Sure, there are plenty of amazing restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, and odds are you have reservations for more than one of them as we speak. But Las Vegas has an unbelievable food scene all over the Valley, and you only have to go a short distance to check out one of its established gems: Carson Kitchen, which specializes in creative, eye-catching and delicious comfort food.
Photo by: Photo courtesy of Carson Kitchen
The restaurant itself has a distinguished history. It’s the last restaurant opened by legendary Las Vegas chef Kerry Simon; he launched Carson Kitchen in 2014, and after his passing in 2015, his brother, Scott, took over the reins as executive chef in 2017. (Scott’s impressive resume includes working with his brother in Miami Beach and Chicago, as well as at several Las Vegas restaurants.)
Make no mistake; this is a serious locals’ favorite, not only for its easily accessible location in the John E. Carson hotel building (from where it gets its name) and its menu, but for its bright, breezy atmosphere. It’s just a fun place to hang out, and right now there’s an even better reason to make a reservation: Simon and chef/owner Cory Harwell have launched an entirely new menu, and it’s a perfect complement to the summer heat.
What would a revamped summer menu be without a cool cocktail? And it doesn’t get much cooler than Simon’s Puttin’ on the Spritz, the cocktail menu’s newest addition. While waiting for your food to arrive, enjoy this refreshing blend of Vegas Baby vodka (naturally!), Montenegro Select liqueur, fresh lemon and prosecco. Heck, have two; you’re on vacation!
Fans need not worry—Carson Kitchen still has favorites like crispy chicken skins served with smoked honey, bacon jam served with a baguette and Havarti cheese, baked mac & cheese, and cocoa-espresso New York strip served with a red wine demiglace. But the new menu additions are sure to become favorites themselves.
Photo by: Photo courtesy of Carson Kitchen
Start with some wok-charred edamame with ginger salt and togarashi for a real twist on a classic. Or if you’re a cheese fan, you’ll definitely want to order some cheese & crackers, lavash standing in for standard crackers and a real taste treat: “bell pepp pub cheese.”
Heartier courses include a pork tenderloin served with peach chutney and apple butter mustard. You might want to consider pairing it with some German potato salad with whole grain mustard. Or go a different route with the everything bagel flatbread, accompanied by smoked salmon, capers and dill oil.
A perfect dessert to end your experience here is the “Beery” crumble with mixed berries and chela cream. Welcome to your new favorite spot in Las Vegas!
124 S. 6th St., Suite 100, 702.473.9523
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