Las Vegas has some of the best restaurants and bars in the world, with options for every budget and every kind of night out. After living in Vegas for 17 years, narrowing down favorites is almost impossible, but this Las Vegas restaurants and bars bucket list includes the spots I made sure to visit before moving away to Portugal. You’ll find a mix of must-visit places on the Strip and local favorites just off it, from iconic cocktails to unforgettable meals.
For my recommendations on my favorite things to do in Las Vegas, read this post
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Why These Las Vegas Restaurants and Bars Made My Bucket List
After living in Las Vegas for 17 years, I ate and drank my way through more places than I can count. These are not random picks or one-time stops. This Vegas restaurants and bars bucket list includes the spots I saved for special nights, celebrations, or those “this is why I love this city” moments. Some are iconic Vegas staples, others are local favorites, but every place on this list left a lasting impression and is worth planning a visit around.
Iconic Las Vegas Restaurants (Strip + near Strip)
Firefly is my absolute favorite restaurant in all of Las Vegas, which is why it sits at the very top of this Vegas restaurants and bars bucket list. It’s a Spanish tapas restaurant located just off the Strip and has been a staple for me since I moved to Vegas in 2007.
The menu is huge, and I’ve honestly never had a bad meal here. Firefly takes gluten-free and vegetarian dining seriously, with dedicated menus and knowledgeable staff, which makes it one of my go-to spots for stress-free dining. Some of my favorite dishes include the Apple and Manchego salad and the bacon-wrapped dates. Before being diagnosed with celiac, I also loved the calamari and the Manchego mac and cheese. Everything is solid though, so it’s hard to go wrong.
The drinks are just as good as the food. Their happy hour is one of the best in Vegas, with pitchers of sangria, flavored mojitos, and their dangerously good infused vodka, which are absolutely worth trying.
Firefly is more than just a restaurant for me. Over the years, it was the backdrop for birthdays, dates, girls’ nights, celebrations, countless happy hours, and even a wedding reception for one of my friends. It was the place I always brought visitors, and we ate here on my very last night in Vegas. I cried. No regrets.
Must Order: Bacon Wrapped Dates and House Infused Vodka
Herbs and Rye is one of the most popular steakhouses in Las Vegas, so making a reservation is a must. The vibe is dark, moody, and very Vegas in a cool, grown-up way, making it a great spot for date night or a special evening out.
One of the biggest draws is their legendary happy hour, which includes 50 percent off steaks and makes this place surprisingly accessible for a high-quality steakhouse. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, with creative, well-crafted drinks that are worth ordering more than one.
I had wanted to go to Herbs and Rye for years and somehow never made it happen until we finally went before Pajama Party BINGO, which felt extremely on brand for us. The food was excellent, the experience lived up to the hype, and it instantly earned a spot on my Vegas restaurants and bars bucket list.
They also offer many gluten-free options and are accommodating with dietary needs, which makes this an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a great steakhouse in Vegas that actually takes that seriously.
Must Order: Steak during Happy Hour! And a cocktail, their cocktail menu is very impressive
Ok, this one isn’t necessarily about the food or drinks, it’s all ok, and they have good margaritas. We had this on our Bucket List because it’s another place that holds a special place in my heart. This is where Karl and I met back in 2007. We would go back there every June 29th, the anniversary of when we met. And in 2018, it’s where he proposed. So it’s clearly very special to us. We made our last day in Vegas on June 29th, so we could go one last time. They actually do have some gluten-free options, including fries, which aren’t always easy to get gluten-free due to cross-contamination.
Must Order: Margaritas!
Giada is a beautiful choice if you’re looking for a fancy meal on the Strip, but the real standout for me is the sangria. If you do nothing else here, sit at the bar and order a red sangria. Trust me on this one.
The restaurant also offers incredible views of the Bellagio fountains. The location is a big draw if you’re celebrating or want the full Vegas experience. Fountain view tables come with an extra charge, so decide ahead of time whether the view is part of the plan.
Must Order: Red Sangria
Coronado Cafe at Southpoint Late Night Breakfast
If you ever hear people say “back in the old days, you could get a full meal in Vegas for cheap,” this is one of the places they’re talking about. The Coronado Cafe is a classic late-night spot that still offers an affordable breakfast menu when most of the city is asleep.
Their late-night breakfast runs from 12-6 am. It includes staples like steak and eggs at a price that’s hard to find in Vegas anymore. Prices have gone up over the years, but it’s still one of the best late-night food deals in the city. This was a regular stop after nights out, especially after 2-stepping at the country bar.
They offer gluten-free bread, and it’s actually good, which makes this an easy recommendation for a late-night meal without stress.
Must Order: Steak and eggs during late-night breakfast
Downtown and Arts District
The Underground- Mob Museum Speakeasy
We never managed to do the full museum, but we did make it to the speakeasy, and honestly, that alone was worth the visit. It’s a true speakeasy experience, with a hidden entrance and a password required to get in. The password is on the website, so no need to feel intimidated.
Once inside, it feels like stepping straight into the Prohibition era. There was a live jazz band playing, the staff were fully in character, and the whole space leaned hard into the theme without feeling cheesy. The cocktail menu focuses on recreations of popular drinks from that time, and some are even served in a flask tucked inside a hollowed-out book, which is a fun touch.
This is a great stop if you want something atmospheric and different from the usual Vegas bar scene.
Must Order: A classic Prohibition era cocktail, especially one served in the book flask
Arts District Bars and Breweries
The Arts District became my favorite place to hang out in Las Vegas during my last few years living there. The vibe is relaxed, creative, and nothing like the Strip. It doesn’t really feel like Las Vegas at all, which my sister once pointed out might explain why I loved it so much toward the end of my time there. With a mix of breweries, bars, restaurants, art galleries, and street murals, it’s a great area to explore without a set plan.
Breweries and Cider Friendly Spots
One of the best things about the Arts District is that even if beer isn’t your thing, most breweries offer at least a couple of cider options. Able Baker Brewing, SerVehZah, and Neon Desert were some of my favorite places to grab a drink and hang out.
Restaurants Worth a Stop
There are plenty of solid food options in the Arts District. Casa Don Juan is a great choice for Mexican food, Makers and Finders serves delicious Latin dishes, and Esther’s Kitchen is a longtime Vegas favorite. If you’re looking for vegan food, Tacotarian is a quick service, plant based taco shop that’s worth checking out.
Bars and Nightlife
The bar scene in the Arts District is just as good as the food. ReBar and Velveteen Rabbit are both popular for good reason, while Jammyland Cocktail Bar and Reggae Kitchen brings a fun, laid back vibe. The Garden is also worth mentioning as a really great LGBTQ+ bar.
Things to Do Besides Eat and Drink
Beyond food and drinks, the Arts District has a lot to explore. You’ll find art galleries, antique and vintage shops, and tons of painted murals throughout the neighborhood. Wander the streets and alleys, and you’ll find art at every turn.
Off the Strip
Red Robin isn’t Vegas exclusive, but it absolutely deserves a spot on this Vegas restaurants and bars bucket list for one very important reason: it’s consistently safe for gluten-free dining. When you’re traveling or living in Vegas long term, having a reliable option like this matters.
They offer gluten-free buns and are knowledgeable about cross-contamination, which makes it a stress-free choice. My go-to order is the Southern Charm burger without the onions and with a fried egg added. Easily one of the best burgers, Vegas or not.
Must Order: Southern Charm burger on a gluten-free bun with a fried egg
Soyo Korean Restaurant is a small, off-the-Strip spot located in the southwest part of Las Vegas. It’s a cozy Korean restaurant and a great option if you’re craving something comforting and flavorful away from the Strip crowds.
The bibimbap here is especially good and is what keeps me coming back. It’s a solid choice when you want a casual meal that still feels satisfying.
Must Order: Bibimbap and Soju
Mr. Shota Sushi is another great off-the Strip spot located in the southwest part of Las Vegas. There are a lot of excellent sushi restaurants in Vegas, especially all-you-can-eat options, and this one stands out.
They’re known for their creative specialty rolls, and the space itself is fun, with anime murals covering the walls. It’s a lively spot and tends to get busy, so making a reservation is a smart move.
Must Order: Specialty rolls
Roberto’s or Don Tortaco is a true Vegas staple. They’re essentially the same thing and absolutely everywhere. There’s a long-running rumor that the original owners split and divided the restaurants, which is why the names vary, but either way, if you’ve spent time in Vegas, you’ve eaten at one of them.
These are 24-hour, quick-service Mexican restaurants with drive-throughs, and there is always someone there, no matter the time of day. It’s cheap, fast, and hits especially hard at 4 am after a long night out. This is one of those places that just feels like part of living in Vegas.
Must Order: Horchata, Carnitas taco, and bacon breakfast burrito (without the tortilla for Gluten-free)
Pahrump
As strange as it sounds, there are wineries just outside of Las Vegas, and they make for a surprisingly fun day trip. Even though they were so close, I somehow never went until a friend and I decided to make a day of it and head out to Pahrump.
We visited Pahrump Valley Winery for wine tastings and a relaxed lunch, then stopped at Artesian Cellars for another tasting and their wine slushies, which were perfect for the desert heat. It was an easy, low key escape from the Strip and a reminder that there’s more to explore outside the city.
At the time of writing, Pahrump Valley Winery is closed and expected to reopen under a new name, so it’s worth checking current status before planning a visit.
Must Do: Wine tasting at Artesian Cellars, wine slushies on a hot day
Stonewise Mead and Cider in Pahrump
Stonewise Mead and Cider is one of those places I wish I had discovered sooner. They make their own mead and cider in-house, and everything we tried was genuinely excellent. We only managed to visit twice before moving away, which still feels like a missed opportunity.
They’re constantly rotating new and creative flavors, and the experimentation is part of what makes this place so fun to visit. The owners are also incredibly welcoming, which adds to the experience and makes it feel worth the drive.
If you enjoy mead or cider, this spot is absolutely worth the roughly 30-minute drive from Las Vegas.
Must Try: Get a flight so you can try multiple ciders and meads!
Final Thoughts on My Vegas Restaurants and Bars Bucket List
What are your favorite restaurants and bars in Vegas? I know I left out a lot of incredible spots, but that’s the thing about Las Vegas. There are endless options, and new places are always opening. I’m sure the next time I go back to visit, I’ll have a whole new list of places to try.
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Follow me along on Instagram @vegas.to.portugal to see more of my life as an expat in Portugal. I also share about my travels and my gluten-free food adventures.
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