It’s been a bumper year in Las Vegas, with an amazing number of new restaurants and lounges opening, new acts appearing and even hotels being remodeled and reimagined. Just a few we’ve seen: The swank NoMad Hotel and the equally swank NoMad Bar just opened in the Park MGM, and NoMad Restaurant opens this week (Nov. 14). Park MGM itself is in the midst of an incredible remodel from the old Monte Carlo, bringing restaurants like Primrose and Bavette’s, and the gin-inspired Juniper Cocktail Lounge (try the Old Cemetery—just do). Palace Station, one of the oldest locals casinos, isn’t just for locals after a massive, property-wide remodeling, with Boathouse coming in from California and b.B.ds from New York. Even bingo and the buffet were completely redone.
The classic Thunderbird Boutique Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard revamped itself and its rooms, retaining the classic feel yet imbuing it with modern touches. The Palms remodeled, too, with an artsy-style theme, opening Apex Social Club, Camden Cocktail Lounge, Scotch 80 Prime and Send Noodles; blink-182 is the throes of the last shows in its first Vegas residency.
But this flurry of activity is far from over. More restaurants, clubs and acts are coming over the next few months—here are some we’re looking forward to.
James Beard Award winner Marc Vetri opens Vetri Cucina at The Palms at the beginning of next week (Nov. 19), and Mabel’s BBQ by fellow James Beard Award winner Michael Symon is scheduled to open up in December.
Criss Angel opens his newest Mindfreak show at Planet Hollywood Resort on Dec. 19. Angel has been thrilling audiences on the Strip for more than 10 years and his popularity hasn’t waned. Lady Gaga is hitting Park MGM as a resident headliner, too, with two sets of very different shows starting Dec. 28, with continuing dates through 2019.
On the Record at Park MGM is destined to become one of the best places to hang in the city when it opens Dec. 28. The first foray into the city by Houston Hospitalitys nightlife impresarios Jonnie and Mark Houston (pictured above), the “modern speakeasy” feel incorporates the vibe of the brothers’ L.A. venues, with a working record store leading into the multiroom, multiple-experience club. You’ll find a sophisticated cocktail menu, a karaoke room with the feel of their retro L.A. joints and even a double-decker outdoor DJ bus that doubles as a dance floor.
Also opening at Park MGM on Dec. 28 is Best Friend by Roy Choi, which, coincidentally, features a corner store entrance. Choi is credited with having helped found the food truck movement in L.A., with Kogi, and now has several restaurants throughout the region. Best Friend is likely to feature some amazing fusion dishes. And again at Park MGM, Italian food hall and market Eataly opens in December, incorporating multiple venues in one. Starting in February, you’ll see Britney Spears’ Domination residency starting at Park Theater, too.
Talk show host extraordinaire Jimmy Kimmel will open the Jimmy Kimmel Comedy Club at the Linq Promenade sometime this spring, with the comedian anticipated to perform monthly, while Travis Pastrana’s Nitro Circus at Bally’s also opening in spring.
And while this may seem like a lot to look forward to, it’s just the beginning of a year of fun.
