shortly after performing at the AMAs, telling fans, “SURPRISE JLOVERS! We’re back! I’m doing a residency in Las Vegas!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) The singer is scheduled to perform a dozen shows at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace beginning with performances December 30 and 31 and January 2 and 3 before returning for eight dates in March 2026.  Called “Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live in Las Vegas,” the residency marks J.Lo’s return to Las Vegas. From 2016 to 2018, she performed 120 shows at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in a residency that grossed over $100 million across its three-year run. Hosting the AMAs amounted to a dress rehearsal for Lopez. She had eight outfit changes during her solo host of the show and later performed dancing to a medley of her own hits and this year’s nominated songs.  Tickets for her residency go on sale Friday, June 6 at 10am PDT.  Schedule for “Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live in Las Vegas” December 30, 31January 2, 3 March 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28

Restaurateurs Michael and Jenna Morton, who helped usher in the dinner-nightclub trend with N9NE Group during the Palms heyday and today operate three Strip restaurants, are branching out to open Nudo Italiano in Southern Highlands.  The neighborhood restaurant is the Morton Group’s first venture off the Strip since closing La Comida, a Mexican restaurant it operated in downtown Las Vegas.  “Nudo is a place where simplicity meets soul. It’s about letting the food speak for itself,” Michael Morton said in a news release. “Southern Highlands has been waiting for something like this, and we’re proud to bring it to life.” Photograph: Courtesy Chris Wessling Photograph: Courtesy Chris Wessling So what can we expect from the group behind both CRUSH and Greek Sneek at MGM Grand and La Cave at Wynn Las Vegas?  Well, it starts with a menu of traditional Italian dishes from Morton Group Culinary Director William DeMarco. We’re talking handmade pastas like a veal ragu with sheep’s milk ricotta and fresh mint, chicken parm, pan-roasted Mediterranean sea bass served with eggplant purée and roasted cherry tomatoes, and Neapolitan-style pizzas fired in a wood-burning oven. The Mortons, of course, are no stranger to Italian food. They ran Nove Italiano at the Palms, along with Ghostbar and Moon nightclubs before opening La Cave more than a decade ago. For Jenna Morton, Nudo is more personal, designed as a “place that feels like home—where families, friends and neighbors can come together

Two hours before Las Vegas opened its first H Mart location, the line was surprisingly short. I easily parked in the virtually empty lot and when I made my way to the front of the store there were only 40 people in line. It made me think that maybe, just maybe, this years-in-the-making Korean-American grocer was a bunch of hype. Boy, was I wrong.  By the time the doors opened at 10am, the crowd swelled to nearly 400, snaking around the building past the nearby Chipotle, while traffic at the busy intersection of Decatur Boulevard and Sahara Avenue came to a car-honking standstill. H Mart had indeed arrived. Even when I returned four days later for another look there was still a wiggly Disney-esque line. It moved quickly but still took 22 minutes to break the entrance.  The Korean grocery chain, which has nearly 100 locations across the country, celebrated its Las Vegas opening not only with traditional Chinese dragon dancers, but with showgirls wearing feather headdresses. The ribbon was cut as “Viva Las Vegas” blared from the speakers. Photograph: Ryan Slattery for Time OutH Mart Las Vegas Once inside, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. The store is massive. It’s 54,552 square feet of shelves stocked with hundreds of snacks and many of those hard-to-find ingredients home cooks use in making Asian cuisine. Shoppers will find an entire aisle devoted to ramen, a giant section packed with every variety of dried seaweed imaginable and aisles with products divided by country of origin—

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 res

After winning season 13 of Top Chef, Jeremy Ford opened his farm-to-table restaurant Stubborn Seed in Miami Beach. Using produce from his own farm he created a rotating tasting menu based on seasonal ingredients that caught the attention of diners and food critics. In 2022, Stubborn Seed was awarded its first Michelin star.  Now, Ford is in Las Vegas offering a seasonal tasting menu at his Stubborn Seed sequel inside Resorts World. We dined there. Here’s what to expect.  The restaurant is twice the size of the Miami Beach location with seating for 130. Ford partnered with Celano Design Studio on the space, which includes a three-tiered circular chandelier hanging over the bar. You’ll also spot a crashing blue wave hand-painted on a curved canvas above the exhibition kitchen, where a team of chefs meticulously prepare Ford’s modern American fare. Photograph: Courtesy Clint JenkinsStubborn Seed at Resorts World Las Vegas Photograph: Courtesy Clint JenkinsStubborn Seed at Resorts World Las Vegas Ford focuses on providing diners a vegetable-forward meal that mixes in proteins like salmon, Japanese yellowtail or Wagyu beef. He’s sourcing ingredients regionally and locally, including using Vegas-grown Desert Moon mushrooms. The dishes are all artfully plated. Edible flowers top certain dishes, as do airy foams, while swipes of sauces ring the plate on others.  Stubborn Seed opened in February with an eight-course winter tasting menu ($135 per person) that included sake and citr

When it comes to family fun in Las Vegas, Colors of Mexico is a top-of-the-list spot. Spread across a labyrinth of seven vastly different rooms and experiences, the 20,000-square-foot space in the Fashion Show mall is a celebration of Mexican culture.  Through the use of high-resolution LED screens, artwork and walk-through displays, Colors of Mexico tells the story of many important traditions; it pays tribute to the firefly sanctuary of Tlaxcala in a room of blinking lights, hand-painted folk art alebrije sculptures and an Altar de Muertos exhibit in a room with three Day of the Dead altars—one dedicated to pets and another that allows guests to honor their own loved ones. Photograph: Courtesy Bronson Loftin Photograph: Courtesy Bronson Loftin The exhibit ends with a film in a circular room that takes guests on a journey to some of Mexico’s most picturesque places. Photograph: Courtesy Bronson Loftin Photograph: Courtesy Bronson Loftin The attraction, once free, is now charging $15 per person but the amount can be redeemed for food and drinks or on merchandise sold in the shop. The restaurant serves authentic Mexican dishes grouped by region and includes bowls of esquites (street corn slathered with creamy, cheesy, lime-scented, chili-flecked sauce), sharable slow-cooked stews and braised meats and, of course, tacos and tequila.

A popular two-day country music festival will make its Las Vegas debut this spring. With headliners Old Dominion and Jordan Davis topping the festival ticket, Boots in the Park will take over the Desert Breeze Event Center on April 11 on 12. Other performers include Tyler Hubbard, Nate Smith, Chris Janson, Parmalee, Chase Matthew, Owen Riegling, Presley Tennant, Joe Peters, Luwiss Lux and the Band Perry. More than just live music, Boots in the Park is an outdoor party with local food vendors, craft beer, line dancing, art installations and games. Single day tickets are now on sale for $59 with two-day passes starting at $99. Special ticket pricing is available for military and first responders. Boots in the Park also has festivals this year in Fresno, Bakersfield, Norco, Albuquerque and San Diego.

Late-night meal deals are back at Station Casinos. The local casino company announced a new late-night menu that will be served in the cafes at all of its properties throughout Las Vegas. The bargain menu launched earlier this month with five items, all priced under $10. Diners will need to present their free Boarding Pass (the brand’s loyalty card) to enjoy the special pricing. The menu is available nightly from 11pm to 6am at Lucky Penny inside Red Rock Resort and Green Valley Ranch; Brass Fork at Palace Station, Sunset Station and Santa Fe Station; and at Game On inside Boulder Station. Photograph: Courtesy Al Powers Photograph: Courtesy Al Powers The late-night specials include pancakes with maple syrup, butter and powdered sugar ($3.99); biscuits and gravy served in a skillet with two eggs and hash browns ($4.99); the Deuces Wild, which comes with two eggs, a choice of bacon or sausage, hash browns and toast ($4.99); and steak and eggs ($9.99). Station’s cafes also offer an all-day cheeseburger special ($5.99) that’s available 24/7.

The Capital One Lounge at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is now open. The cardholder lounge, which overlooks the airport’s busy rotunda, is located in the D concourse of Terminal 1, near Gate 50 and has room for 135 guests. A bonus? Every seat has its own power outlet. There are also two private workspaces and a relaxation room, for those who want to get away. To enter, you’ll need to be a Venture X or Venture X Business cardholder, which allows complimentary access for yourself and two guests per visit (any additional guests are $45 each). Venture or Spark Miles cardholders can’t enter for free, but they do get a discounted rate of $45 per visit. All other airport guests can enter for $90. All visitors must have a boarding pass for a departing or connecting same-day flight within three hours of their departure time. The lounge is open daily from 5am to 11pm. Here are some highlights. Photograph: Courtesy Capital One Grab-and-Go One of my favorite aspects of a Capital One Lounge is the grab-and-go food selection. How often do you have a tight connection or just lack the time to leisurely lounge? All you want to do is snag a water, down a coffee or grab a light snack you can eat on the plane. That’s where Capital One comes in handy. The grab-and-go is located in the lobby where you check in. They’re opening with fruit cups, cauliflower wraps, white bean chickpea salads, sandwiches and sweets like stuffed doughnuts and Fruity Pebbles scones. Photograph: Ryan Slattery