By Adam Dulye, Brewers Association Executive Chef
Any first-time visitor or well really any visitor in Las Vegas is easily overwhelmed by the sheer number of places to eat. There are countless lists, must try’s and late-night spots.
The question is not will I find something to eat but what, where, when, and where in actual heck is this restaurant located. Take some time and do some research. The wide range of cuisines in Las Vegas is overwhelming. Add to that that many of them are serving up some of the best representations of what they set out do and you’ll be glad you did your homework.
By no means is this the only thing you should look at. Use this as your starting point. Everyone has their go-to’s in Las Vegas. There is no right or wrong answer if you end up with a plate filled with amazing food and you’re surrounded by those you couldn’t wait to meet up with in Las Vegas.
So get on it, start your planning and make some reservations. Eater Las Vegas is a a great resource for hot spots, bar spots, 24/7 spots. Give them a look. Get on Tock and Resy and search Las Vegas with a date and number of guests. Plenty of options will pop up. So whether you’re looking to go baller with the most expensive piece of steak you’ve ever ordered or the greasiest smashburger you’ve ever stuffed in your face, Las Vegas has it.
The time is now if you are planning on that big group get together to secure your table. Walking in with 15 close friends won’t work at too many places so for you planners and even you procrastinators out there get on this with a few considerations. Jade Asian Kitchen & Noodles for extra-large shareable plates of char siu pork and Beijing Duck. Or head over to Roy Choi’s Best Friend for bibimbap and BBQ late night. Need the Las Vegas Italian fix? Gather your crew and get a table at Carbone, Ferraro’s or LAVO.
If you’re a fan of David Chang but don’t have the time or you didn’t snag a reservation at Momofuku then head to Bāng Bar inside the Cosmopolitan. Flatbread stuffed with spicy pork or spicy eggplant will get you through the rest of the day.
Stayed out just a little too late and you thought it was the Sphere all bright and yellow but no that is the actually the sun? Scoot over to Chinatown. You really should not leave Las Vegas without sampling some of the amazing Asian cuisines here. Spicy tonkotsu ramen at Monta Japanese Noodle House will cure most of your issues for that is it the Sphere or the sun question. Ping Pang Pong is the standard for dim sum both lunch and dinner.
Need the quick iconic burger fix? Don’t worry there’s an In & Out for that and Whataburger just opened a location on the strip.
Looking for beer?? Here are a few close to the Craft Brewers Conference venue:
- Big Dog’s Draft House is open 24/7 for beer, eats and games.
- North 5th Brewing Co. opened in 2021 by two homebrewers taking it to the next level.
- Tenaya Creek Brewery has dozens of their own brews on tap along with guest tap handles, bottles and cans from some of the best across the country. Stop in for your to go needs.
- Hop Nuts Brewing is the hop forward brewery in Las Vegas. You’ll find food trucks, a large bar and patio.
- HUDL Brewing Co. Just two years old with a wide variety of beer on draft and a huge patio to catch some of that great sunset weather.
- Nevada Brew Works has a wide selection of beers, tasty sandwiches, pizzas Hit your limit on beer? Never right well if your close cocktails are served here too.
- Able Baker Brewing Co. A beer themed ode to the Atomic Age in Las Vegas complete with atomic orange flooring. Step on up all you traveling shoes on floor selfie takers.
Need to get off the strip for a little bit? Head to …
- Beer Zombies Draft Room in Summerlin has house brews on draft plus plenty of guest taps and menu full of sandwiches, snacks, and pizza.
- Barley’s Casino & Brewing Co. Order some ribs while your growler to go is filling up. ‘Nuff said.
- Crafthaus Brewery has two spots in Henderson and the Arts District as well. Saisons, IPAs and plenty of other brews to select from. Growlers and cans for your to go needs as well.
- Lovelady Brewing Co. in downtown Henderson is worth the trek out. Love Juice Hazy or Golden Nites Mexican Lager or order a flight. Settle in and enjoy Las Vegas.
That should get you started.