Being a Las Vegas resident for almost ten years, I have experienced some of the best food in the world. And the great thing about Vegas is you don’t have to go broke to get great food! Here are a few of my favorite restaurants in Las Vegas that you simply can’t miss.
Lotus of Siam
Address: 953 E. Sahara Avenue, Suite A5, Las Vegas NV
Phone: 702-735-3033
Menu Link
Lotus of Siam, located on West Sahara, is open Monday through Thursday 11:30am to 2pm for lunch, 5:30pm to 9;30 for dinner , Fridays 11:30am to 2pm, 5:30pm to 10pm and weekends 5:30pm to 10pm. I was introduced to this hidden gem a few years ago and I cannot believe how wonderful it still is. I was reading a book about food and it mentioned this restaurant as one of the best in Vegas. I thought to myself, “I knew I had good taste!” Complimented in numerous publishing, and even called “the single best Thai restaurant in North america” by Jonathan Gold of Gourment Magazine, Lotus of Siam is the place to be for Authentic Thai cuisine.
Capo’s Italian Steakhouse
Address: 5795 West Tropicana, Las Vegas NV; 5675 West Sahara, Las Vegas NV
Phone: 702-436-CAPO (Sahara); 702-364-CAPO (Tropicana)
Menu Link
Whenever I go to the Italian restaurant Capo’s I am always delighted by the atmosphere. You will love this place if you enjoy the God Father movies (wink). I often order the Genovese Calamari for a starter, Angels with Dirty Faces for my main and for dessert the chocolate covered cannoli (of course). Make sure you make reservations. Capo’s is located on West Sahara open Sunday through Thursday 5 to 11 pm and Friday and Saturday 5 to 1 am Also for the locals Wednesday night is industry night, two for one.
The Melting Pot
Address: 8704 West Charleston Blvd. #102, Las Vegas NV
Phone: 702-384-6358
Menu Link
The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant located on West Charleston and open Monday through Thursday 5pm to 11pm, Saturday 4pm to 11pm and Sunday 4pm to 10pm. Reservations are recommended. My boyfriend took me to the Melting Pot for a romantic evening. I had never had fondue and we wanted to try something different. We were in for a pleasant surprise! Our server was very helpful in explaining what fondue was. He walked us through the different choices in broth and meats. We decided on a four course dinner and it was very satisfying. The three cheese spinach and artichoke appetizer was so good… I have been trying to make the recipe at home with no luck.
The Rio
Address: 3700 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas NV
Phone: 866-746-7671
Menu Link
The Rio is a fantastic place for Vegas locals! During the World Series of Poker one of the places I like to eat at is Mah Jong. Mah Jong is quick and they give you a 25% discount for being local. Their menu includes lettuce wraps, wanton soup, and even Pho! If you are not in the mood for Mah Jong then look no further then around the corner to the Sports Deli. The Sport Deli serves wood-fired pizzas, homemade sandwiches and other deli favorites. If are looking for something more formal at the Rio, then visit the Voodoo Steak and Lounge. Open from 5pm through 11pm, The Voodoo Steak features a lounge open from 7pm to 3am. I took my parents here last year and they absolutely loved the view of Las Vegas. Just above the steakhouse is the Voodoo Rooftop night club, open seven days a week at 8pm.
Big Al’s Oyster Bar at The Orleans
Address: 4500 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas NV
Phone: 800-675-3267
Menu Link
I used to go to the Orleans to place causal bets on the horses. After I‘d handicapped the day’s races, I’d head over to Big Al’s Oyster Bar to enjoy a crab cocktail and clam chowder. The Orleans is off of the strip and it is filled with Vegas locals. It’s affordable and delicious… the best crab cocktail in Las Vegas.
Thanks for reading… it is great to be local! There are awesome deals throughout Las Vegas. I know I have missed a ton of favorites. If you have any suggestions please email me at LetsHaveDinner@LocalVegas.com.