When it comes to celebrity restaurant concepts, Lisa Vanderpump rules the Strip. In the last few years, the reality TV star and restaurateur has expanded her culinary empire to include Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, Vanderpump à Paris and now Pinky’s at the Flamingo.
Building off the success of her first few ventures, Vanderpump hits her stride in just about every way with Pinky’s, bringing intentionality to what could have easily been just another notch in her Vegas portfolio. Naturally, we’ve come to expect a certain amount of character from her restaurants. Vanderpump à Paris executed on its Parisian villa theme. Vanderpump Cocktail Garden nailed the allure of a nighttime garden bungalow. And Pinky’s, to a staggering degree, reimagines Flamingo’s golden era of grandeur in tasteful Art Deco design.
Deviled egg gardens
Those familiar with Vanderpump Rules will recall Vanderpump’s Beverly Hills mansion, Villa Rosa, making several stunning cameos in the reality show. Pinky’s shares similar star appeal, beginning with its gorgeous indoor terrace. An atrium oasis just about covers the central brunch area, nature reclaiming the sunny room with mature trees and floor-to-ceiling windows. That ambiance seamlessly feeds into a separate dining space, where gold accents and feathered brass make Pinky’s seem oddly in its prime, even when it’s busy feeling like a moment out of time.
Chef Josh Grimes, who also worked at Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, strikes a balance between playful bites and classy cuisine at Pinky’s. For the general wow factor, order charcuterie in a birdcage ($45) for the table, followed by a round of martinis, because Pinky’s has a fleet of them. Espresso martinis feel all the rage these days, but when’s the last time you had one with caviar or everything bagel spice? Also, Pinky’s has an astounding number of margaritas and spritz options, like the cotton-candy topped Daddy Issues (Vanderpump’s take on a French 75) and the JailBird ($25), a sweet peach old fashioned.
Most of the “main squeezes” on the menu—namely the Wagyu sliders ($23) and mini lobster rolls ($27)—serve as fine finger foods, but the star of shareables has to be the deviled egg gardens ($23). Not only are these whole deviled eggs, but they’re a rich assortment of caviar, smoked salmon, bacon, blue cheese and more. It’s possible to graze on these all night, but save some room for a little vintage Vegas fare. Pinky’s Mob Wife Era shots ($80) can prime you up for an evening out on the town and its classic take on a shrimp cocktail ($24) pairs as the perfect bite. Of course, staples like Vanderpump’s famous goat cheese balls ($23) will always be favorites, but some dishes here are steadily rising up the ranks. Turns out, Vanderpump’s reality TV shows aren’t the only things worth binging.
PINKY’S Flamingo, caesars.com. Sunday-Thursday, 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; brunch, Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
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