Hello, Late Night! Good Bye, Buffets… and Italian… and Mexican…
Food News Leftovers
Following the pandemic-related shutdowns, Las Vegas suffered a number of cultural shifts. But is late-night Vegas making a comeback? Some standout Bellagio eateries are betting on it by staying open and keeping the flavor going until the early morning on weekends. Italian spot Lago now serves 15 antipasti, salads, pizzas and desserts until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. And beginning May 22, the Japanese Yellowtail will join them with sushi, gyoza, bento boxes, and more. It’s perfect for those chasing a post-club respite, a win streak, or an overnight bite beyond fast food.
Céad míle fáilte… A new chapter of Irish hospitality has begun! The Irish Spot is open in the former East Tropicana location of Crown & Anchor — itself a legendary British pub that welcomed UNLV faculty, students, and soccer fans for nearly 30 years before closing in 2024. Chef Ryan Whelan (who also operates gastropub The Spot on Desert Inn) took over the space, vowing to add some new menu items (Battered Sausage) while preserving some pub food faves (Fish & Chips). Also staying? The lively atmosphere (think pool table & darts) where fans often gathered at 4am to watch live soccer matches over a split-G Guinness.
After nearly three decades serving Henderson and beyond, the beloved Italian steakhouse Tuscany Grill is preparing to close. Known for its old-school charm and loyal following, the neighborhood favorite has a proud legacy of classic Italian comfort food and countless family memories. With two of three owners retiring, the business is being sold and will reopen as something new. The third partner, Mike McQuady, says he intends to find a new location for Tuscany — one of Henderson’s longest-open restaurants.
A 24/7 Mexican favorite — El Dorado Cantina — has exited Tivoli Village after six years, following a landlord dispute. This leaves Tivoli with two fewer restaurants (Ada’s recently moved to the Arts District). Known for its organic ingredients, bold flavors, and late-night appeal, El Dorado has a loyal following among locals, visitors and industry folks. For a fix of elevated Mexican fare, fans can still visit the Strip(per)-adjacent original location (Sammy Davis Jr. Dr), or the more casual sister-spot The Cantina.
The beginning of the era was 1946; the location was the original El Rancho hotel and casino. That’s when and where the $1 “chuckwagon” first appeared. Over the next 74 years, the legendary AYCE buffet became a Las Vegas icon as important as showgirls and shrimp cocktails. Now, one of the city’s few remaining gorgefests is set to shutter the steam tables and close the carving cart as the MGM Grand Buffet will end its run after service on May 31. The closure marks another loss as pandemic-era shifts continue to challenge classic Vegas vibes.
Spilling the Tea
A long-running East Fremont bar (one we like to imagine as the faculty lounge at Hogwarts) now has a split personality. During its previously-closed daytime hours, those who wander in will discover classic 90s espresso-fueled and croissant fed café vibes — coffee, cigarettes, sketch pads, half-written novels, maybe a laptop or two. Ready to polish up that screenplay?
Have you noshed the delish chicken sandos at Jive Turkey? Or perhaps smashed a bag of their smashburgers? You have Justin to thank for that, as he’s the man behind the grill. The bad news? He recently suffered a stroke. The good? He’s up and about, but will need physical therapy. The Huntridge-area gastropub (in the old Mahoney’s Music, for you old timers) is holding a fundraiser this Thursday, April 30.
Pet Peeve of the Week
“I hate when the music is so loud you can’t hear the person across the table.”–Joann S
Order of the Week
Chilangos@ Letty's de Leticia Cocina
This house-special street-style dish leans into the comfort of beef quesa birria tacos, but with a twist. It’s layered and built for big flavor. Expect hearty, saucy, and savory bites that are unapologetically rich. It’s the kind of dish that eats more like a late-night food-cart find in CDMX than a polished restaurant plate. Yum!
