Las Vegas was a big-time football city well before the NFL came to town. But now that the Raiders have arrived—and will pack the house with excited fans for the first time during a regular-season game at the incredible new Allegiant Stadium this week on Monday Night Football—the entire world will gain a new understanding of what it means to be a world-class professional sports destination. Simply put, no other city can do what Vegas does.
That extends to football food. The Strip—and really the entire valley—is stocked with sports bars and taverns and football-friendly restaurants that are ready to serve up the goods all season long. It starts on game day at MGM Resorts’ new Bud Light Beer Garden, a pop-up tailgate experience outside Luxor on the quick jaunt from the Strip to the stadium. The 130,000-square-foot space will feature plenty of entertainment and activities ranging from betting suites to special appearances from pro sports stars, but it’s also all about the food and will feature bites from various restaurants, including: International Smoke (702.891.3922), the global barbecue-themed collaboration from chef Michael Mina and food personality Ayesha Curry at MGM Grand; Diablo’s Cantina (702.262.5225), the Mexican Strip fave with locations at Luxor and The Mirage; Luxor’s versatile tavern Public House (702.262.4525); and The Park’s pre- and post-game hot spot Beerhaus (702.692.2337). As amazing as it is to have all this incredible food in one place, it should be noted these venues will still be open for business, and fun, all week long.
Tailgate Social (702.221.6513), known as the ultimate sports bar destination at Palace Station, will be broadcasting games on 30 high-definition screens while giving away tickets and other prizes during raffles and contests. Most importantly, Tailgate will be rolling out a special Raiders home game menu with addictive dishes such as crab cakes, Cuban sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, carne asada tacos and much more.
Back on the Strip, find one of the most unique game experiences at Caesars Sportsbook (886.733.5827) at The Linq Hotel, where groups can secure a private “Fan Cave” lounge to cheer on the team while betting, playing games online and indulging in special drink packages. The best part: The grub at this book comes from nearby Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar (702.794.3139). You don’t have to leave your seat to nosh on jalapeño pig poppers, Trash Can Nachos (pictured) or sriracha chicken wings.
Of course, football food in Las Vegas doesn’t get more official than the Raiders Tavern & Grill (877.673.7678) at the M Resort south of the Strip. The 3,400-square-foot space is decorated in team memorabilia and features two bars, 45 HDTVs and a greatest hits menu ranging from beef sliders and shrimp cocktails to St. Louis ribs and stone-fired pizzas. Stick around for a wild late-night menu starting at midnight with everything from a classic breakfast to the mighty Tavern Cheeseburger.
Make your way to one of these delicious destinations and you’ll see how with a little extra Vegas, football has never been more fun, or tasty.
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