They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Take that as you like, but we have a few suggestions on how to enjoy yourself while in our hometown. If you can think of it, Vegas can probably make that happen for you. We’ll let your imagination run wild. In the meantime, we have some rated PG-13 suggestions for you.
We asked the staff of the magazine for some of their favorite restaurants around town. They should know what is best and at the right price. A quick tip: Not all of the best food is on the strip, take their word for it! If you are from the East and never experienced an In-N-Out Burger, when you get off the plane, have the cabbie take you to the one on Maryland Boulevard. Go crazy there and get animal style burgers and fries. Trust us, it is worth it.
If you want to catch a show while in town, just name it, there are way too many to list here. Taking in a show after a full day of walking the floor is the perfect way to rest the feet and take a break. While we are all in town for LDI, there are a couple of tours and concerts happening that you could catch.
For those night owls out there, Vegas stays up pretty late. Again, there are way to many nightclubs to list here. We have picked a couple of our favorites, including some of the ones we’ve featured from a production standpoint here in the magazine. Word to the wise, most clubs have a dress code. I found out the hard way! —J.L.
Restaurants (Red Numbers on Map)
A
The Barrymore
Address: 99 Convention Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Cuisine: American New
Recommended By: William Vanyo, Vice President
Why: Hidden Gem! Not too far from the Convention Center, perfect for business dinners. Great Muscovy Duck.
B
Battista’s Hole in the Wall
Address: 4041 Audrie Street (Between the Strip and Koval Lane, off Flamingo Road)
Cuisine: Old School Italian
Recommended By: Tony Calvert, Graphic Artist
Why: It is the one of the oldest restaurants in Vegas, from the Rat Pack days. Still family owned, with old-time Las Vegas memorabilia. And just a little off the strip, so it’s easy to get to.
C
Firefly
Address: 3824 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169
Cuisine: Tapas
Recommended By: Greg Gallardo, Group Publisher (Entertainment Division)
Why: Great food, great vibe, best sangrias outside of Spain!
D
Ichiza
Address: 4355 Spring Mountain Rd #205, just west of main Chinatown area
Cuisine: Authentic Japanese
Recommended By: Frank Hammel, Managing Editor
Why: Like Japan itself, an exquisite blend of the traditional and the new. Access is difficult — there’s not enough parking and wait times are common. But much more convenient than flying to Tokyo!
E
Lotus of Siam
Address: 953 E Sahara Ave A5, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Cuisine: Thai
Recommended By: Erin Schroeder, Classified Ad Manager
Why: This place is great if you’re looking to branch out and try something new and they offer a wide variety of authentic Thai dishes. So authentic, you might want to be careful on the spice level you choose.
F
Yama Sushi
Address: 1350 E Flamingo Rd #18, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Cuisine: Japanese
Recommended By: Justin Lang, Editor
Why: First, it is not on the strip. Second, best deal on all you can eat sushi. Not just sushi, but artisan sushi that is worth the wait. Just make sure to finish your plate before ordering more. You’ll probably see me there a number of times during LDI.
Nightclubs (Blue Numbers on Map)
A
1OAK @ The Mirage
B
Body English @ Hard Rock
C
Hakkasan @ MGM
D
Marquee @ Cosmopolitan
E
Tryst @ Wynn
Concerts & Tours
Drake
Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena
Date: Friday, Nov. 22
www.ticketmaster.com/Drake-tickets/artist/1319371
Michael Bublé
Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena
Date: Saturday, Nov 23
www.ticketmaster.com/Michael-Buble-tickets/artist/869115
REO Speedwagon
Location: The Orleans Hotel and Casino
Date: Saturday, Nov 23
www.ticketmaster.com/REO-Speedwagon-tickets/artist/771449
Rod Stewart
Location: The Colosseum at Ceasars Palace
Dates: Nov 20, 23 & 24
www.ticketmaster.com/Rod-Stewart-tickets/artist/736200
Ringo Starr
Location: Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino
Date: Nov 22 & 23
www.ticketmaster.com/Ringo-Starr-and-His-All-Starr-tickets/artist/863651
Attractions
Big Shot @ the Stratosphere
www.stratospherehotel.com/Tower/Rides/Big-Shot
Strap into the Big Shot and prepare to be shot 160 feet in the air at 45 miles per hour high above the Las Vegas Valley.
Fountains of Bellagio
www.bellagio.com/attractions/fountains-of-bellagio.aspx
A mesmerizing interplay of illuminated fountains dancing to music. Shows are every 15 minutes from 7pm until midnight.
Richard Petty Driving Experience
Richard Petty Driving Experience puts you in a NASCAR race car for an adrenaline-pumping thrill.
The Freemont Street Experience
www.lasvegas.com/listing/fremont-street-experience/5974/
Free nightly shows featuring 12.5 million lights and 550,000 watts of sound.
Lake of Dreams at Wynn
www.wynnlasvegas.com/Shows/LakeOfDreams/Photos
A secluded three-acre lake is surrounded by lush greenery. Take in the water and light show from various points around the lake.
Sites & Hotels (Purple Numbers on Map)
A
Parnelli Awards
Saturday, November 23
The Mirage Hotel and Casino.
B
The Las Vegas Convention Center
Nov. 22-24, 2013
Site of LDI 2013
C
McCarran International Airport
Before departing, be sure to confirm the terminal for your flight: T1 or T3?
Going interactive? Go to www.plsn.me/OffTheStrip.
