Carmen's Tip

Lago occupies prime, waterfront real estate on Las Vegas Blvd. Views from the main dining room, day or night, are AMAZING! For the main course, you can share their Branzino, Osso Bucco, or any one of their delicious pizzas. Also, you don’t need to be having brunch to order a couple of bottles of champagne. You can and should dip anything that is dippable in their roasted romesco sauce.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

SW has an impressive selection of Japanese and domestic Wagyu, and I suggest the Kobe Ribeye, although the braised short rib would be my second choice. Some delicious sides I recommend are the King Crab & Artichoke Gratin and SW French Fries. When making a reservation, which I highly suggest you do, be sure to request that you’d like to sit out on the patio or at a table with a nice view. Dress code is business casual.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

The best time to visit Eggslut is for breakfast or for a quick bite instead of a sit-down lunch. Eggslut always has a line; so instead use your Uber Eats app to place a pick-up order ahead of time. That way you're not waiting in line while you’re slowly starving.

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Carmen's Tip

Grab a drink before heading to dinner or for after-dinner drinks and some live entertainment as well as a DJ. Definitely ask your bartender for the mezcal pairing menu. Israel is their best bartender, and he will chat it up and mix up some pretty great-tasting cocktails.

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Carmen's Tip

This is an ideal place to enjoy a nice lunch with a view of the Strip and the Bellagio Fountains, a fun brunch with friends, or a glass of champagne and dessert. When making a reservation ask for outdoor seating or indoor window seating, it's not guaranteed, but it's the best way to experience this restaurant.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

I suggest making a reservation in advance and requesting to be seated in any of their locations with a great view if it is available. Before or after dining would be an ideal time to explore the conservatory, the Bellagio Fountains, or the Bellagio shops for a little retail therapy.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

Have your server bring around the rum cart. They have a really nice selection of rums and fantastic rum-based cocktails. Save room for their Nutella tiramisu and some coffee!

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

There are so many great photo ops at this restaurant. Start with their main entrance and then to the left-hand side of the entrance there is a pink neon sign that reads “Good luck can be found under the sakura tree.” They are extremely busy from Thursday to Saturday because it is a pre-nightclub, dining spot.

Recommends

Carmen's Tip

Always ask for their daily specials, their Omakase offering is extremely reasonable for a restaurant on the Strip. No lines are the best lines. You will add your phone number and receive a text message when the order is ready for pick up from each spot. End your meal with their mochi ice cream and raspberry New York cheesecake with cotton candy flambé.

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Carmen's Tip

Saturday nights, their bar and lounge area turns into a slice of Miami with great live music and a DJ, you'll forget that you're in a Las Vegas desert restaurant lounge. Chica’s portions are shareable appetizer sizes, so start with a few dishes from each of their options. I would suggest getting a Cuban sandwich, chicken and waffles, shrimp tacos, and a few side dishes to create a nice variety of food. They have a full bar and 'for the table' drinks that serve up to eight people. The mezcal punch bowl will definitely get the party started. When it is time for dessert, ask your server about the “Flaming Skull,” its table-side presentation will surely impress you. It's an easy walk to XS afterward if you have dinner, otherwise, make a day out of it for brunch!

Recommends

Carmen's Tip

Take your time to look around at the entrance, bar area, and as you enter the restaurant. The attention to detail that was put into their decor is worth a proper look. For the main course, try the branzino and wagyu on a hot stone and don’t forget the “HIT ME” chocolate cake, a perfect dessert to celebrate a 21st birthday!

+ 1 Recommend

Carmen's Tip

Even though Joe’s is known nationwide for being a really good seafood restaurant, they make some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. Personally, the king crab tower, the ahi tuna tartare, and the crab cakes are my favorites. These options always hit the spot and fulfill my craving for some really good seafood. Ask to see their dessert menu along with their main menu. This is important because usually, you won’t find out until the end that they have ridiculously good pie options for dessert and you must save room! Dress code is resort casual for lunch and business casual for dinner.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

This is a local and global celebrity hot spot. It’s definitely one of those places to see and be seen. First and foremost: you can order chicken tenders with two really good sauces and be dressed to the nines without judgment. The Encore Plateau (seafood tower) goes great with a bottle of champagne. I also really enjoyed their Prosciutto and Summer Melon dish.

+ 1 Recommend

Carmen's Tip

The entrance to this restaurant is a bar and retail area that is designed like a convenience/liquor store in Los Angeles. A great place to pick up gifts for yourself or others. A hostess will take you through some plastic freezer strip doors as if you were walking into a meat freezer. On the other side is the restaurant, set up like a traditional Korean BBQ spot. Some of my favorites on their menu are definitely the Kim Chee Friend Rice, Short Rib Tacos, and Fried Chicken. They also have a full bar, so try the Green Apple Bomb (Crown Royal Apple) or their Frosé (Frozen Rose).

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

Their menu changes seasonally, and most of their produce is sourced from local farms here in Nevada. My favorites include the wagyu dumplings, oxtail hummus, hamachi kama, and their braised short rib. At the bar, some of the drink options might seem too unique, but don’t be afraid to try them; the bartenders are engaging and will describe all the fresh ingredients and reasons behind their combination of spirits and mixers.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

This restaurant is great for couples, groups, and stopping by solo or with friends for a drink at their beautiful bar. Not recommended for children. I ordered the Wagyu Tacos and Hamachi, and both exceeded expectations. If your server does not immediately offer it, order their fire shots! Typically, they are made with tequila or mezcal but I got mine with whiskey and it was delicious! There are too many good options for dessert; we tried the Strawberry Tres Leches and the Brown Butter Cake.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

The bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich, the short rib & egg poutine, and their avocado toast are all 3 fire emoji’s in my book.

Recommends

Carmen's Tip

The “Weekender” is a gin-based beverage that is extremely refreshing and compliments its fresh flavor profiles perfectly. Their Sparkling Lemonade and Ronald Palmer (not a typo, be sure to ask the server the story behind the name of this drink), will ensure that everyone has a cute drink to toast within the obligatory boomerang photo bursts. Lunch is perfect for their pre-fixed menu and dinner is just as satisfying.

+ 1 Recommend

Carmen's Tip

Always take a walk around before starting to create your meal(s), you don’t want to miss anything offered and you can get a better idea of how to put together your meal.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

If you have to wait to be seated, there is a great lounge area where you can comfortably enjoy a drink and listen to some music. After being seated, start with an old-fashioned! Pair your beverage with some of my favorites: deep-fried Thai shrimp, bone marrow with a tower of toasted bread & shallot marmalade, or their tomahawk ribeye. Don’t skip dessert; the “les nyc” donuts have sauces. Need I say more?

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

The conservatory has great natural light that beams in during the day through a skylight opening but is also well-lit during the evening. Plan to take countless selfies and Insta photos! The first hour of parking is free, so you can see the gardens and leave before you are charged.

+ 1 Recommend

Carmen's Tip

Plan ahead for your golfing adventures by booking tee times up to 120 days in advance and setting calendar reminders. Remember, early tee times are popular during warmer months, so secure yours promptly. Additionally, consider shipping or renting golf clubs, and be mindful of overseeding typically occurring in September.

Recommends

Carmen's Tip

Since we can no longer see this iconic performer in person, this is literally the closest thing to it (you’ll get it when you see the show). You will remember just how many of his songs you know and will be singing and dancing from start to finish. Get to the venue about 30 minutes prior to your show and allow yourself time to visit the restroom, take some pictures, and grab a drink.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

The club is home to 3 dance floors, 5 bars, premium bottle service, seductive dancers, an elegant fish tank, and talent-serving drag shows in a tri-section trinity of excessive titillation. The DJ sets are as fire as the drinks, and both are relentlessly intoxicating! It’s three parties at once all the time; it's limitless energy. Show up early if you want to get a good parking spot next to the club. There is also plenty of extra free parking just down the street behind Quad Z. It takes a couple of hours for the entire venue to open. At first, it’s confined to the first dance floor/bar area. Arrive early and get your re-entry stamp to skip the huge entry line that forms.

Recommends

Carmen's Tip

Purchase tickets in advance and check the website for discounts or closures due to special events. If you go with a Las Vegas resident, you will save $5 off The Glow Experience and $4 off general admission. It is fully outdoors, and you'll be walking on desert terrain, so be aware of that for your comfort level.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

Tickets for entry can be purchased ahead of time and online through their website. For groups or bottle service utilize a VIP host.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

Some ideas to make this even more fun: bring props, dress up (no 21st birthday sashes, remember that you are wayyyy more creative than that), make a funny sign, and work on the poses and placement of the group beforehand! It is proper 'Welcome to Las Vegas Sign etiquette' to offer to take the picture of the person in front of you or behind you and then ask them to do the same for you. It is about 10-15 minutes from anywhere on the Strip. Traffic may create a delay, so anticipate that on weekends when it's extremely busy. Walking back after you visit if the weather is nice is a great way to sightsee on the Strip.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

I’ve always preferred to have bottle service from the 2nd level. From this area, you can see the nightclub and DJ performances in their entirety. If you want to be right in the middle of the action, head down to the dance floor. Utilizing a VIP Host is the best way to make arrangements for bottle service. Purchase what are called “Fast Flats”; these are foldable ballerina shoes that could fit in your purse. These will make all the sense in the world at the end of the night after you’ve been dancing, drinking, and living your best life.

Recommends

Carmen's Tip

There are multiple tour options on their website. Definitely check out the speakeasy. If you are pressed for time or do not want to stay and have a drink, at least pop in and look around. All ages are allowed in the main museum, but the speakeasy is 21 and older only. Don’t just plan to see this attraction while you are in the area. Make a day or night of it and explore Downtown Las Vegas. Buy tickets in advance. This attraction sells out daily, and last-minute tickets are never guaranteed.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

Whether you want to listen to live music, get a palm reading, or take pictures with all kinds of characters, Fremont has it all, including a zipline! I suggest going right before sunset and planning to stay for a few hours. There are so many places to get a drink or something to eat, including Vegas Vickie's inside Circa. Make sure to get a picture of the iconic cowgirl while there! Look up, take your time looking around, and take a lot of pictures. If someone is in a rush, don’t let them rush your experience. Bringing your phone charger will ensure a great experience.

+ 2 Recommend

Carmen's Tip

Go for a walk around the installation, take pictures from all angles, and just hang out in nature and people-watch. Mornings and evenings are a great time to visit, but it depends on what temperature you are comfortable with and what lighting you are trying to get. It can be visited while you’re out at the Lion Habitat, visiting the Henderson area, or if you’re heading to Southern California! Stop at the gas station on Las Vegas Blvd, right across from the M Resort Hotel and Casino. Stop in, get water, and use the restroom before heading to this attraction. There is a port-a-potty at this location, but it requires payment, and the condition is unknown.

+ 1 Recommend

Carmen's Tip

You're going to need both hands for this show, one to hold a delicious cocktail and the other to repeatedly pick your jaw up off the ground. Take time to explore the venue because it is pretty cool, with its hidden rooms and spaces, and it has great views the higher up you go. You'll discover some hidden photo ops. The venue is moderate in size, and there is really no place to hide, but in a good way. Sitting in the front row gives you a higher chance of becoming part of the show. This seat location is not for the shy or timid.

Recommends

Carmen's Tip

The ushers for this show are extremely helpful in finding your seat and the nearest restroom and bar. The bar used in the show is an actual bar; if you get there early, you can purchase a drink and take some cool pictures!

Recommends

Carmen's Tip

For clubbers who love a beachy, natural vibe, the overall aesthetic of AYU is Balinese-themed, with elements of nature incorporated into its design. When going to a pool party, it is always best to purchase entry tickets online or connect with a host to make arrangements prior. For women, always bring a cover-up of some sort, as all resorts require guests to be covered up when walking through the hotel. Men must wear shirts and shoes when walking through hotels as well. From June through mid-September, they have a summer concert series at the pool, and Wednesday nights are Industry nights with access to the AYU Pool. If your weekend is filled with partying during the day and at night, get an IV hydration treatment at their facility or order up to your hotel room to help rehydrate while replenishing electrolytes and vitamins.

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

Just do it! You will not regret this experience; it is so unique and really fun! If you are a nervous flyer, there's no need to worry, they offer their guests a glass of champagne pre-flight. This experience is great for children two and older, as well as solo travelers, couples, and groups. They have a max weight limit of 300 pounds per person. Maverick offers a shuttle pick-up from your hotel and a return with their premium option including a car service. Book your flight times and purchase tickets in advance. The Vegas Views experience fills up quickly.

+ 1 Recommend

Carmen's Tip

This entertainment space is all about immersive art experiences. The outdoor sculpture garden is your first glimpse of this unique concept, and the main area inside is just as vibrant and imaginative. The interior is filled with art installations, colorful lighting, and a range of activities and dining to choose from. Their most immersive are Meow Wolf's Omega Mart, and Illuminarium.

+ 4 Recommend

Carmen's Tip

It is always best to make appointments in advance so you can pick your service provider (male or female options), alert them of any allergies (like nut-based oils), and get the date and time you want. Bring a bathing suit to lounge in the vitality pool and monsoon rain showers if you don't want to be nude during your massage or body treatments. Properly hydrate before your spa day and make lunch reservations for after you're done. Javier's is right next door!

Recommend

Carmen's Tip

The Garden is renowned for its bold Drag Brunch show on weekends, starring famous drag performers from RuPaul's Drag Race and local talents. General admission for the Drag Brunch is $80, and booking in advance on their website is advised. Indoor seating ensures more interaction with the stars, but outdoor seats also offer a good experience. Happy hour specials run from 5-7, featuring cocktails, wine, and snacks. Sunday Fundays include $25 bottomless mojitos and late-night drag shows. Drag Bingo events are free and entertaining. Reserving online is recommended due to high demand. Located in the Arts District, the venue offers ample free parking and easy access via ride-hailing services.

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