If summertime evokes cravings of hamburgers and hot dogs, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s start with one of the most famous burgers in the country. Although Bobby’s Burger Palace superstar chef Bobby Flay’s tribute to the great American sandwich has been serving up perfect patties for years at a fast-casual hot spot smack on the Strip (currently closed), you can now visit Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay at the Forum Food Hall at Caesars Palace to get a taste. Whether you order Bobby’s favorite Bacon Crunchburger—topped with American cheese and potato chips—or the L.A.-style option with avocado relish, tomato and cheddar, you’ll be transported to the best backyard cookout imaginable with the very first bite. Don’t forget the sweet potato fries, onion rings and premium milkshakes to complete the experience.
Next up, find the most over-the-top hot dog creations in Las Vegas at Dirt Dog, which also expanded recently with a restaurant at downtown’s Neonopolis complex (702.483.5432). The standard House Dog is a Nathan’s all-beef frank wrapped in bacon and slathered in green chile spread, and that’s only the beginning. There are also dogs inspired by Mexican elote, a pastrami sandwich and a patty melt, so expect fantastic flavors to satisfy everyone. You can also get dirty at Dirt Dog’s shops at the Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s on the Strip and in the southwest valley on Rainbow Boulevard.
Those are easy choices, but there’s a new contender for the city’s favorite street-food bite. Culinary titan David Chang has dropped one of his newest concepts on the Strip at The Cosmopolitan’s beloved Block 16 Urban Food Hall. Báng Bar (702.698.2663) is all about stuffing delicious things into Korean flatbread. You can opt for the burrito-style U-wrap with spicy pork, teriyaki chicken or spicy eggplant, or choose your favorite filling for the more compact fold-up sandwich. Add some pickled shishito peppers and creamy chickpea dip and you’ve found another unforgettable, easy-to-eat meal.
Let’s keep it casual but graduate to a cozy sit-down dining experience at two of the newest and buzziest destinations off the Strip. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas brought in several brand-new experiences for Vegas visitors, and the street-style Thai food at Los Angeles transplant Night + Market (702.693.5280) has become a fast favorite. Chef Kris Yenbamroong has won universal acclaim for his authentic recipes and bold innovations, and he couldn’t wait to try his hand in Las Vegas. Whole fried catfish with sizzling ginger, chili and scallions, as well as pastrami pad kee mao noodles are turning heads and tantalizing tastebuds at this bright and energetic eatery.
And out on the west side at the luxurious Tivoli Village, Ada’s (702.462.2795) has been reborn. Initially a neighborhood favorite for pasta, pizza and wine, it’s been renovated into a Spanish-inspired wine bar with a carefully curated selection and perfectly complementary light bites for an inspired yet relaxed experience. Cheese and charcuterie plates are for sharing, but you might want to keep the smoked salmon rilletes, chorizo croquettes and chimichurri skirt steak all to yourself.
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