Downtown Firefly No matter how many times you see it, the Fremont Street Experience is still just that: an experience. Until recently, it was an experience best enjoyed by walking down the pedestrian mall with your head craned skyward, one hand on your purse or wallet, and a neck cramp developing as you watched the ceiling turn into a five-football-field-long screen. Now, there’s a better way. Housed in the “bubble” at the Plaza, the new Downtown Firefly offers a view of show that comes with croquetas, sangria and chorizo clams. It’s not just dinner with a view; it’s dinner with an Experience. 1 Main Street. Sun.-Thu. 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 4:30 p.m.-12 a.m. 380-1352. –Sarah Feldberg
Top of the World The family gathering we had here was notable more for the game of “And what’s that, Ken?” my out-of-town guests were playing than the meal we enjoyed at the top of the Stratosphere. As the restaurant completed each consecutive revolution, offering a panoramic view of every inch of the valley, I became an unwilling tour guide: “What building is that? Uh, not sure. I haven’t been to that part of Vegas yet.” “Yeah, my home is over there—or maybe not. I think so.” “I think that’s Sunset Station, but I’ve never seen it from this far up.” “Where are those cars driving to? You’d have to ask them, I suppose.” Sheesh. At the Stratosphere, 380-7711. –Ken Miller
Lindo Michoacan It'll take 20 or 30 more expense-account visits to confirm, but I have a theory: The food at this Lindo Michoacan tastes 15 percent better thanks to the view. Try to be seated in the far northwest corner—it’s the perfect spot from which to observe Vegas rev up in the twilight. Words don't do it justice. Vast? Bigger than that. Sweeping? Please. My carne asada chilaquiles was delicious, but it's my eyes that were most satisfied. 645 Carnegie Street, Henderson. 837-6828, www.lindomichoacan.com/laloma.htm –Scott Dickensheets
Previous Discussion: