The AFM Las Vegas Edition: Where to Eat, Drink and Entertain

Las Vegas visitors soon realize they’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to culinary choices and a verified universe of nightlife.

Every indulgence is at hand, from fresh-from-Japan sushi to British-style high tea to steakhouses brimming with wagyu beef. An all-star list of celebrity chefs guides the Strip’s resort restaurants —topping the starry roster are Nobu Matsuhisa (Nobu), Gordon Ramsay (Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen), Thomas Keller (Bouchon Bistro), Guy Savoy (Restaurant Guy Savoy), Wolfgang Puck (Spago, Las Vegas), Martha Stewart (The Bedford by Martha Stewart) and Jose Andres (Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres).

Diners can ping-pong from Michelin-starred experiences to chain eateries like California’s much-loved burger franchise, In-N-Out Burger (The Flamingo’s outlet is the closest to the AFM).

There’s no shortage of late night and 24-hour spots in a marked change from Santa Monica’s early-close restaurant scene. And the alcohol never stops flowing when on the casino floor. Themed nightcaps are a given. Drop into downtown’s Stray Pirate Bar for innovative tropical cocktails or Chinatown’s 24-hourGolden Tiki, both imaginatively decorated to the kitschy max.

Film fans: take time to experience the world’s largest and highest resolution LED screen at Sphere, with two daily showings of the Darren Aronofsky-helmed “Postcard From Earth” showcasing the venue’s immersive imagery and sound.

Here’s where else to dine, drink or hang out after market hours.

BBQ Mexicana and Border Grill, Mandalay Bay

Los Angeles chefs Mary Sue Miliken and Susan Feniger pioneered the mash-up of farm fresh ingredients and Mexican cuisine at the Border Grill when it opened 25 years ago. BBQ Mexicana (across from Border Grill) is the duo’s fast casual concept and the place for breakfast burritos; the smoked beef brisket burrito with organic beans is a fail-safe power breakfast.

3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd., bbqmexicana.com

Flecha Cantina at Town Square

Actor/entrepreneur Mark Wahlberg is Las Vegas’ newest high-profile resident. In September, he opened Flecha Cantina serving reimagined Mexican standards. Ceviche and fajitas are on the menu along with vegetarian proteins like tofu chorizo. Most dishes pair easily with Wahlbergs’ additive-free, Flecha Azul tequila. Located off the strip and drawing crowds for happy hour, Wahlberg makes a point of dropping in when he’s town.

6683 S. Las Vegas Blvd Suite #109, flechacantina.com

Hotel Bar and Tea Lounge, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas

There are unimpeded views from the Waldorf Astoria’s 23rd floor Hotel Bar, which doubles as the sophisticated Tea Lounge Wednesday-Sunday afternoons. A non-gaming hotel, the Waldorf Astoria is a zen alternative to the Strip’s nosier properties. The Hotel Bar specializes in upscale cocktails, like the potent espresso martini, which promises a quick jump start. Caviar-topped toro tacos and wagyu beef sliders are two of the decadent bar bites. Traditional high tea comes with the requisite scones accompanied by Devonshire cream and elegant mini sandwiches, some filled with truffle cream cheese.

3752 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Waldorfastorialasvegas.com

Mother Wolf at Fontainebleau

The stylish Italian eatery features a similar look to the Hollywood original, with red-and-gold brocade-covered banquettes, comfortable leather chairs, parquet floors and an ornate mirrored back bar. Count on chef Evan Funke’s signature wood-fired pizzas and Roman specialties (pasta is only served al dente). Funke’s devoted following equals a tough reservation but bar seating and of course, picture-perfect cocktails available too.

2777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, fountainebleulasvegas.com

Orla

Opened in early 2024, Orla from chef Michael Mina at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is inspired by the talented chef’s Mediterranean roots. Shareable appetizers range from his pillowy hummus paired with puffed pita bread (served warm and baked in house) or big eye tuna over crispy falafel. Seafood dishes are among Mina’s favorites to prepare: the whole chargrilled and butterflied Branzino is subtly spiced. The varied kebab plate for two is a satisfying feast.

3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd., mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com

RPM Italian

This Chicago import (from the same restaurant family as RPM Steak and RPM Seafood) delivers the highest caliber steaks, seafood and house made pasta at RPM Italian. There’s a weekday three-course prix fixe lunch menu ($35) and daily happy hour. Start with the prime beef meatballs, follow with hand cut pasta topped with short rib Bolognese and finish with a showstopper: a flaming meringue torte, singed tableside and then covered in a warm chocolate sauce.

3500 Las Vegas Blvd., rpmrestaurants.com

Palms Resort & Casino

There are 10 restaurants on site to satisfy every appetite. A.Y.C.E. (All You Can Eat) Buffet hits all the proteins, sweets and Asian specialties. The extensive buffet will open one hour earlier each morning at 8 a.m. during the AFM. Reservations are required for lobster night on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Extended hours at the indoor/outdoor Laguna Pool House + Kitchen are from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Chow down on classic comfort food like burgers, burritos and pizzas. Italian mainstay Vetri Cucina will serve lunch (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) in addition to scheduled dinner service. Smoked meats (pork, chicken and tri-tip) and all-American barbecue sides are on the menu at Michael Symon’s Mabel’s Bar & Q, open every day with brunch from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. daily. Happy hour specials Monday through Thursday are reason enough to drop into Scotch 80 Prime; a special lunch menu will be offered daily 11 a.m.-2 p.m. during AFM.

4321 W. Flamingo Rd., palms.com