An integral part of any vacation or day trip—or even to make a regular weekday meal a little more special—is eating out. Whereas there are several well-known chain restaurants for those who prefer a safe bet, for adventurous culinary enthusiasts, trying a new place is just as exciting. Nevada is home to several innovative and delicious eateries you must try.
1. Carson Kitchen, 124 South Sixth St, Suite 100, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
From its appetizers ("social plates") to its desserts, Carson Kitchen is not to be missed. Located in downtown Las Vegas, diners enjoy celebrity chef Kerry Simon’s truly inventive menu items. Its small plate atmosphere ensures that visitors can share multiple items because all the food is beyond amazing. Among the most popular menu items are Crispy Chicken Skins with Honey, Gyro Tacos, Bacon Jam atop Toasted Baguette with Melted Brie, Baked Mac & Cheese, and an assortment of mouth-watering burgers and flatbreads. Dessert is equally delectable from the Bourbon Fudge Brownie with Brown Butter Bacon Ice Cream to the Not Your Father’s Twinkies. Try it once and you will be hooked for life!
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2. Crepe Expectations, 9500 S. Eastern, Suite 150, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123
This humble, family-owned and operated taste of heaven offers both sweet and savory crepe options—as well as gluten-free choices and options for your dog—made from fresh and seasonal ingredients. The food is so enticing that Crepe Expectation’s menu motto is "Yum in Action" and the menu consists of "Savory Yum," "Sweet Yum," and "Breakfast Yum." You can even get a crepe named after you. Vegas locals and visitors extoll this eatery’s virtues. Next time you are in Sin City, grab some crepes. You won’t be sorry!
3. CrawFish Asian Cuisine, 1296 E. Plumb Lane, Suite H, Reno, NV 89502
Amazing seafood in landlocked Nevada? Why not? In addition to a full menu of Chinese favorites such as Peking Duck, Lemon or Sesame Chicken, Mongolian Lamb, and Kung Pao Scallops, CrawFish has an impressive seafood menu as well. Seafood is sold by the pound so you’ll enjoy the unique experience of choosing how MUCH food you want. With shellfish options such as crawfish, shrimp, mussels, clams, and oysters—as well as amazing sauces (you must try the Thai Basil Sauce)—the possibilities are endless and will keep you returning for more.
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4. Great Basin Brewing Company, 846 Victorian Avenue, Sparks, NV 89431 and 5225 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502
In addition to its multiple award-winning brews—particularly its Outlaw Milk Stout that has amassed numerous medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF)—this classic pub not only bakes its own amazing breads but also serves up classic pub fare that is just as delicious as its beers. From Beer-Steamed Pretzels and Molten Cheese Lava Loaf made with its famous Icky Bread to salads to amazing beer burgers to phenomenal pizzas to chef’s specials such as Wild Horse Ale-Battered Fish and Chips, you will want to come back and try everything on the menu. Twice. At least.
5. Poke Express, 655 W. Craig Road, Suite 118, North Las Vegas, NV 89032
A hidden gem tucked in the corner of a North Las Vegas strip mall, Poke (pronounced po’-kay) Express offers numerous varieties of Hawaii’s oh-so-popular raw fish salads. Its more common ahi and salmon poke and the more exotic crab and tako (octopus) poke are prepared with the freshest ingredients and various spices and heat levels that rival the best Hawaiian restaurants. A carry-out establishment only, what better way to channel the big island than with a poolside picnic?
6. Restaurante Yesenia, 581 E Moana Lane, Reno, NV 89502
This Mexican-Guatemalan-Salvadorian eatery is tops in the state. Known particularly for its authentic pupusas—a traditional Salvadoran dish comprised of a thick, homemade corn tortilla filled with different meat ground into a paste, cheeses, and beans. Another amazing best-seller is the Mojarra Frita (deep fried whole tilapia) that is beyond words.
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7. Rollin Smoke Barbeque, 3185 S. Highland Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89109
With two new locations at: 4115 S. Grand Canyon Dr., Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89147 and 725 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Suites 110 and 210, Las Vegas, NV 89101, Rollin Smoke is THE barbeque joint in Sin City. With brisket, hot links, chicken, and several types of ribs—baby back, spare, and beef with a variety of rubs and sauces—as well as smoked fish, shrimp, and meatloaf, if you are in the mood for some good ole barbeque, this is where you need to be. Rollin Smoke also offers a daily all-you-can-eat special and hot and cold party packs to go.
8. Villa Basque Cafe,
730 Basque Way, Carson City, NV 89706
Home of the Best Breakfast in Carson City, owners/chefs Pete and Martha Coscarart’s Villa Basque Deli has tantalized the taste buds of locals and visitors alike with their take on traditional Basque delicacies. Pete’s Famous Chorizo—a family recipe born in Battle Mountain, NV in 1984—is used in sumptuous dishes like the Chorizo Stuffed Chile Rellenos and Traditional Paella, and is also sold separately along with other regional favorites. Rounding out the menu is incredible Pozole and a variety of traditional desserts.
There is far more to the great state of Nevada than the lights and glitz of Las Vegas. The state is naturally beautiful with much to see and amazing non-mainstream restaurants guaranteed to tickle your taste buds and keep you yearning for more. Did I miss your favorite Nevada eatery? If so, please let me know in the comments below.
This Nevada Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.
Delilah at The Wynn Las Vegas is a great place to dine - but it offers so much more than great food. If you're looking for a dining experience you'll always remember - this is it!
There are over 2,000 restaurants to choose from when dining in Las Vegas, Nevada, and so many of them are special. You can have an incredible and memorable breakfast, lunch, or dinner at any one of them, and it's often hard to narrow down the selections, let alone choose a single one. Due to this difficulty, it's often wise to choose a Las Vegas restaurant that not only offers an elevated, satisfying meal, but one that's also offers an unforgettable dining experience overall. When the food, setting, service, and entertainment all comes into play, you're sure to have a time to remember.
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One special restaurant in this unique and vibrant city that offers all of the above and more is Delilah at The Wynn Las Vegas. This spot bills itself as "a modern-day supper club" and it certainly fits that billing perfectly. It's located right by the Tower Suites registration desk on the main floor of this upscale hotel and casino. When you step inside Delilah, you'll feel like you've been transported back to the 1950s and to the glitz and glamour of early Las Vegas showrooms and nightclubs.
Delilah is only open for dinner and beyond - which makes sense, as it's a supper club - and the dress code is "upscale casual chic," although you'll find that the emphasis among dinner guests tends to lean more toward the upscale than the casual. Children under 12 are not permitted at all, and Delilah is 21+ and over after 7 p.m., thereby encouraging a vibe and atmosphere that leans hard toward adult cocktail party as opposed to one that implies family fun.
The food you'll find at Delilah fits the restaurant's theme, but you won't find weird, unappetizing, vintage 1950s gelled or loafed dishes on the menu. Instead, you'll find appetizers like Spicy Tuna Tartare, Black Truffle Lobster Rolls, and Prime Beef Carpaccio and mains including Delilah Beef Wellington, King Crab Cavatelli Alla Vodka, and Ora King Salmon. Diners rave about "The Only Caviar Service" as an add on; it includes ossetra caviar, tiny waffles, whipped crème fraîche, parsley, shallot, and eggs mimosa.
Be sure to leave room for dessert, though, because Delilah's desserts are as flavorsome as they are beautiful. Of course, no 1950s menu would be complete without Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, but you also might opt for Grandmas's Gooey Butter Cake which is full of guava jam, vanilla bean crème fraîche, and makrut lime, or a heavenly Delilah Sundae that's built for sharing with a companion.
Of course, Delilah also has a late night scene on weekends and a late night menu for those night that is offered starting at 11 p.m., making it the perfect spot to go after seeing a Vegas show with your date. Options like Delilah's Famous Chicken Tenders, Waygu Yakitori Skewers, or Korean Street Tacos are all fantastic options that will give you fuel to continue enjoying your Las Vegas night.
What truly makes the Delilah experience special, though, is the entertainment. This restaurant is, after all, a supper club, and you can enjoy live music, special performances, and DJs while you dine. Sunday Night Jazz is especially popular. You'll love sipping 1950s-inspired specialty cocktails while you listen to and watch the performers.
Delilah is considered one of Las Vegas' most beautiful restaurants and the design and decor was inspired by photos of the Strip from long ago. You will surely be amazed by the attention to detail and comfort throughout the space. A night at Delilah at The Wynn Las Vegas should be on the itinerary of every visitor to Las Vegas, and surely once you visit this restaurant once, you'll want to return every time you come back to the city. Be sure to reserve a table ahead of time so you don't miss out, and when you do go, get ready to have a fantastic overall dining experience at Delilah!
Looking to stay at or near The Wynn Las Vegas for your next trip to Vegas? Booking.com has deals that can't be beat!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...