On the Strip: Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill
The quaint, lively and very British Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill (Caesars Palace, 702.731.7410) is known as one of the most authentic pub experiences on the Las Vegas Strip. But it continues the great American tradition of happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with delicious deals during Pub Hour.
There are 36 beers on tap, and a 20-ounce pour is just $7. The cocktail of the day is $10 and house well drinks are also $7. Appetizers start at $6 and include favorites like warm pretzels served with spicy mustard and rarebit cheese dip, mini corn dogs, onion rings with spicy sriracha mayo and hellfire wings in a chile-beer glaze with blue cheese for dipping.
Heartier happy hour appetites will be satisfied with pigs in a blanket or mini pub burgers, juicy beef patties stacked with cheddar cheese, arugula and smoky tomato aioli. And if that isn't enough, order the gorgeous grilled corned beef brisket sandwich. The plates are small but the flavors are big at this tavern.
La Monja
Off the Strip: La Monja
Chef Dan Krohmer's raw bar institution Other Mama has been luring Vegas visitors off the Strip and into the neighborhood for years. Now you can go Downtown to sample his latest creation, the magical Mexican restaurant La Monja (1028 Fremont St., 702.848.3530). Coastal cuisine is part of the mix in this fresh, casual environment complete with a relaxing patio space, as raw oysters or brightly flavored ceviches are a great way to begin the experience. Chicken mole taquitos made with fresh, house-made tortillas are a must, so share an order with your friends before sampling lamb and pork albondigas meatballs with smoked tomato salsa and Ensenada sea bass in Veracruzana sauce.
NoMad
#trending: NoMad Restaurant
The Vegas version of the NoMad Restaurant (Park MGM, 702.730.6785) is a celebration of classic American cuisine, but there are innovations galore to be discovered. New dishes offer riffs on time-honored favorites, including crab cakes infused with lemongrass aioli with pickled chilies and Thai vinaigrette. The new classic masterpiece is the American wagyu prime rib, with black garlic and porcini mushrooms and carved tableside with cheesy mashed potatoes known as Pommes Aligot.
