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City Cast Las Vegas

Rob Kachelriess

 that are worth your attention, but sometimes an old favorite feels new again with a grand return, new location, or another big change. We 

 last year — and have a few more examples for 2026.

 was a trendy spot before it closed at the Forum Shops in 2012. It’s now back in Vegas at the Grand Canal Shoppes with a sharp, contemporary dining room and returning favorites like the spicy tableside Caesar salad and goat cheese baklava. I like the “omakase” steak dinner. Name your price and the chef curates a custom meal. Just make sure to include the crème brûlée-style corn on the side.

 started out as a pizza and ice cream parlor before evolving into one of the best wine bars in Vegas (with an overachieving food menu) at Tivoli Village. James Trees has now moved Ada’s to the Arts District, taking over the former Esther’s Kitchen space and expanding the chef’s culinary empire in the Arts District. It’s more of a full restaurant now, but the emphasis on wine remains strong.

 hosts regular free wine tastings, which we feature in our weekly events rundown — emailed to 

🥩 After years as the signature steakhouse at the SLS and later the Sahara (in an “old is new” situation for a hotel), 

 has moved to the Palazzo. I prefer the old dining room, but the restaurant is definitely positioned as the chef’s most exclusive, high-end destination, shifting greater focus to bone-in ribeyes, grilled over oak and priced by the pound. Go with the new Josper-smoked leeks as your side dish and customize your cocktail at the martini cart.

 was a pop-up at the Hard Hat Lounge for a while and now has its own full-fledged location in the Soho Lofts building. As always, Detroit-style pizzas are the specialty — rectangular with cheese that spreads out to the edges for a crispy crunch.

, popular with locals at UnCommons, recently expanded to Pahrump (yes, 

, which used to be the Pahrump Valley Winery. We also hear Amari is introducing a great, new chef soon … but we’re not allowed to share the details yet 🤐

 closed in 2023 at the Red Rock Resort, but the casino had a change of heart and brought it back after trying out a Mexican restaurant in the space. The rustic style and wood-fired pizzas have returned, but chef Jason Janson is having fun with comfort food, including a fried chicken bucket (with biscuits and dipping sauces) and fruit-filled handpie desserts.

🍷 After finding success at UnCommons, 

 Resort at Summerlin. The decor is similar, but the windows overlooking the lawn are nice and you can semi-officially bring your wine outdoors. The food menu is different (try the crab louie) and there’s no retail component, but the wine is great and the team is loose with pouring samples before you commit.

 — with a location out on the Strip next to Madame Tussauds. It’s the first with all-day breakfast and a bar. I spied a bottle of Bulleit and asked for a shot on the rocks. I was promptly told the booze is strictly for spiking milkshakes 😕 As usual, the staff tosses lots of extra fries in the bag, even if you order the ”little” size.

Old Restaurants That Feel New Again in 2026

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Las Vegas. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Las Vegas Food & Drink

Food & Drink

 has been a locals favorite in Charleston Heights for more than 20 years. You can’t miss the distinctive arched roof on the corner of Decatur and Alta, but the restaurant just unveiled a few changes.

Renovations include an enhanced outdoor dining patio, a refreshed Benjamin Franklin mural, and a new retro-style sign, while preserving the original at the Neon Museum. POP’S also debuted a food truck for special events and regular Saturday appearances at 

The name represents the “Pride of Philly Steaks” with the City of Brotherly Love well represented on the menu. Just walk up to the counter and order. The restaurant’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some staff members have been part of the team since day one, including general manager Jose Hernandez.

POP’S was founded by Perry and Barbara Walton; North Carolina transplants who moved to Las Vegas, but loved the food and culture of Philadelphia. It’s been a family-owned business all this time and is now run by daughter Christina.

POP’S cheesesteaks are made with sliced Ribeye, locally baked buns, and vegetables brought in fresh daily. There are lots of options on the menu, but typically you’d choose between American or Provolone cheese (or if you really want to get crazy, authentic Cheese Whiz). Ask for the sandwich “wit” or “wit-out” onions. You can go with chicken instead of steak too.

The most popular cheesesteak is the #32 with provolone, peppers, and mushrooms. POP’S occasionally rotates in seasonal specials like the Holiday Hoagie ( sliced turkey with gravy, mayo, cranberry, and stuffing, layered with sweet potato fries) and a summer Lobster Roll on lettuce and tomato.

Fried sides are the specialty, so load up on mac n’ cheese bites, green beans, mozzarella sticks, and more. The coconut dipping syrup with the sweet potato fries is a nice touch. POP'S even has packaged Tastykake treats, which all Philadelphians crave, but is hard to find outside the Northeast.

 is an iconic spot that helps define the character of Charleston Heights, a neighborhood you might want to 

Visit an iconic, 24-hour cheesesteak restaurant that helped shape the identity of a Vegas neighborhood west of the Strip.

POP'S Philly Cheesesteaks in Las Vegas

How POP’S Got Vegas Hooked on Round-the-Clock Cheesesteaks

free performances by the Nevada Shakespeare Festival

, but what else is there to do in April — besides taxes, of course? 💸 We have a few ideas.

Forget Coachella. (It’s sold out anyway.) The Beverly Theater has 

 — a series of music-focused movies throughout the month. Highlights include the 50th anniversary edition of “The Song Remains the Same" (April 5, 8), which captures Led Zeppelin at their peak in 1973, and Disney’s “Fantasia,” a visual feast for classical music that ages incredibly well. The Beverly Theater is also honoring the late, great Rob Reiner with 

 by the director: “Stand By Me,” “The Princess Bride,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Misery.” It’s the best 15 bucks you can spend in Vegas.

Poolside tastings are making a comeback in Las Vegas. Check out the inaugural 

 at the Red Rock Resort, showcasing bites from Station Casinos’ restaurants under the stars on April 18. We’re also excited about the return of 

, which puts local, neighborhood chefs front and center, offering one-night-only dishes at the Palms Pool on April 26.

April is full of big events that celebrate music, culture, and sometimes, maybe a little bit of both:

🧑‍🎨 Chalk One (or Two) Up For Art

Two events are celebrating the beauty of chalk art in different ways. The 

 festival returns to the Arts District for the third straight year, inviting local artists to decorate sidewalks in conjunction with Market in the Alley on April 18. A week later, the 

 comes to the Summerlin Library on April 25, showcasing art along with a day of live music.

Arbor Day falls on the last Friday of April to celebrate the importance of trees. The message resonates strongly in our desert climate. Clark County has teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation, 

 to local residents who qualify. The City of Henderson is 

 to those who plant trees and convert their yards to desert landscaping — and organizing an 

 to explore nature along the Pittman Wash.

 is open from April 4 to May 25. It’s beautiful and zen-like, but draws big crowds. Our own Sonja Cho Swanson shares a hot tip 🔥 for how to get in early and beat the rush during the latest episode of 

best activities and recommendations for April

Your Guide to April 2026 in Las Vegas

April is a busy month in Las Vegas. Here's your guide to festivals, dining, art,  and more.

Things to Do in Las Vegas April 2026

What To Do in Las Vegas in April 2026

Find the best of everything that Las Vegas has to offer.

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

Miss the days of renting movies and showing your parents how to work the VCR? Well, the old-school video store is back — with a twist (to garnish your cocktail). 

 is a pop-up speakeasy, running from March 25 to May 17 in Las Vegas.

Back 2 The Video Store takes over part of PKWY Tavern on the corner of Flamingo and Decatur. Admission is $17.80, which includes your first cocktail, a 90-minute window, and open seating. Just like a real video store, you get a membership card. Browse the selection and pick out a “movie,” which represents a cocktail, and bring it to the bartender to place your order.

The cocktails are movie themed, fruity, and reflect the era. (In other words, they wouldn’t look out of place at TGI Fridays.) Highlights include the Titanic with mezcal, vodka, and a rose-shaped ice mold, Happy Gilmore (a boozy take on an Arnold Palmer), and an Indiana Jones punch bowl. The drink prices, between $8 and $16, border on “throwback” status as well. The NBA Jams Fireball-Rumchatta shot includes a toy basketball net presentation. Royale with Cheeseburger Sliders and Mighty Ducks Mini Corn Dogs headline a menu of small bites.

The experience includes a few photo stations, from movie posters and cutouts to a throne worthy of the “Fresh Prince” and a “Clueless” backdrop. You may even get a chance to test your skills with an arcade-style video game, bowling, bingo, or karaoke. A DJ plays throwback hits on weekends.

The pop-up is presented by Bucket Listers, the same event company behind 

, which came to the Park MGM last year and other licensed concepts like the 

, which wraps up its Vegas run at AREA15 this weekend.

with a look at today’s best food 😋 Philip Tzeng (also known as 

, one of the most popular foodie Instagurus in Vegas) joins 

The Ultimate Guide to Ramen in Las Vegas

Back 2 The Video Store serves alcohol-fueled nostalgia without late fees.

Back 2 The Video Store Pop-Up Bar in Las Vegas

Be Kind, Rewind to the Video Store Era with a Pop-Up Speakeasy

 — and that includes meatballs. You can’t get away with slopping ground beef, salt, and breadcrumbs together anymore. So let’s take a look at who gets it right.

Nicole Brisson took inspiration from working with Dario Cecchini (a famous Italian butcher) when putting together her meatballs for 

 at Resorts World. The chef combines two parts veal, two parts house-ground beef, and one part Heritage Farms pork sausage, along with fresh herbs, garlic, shallots, and sheep’s milk ricotta. The key ingredient? Lemon zest to cut the richness of the meat. The tomato sauce includes house-pickled peppers and poached Fresno chili for a pop of heat. The meatballs are so good, they’re offered as an entree, but a smaller portion is available during happy hour.

Giovanni Mauro had Sicily in mind when putting together two meatball recipes for 

. The chef adds currants, pine nuts, and mint to pork and beef Palermo meatballs for a bright pop of flavor, served with tomato sauce and pecorino. The Foglie di Limone Ripiene is more like sausage, made with pork, beef, and lamb — and wrapped in a lemon leaf.

 focuses on quality ingredients when baking meatballs, crafted with a robust combination of filet mignon, pork, and veal — all ground fresh in house — plus grana padano and pecorino cheeses, Italian parsley, and caramelized onions. The recipe uses just 4% breadcrumbs — a sharp contrast to other restaurants that often have up to 30% breadcrumbs to cut down on costs.

, a Vegas staple for more than 30 years, love Pat’s Meatballs, named after a longtime employee. The all-beef recipe is fried in equal parts olive oil and canola oil for a golden brown exterior and fluffy texture to handle the seasonings, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese.

 puts an Asian spin on the concept with Lion’s Head meatballs. No, the meat isn’t from a lion 🦁 (The name refers to the lopsided shape of the meatball.) The kitchen braises pork with soy sauce, served with vegetables to balance the richness of the fat in the meat.

to tell you about — the beef, veal, and Italian sausage meatball at 

inside the Aria. Here’s the catch: It’s a secret off-menu item 🤫 But why stop there? 

 — even as social media threatens to spoil the surprise. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

You can’t get away with slopping ground beef, salt, and breadcrumbs together anymore.

The Best Meatballs in Las Vegas

Meatballs: The Most Important Meal of the Day

I have a soft spot for what I call the “airport Old Fashioned” — made with regular ice, maraschino cherries, an orange slice, and a squirt of soda water. If I’m lucky, I can upgrade the whiskey to something that wasn’t pulled off the bottom shelf of a grocery store. I consider it a bonus if the bartender pours in a touch of artificially colored “juice” from the plastic cherry container.

It does the job between flights — but I’d rather reserve low expectations for the pace of TSA security checks.

So with an eye for something better, I checked out 

, a first-of-its-kind passenger lounge by American Express, modeled after a vintage speakeasy at Harry Reid International Airport 🍸

From the green tile and bright marble to heavy drapes and brass accents, Sidecar has the aesthetics down. In the true spirit of a speakeasy, it’s exclusive — and you need the "password" of an American Express card (platinum or above) to enter. The food and drinks are free, so if you’re a frequent traveler, the annual fee could be worth it. (I might make up the cost in cocktails alone over a few business trips.)

The Continental (rye and cognac with cinnamon bitters) easily trumps my “airport Old Fashioned” — stirred in an old-school mixing glass and garnished with a fresh-sliced orange peel. The wines, curated by sommelier Helen Johannesen, favor small-production vineyards and Old World regions. How often do you find a bordeaux blanc or chilled lambrusco at the airport?

The food is the biggest surprise, featuring global flavors and recipes designed by a quartet of James Beard award-winning chefs.

 opens at the Sahara later this year, but you can get a taste of his Afro-Caribbean cuisine with a crushed cucumber salad, topped with rice pearls and chili honey infused with sumac and fermented scotch bonnet chilies.

Sarah Grueneberg of Chicago’s Monteverde put together a chicken parm “slider,” wonderfully overstuffed with a full breast, crispy pepperoni, and a housemade sauce of oven-roasted tomatoes, basil, and fennel seeds.

The French background and Southern heritage of Mashama Bailey (whose Savannah restaurant, The Grey, is expanding to Paris soon) is on display with an egg combo of mushrooms and mustard greens with black garlic aioli.

Mike Solomonov of Philadelphia's Zahav puts an Arabic spin on avocado toast with harissa and labneh (yogurt with a cheese-like texture) on brioche bread.

 these days, Sidecar is secluded, but not impossible to find. Look for it on the upper level of Terminal 3 near the D gates — perfectly positioned to thumb its nose at the Capitol One Lounge on the opposite side of the foyer.

secrets to share at the Las Vegas airport

A new speakeasy at the Las Vegas airport offers ample amounts of ambiance and exclusivity.

A Speakeasy Opens at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas

The Vegas Airport Has a Speakeasy Now

, setting us up for a hot and sunny spring. Enjoy the weather while you can. There’s lots of stuff to do.

 has a free St. Patrick's Day party on March 13. The event includes drink and pizza specials on the open-air Terrace Overlook, 6-8 p.m. with a drone show finale.

Sons and Daughters of Erin St Patrick's Festival and Parade

 hits Water Street in Downtown Henderson for three straight days, March 13-15. There’s a parade Saturday at 10 a.m. and a car show Sunday at 8 a.m.

The Fremont Street Experience is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for four straight days with the 

, featuring live music on multiple stages March 15-17.

The biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the Strip is back at New York-New York. It used to be called Celtic Feis, but now it’s simply the 

. It begins March 14 (coinciding with a Village Street block party and 

 head-shaving) and continues through March 17 with green beer, entertainment, and food by Nine Fine Irishmen on the patio by the Brooklyn Bridge.

🍸 Last Call for Cool Casino Restaurants

If you wonder why casinos keep sticking with the same old restaurants, it’s because the more adventurous ones don’t always draw enough customers. (So yes, I’m blaming you 🫵) Marc Vetri’s 

 pasta bar is one of Durango’s highlights, but will become the resort’s first restaurant to close on March 27. If that’s not enough, one of my favorite Strip restaurants, 

, inspired by the clean, simple recipes of the French Riviera, shutters at the Cosmopolitan on March 31. You still have time to appreciate both of ‘em.

 follows up its regular monthly block party in the Arts District (March 6) with the 

 at Civic Center Plaza March 21 with workshops, speeches, and entertainment.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

, which celebrates outdoor sports and culture, comes to the Clark County Library on March 14.

 takes over the Lawn at Downtown Summerlin March 21 with unlimited sips from dozens of local and national breweries, food trucks, games, and big screens, so you won't miss out on March Madness 🏀

 comes to Craig Ranch Regional Park March 21, featuring food trucks, a scavenger hunt for the kids, and a kit to make your own floating water lantern with a release after sunset.

Wetlands Park in Henderson hosts a free, all-ages 

 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 21 with arts and crafts, food, music, and more.

 brings 200 vendors and food trucks to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway March 27-29.

 returns to its roots as a Fremont East street fest March 28. It’s the biggest beer bash of the year with hundreds of sips of beer and cider waiting for you, plus some food to soak up all that booze.

. Bring your own bag to the University of Nevada Reno Extension on Paradise, March 14-15, and fill it up for five bucks 👀 You can also browse used books at the Spring Valley Library’s 

 on March 22 and geek out over comics, art, and pop culture at 

 inside Henderson’s James I. Gibson Library on March 28.

Vegas pools begin to open this month — and you might as well take advantage of the weather early. So I joined the latest episode of 

 to share how and when locals can score a 

cool things to do in Vegas throughout March

March Fun in Vegas

Our Vegas roundup of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, beer festivals, book events, and more.

Las Vegas Events March 2026

What To Do in Las Vegas in March 2026

Local chefs and businesses are having fun with fungi lately. So let’s get familiar with some of the best ways to enjoy mushrooms in Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Tasting Society tends to organize events for tequila, whiskey, and stuff like that, but the group is presenting 

Magic of Mushrooms: An Exotic Tasting Experience

 this Sunday, March 1 in the Arts District. Roam between stations to munch on 10 plant-based mushroom recipes, including fun stuff like lion’s mane “crab cakes” and king oyster carpaccio. Upgrade the experience to add on a menu of potato dishes as well as vodka or wine pairings.

 grows their own mushrooms right here in Las Vegas — sold to the general public and prized by some of our city’s best chefs. Order familiar favorites like shiitake, maitake (hen of the woods), and a variety of oyster mushrooms, or less familiar options like pretzel cap and coral tooth. Desert Moon also sells grow-your-own mushroom kits and makes regular appearances at farmers markets at Downtown Summerlin and St. Rose Corporate Center in Henderson.

My wife loves the wood ear mushroom salad, served cold, drenched in sesame oil and soy sauce, at China Mama’s two Chinatown locations (the 

stir fries wood ear mushrooms (named for their color and shape) with sweet potato and snow peas as a vegetarian-friendly side dish.

One of my all-time favorite mushroom recipes … is served at a steakhouse. 

 at the Rio steams a large Desert Moon lion's mane mushroom and soaks it for two days in beet juice, garlic, thyme, and ginger, which then develops a steak-like crust when broiled. It arrives on the table with black garlic puree and charred cabbage.

This Las Vegas business closed its brick-and-mortar shop and cafe last year, but remains active as a health-focused online retailer. The signature 

 is a fermented combination of shiitake mushroom mycelium plus lion’s mane, turkey tail, reishi, and chaga mushrooms. (A 20% Valentine’s Day discount continues through the end of February.)

See what else gets yanked from the ground when 

Local chefs and businesses are having fun with fungi lately.

Where To Find Mushrooms in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Is Mad About Mushrooms

As the second largest city in Nevada, Henderson covers a lot of ground. But it all began in what is now known as the historic 

. After a downturn, the neighborhood is once again thriving as a hub of repurposed buildings, walkable sidewalks, and timeless elements that look to the future while acknowledging the past.

Henderson developed in 1942, due to the presence of the

 plant, which helped supply the war effort. Water Street was the main drag for workers to eat, drink, and do business. Many of their homes — ordered from a Sears catalog in nine floor plans — are still around today.

Much of the recent growth is driven by Windom Kimsey, the founder of the 

 architecture firm, which has an office on the south end of Water Street. He opened 

 — the closest thing to fine dining on Water Street — and 

Create your own on-the-spot food crawl with visits to 

, which serves authentic Scandinavian pastries. The 

 is a touch more formal with an open dining room that faces the sidewalk. Save room for ice cream and other frozen treats at 

You don’t have to walk far to find a drink on Water Street. Enjoy local craft beer at the 

, which was built inside an old bank, with food (and whiskey) next door at 

 is a historic dive bar that dates back to 1965. Ask for a boozy pudding shot while checking out the live music.

 is a gathering spot for festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal events. You can’t miss the 

. The imposing practice arena for the Vegas Silver Knights welcomes the general public for ice skating and pizza at the 

 — have a locals-friendly mentality that’s becoming increasingly rare in other corners of the Las Vegas Valley.

 opened in late 2024 as part of The Pass, giving Water Street its first hotel — and one with a contemporary boutique image, matched by a wine bar in the lobby. After 

, the $50 million mixed-use apartment complex known as 

 team took a food and drink crawl of Water Street and has thoughts to share on

Henderson is Nevada's second-largest city, and it all began in what we now call the historic Water Street district.

Things to Do on Water Street in Henderson

Get to Know Henderson’s Historic Water Street District

Everything to know about Las Vegas neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Las Vegas Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

It feels weird to call Indian food “hot” in Las Vegas — and we’re not just talking about the spices. Restaurants throughout the valley have catered to our local Indian population for decades, but the cuisine is gaining new attention with recent high-profile openings. So, where to begin?

Indian food has largely been overlooked by Strip resorts. That changed with the recent opening of 

food

Old Restaurants That Feel New Again in 2026

How POP’S Got Vegas Hooked on Round-the-Clock Cheesesteaks

What To Do in Las Vegas in April 2026

Latest articles

Old Restaurants That Feel New Again in 2026

How POP’S Got Vegas Hooked on Round-the-Clock Cheesesteaks

What To Do in Las Vegas in April 2026

Be Kind, Rewind to the Video Store Era with a Pop-Up Speakeasy

Meatballs: The Most Important Meal of the Day

The Vegas Airport Has a Speakeasy Now

What To Do in Las Vegas in March 2026

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Be Kind, Rewind to the Video Store Era with a Pop-Up Speakeasy

Meatballs: The Most Important Meal of the Day

The Vegas Airport Has a Speakeasy Now

What To Do in Las Vegas in March 2026

Las Vegas Is Mad About Mushrooms

Get to Know Henderson’s Historic Water Street District

Indian Food is Having a Moment in Vegas Right Now