New attractions, restaurants and recent openings in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has long been a go-to destination for milestone birthdays, anniversaries and holiday gatherings.
As you plan for leisure travel combining celebrations among friends and family, Las Vegas remains a winning bet with its broad assortment of eateries, attractions and resorts.
For those who haven’t yet visited since domestic travel restrictions lifted, the Vegas Smart program outlines what visitors can expect during their next stay in this glam destination. The most essential information to know is that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, need to wear a mask while in public settings inclusive of bars, restaurants, casinos and entertainment venues. Masks are also required in transit, inclusive of airports, buses, taxis, limos and ride-share vehicles.
While some venues still have capacity limits in place, visitors to Las Vegas will find their favorite eateries and activities back in business. However, it’s best to book entertainment and dining reservations prior to arrival, as travel demand is back and Vegas venues are seeing the surge in traffic.
As you plan your next getaway, read on to discover some of the latest and greatest offerings Sin City has to offer.
New food and drink options
Craving a classic steakhouse experience? Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse at Flamingo Las Vegas is the new go-to for romantic dinners and group gatherings alike.
Crafted with $10 million and a dream to transport diners to a golden era, this swanky new venue combines Hollywood glamor with art deco and iconic Vegas history. The name, of course, is a nod to business partners Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and Meyer Lansky, who famously created the first resort-style hotel on the Strip back in 1946. The Flamingo has been a cultural icon ever since and visitors to the restaurant will feel that throwback style immediately with the secret speakeasy-style entrance through a false-front bakery.
Once inside, the old school decor wows as diners pass by the dry aged meat cooler, while the menu soon takes center stage with an incredible raw bar, boundless steak options, enormous seafood towers and sizzling sides. The cocktail menu, as one could imagine, takes some serious decision-making with a broad cast of classics, though the wine list shouldn’t be missed when out celebrating with friends or family.
For larger gatherings, there are three dedicated private dining rooms with their own ornate designs and stellar service. These rooms are charming and can be as quiet or lively as your group pleases. For a smaller-scale celebration, the main dining area offers spacious circular booths and lengthy banquet tables, alongside intimate spaces for romantic nights out.
Celebrate in style at Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse with a chilled seafood tower your entire party can share, gorgeous appetizers like the heirloom beet and squash salad and mouthwatering entrees like premium dry and wet-aged steaks, lamb chops and seared scallops. Then finish with a layered chocolate and banana cake or vanilla crème brûlée.
Want to be near the famous fountain show? Las Vegas culinary favorite Le Cirque at Bellagio has reopened with Chef Dameon Evers leading the menu. Venues under his stewardship have previously earned a Michelin Star and a James Beard Award, so diners can expect an inventive menu alongside the warm ambience. Savor caviar or lobster salad as you peruse a wine list of more than 900 international selections.
If your family outing needs a budget-minded version of celebrity chef dining, head to Bobby’s Burgers in the Forum Food Hall at Caesars Palace. This quick-serve eatery features Flay’s twist on the classic burger, with a satisfying crunch of potato chips sandwiched with melty cheese and a flavorful patty. Need a meatless option? Go for Bobby’s Veggie Burger with barbeque mushrooms, chickpeas, quinoa, lettuce and tomato. After the successful debut at Caesars, guests will soon find additional Bobby’s Burgers at Harrah’s Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas.
Want to sample and savor an assortment of eateries? Join Lip Smacking Foodie Tours for a culinary night on the town. Skip the waitlist and be treated like a VIP during the latest tour addition focused on gourmet bites at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The 2.5-hour evening tour guides guests to three restaurants where signature dishes are served at each venue, followed by dessert at the final stop.
New entertainment and activities
Las Vegas entertainment is back and seemingly bigger and better than ever with new concert performances and classic headlining acts aplenty.
For a limited time, catch the Usher Las Vegas Residency at Caesars Palace. For classic Vegas entertainment, take in Donny Osmond at Harrah’s Showroom where he performs beloved hits and engages audiences with a bit of storytelling. Or add a little magic to your night with a visit to Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino where Penn & Teller keep audiences on their toes with illusions and humor.
Family favorites from Cirque du Soleil are back to regular performances, while those in search of poolside parties and DJ nightlife will enjoy two new additions on the Strip at Resorts World Las Vegas, home to Ayu Dayclub and Zouk Nightclub.
Traveling as a couple and want to take in something edgy? Try the new original burlesque-style show, Rated Red, at AREA15 or the sexy interactive adults-only show Opium at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
New properties and renovations
There’s no shortage of stunning accommodations in Vegas, from romantic guestrooms to spacious suites for families.
The refresh project at Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace reveals a completely new vision with redesigned rooms and suites and even renewed public spaces. The full redesign will be complete by the end of the year, but guests will already notice the more modern, residential feel of the venue. Think quartzite coffee tables, abstract floral flooring and statement dining tables.
For the largest entry-level guestrooms on the Strip, visit The Venetian where a multi-million-dollar renovation of the pool deck offers two acres of aquatic relaxation and social gathering spaces. Ten cabanas have been completely transformed and are ideal add-ons for private group parties and family celebrations.
Or celebrate at the newest property to join the Strip, Resorts World Las Vegas, for a luxury getaway at one of three onsite hotels: Conrad, Hilton and Crockfords. The pool complex at Resorts World is now the largest on the Strip with seven pool experiences to choose from, while the resort also offers more than 40 food and beverage options.
For the latest hotel deals in town, visit the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to peruse discounts, package deals and other special offers.