Features

Your Guide to the Best Brunch in Las Vegas

It’s more than a morning(ish) meal, it’s a celebration

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Order the Fleur Tasting when brunching at Hubert Keller’s Mandalay Bay headquarters.
Photo: Mikayla Whitmore

Vegas brunch is not just a chance to combine breakfast and lunch, nor is it merely waffles with mimosas on the side. In this city, whether you’re on the Strip or in the ’burbs, brunch is a scene as much as a meal. You spend your weekdays plotting your Saturday and/or Sunday spot with your brunch squad, studying the menu for that perfect dish that’ll be as scrumptious as it is ’gramtastic. And when you get there and see people you know doing the same thing, you know you’re in the right place. Let us shine the light on the Vegas brunches you love—and the ones you’ve yet to fall for.

Bennies and doughnuts at Andiron Steak & Sea.

ANDIRON This lively respite from the desert was built for brunching. Start with avocado toast topped with pickled Fresno chili, then head for the hash skillet, its braised shortrib and fingerling potatoes endowed with delicate smoke courtesy of a wood-fired grill. Bask in the playful ambiance—there’s a DJ and a table of nostalgic candy—while sipping bottomless Champagne cocktails and Bloody Marys built to your exact specifications. Downtown Summerlin, 702-685-8002. –Jim Begley

ANDRE'S BISTRO This new southwest spot marks chef Andre Rochat’s triumphant return to neighborhood dining. Down mimosas, rosés or seasonal punches while dining on perfect bistro fare, including an airy quiche Lorraine, an immaculate Croque Madame and buttery pain au chocolat. As the weather turns, the patio becomes a must-visit destination on the circuit. 6115 S. Fort Apache Road, 702-798-7151. –JB

BARDOT BRASSERIE Immerse in classic Frenchness as you sample executive chef Josh Smith’s brunch specialties. Fill your flutes from the Champagne cart or browse rosé options, then indulge in a sublime king crab crepe or hearty prime steak tartare adorned with paper-thin waffle chips. Return often, so you can work your way through croissant Benedicts, which include beef bourguignon, smoked salmon and Maine lobster. Aria, 877-230-2742. –JB

Bardot’s brunch menu demands deep exploration.

BOTTIGLIA The weekend menu is filled with high-quality fare at this Tuscan-inspired casino space. A couple of suggestions: burrata and tomato caprese, which pairs ripe heirlooms and sweet cheese, and baked gnocchi arrabiata, which brings spicy balance to a soulful, baked pasta dish. Between the food and the bright décor, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation. Green Valley Ranch Resort, 702-617-7075. –Jason Harris

BUDDY V'S What was it that won the Cake Boss’ spot Best Sunday Brunch honors at the Silver State Culinary Awards? A kid-friendly buffet setup, with interactive food stations? A flawless charcuterie and cheese selection? A carving board with maple ham and smoky slab bacon? Warm crepes, with every topping you can imagine? All of the above? All of the above. Palazzo, 702-607-2355. –Brock Radke

CHARCOAL ROOM Summerlin, Green Valley, Downtown and the Strip are the brunch hot spots, but the northwest has the goods, too. This underrated steakhouse launched Saturday brunch in September, banging out crab cakes, seared salmon hash with dill Hollandaise, bottomless bubbles and ice cream sundaes, easily worthy of the quick jaunt up the 95. Santa Fe Station, 702-515-4370. –BR

CRAFTKITCHEN The pastries steal the spotlight (and our hearts) at this brunch-every-day neighborhood café near Anthem. Flaky croissants, Nutella kouign-amanns, decadent cinnamon rolls and sticky buns … we want ’em all. Dishes range from healthy acai bowls to rich carnitas omelets, so you’re well-covered no matter your brunch mood. 10940 S. Eastern Ave. #107, 702-728-5828. –BR

The Croissant Sammy at Craft Kitchen is a buttery dream.

The Croissant Sammy at Craft Kitchen is a buttery dream.

FLEUR Simplify your day by ordering the Fleur Tasting, a parade of delicious items from chef Hubert Keller. The Hangover shortrib Benedict is superb—tender Angus beef perched atop a crispy potato cake, tied together with an impeccable red wine jus—and the omelet’s a fluffy wonder loaded with asparagus and juicy tomatoes. Everything comes easy here. Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7200. –JH

GIADA Giada is the Andiron of the Strip, an ideal atmosphere for friends, family and a midmorning meal. What do you want with your crisp polenta waffle: strawberries, grilled pineapple and Nutella; pancetta, over-easy eggs and béchamel; or cacciatore-spiced fried chicken? Just be sure to save room for the orange sticky bun. Or maybe get it first. The Cromwell, 855-442-3271. –BR

HEARTHSTONE Lurking amidst the many sweet and savory winners at chef Brian Massie’s open-space concept lies the coconut cream and seasonal fruit parfait, an inspired take on a classic. The salad of choice, a Brussels sprout Caesar, similarly elevates a familiar plate, with julienned apples playing nicely with a punchy dressing. Creativity sets this brunch apart. Red Rock Resort, 702-797-7344. –JH

HERRINGBONE Seafood and Italian favorites mingle at an Aria spot with an upscale hideaway vibe. The recently unveiled all-you-can-eat brunch includes a shellfish-centric Salt, Brine and Poke station, while the Kid in You station pairs—what else?—cereal and candy. Shoot for the patio, a hidden CityCenter oasis. Aria, 702-590-9898. –JB

HONEY SALT You can pick out the true Honey Salt addicts at brunchtime—they come for lunch and dinner every now and then, yet miraculously arrive each weekend. Some say it’s the honey bourbon sauce on the monkeybread that hooks ’em, but the lemon chicken salad and truffled grilled cheese sandwich are equally alluring. 1031 S. Rampart Blvd., 702-445-6100. –BR

Jardin's Cajun Mary.

JARDIN Since Botero transformed into swanky three-mealer Jardin—and refreshed and expanded its lush, poolside setting—this spot along the Wynn-Encore promenade near XS Nightclub has become a brunch fave for the beautiful people. That’ll certainly be the case Sunday when Encore Beach Club’s Ultimate Bodies brunch fuels up a crew of Vegas fitness and industry standouts at Jardin before the party hits EBC. Prime pairing: chef Joe Zanelli’s crispy buttermilk chicken sandwich with the Ragin’ Cajun Bloody Mary. Encore, 702-770-3463. –BR

JULIAN SERRANO One of Vegas’ great tapas bars presents a brunch conundrum: Stick with the small plates you love, like goat cheese-stuffed piquillo peppers and the egg-chorizo French fry bliss known as huevos estrellados? Or go big with special brunch entrées like chocolate brioche French toast and peekytoe crab Benedict with confit tomato? The answer, of course, is sí. Aria, 877-230-2742. –BR

KITCHEN TABLE An immediate Henderson hot spot, KT offers a mix of memorable American and Latin dishes. Breakfast taquitos feature chorizo, pickled cabbage and avocado crema. The country Benedict—chicken-fried steak and chipotle gravy over biscuits—sets up a perfect post-meal nap. And don’t miss out on the monkey bread, gooey cinnamon heaven. 1716 Horizon Ridge Parkway #100, 702-478-4782. –JH

LAVO Brunch can be a reprieve from a weekend of partying, but sometimes it’s an excuse to continue the revelry. The fun never ends at Lavo, where truffle and pancetta breakfast mac and cheese, Cap’n Crunch-crusted chicken and waffles, and classic Wagyu meatballs are ready to be washed down with bottomless prosecco cocktails. Palazzo, 702-791-1800. –JB

Lavo’s lemon ricotta waffles.

LAZY DOG In this case, “lazy” reflects the laid-back feel, not the underrated kitchen. Most ingredients are made in-house, and the eclectic menu ranges from bacon and sausage-strewn Hawaiian fried rice to country chicken and biscuits with Cajun gravy-spiced maple syrup. If so inclined, you can also dine with a four-legged friend on the canine-friendly patio. Downtown Summerlin, 702-727-4784; Town Square, 702-941-1920. –JB

THE PERCH Haven’t heard much about this Downtown dining stop? Take your first lesson at brunch. Steak and egg tacos with avocado mousse and cheese and gravy-smothered biscuits await, along with and shrimp and grits with jalapeño-cheddar sauce. Also, there’s a bacon flight, and Jameson shots that taste like pancakes. Downtown Container Park, 702-553-2542. –BR

PublicUs' curry egg toast.

PUBLICUS This Downtown coffeehouse has a far better brunch than it needs to, with options that include a coffee-rubbed roast beef sandwich and a chipotle chicken sandwich sweetened with fig spread. Breads and pastries are house-made—and outstanding—so treat yourself to a scone or muffin as you soak in the hip scene. 1126 Fremont St., 702-331-5500. –JB

RI RA Irish pub brunch? Yeah, it’s a thing. From authentic boxtys and Irish breakfast plates with rashers and black and white pudding to cinnamon-battered brioche and pastry-wrapped bangers, this pub does it all and does it well. Smoked salmon with fresh-baked soda bread is a treat whether you’re midday Guinnessing or not. Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7200. –BR

SERVED This newish Henderson café serves dishes few would dare serve for brunch, like salmon panang and pork belly banh mi and Korean steak tacos. It also serves dishes no one’s even thought up before, like the Wellington Burger with mushrooms, sunny egg and foie butter, and corned beef bread pudding Benedict made with marbled rye. Ready for a brunch adventure? 1770 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway #100, 702-263-0136. –BR

Standard & Pour goes HAM with its chicken and waffles.

STANDARD & POUR Some of the Valley’s best views await at this Henderson concept from late chef Kerry Simon. Inventive cocktails and an expansive Bloody Mary bar pair with innovative dishes like an outrageous cheddar jalapeño waffle with cornflake tenders, cubed polenta with crispy lardons and the comically oversized Real Big Muffin. 11261 S. Eastern Ave. #200, 702-629-5523. –JB

TABLEAU Chef David Middleton—formerly of Marche Bacchus and DB Brasserie—has assembled another brilliant brunch menu, one worthy of the Wynn. Options include beet soup with candied ginger, tuna tartare with wasabi crème fraîche and roasted wild shrimp with buttermilk polenta. Don’t miss out on this hidden Strip gem. Wynn, 702-770-3330. –JB

YARDBIRD If there’s a chicken-and-waffle headquarters on the Las Vegas Strip, it’s this modern Southern kitchen. The beautiful bird comes with a cheddar cheese waffle, honey hot sauce, spiced watermelon and bourbon maple syrup, but that’s just the beginning at brunchtime. Fried green tomato BLT bites, cinnamon-apple hand pies, chess pie and brisket biscuits deserve your hungry attention, too. Venetian, 702-297-6541. –BR

THE VEGAS BRUNCH HALL OF FAME

BOUCHON Oysters to beignets, nobody does it better. And that room! Venetian, 702-414-6200.

BORDER GRILL It’s called Border Brunch, and it’s got all the specialty cocktails and small plates you can handle. Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7403; Forum Shops, 702-854-6700.

Steak et oeufs at Bouchon

DW BISTRO The neighborhood fave moved, but the culture and cuisine remain. Cheers! Gramercy, 702-527-5200.

EAT Natalie Young’s kitchen helped make Downtown a true brunch destination. 707 Carson Ave., 702-534-1515.

GOSPEL BRUNCH The inspiring all-you-can-eat experience is a favorite across the country, not just in Vegas. House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7607.

JAZZ BRUNCH A musically delicious Sunday tradition lives on, now with Chef Rene Lenger conducting. Country Club at Wynn, 702-770-3315.

MARCHE BACCHUS Nothing in town quite compares to this wine-centric Desert Shores escape. 2620 Regatta Drive, 702-804-8008.

MON AMI GABI You haven’t truly Vegas’d until you’ve consumed a Croque Madame on the patio. Paris, 702-944-4224.

STERLING BRUNCHAll the lobster and Champagne you want? The indulgence is legendary. BLT Steak at Bally’s, 702-967-7258.

VERANDA They call it the weekend breakfast buffet, but we know better. You got mimosas and a doughnut machine. That’s brunch, bro. Four Seasons, 702-632-5121. –Brock Radke

FOR EXTRA-SPECIAL OCCASIONS

One of Las Vegas’ very best Sunday brunch buffets only gets set up three times a year, which is probably just as well. You’ll need extra recovery time following the feast Zeffirino serves for Easter, Mother’s Day and Christmas.

Brunch oysters at Zeffirino.

It’s not that the classic Italian restaurant—inside the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes—offers an absurd number of items. But basically everything Zeffirino puts out feels memorable, from its next-level shellfish selection (all-you-can-eat lobster tails?!) to the simple-but-divine meat-carving station (I’ll have yet another lamb chop … or three). Even the salads, so skippable at most buffets, will grab your attention, with concoctions built around killer seafood, grilled veggies and thinly sliced Italian meats.

What else? Oysters, delivered to your table by the dozen. Booze! Mimosas, Bellinis and Bloody Marys are included in the $75 price tag. Last Christmas, Zeffirino even featured a gelato bar along with its assortment of pastries and cakes.

So make plans. Mother’s Day’s not far away. Venetian, 702-414-3500. –Spencer Patterson

I WANT LUNCH FOR BREAKFAST!

They say you can get anything anytime in Las Vegas, but I find that to be untrue. BS, even, because I want pizza—fresh and hot from the oven, not cold leftovers—at 7 in the morning. Where’s that? I get upset when I think about how In-N-Out doesn’t open until 10:30 a.m., and Tacos El Gordo, while open until 4 a.m., won’t give me my fix until 10 a.m. What. The. Adobada.

This is why I love brunch—it’s still morning, mostly, and it gets me closer to the ultra-savory food I crave as soon as I start craving food every day. Screw pancakes. Why does American breakfast skew to the bland? No one would eat scrambled eggs if they didn’t get bacon on the side. Do our palates really need to wake up slowly like our brains do? I say no, and then I head to the Vegas places where I can get anything anytime: a casino coffee shop for a proper cheeseburger; El Dorado Cantina next to Sapphire for nachos or chile rellenos; Pho Kim Long in Chinatown for noodle soup; the Oyster Bar at Palace Station for a spicy freakin’ pan roast. –Brock Radke

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