Where do the locals eat in Las Vegas?
Here are eleven off-the-strip places where the locals eat in Las Vegas, places they recommend directly.
So WHERE DO the locals eat in Las Vegas? I’ve been visiting clients in Vegas for over 20 years. Initially drawn to the Strip’s excitement and activity, I would alternate staying at the strip hotels, eating on the Strip, and exploring all the Strip had to offer. However, I eventually grew tired of the commotion and chaos of the Strip. I found the half-hour walks to get to my car from my room, the crowded spaces, the confusion in the casino, and the lack of clear signage frustrating. It felt like they did it to keep me in the casino, hoping I’d give up and sit at a slot machine.
Eventually, I learned to discover the local spots. Since many of my clients have become friends, I now meet them at the places they recommend off the Strip – easy to reach, easy to park, and with fantastic food. Thanks to Megan, Melissa, Jonathan, Lee, Jeff, and Kira for all the captivating recommendations over the years!
This list includes a mix of restaurants, including options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, cocktails, and dinner, all places where the locals eat in Las Vegas.
1) Herbs & Rye
3713 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102
- The bar at Herbs & Rye
- An Old Fashioned at Herbs & Rye
- Bev, Megan, Melissa, and Jonathan: Locals who recommended Herbs & Rye
Herbs & Rye, the first restaurant owned by Nectaly Mendoza, opened in 2009. I visited the restaurant and met some friends there. Knowing that I like an Old Fashioned, Melissa suggested I would love it, and she was right. The building has a speakeasy vibe and is very unassuming from the outside. However, once you open the door, you’ll discover a great steakhouse with a strong reputation for its classic cocktails. The place is often fully booked, so making reservations in advance is essential, and keep in mind the tables have a time limit. It’s worth mentioning that Herbs & Rye has won many awards, which speaks to its quality. Overall, it’s a place worth visiting.
2) Cleaver Butchered Meats, Seafood, and Classic Cocktails
3900 Paradise Road, Suite D-1, Las Vegas, NV 89169
- The bar at Cleaver
- Chris Farley painting at Cleaver
- Porn Star cocktail at the bar in Cleaver
Cleaver Butchered Meats, Seafood, and Classic Cocktails caught my attention on my recent Las Vegas trip. Megan mentioned it when I told her I visited Middle Child. It is a sister to Herbs & Rye and Middle Child, and they are the creations of Nectaly Mendoza. Cleaver is paying homage to the old-time steak houses of Las Vegas. The restaurant opened in 2018. I decided to sit at the bar, where the cocktail menu was extensive, featuring drinks with names like Porn Star and Weekend at the Waldorf. The bartender—dressed in a vest, tie, and sleeve garters—concocted a special drink for me when I couldn’t decide, and it was exactly what I wanted: light and refreshing. The steak was equally impressive—it is a steakhouse, after all.
The restaurant has a large sign, but keep walking under that sign through the walkway to find the slightly hidden entrance. A reservation is advisable or arrive early to grab a table or a seat at the bar.
3) Middle Child
3900 Paradise Rd Suite N, Las Vegas, NV 89169
- The dining room at Middle Child
- Eggs Benedict with home made chips
- Brioche French Toast with berry compote
The newest addition to the Nectaly Mendoza family, Middle Child, opened this year and serves customers in the morning and afternoon. I visited for brunch after landing at the airport and before a stop at the nearby convention center. The benedicts were terrific, and the French Toast was beautiful. But in typical Mendoza style, the cocktails shine.
4) Morning News
3154 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Morning News is the only Nectaly Mendoza restaurant I have yet to visit, but it is on my bucket list for my next visit. It opened in 2023 and has received excellent reviews. It is open for breakfast.
5) Uncommons
6880 Helen Toland St, Las Vegas, NV 89113
- Bev, Megan, Melissa, and Jonathan at UnCommon
UnCommons is a mixed-use community in the Spring Valley area, across from the new Durango Casino. It features a food court and walkable streets, making it a great place to work and play. My friend and colleague, Megan, mentioned she would come to sit in the courtyard to work. It was a perfect spot to meet and catch up.
6) Todo Bien
Located in UnCommons – 8533 Rozita Lee Ave #110, Las Vegas, NV 89113
Located inside the courtyard at UnCommons, this cocktail bar does not serve food. However, this is not an issue as plenty of dining options are nearby. It has a tiki bar vibe with indoor-outdoor seating surrounded by greenery. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, and they offer a diverse selection of cocktails made with traditional Mexican spirits.
7) General Admission
Located in UnCommons – 8548 Rozita Lee Ave Suite 105, Las Vegas, NV 89113
After enjoying a cocktail at Todo Bien, walk across the street to General Admission. You can order Buffalo Dip, Fish Tacos, Burgers, or Sushi (it is excellent.) You can also watch your favorite team on the many screens.
8) Siegel’s Bagelmania
252 Convention Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Siegel’s Bagelmania
- Time for coffee!
- Traditional egg breakfast but with a bagel
Jonathan, a friend and colleague, recommended this restaurant for breakfast, so I had to check it out. The menu has a variety of bagels and classic breakfast options. The restaurant has a fun design; you can’t miss taking a selfie with the bagel sign outside!
9) Early Birds, A Breakfast Spot
5025 Blue Diamond Rd Suite #101/102 , 89139
- Early Bird’s
- A Bloody Maria
- A waffle with Nutella
Early Birds, A Breakfast Spot opened in April 2024 by 81/82 Group. It offers classic breakfast items, Benedicts, and specialty pancakes. The menu includes half a page of breakfast cocktails to start the day and a wellness shot made with tea, lemon juice, honey, cayenne, ginger, and mint. Additionally, they serve breakfast until closing, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t wake up early.
10) Atomic Liquors
917 E. Freemont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Atomic Liquors
- A cocktail on an outdoor table
- The newer addition
The first time a client took me here was for a cocktail, claiming it was the oldest bar in Las Vegas. Since then, I’ve been back many times. Once, the bartender told me that it was a one-time hangout to watch the atomic bomb tests. They would gather on the roof to watch. Whether this is true or not, it adds to the allure of this bar. Plus, it offers the best of both worlds. On one side, the oldest bar in Vegas which is dark and moody, with a 1970s vibe and decor. You’ll find the new version at The Kitchen at Atomic, a refurbished auto shop, when you walk out the door to the patio and into the next building. The menu includes an Atomic Burger and an Elvis Presley Sundae for dessert.
- Atomic Liquors
- Inside Atomic Liquors historic side
- Atomic Liquors
11) Carson Kitchen
124 S. 6th Street, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Carson Kitchen quickly became my favorite spot, even when I didn’t have friends or clients to join me (although I’ve met them here many times over the years.) It has an open kitchen, an outdoor area, and a rooftop. I’d visit, pull up a chair at the bar within full view of the kitchen, order the Killer Shrimp, and enjoy a cocktail.
Las Vegas is known for its excellent food and drinks. So, where do the locals eat in Las Vegas? I hope I have given you some insight and options. It’s nice to explore off the Strip and discover favorites that are popular with the locals. I’ll add to this list as I revisit Vegas and explore new dining spots. Sign up for notifications to stay updated here!
You may also like How Searching for Hidden Bars in San Francisco Led Me to The Beacon Grand Hotel and Breakfast St. Louis.