With Thanksgiving right around the corner and CES coming up in January we thought we would post something about food choices in Las Vegas. Choosing a restaurant after a long day on the trade show floor can sometimes be a challenge, particularly if you’re entertaining clients. Dietary restrictions and sensitive palates can put a number of menus off-limits. Tapas bars or other establishments where small plates are shared may be a little too informal for an icebreaker with a new prospect. And getting any business done in a crowded, noisy eatery can be a bit of a challenge. Vegas is one of those trade show destinations where evening dining and business talk go hand-in-hand. Here are our recommendations if you’re looking for a group-pleasing venue after a day in the exhibit hall:
JUST ON THE STRIP
Pull up a well-loved bistro chair to a table topped with crisp butcher paper. Listen to the crackle of a fresh baguette being torn apart. Take in the aroma of our signature Onion Soup Au Gratin, Steak Frites and Chicken Grand-Mére. Thoughtfully select wine from our historic rolling wine cart.
Mon Ami Gabi, 3655 Las Vegas Blv, (702) 944-4224; $$
CLASS & CONVENIENCE
Located right by the Las Vegas Convention Center, Piero’s Italian Cuisine has been an exhibitor favorite since 1982. Guests can choose from traditional northern Italian pastas to a variety of salads or meat and seafood entrees. If you’ve brought a number of staff to town or are entertaining a larger group of clients, Piero’s can also host your private event, with moveable walls in their banquet facility to accommodate parties of various sizes. Piero’s Italian Cuisine, 355 Convention Center Drive; (702) 369-2305; $$$
GIRL POWER LUNCH
Located inside The Venetian near the Sands Expo Convention Center, Chica is the first Latina-run restaurant to hit the Vegas Strip. Having achieved celebrity status from her time on Top Chef Masters, chef Lorena Garcia brings an eclectic Latin menu, fusing cuisines from Argentina, Brazil, Peru and beyond. Thrillist describes the menu as “approachable enough for the trade-show attendees…yet vibrant and adventurous.”Chica, 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd #106; (702) 805-8472; $$$
EAT YOUR GREENS
Do you have a client who loves to golf? Take them to Cili at Bali Hai Golf Club, a conveniently located power lunch and business meeting venue on the Strip. Combining contemporary American fare with bold Asian flavors, Cili lets you dine with a view of the renowned fairways and desert landscape. Best of all, you can impress the socialites back at the office by telling them you went “clubbing” on the Strip.
Cili, 5160 S Las Vegas Blvd; (702) 856-1000; $$$
THE ART OF THE (TRADE SHOW) DEAL
Featuring dishes inspired by the regional cuisine of Spain & France, the elegant Picasso restaurant is named after the array of original paintings and ceramics by Pablo Picasso that grace the interior. Located at the Bellagio, Picasso gives patrons the option of dining outdoors in view of the world-famous fountains. This two-star Michelin restaurant is an excellent place to make a lasting impression on a VIP client.
Picasso, 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd; (702) 693-8865; $$$$
STEAKS THAT WON’T DRIVE A STAKE THROUGH YOUR BUDGET
Looking for American fare, without the high prices of the Strip? Download the Uber or Lyft app and hail a ride to Echo & Rig, in the charming Tivoli Village just off of Summerlin Parkway, about 15 minutes from either convention center. While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend Echo and Rig for impressing new clients, it’s great for unassuming business friends who prefer an authentic local experience, or for those on your team who want quality food without exorbitant Strip prices. Most entrees are in the $20-$25 range, and their steaks range from $20 to $40. While steaks are the draw here, the salads and other vegetarian offerings are equally superb. Echo and Rig is very popular with the locals (especially on weekends), so reservations are recommended.
Echo & Rig, 440 S Rampart Blvd; (702) 489-3525; $$
GRAB A BEER AND A DOG… AND A PAINTING OFF THE WALL
Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas is ReBar, the only bar where everything is for sale. Take a piece of the vintage artwork home with you, or just enjoy the beers and hot dogs. This quirky downtown bar has everything you could need for a fun night out.
ReBar, 1225 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 349-2283 $$
