When Las Vegas Brewing Company made its debut in the northwest valley in 2022 (in the former space of Tenaya Creek Brewery), it quickly established a true dedication to the best brews and pub grub. When it expanded last year with a tap room in a prime Arts District location, it made sense to establish a slightly different identity—same quality, altered personality.
We’ve only spent a few hours here, but if that’s enough to describe this new and different personality, maybe it starts with the best burgers in Las Vegas you haven’t tried yet, expertly paired withstellar craft brews or crisp Champagnes.
We got a taste of it in February, but Las Vegas Brewing Company officially unveiled its Beers, Burgers and Bubbles menu last month, and celebrated its deliciousness with a May 4 launch party featuring a guest appearance by the Caviar Collective cart and its pilot, local restaurateur Nina Manchev—because you could only top burgers and bubbly with a few bumps.
So, which juicy new smashburger do you need to try first? We have three favorites, and you might be surprised. The Ghost Pepper Smashy ($14) is spicy-sweet perfection, with ghost pepper-laden jack cheese melty and mingling with banana peppers, caramelized onions and roasted red pepper sauce. The heat is intense but not overpowering in this total flavor bomb.
The Steakhouse Smashy ($14) also can’t be missed, a top-seller stacked with blue cheese crumbles, grilled mushrooms and onions and house-made steak sauce. The crust on the patty is the ideal vehicle for these toppings.
If you really want to be wowed, get the house-made vegan patty smashburger, the House Plant ($12). I know what you’re thinking—a veggie smashburger can’t possibly work. I didn’t think so either. But this kitchen tested different ingredients and came up with a formula that will blow you away with taste and texture to rival any beef creation, classically topped with cheddar, special sauce, pickles and onions—all vegan.
Order a bunch of burgers, beers and bubbles to share with your group and spend a long afternoon on the Arts District spot’s spacious patio. This is an experience every downtown needs.
LAS VEGAS BREWING COMPANY 1226 S. 3rd St. #180, 702-982-0022, lvbrewco.com. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
