Local Secrets: A Tour Guide's Ultimate Guide to Las Vegas
1. Vegas's Highest Happy Hour
Experience Las Vegas from new heights at The Strat Hotel, Casino & SkyPod, where exhilarating rides and an exceptional happy hour elevate your visit beyond the ordinary. Thrill-seekers will revel in the heart-pounding excitement of rides like the Big Shot, X-Scream, and Insanity, each offering jaw-dropping views from the top of one of the city's tallest structures.
Complement your adventure with the all-new happy hour at 108 Drinks, available from 3-7pm, Monday through Thursday. Enjoy two-for-one Tower admission and cocktails, perfect for toasting to the city below from 800 feet in the air. Adjacent to 108 Drinks, 108 Eats offers tantalizing happy hour bites amid floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the Las Vegas Valley. Indulge in an artisan cheese plate with local honey, house-made hummus with taro root and sweet potato chips, freshly baked mozzarella with crostini, and bacon-wrapped dates with Boursin cheese—all designed to enrich your sensory experience. Whether you're starting a night out or looking for a unique way to enjoy the city, The Strat provides a memorable backdrop with its thrilling rides and luxurious happy hour offerings.
2. Don't Pay For Parking
You can get free parking at these Las Vegas Strip hotels:
Wynn: Free for hotel guests, or 3 hours free for non-guests
The Shops at Crystals: The mall adjacent to Aria Resort & Casino offers free parking.
The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay: This mall, located between Mandalay Bay and Luxor, offers free parking
Saraha: This hotel offers free parking for guests and non-guests alike.
Circus Circus: This hotel offers free parking for everyone.
Treasure Island: Everyone can park here for free.
Fashion Show Las Vegas: This shopping mall on the Las Vegas strip offers free Parking.
3. Local Dining Gems: Great Food at Great Prices Off the Strip
Many of Vegas's culinary gems are nestled away from the Las Vegas Strip. Venturing beyond the Strip not only leads to discovering exceptional food but also to enjoying more affordable prices—a definite win-win. Here are some of our tour guides favorites:
Lotus of Siam
Lotus of Siam is a hidden gem in a simple strip mall, celebrated as one of the finest Thai restaurants in the U.S. Known for its authentic Northern Thai dishes, it offers unique flavors in dishes like Khao Soi and Garlic Prawns. Unpretentious yet inviting, Lotus of Siam offers a genuine taste of Thailand right in Las Vegas.
https://www.lotusofsiamlv.com/
Ferraro's Ristaorante
Ferraro's Ristorante offers a slice of Italian authenticity just a short distance from the Strip. Known for its family-run hospitality and traditional recipes, Ferraro's serves up classic Italian dishes like homemade pasta and Osso Buco. The cozy, intimate atmosphere and extensive wine list make it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxed evening out with friends.
Esther's Kitchen
Esther's Kitchen is a vibrant spot in the Arts District, celebrated for its fresh, farm-to-table approach to Italian cuisine. Known for its seasonal dishes, homemade pastas, and excellent breads, Esther's provides a casual yet refined dining experience. It’s a favorite for both brunch and dinner, offering a laid-back atmosphere with a touch of culinary sophistication.
Juan's Flaming Fajitias
Juan's Flaming Fajitas is a lively restaurant known for its signature fajitas served sizzling hot right at your table. With locations just off the Strip, it offers a fun and flavorful dining experience, featuring generous portions, vibrant Mexican flavors, and a festive atmosphere. It’s a favorite among locals for its friendly service and authentic, well-priced meals.
https://juansflamingfajitas.com/
Shang Artisan Noodle
Shang Artisan Noodle prides itself on hand-pulled noodles, a spectacle for diners as chefs stretch and slice noodles to perfection. This cozy spot off the Strip serves up robust flavors in dishes like Dan Dan noodles and spicy beef noodle soup. Its modern, minimalist decor complements the straightforward, delicious fare that has made it a must-visit for noodle lovers.
https://www.shangartisannoodle.com/
Herbs and Rye
Herbs and Rye is a favorite among locals for its speakeasy ambiance and a renowned happy hour that features half-priced steaks. This off-Strip bar and restaurant takes you back in time with its classic cocktails and a menu that pays homage to different eras of the cocktail from the Gothic Age to Prohibition. It’s the perfect blend of culinary delight and cocktail craft, offering a unique dining and drinking experience.
https://www.herbsandrye.com/
Fukuburger
Fukuburger brings an innovative twist to the classic American burger with its Japanese-inspired flavors. This food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant serves up unique burgers topped with ingredients like wasabi mayo and teriyaki sauce, making each bite a delightful fusion of East and West. Known for its laid-back vibe and friendly service, Fukuburger is a must-try for burger enthusiasts looking for something out of the ordinary.
https://www.fukuburger.com/
