Industry Weekly

The Industry Weekly 100

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Intrigue at Wynn Las Vegas.
Barbara Kraft

When we launched Industry Weekly in January 2016, the objective was clear: Every week, we’ll explore every facet of the world’s most captivating entertainment landscape. We’ve done it, deep-diving into all the things that make you think of Las Vegas: nightclubs and pool parties; restaurants, bars and lounges; artists, executives and hospitality professionals that keep the Strip sharp.

Since we started, that entertainment landscape has become even more compelling, adding more than a few sparkling new facets. Less than two months ago, Vegas received the gift of an entirely new live entertainment experience, one that fits like the last perfect puzzle piece and will continue to grow—major league professional sports. (Go Knights go!)

To celebrate how far we’ve come and all the amazing destinations that have given us so much to get excited about, we’re filling the pages of Industry Weekly’s 100th issue with the 100 clubs, theaters, concert halls, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues that define the Vegas scene right now. You’ll find your favorites, you’ll discover some hot spots you need to visit, and we hope you’ll learn, like we have, that 100 is just a beginning.

Thank you for reading and for being a part of Industry Weekly.

T-Mobile Arena.

T-Mobile Arena The home of the Vegas Golden Knights and the city’s biggest concerts and events is even more than that—it’s the new heart of the Strip.

The Colosseum The house Celine built 14 years ago is still the blueprint for the modern Strip residency.

XS Expect more game-changing innovation and top-tier resident artists to arrive at Wynn Nightlife’s megaclub in the coming months.

Momofuku David Chang finally made it to Vegas this year, and his delicious food fits right in at the Cosmopolitan.

Brooklyn Bowl The versatile concert hall at the Linq Promenade remains Las Vegas’ favorite place to catch the coolest bands.

STK When it’s time to gather the squad for a memorable night, this sexy steakhouse is the starting point.

Embassy The off-Strip club continues to break the mold when it comes to divergent sounds and unique parties.

Primrose The first taste of Park MGM’s restaurants is fresh, slightly French and infinitely promising.

The Axis at Planet Hollywood.

The Axis at Planet Hollywood.

The Axis Planet Hollywood’s finely tuned pop-music machine keeps plugging in our favorite performers and watching the shows take off.

Sparrow + Wolf Chef Brian Howard’s Chinatown hot spot was an industry fave before it even opened its doors.

Hyde Bellagio Mix one part lounge, one part club, one part classic Vegas and top with Champagne—that’s the recipe for Hyde.

Encore Beach Club There’s only one place where the biggest DJs and the wildest pool-party experience collides with the most luxurious outdoor environment.

House of Blues The Strip’s got soul, and if you’re not sure where to find it, look no further than this iconic music hall, restaurant and bar.

Edge Steakhouse Old-school charm and refined cuisine stock the menu at this hidden gem at Westgate Las Vegas.

Tao Lounge to restaurant to nightclub to pool club, Tao still does it all, and like no other single venue can.

Costa di Mare Wynn’s unparalleled, sometimes unbelievable Mediterranean seafood experience is not to be missed.

Clique Lounge at the Cosmopolitan.

Clique Lounge As if Cosmopolitan didn’t have a lock on great casino lounges, here comes Clique with cocktails, music and attitude to spare.

Drai’s Hip-hop on the roof—that’s how Victor Drai set the standard, again, with this utterly unique night- and dayclub.

Andrea’s Addictive eats and all the right vibes keep Andrea’s at Encore packed with the ready-to-party crowd.

The Joint The Hard Rock Hotel’s legendary music venue seems to get better and more versatile every year.

Westgate SuperBook Anything that happens in the world of sports betting happens first at the Westgate.

Mandalay Bay Beach You haven’t summered in Vegas until you’ve hit the Beach for a hot night of music with your feet in the sand.

Bardot Brasserie Vegas native Josh Smith brings the sexy back to time-honored French food at Michael Mina’s Aria outpost.

PT’s Brewing Company Sample these tasty local beers at any of 50 Golden Gaming taverns, or go straight to the source at this friendly Northwest brewery.

Intrigue You’ve found something special when the nightclub experience is huge but feels intimate, and when it feels exclusive even when everyone is invited.

The Pearl Upgrades are on the way for the theater at the Palms, which was already the true music geek’s top concert choice in Las Vegas.

Foundation Room Only one other club has lasted 18 years on the Strip, but there will only ever be one Foundation Room, a personalized experience with a mood all its own.

Daylight One of the biggest, brightest, most sonically diverse day parties is happening at the south tip of the Strip at Mandalay Bay’s energetic pool club.

Hearthstone Landmark Las Vegas chef Brian Massie’s passion project has reached neighborhood favorite status at the Red Rock Resort.

MGM Grand Garden Arena With The Killers, Shakira, Demi Lovato and DJ Khaled kicking off 2018, it’s clear the lion has plenty of roar left when it comes to this epic events center.

Other Mama Ask any F&B pro where they like to eat in their rare off-hours and most will point you to this raw bar and cocktail paradise.

SW Steakhouse This icon’s recent redesign has it looking and feeling like an entirely different restaurant. Don’t worry—same amazing food.

Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas.

Wing Lei The first Chinese restaurant in the country to be awarded a Michelin star is one of the brightest jewels in Wynn’s restaurant crown.

Rehab The pool party that started it all is still going strong, connecting the Hard Rock Hotel’s wild past to its bright future.

Shake Shack With four local outposts—including one inside T-Mobile Arena—Danny Meyer’s beloved burger chain has truly taken Vegas.

Atomic Liquors Everyone’s favorite Downtown dive bar is that much more perfect now that it has its own eatery, the Kitchen.

Encore Theater From Tony Bennett to Diana Ross to Harry Connick Jr. to Elvis Costello, this lavish theater is suddenly a headliner champion.

The Chandelier Recent renovations have brought new sparkle to the Cosmo cocktail centerpiece.

Carbone Every night is a special occasion at this NYC transplant, where the fun is the only thing bigger than the veal parm.

Downtown Las Vegas Events Center Dance-music rave-ups, hard-rock fests, football-watching mega-parties ... there’s no limit to this outdoor venue’s capabilities.

Jardin Breakfast, lunch or dinner, this Encore eatery has you covered, in enchanting style.

The Dorsey Edgy cocktails in swanky surroundings is a natural in any casino, but the Dorsey stands out from the pack.

Jewel At Aria’s high-tech, star-studded, intimate club, it feels like industry night every night.

The Still The ultimate man-cave sports bar has everything you need, including a wing challenge and a refurbished Airstream.

Mandalay Bay Events Center Welcome to home court: The WNBA’s San Antonio Stars are moving to Vegas next year and playing in this versatile arena.

LongBar The D casino boss Derek Stevens has been known to knock back a few at this busy bar. It doesn’t get more Old Vegas than that.

Libertine Social If the drinks by Tony Abou-Ganim don’t get you, the food by Shawn McClain will.

Starboard Tack The 1970s-era afterhours favorite has been reborn as a rum-slinging dive that’s attracting all the cool kids.

Park Theater at Monte Carlo.

Park Theater The newest Strip venue offers high-wattage headliners and an ideal location near all the action, and there’s not a single bad seat in the house.

Light The evolution continues for one of the most beloved names in the nightlife game, where it’s all about the party.

Montecristo Cigar Bar Rare whiskeys and one of the largest humidors in the city are just two things that keep this Caesars Palace spot smoking.

The Chelsea When Bob Dylan and Adam Sandler perform at the same place within a month, you know you’ve got a unique venue.

Beerhaus It’s the place to meet before a game or a show at T-Mobile, and you’ll be back at Beerhaus after to keep exploring that list of brews.

Morimoto The Iron Chef champion’s fusion cuisine is just what the MGM Grand dining landscape needed.

Fukuburger Las Vegas’ truly local burger joint is on the rise with expansion in the hip southwest part of town.

Herbs & Rye Nobody in this town goes too long without sidling up to this legendary cocktail bar and late-night hang.

Freedom Beat at Downtown Grand.

Freedom Beat at Downtown Grand.

Freedom Beat With soulful comfort cuisine and lots of live music, Freedom Beat is Downtown’s one-stop shop for fun.

Marquee Anchored by hip-hop and EDM stars, Cosmo’s cool club keeps the party rocking day and night.

Chica Lorena Garcia’s next-level Latin cuisine is breaking barriers at the Venetian.

Vinyl The Hard Rock Hotel’s smaller music room is the place to catch the next big thing.

Grandview Lounge Whether it’s music or afterhours comedy, this entertainment hub at South Point is always packed.

The Black Sheep This modern Vietnamese restaurant in the southwest part of town is on everyone’s to-eat list.

Milk Bar Addictive sweets like cereal milk ice cream and buttery crack pie are the perfect Strip-walking snack.

The Sand Dollar Lounge The stalwart blues bar is surging again thanks to cool cocktails and a friendly industry crowd.

MB Steak at the Hard Rock Hotel.

MB Steak at the Hard Rock Hotel.

MB Steak Michael and David Morton have taken the concept of the big Vegas steakhouse to new heights at this Hard Rock Hotel spot.

Yellowtail This Bellagio classic remains one of the most popular sushi destinations on the Strip.

Topgolf Swinging the clubs is just the beginning of the overall entertainment experience at this vibrant complex behind MGM Grand.

The Golden Tiki If you’re looking to get lost for a few hours (or longer), transport yourself from the desert to the tropics at this Chinatown bar and lounge.

Wet Republic This energetic pool club has been packing in powerful summer parties for more than a decade.

Herringbone Stellar seafood and an unforgettable brunch head up the reasons to visit this Aria restaurant.

Rocks Lounge All-star comedians, avant-garde theater productions and rockin’ bands all call this comfy Red Rock Resort lounge home.

Jean Georges Steakhouse What do you do when one of the Strip’s best restaurants renovates and updates its menu? Make a reservation immediately.

Wynn Race & Sports Book.

Wynn Race & Sports Book New levels of sports book luxury await at Wynn’s beautifully refreshed venue, including the tasty, adjacent Charlie’s Bar & Grill.

Giada The celeb chef is readying a fast-casual concept at Caesars Palace, a nice complement to her warm, welcoming dining room at the Cromwell.

Skyfall Lounge Get up to the top of the Delano tower to take in the best Strip views and a few creative libations.

Eggslut If you never thought you’d wait in line for a breakfast sandwich, you haven’t been to Eggslut yet.

Harvest Roy Ellamar’s fresh, ingredient-driven approach at Bellagio is making fans of his fellow chefs.

Fremont Street Experience Running wild under the neon canopy has become a vintage Vegas experience—and a fun way to see the evolution of Downtown.

Banger Brewing Step into the FSE’s Neonopolis complex to savor some of the best and most creative local brews.

Lavo Party Brunch at Palazzo.

Lavo Party Brunch at Palazzo.

Lavo Winter is when one of the best Italian restaurants on the Strip doubles down with an over-the-top party brunch.

Hakkasan Between the refined Chinese cuisine and the electric nightclub experience, it’s hard to decide which part of Hakkasan we like best.

Cleopatra’s Barge If live entertainment in a classic casino-lounge environment is on the rise, the iconic spot at Caesars Palace is leading the way.

Beer Park Watch the game, feast on favorite foods, rotate through the tap list and keep on eye on the Strip at Paris’ rooftop party spot.

Andre’s Bistro Legendary chef André Rochat’s new neighborhood eatery is everything locals want.

Red Rock Race & Sports Book Partying and betting at the Red Rock’s book is often a bigger experience than the game itself.

Beauty & Essex Share delicious small plates and pick up a hip keepsake at the “pawn shop” on the way out of B&E.

Tinashe at Flamingo's Go Pool.

Tinashe at Flamingo's Go Pool.

Go Pool No pretense, no hassle, just a come-as-you-are pool party saturated with drinks, music, happy people and the occasional headliner.

Blue Ribbon The Cosmopolitan opened so many cool new restaurants this year, but the Bromberg brothers’ deliciously updated eatery requires your attention.

Omnia With chart-topping resident DJs and eye-popping special effects, Omnia remains an otherworldly musical experience.

Franklin Delano’s sexy lobby bar is a secret treasure, a place where conversation and cocktails can lead anywhere.

Velveteen Rabbit There’s always something happening—or a fresh new entry on the drink menu—at this Downtown Arts District favorite.

Cleo See how many flavor-packed Mediterranean dishes you can sample in one sitting at this SLS standout.

Kumi Before Light or after Daylight, Kumi’s intricate, upbeat Japanese food is the meal you need.

Downtown Cocktail Room If this isn’t the bar that started it all on East Fremont, it certainly made an impact—and kicked a hole in the Vegas craft cocktail scene, too.

Bazaar Meat You won’t have a complete picture of the Strip’s fantastic restaurant landscape until you’ve had a blow-out dinner at José Andrés’ SLS powerhouse.

Bunkhouse Saloon The rustic Downtown icon is still the center of the local music scene.

Carson Kitchen The legacy of comfort-food king Kerry Simon lives on at this recently expanded Downtown restaurant.

Le Thai It seems like this Fremont East restaurant has been packed since the day it opened six years ago.

Lagasse’s Stadium Step into a truly immersive sports experience at the Palazzo, complete with mobile betting, stadium seating and Emeril Lagasse’s unforgettable cuisine.

Alibi Cocktail Lounge No matter where you end up at Aria, the place to start the party is Alibi, a vibrant nook near the north valet.

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