The Strip Has a strong influence on the local restaurant scene. As chefs hone their skills in the casino palaces, they sometimes take their knives into local neighborhoods to establish new dining destinations. But as Las Vegas develops its own culinary identity, the neighborhoods have inversely begun to leave their mark on the Strip. One of the most recent is Off the Strip located at The Linq Promenade, which, as the name would suggest, began as a locals’ joint well off the Strip.

Nestled in the promenade, with entrances from both the open-air thoroughfare and The Linq Hotel’s casino, Off the Strip is reminiscent of a city setting, an expansive room adorned in exposed steel and heavy timber. The strong urban vibe is appropriate considering the restaurant’s origins. Heavily steeped in Italian fare, the core recipes are based on 100-year-old family favorites from New York City’s west side.

Whether it be the chicken parmigiana or meatball sliders topped with mozzarella, the classic combination of bright sauce and abundant-yet-not-overwhelming cheese dominates to the delight of diners. You’ll feel like you’re eating Sunday dinner at your grandmother’s house—if your grandmother lived next to a glitzy casino, of course.

But Off the Strip isn’t limited to only Italian classics, as evidenced by the smoked salmon carpaccio. Sliced razor-thin, the fish is endowed with more than a hint of umami from a sprinkle of truffle vinaigrette. The earthiness and smokiness combine seamlessly while displaying the kitchen’s ability to deftly handle dishes from both land and sea. And speaking of surf and turf, sweet chili and bacon prawns feature jumbo shrimp and crispy bacon accompanied by a sharp Asian slaw. Doused in a memorable honey-sesame dressing and woven with fried wonton slivers providing a contrast in texture, the slaw cools the chili sauce’s slight heat. The grilled mahi fillet sits on a bed of flavorful quinoa and black beans, accented by balsamic.

The comfortable setting lends itself to hanging out, made even easier by the concise yet considerate beer list. Split almost evenly into can and bottle options, the rather diverse list includes the rarely encountered Pizza Port Chronic Ale from Southern California and Northern Nevada’s hop-forward Great Basin “Icky” IPA, along with the recent Swedish import Rekorderlig pear cider. The Chronic pairs well with the rolled New York strip with asparagus, where thinly cut steak is wrapped around grilled asparagus enhanced with a smooth mushroom marsala sauce. The meat and vegetable pairing is a unique combination destined to be a classic.

But since man cannot live on drink alone, finish your meal with an authentic bite of the Big Apple with Off the Strip’s Al’s cheesecake. Named in honor of Al Hubbard, the late co-founder and original chef, this creamy yet sharp dessert is a fitting tribute. While Hubbard unfortunately passed years before Off the Strip arrived on it, he’d be proud that his favorite recipes are showcased to a worldwide audience in the spotlight they deserve under the neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip.

The Linq Promenade, open 24 hours daily. 702.331.6800