Las Vegas is known not only for its spectacular hotels and one-of-a-kind weddings, but also for its world class dining and unparalleled nightlife. Both on and off the Strip, renowned chefs and restaurateurs are constantly bringing new concepts to life, making this one of the best places to explore fresh and innovative dining. And if there’s one city in the world that is synonymous with nightlife, it’s Vegas. LGBT travelers will find plenty to whet their appetites in the city’s gay nightclubs, bars and lounges. Below, check out our list of the hottest places to eat, drink, and play in fabulous Las Vegas:
BARDOT Brasserie at ARIA Resort & Casino
Step into James Beard-award winning chef Michael Mina’s ode to Parisian cafe culture, BARDOT Brasserie at ARIA, and journey back in time to Hemingway’s Paris. Open nightly for dinner and on the weekends for brunch, BARDOT’s menu boasts classic French dishes (think foie gras) with a modern twist as well as Parisian-style cocktails, a variety of French vintages, and, just added, a champagne-inspired French beer brewed exclusively for the restaurant to complement Chef Mina’s menu.
GIADA at The Cromwell
Just opened at The Cromwell, GIADA is the first restaurant from celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis. Blending traditional Italian fare with vibrant California cuisine, GIADA offers an outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the Fountains of Bellagio and Caesars Palace, making this Italian eatery one of Vegas’ show-stoppers. Guests who love Italian food but need to keep their dishes gluten and dairy free will have no problem here, with the restaurant happy to accommodate diet restrictions. On your way out, snap a selfie in the restaurant’s photo-booth.
Searsucker at Caesars Palace
Head to Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey’s Searsucker at Caesars Palace for a fresh take on classic American dishes. Steak lovers will want to try the 38-ounce bone-in rib eye “tomahawk.” And if you have a serious sweet-tooth, hit up the s’mores bar for the ultimate graham cracker and chocolate creation.
Lago at Bellagio
For those wanting an up close and personal view of Bellagio’s famed fountains, there’s no better spot than Lago (pictured at top). The second restaurant at Bellagio from Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning chef Julian Serrano, Lago delves into the bolder side of Italian fare, offering guests innovative and shareable dishes that serve up a contemporary take on Milanese cuisine.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at SLS Las Vegas
Las Vegas’ incarnation of the famed Bazaar by José Andrés is a celebration of all things carnivorous. Here, Chef Andrés aims to take meat beyond the confines of the traditional steakhouse to new and inventive heights. With a stylish interior designed by Philippe Starck and classic cocktails concocted with a twist by renowned mixologists, the playful Spanish-inspired cuisine won’t be the only thing to draw you in.
Carson Kitchen
If you’re heading off the Strip into Las Vegas’ vibrant downtown district you’ll want to check out American gastro lounge, Carson Kitchen. One of the best new restaurants in Vegas, Carson Kitchen serves up celebrity chef Kerry Simon’s shareable social plates and special entrées in a rooftop garden setting where guests can enjoy live bands and DJ’s while they dine. Try the bacon jam paired with baked brie and toasted baguette for something sweet and savory and save room for the glazed donut bread pudding for dessert.
Bartolotta Ristorante Di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas
Named one of the Best Restaurants in America by The Daily Meal, chef Paul Bartolotta’s eponymous Bartolotta Ristorante Di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas is a must for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh fish and Italian coastal fare feature prominently on the restaurant’s menu which is created nightly. Guests can enjoy this ristorante’s Italian dishes in the main dining room or in an outdoor cabana overlooking the restaurant’s private lagoon.
SHARE Nightclub
Just off the Strip you’ll find one of Las Vegas’ most popular gay nightclubs, SHARE. With two floors, a sprawling dance floor, an ultra lounge and VIP cabanas, SHARE has plenty to pique your interest. Since its inception in 2011, this nightclub has become known for its hot go-gos, DJs and shot-boys. Be sure to stop in when Stripper Circus is in town.
Charlie’s Las Vegas
If you’re looking for a cowboy to take you away, check out Charlie’s Las Vegas. This nightclub features country music, stetson-wearing staff and free line dance lessons. But there’s more to this bar than its country aesthetic, including monthly “Bear Bar” events, Musical Mondays, Flashback Fridays, drag queen bingo and underwear night.
Piranha Nightclub and 8 1/2 Ultra Lounge
With 10,000 square feet, these two distinct but attached nightclub spaces have something for everyone. 8 1/2 Ultra Lounge is perfect for low key lounging, with a bar, pool table, retro arcade games and an outdoor patio with multiple fireplaces. When you’re ready to amp things up, journey underneath a large fish tank to Piranha for a full-fledged dance party with go-gos performing center stage and a second level for VIPs to view everyone moving on the dance floor.
