When in Rome, right? Wrong. You’re in Las Vegas, and this magazine strongly encourages you to do as the tourists do—watch Absinthe, dine at Gordon Ramsay Steak and never, under any circumstances, leave the Strip. But if you have a slight inclination to experience Vegas like a local, we suppose we can suggest a few of our favorite local hangouts.
1. Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca (Green Valley Ranch, 702.617.7191) It’s a hip restaurant to brunch on weekends because they serve highly Instagrammable dishes like the lobster Benedict, but you’ll find locals celebrating a birthday or enjoying a Sunday dinner because Italian fare like arancini and baked gnocchi arrabbiata hits all the right notes.
2. Barry’s Downtown Prime (Circa Resort & Casino, 702.726.5504) Even though the steakhouse opened last month, chef Barry Dakake’s been around Vegas for a long time. And anyone who knows him knows his keen sense of hospitality—he treats everyone like family, repeat customer or not, and that’s why locals keep coming back.
3. The Golden Tiki (3939 Spring Mountain Road, 702.222.3196) Locals like it when Vegas gets weird, and walking into this tiki bar is like falling into a Wonderland filled with shrunken heads and other oddities. Locals also like strong drinks, and this place more than fulfills that need. Order one Dole Whip with dark rum and you’re set.
4. Adventuredome (Circus Circus, 702.794.3939) When locals can’t go to Disneyland, they go to Adventuredome, which is always the better choice. Sure, there’s no Mickey, Minnie or Pluto, but Disneyland doesn’t have the adrenaline-inducing Canyon Blaster or El Loco roller coasters. Point goes to Adventuredome.
5. Osteria Fiorella (Red Rock Resort, 702.797.7517) It’s new and it opened in the middle of a pandemic, but this pasta joint quickly passed the test among locals. Modeled after chef Marc Vetri’s Philly pasta bar Fiorella, the restaurant churns out quality hand-made pasta dishes and some of the best meatballs you’ll ever eat.
6. Oak & Ivy (Downtown Container Park, 702.553.2549) Most locals don’t want to pay $13-$15 for a whiskey cocktail when they can get a Jack and Coke for much less at their neighborhood PT’s Tavern. But locals stop at this tiny whiskey bar because strong, well-crafted cocktails like the Manhattan and Overnight Billionaire are worth every penny.
7. Topgolf Las Vegas (4627 Koval Lane, 702.933.8458) Some may call it a huge driving range, but it’s the only driving range in town where you can sit in a comfy booth, order cocktails and beer, nibble on upscale bar food, and play interactive golf games with your friends. Plus, the view can’t be beat.
8. Pole Position Raceway (4175 S. Arville St., 702.227.7223) If you’re looking for a fun off-Strip outing for the whole family, this is it. Generally you’d opt to let the kids win competitive races, but since these go-karts hit speeds up to 45 mph, you’ll feel compelled to leave them in the dust.
9. Wolfgang Puck Player’s Locker (Downtown Summerlin, 702.202.6300) You’d enjoy any of Puck’s Vegas strip restaurants, but they don’t have the same sense of community as this residential spot. Inspired by the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team, the Player’s Locker is a prime spot for watching sports and enjoying comfort foods like bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
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