Eating and Drinking at CBC Las Vegas — A Local’s Guide
Author: Chris Overlay (Las Vegas Local)
As someone who lives in Vegas (and grew up here), I’m stoked that CBC is coming to town. It’s going to be great to share the city with so many friends from the industry (and to save on travel expenses if I’m being honest). Anytime a friend or family member comes to visit, I love sharing insider intel on my favorite watering holes and places to grub down, so the decision to whip up this guide was an easy one.
The Las Vegas Strip is massive, with many tantalizing options for any palate. You won’t have any trouble finding world-class restaurants and bars named after celebrities. This guide isn’t for that.
This is for folks looking for local secrets and undercover gems. If you’re in search of the best craft beer in town, delicious food that won’t blow your budget, or just some help to not feel lost, you’ll find it here.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas!
Finding Great Craft Beer
The Arts District
The best place for craft beer that is near-enough to the Venetian is the Downtown Arts District - located just 3 miles away (10 min via Uber, 30 min if you take the Monorail). The Arts District is 1000% worth the quick trip, especially after the long expo days. Here are a few spots to look for.
Able Baker
In my opinion, this is the best craft beer in all of Vegas. They’ve won a few national awards too. Pro tip: get a flight because you get to keep the little rubber duck that comes with it.
CraftHaus
They brew their beer down in Henderson but the taproom in the Arts District is great. If they have the Bubbly Hedgehog on tap (Vanilla Coffee Cream Ale), don’t pass it up.
Hop Nuts
Lots of great beer, plus they have a full bar (if you need something spicier than beer).
Nevada Brew Works
Solid beer + they have excellent pizza.
HUDL Brewing Company
Solid Beer + there’s a BBQ spot right next door.
On The Strip
Most bars on the strip are going to serve a handful of the same set of 10-12 Busch/Coors beers. Sometimes you’ll get lucky, but you’re better off looking beyond the lobby bars.
Beerhaus (1.7 miles from the Venetian)
Located near T-Mobile Arena and across the street from the MGM grand, this spot is excellent for craft beer. Us locals make it a usual stop when headed to Golden Knights games at T-Mobile arena. They have a HUGE selection of beer from around the world, including lots of local and regional craft beers.
Yardhouse in the Linq Promenade (0.4 miles from the Venetian)
Yeah yeah, Yardhouse is a chain spot, but you have to remember that most bars on the strip are slinging mainly Coors and Bud products. Yardhouse is undercover a great spot to find craft beer on the Strip.
Gordon Biersch (1.4 miles from the Venetian)
This one is a little off-strip, but not too far. I love going here because I love German-style beers. They have a great food menu too.
Hofbrauhaus (2 miles from the Venetian)
It’s absolutely a tourist trap, but they do serve some tasty German beers. Plus you can buy your buddy a shot of Jameson and watch the server paddle them.
Finding Tasty Eats
Eataly in front of Park MGM (1.6 miles from The Venetian)
This is like a high-end public market. Super bomb food ranging from pizza to sliced beef sandwhiches and more. It’s a little on the pricier side but not near as bad as other spots.
The Linq Promenade (0.4 miles from The Venetian)
This whole area is a great place to wander around, drink, and grab some grub. There’s BBQ, a YardHouse, dessert spots, and an In-N-Out all within walking distance from each other.
In-N-Out Burger (0.4 miles from The Venetian)
Especially for all you Midwest and East Coast people, go eat at In-N-Out. This spot is known for having a secret menu, so you have to ask for the good stuff. Ask for grilled onions on your burger. If you are really into it, ask for your burger to be “animal style” which means it will come with grilled onions, pickles, and extra sauce (basically Thousand Island). If you are craving something sweet, ask for a Neapolitan shake. It’s good stuff, trust me.
The Arts District (2-3 miles from The Venetian)
There are several local spots in the Arts District. It’s hard to go wrong down there, but here are a few to look out for:
Tacotarian (vegetarian)
Eats on East Fremont Street (4 miles from The Venetian)
Check out Evel Pie for pizza, the entire place is themed like a punk rock homage to Evel Knievel.
Eureka! is an American Craft Eatery that has a great menu. Plus, you’ll be right in the East Fremont district which is home to lots of other bars and just a short walk to the famous Fremont Street Experience.
For a great brunch, check out Peyote. They are nestled in a neat little art shopping nook and have excellent food.
The Taco Bell Cantina (1.2 miles from The Venetian)
Hear me out… this isn’t your standard Taco Bell. This is an EXPERIENCE complete with DJ, full bar, frozen slushie baja blast, and of course a full Taco Bell menu.
Tacos and Beer (1.4 miles from The Venetian)
This one isn’t exactly on the Strip, but it isn’t far - just a couple of blocks East of the Strip, North of Flamingo Rd. I wouldn’t walk there at night, but an easy Uber ride for sure. They have a great Taco menu plus lots of craft beer on the menu.
W Spring Mountain Rd - The Vegas Chinatown (2 miles from The Venetian)
Up this road are TONS of excellent spots, but it’s another off-strip excursion.
Pho Kim Long is known for excellent Vietnamese.
Sushi Neko is a great spot for sushi.
Cheap, Dirty, and Delicious
Roberto’s Taco shops are pretty prevalent around the city. If you really need a hangover cure, order the Carne Asada Fries.
White Castle: Personally, I’m not a big fan of this place, but I know lots of people love it. It’s not far from the Venetian either. (0.2 miles from the Venetian)
Whataburger: This famously known chain in Texas is brand new to the Strip. If they have the Dr. Pepper shake available, get it. (1.5 miles from the Venetian)
Need To Ball Out for A Steak Dinner?
Golden Steer is amazing. It’s the second oldest restaurant in Vegas and has hosted all your classic Vegas celebs. It’s not even close to cheap, but worth it if you’re feeling like a big shot. (2 miles from the Venetian)
Other Stuff You Should Consider
ABC Stores
These little shops are tucked away in several casinos throughout the strip and are a sort of locals' secret weapon for drinking cheap. You’ll find way better prices on beer and liquor in these places. Most of the selection is your standard big-company brands, but you can occasionally get lucky and find some craft-ish brews for cheap.
The Forum Shops at Caesars (0.7 miles from the Venetian)
Lots of great shopping here, plenty to eat too. The real gem is tucked way in the back - a full-on animatronic show featuring Poseidon himself!
The Miracle Mile Shops (1 mile from the Venetian)
Another huge shopping experience, located at Planet Hollywood. You’ll typically find cheaper food options here, plus there’s an ABC store.
Fremont Street (3 miles from the Venetian)
This is classic Vegas! You have to at least make one trip down there to experience it, I promise you won’t regret it. You’ll find street performers (some of them topless), cheap(er) gambling, and of course the world-famous Fremont Street Experience. There’s also a brand new “Carousel Bar” at the Plaza which is supposed to be really neat.
NuWu Cannabis (5 miles from the Venetian)
If you are into it, this spot is one of the only dispensaries where you can consume on-site. They have a cafe where you can buy canna-cocktails and partake in various other items. Located near Fremont Street.
