By Captain And Clark, on April 30, 2013

Las Vegas off the Strip eats

Las Vegas, the city of bright lights, ubiquitous casinos, and endless buffets draws tourists from all over the world. Casinos and clubs aside, Vegas is also famous for its celebrity chefs and fine dinning. While the Strip serves up some of the best food in the west, the jackpots are the diamonds in the rough that are often found off the Strip. See some of our favorite food stops below. 

Firefly 

Firefly is usually our first stop off the plane. It’s a favorite for visitors and locals alike and it is here that tapas reign supreme. Prepare your mouth to be assaulted by an extensive menu full of mouthwatering dishes. Wash your choices down with a pitcher of their refreshing sangria. If wine isn’t your thing, try a blood orange mojito. With so many options to choose from on the menu, it’s hard to have the same thing twice.

We recommend ordering at least one tapas dish from every section of the menu. We would start with the apple and manchengo salad, followed by firefly fries topped with parmesan cheese, herbs, and aioli. From the seafood menu, try the camarones a la diabla and finish this sample platter off with the filet mignon sliders. If you’re still hungry, go for another round or order a sweet treat from the dessert menu – the gelato trio or passion fruit mini-cheesecake is sure to leave you satisfied.

Todd’s Unique Dining

 

 

Viewfinder Tip: Hard as it may be, save room for dessert.

 

 

Located in an unassuming strip mall in Henderson, Todd’s Unique Dining offers fresh seasonal ingredients year-round. Owner and chef Todd Clore is renowned for his attention to detail. His ever-changing menu boasts rare and exotic ingredients and is quite progressive. Fan favorites include jalapeno mashed potatoes and goat cheese wontons with a raspberry basil sauce. While the entrees at Todd’s usually get the most attention, the dessert is not to be missed. Dip your spoon into the luxurious Toddamiso (the house tiramisu) or the nutella creme brulee with a side of buttermilk cinnamon ice cream. The friendly and relaxing atmosphere makes Todd’s a great place for a laid-back date night.

Poppy Den

Hunky chef Angelo Sosa, a former Top Chef contestant, has traveled all across Asia to bring these exotic fusion dishes to the table at Poppy Den. He thinks of his cuisine as an extension of who he is and take great care in planning his menu. Favorites among guests include the watermelon salad with goat cheese and candied wasabi along with his intricate quinoa fried rice with sun dried pineapple. Sosa’s bold and intense fusion of flavors will have you longing for more.

The signature Poppy Fries with kim cheese sauce (get it?) are a perfect blend of common and exotic flavors. If you’re not full after a caesar salad with yuzu dressing or the shrimp and coconut grits, definitely go for dessert. The sake strawberry shortcake with black pepper whipped cream is the house favorite and will push your taste buds to their limit.

Oscar’s Beef Booze Broads

When in Vegas, right? If the name itself doesn’t sell you, then stunning views of Fremont Street definitely will. Opened by former Las Vegas mayor, Oscar B. Goodman, and situated inside the iconic dome of the Plaza Hotel and Casino, Oscar’s Beef Booze Broads is definitely dining with a view. Aged grass-fed steaks and made from scratch side dishes are the highlight of this mobster-themed restaurant. Sink your teeth into a Joey C’s Filet Mignon or the Oscar Mayor Weiner Schnitzel, a grilled bone-in veal chop paillard topped with radicchio arugula and endive salad. Side dishes include “clean face” onion rings, Schmuley’s extraordinary mac and cheese, and Jose Leonardo’s roasted corn brulee. With “booze” in the name of the restaurant, you’re sure to find plenty to choose from, including quality handcrafted cocktails to accompany your meal. The best part? Happy hour is every day, including weekends, featuring half-priced drinks from 4-6 p.m. Now that’s what we call happy hour.

Where are your favorite places to eat in Las Vegas?