Nobody knows Las Vegas quite like the people who live here. When it comes to finding dining hot spots, hidden gems, and knowing where to find the best value, the city’s residents have more knowledge and know the savvy ways to experience everything the destination offers better than anyone else.

Locals have a treasure trove of secrets that go far beyond the glitz of the Strip, and we’re here to share them with you.

There’s so much more to discover in the Las Vegas Valley away from the huge marquees of Las Vegas Boulevard. From the vibrant nightlife in Downtown Las Vegas to the shops and restaurants in Downtown Summerlin to various outdoor attractions, excitement is easy to find if you know where to look.

 

Savor Vegas Like a Local: Can’t-Miss Culinary Hot Spots

Las Vegas has something for every taste, available in virtually every part of the city. If you love Asian food, less than two miles west of the Strip you’ll find Chinatown, an area frequented by locals. More than 150 restaurants offer some of the best Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Asian Fusion dishes you’ve ever tried, all within a 3-mile stretch. You can also shop at six Asian supermarkets and enjoy a massage from more than 40 establishments. 

PRO TIP: Many places have lunch specials and it’s less crowded during the daytime, so plan for a midday meal when you check out Chinatown. 

Also on Spring Mountain Road, less than a mile from the Strip, treat your taste buds to the artisanal Latin cuisine at TRES Cazuelas. This popular spot for locals features sharable tapas, and delicious steak and seafood dishes infused with the flavors of Spain, Portugal and South America, complemented by an extensive wine selection. 

Downtown Las Vegas also has unique eateries serving up creative cuisine. 1228 Main features breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, a full bar and an all-day bakery with pastries, coffee and tea. Its California-inspired dinner menu includes two must-try meals, the Spicy Steak Tartare starter and Truffled Chicken Pot Pie.  

For classic Thai food with a modern twist, visit Le Thai on Fremont Street. Snack on cream cheese rangoons, feast on Pad Thai or indulge in multiple gluten-free curry options. 

Herbs & Rye is another popular retreat, serving up mouthwatering steaks and innovative cocktails Mondays through Saturdays.  

PRO TIP: Any local will tell you the best times to eat are during its happy hours, from 5-8 p.m. and midnight to 3 a.m., because steaks and selected dishes are available at half price! Add in the drink specials during that time and it’s a deal not to be missed. 

Las Vegas has myriad choices for great sushi, and Other Mama is one of the top picks among residents and visitors alike as it was named “one of the best restaurants you’ll find anywhere in America” by GQ magazine. Along with sushi and sashimi, the menu features seafood specialties like Seared Bluefish Tuna, Oyster Rockefeller Miso Ribs and more. 

Looking for unique Italian offerings? Twisted Sourdough Pizza in Henderson is renowned for its artisan pies and pizza-topping-filled sourdough cones, and it’s home to the world’s largest mozzarella stick. 

Vegas After Dark: Local Bars and Secret Speakeasies

What do locals do in Las Vegas for a night out? They head to some of the most vibrant bars and lounges, and without waiting behind a velvet rope for hours.  

If you’re on the Strip, there are some well-hidden speakeasies. Head to Resorts World Las Vegas and enter a shop in the Famous Foods Street Eats and find your way to a conspicuous cat. That’s the secret door to Here Kitty Kitty, a laid-back lounge with crafty cocktails, inspired by the Prohibition era.  

Another hidden gem that will transport you back in time is The Lock Speakeasy inside Horseshoe Las Vegas. Here’s the key to finding it: On the first floor, make your way through the Cabinet of Curiosities Bar and Lounge and locate the hidden entrance. A “locksmith” will then assist you in cracking the codes for admission.  

And behind a janitor’s door inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails, a hideaway bar with vibes of the Prohibition era. Choose from an expansive whiskey menu while enjoying live entertainment. 

Off the Strip, the Sand Dollar Lounge is a legendary local blues joint, with a stage that has been graced by the likes of Muddy Waters, BB King and even Mick Jagger. If it’s a relaxed atmosphere with live music and craft cocktails you’re looking for, this is the place.

Downtown Las Vegas is also home to several speakeasies, including The Underground Speakeasy & Distillery, a basement bar in the Mob Museum offering weekly live music and hand-crafted cocktails. You can access The Underground without entering the museum itself through a door outside, or at the end of your visit through the immersive exhibits. And don’t forget to use the password to enter, which you’ll find on its website.

Surrounded by thrift shops in the Arts District, a secret door will gain you entrance to Velveteen Rabbit, known for its seasonally curated craft cocktails and vintage furniture. It’s one of the best hidden spots in Las Vegas, and worth finding.

Also in the Arts District, a seemingly routine ice cream shop is home to one of Vegas’ most creatively hidden speakeasies. Venture into Craft Creamery, take a look at the menu – and try a dessert treat. But be sure to ask for the flavor of the day, at which time you’ll have unlocked access to CC Speakeasy, a secret Latin-themed lounge within the facility. You’ll have a chance to roll dice and have a drink crafted based on your roll and sample delicious Latin fusion offerings.

For some late-night fun in the area, the video nightclub in the back room of Oddfellows is part of an inclusive, judgment-free dance club with themed events. It’s a frequent gathering spot for locals.

Break out your best Hawaiian shirt and head to Frankie’s Tiki Room, about five miles off the Strip. This unique and longtime hot spot for locals has jukebox tunes and stiff drinks to accompany its 1950s tiki lounge feel. 

PRO TIP: Locals swear by the Kahiki Kai, the signature drink at Frankie’s. Try one for yourself! 

Art, Culture and History: Explore Vegas’ Creative Side

When it comes to interesting things to do in Las Vegas for locals, many have embraced the vibrant arts and culture available throughout the city, particularly in Downtown Las Vegas. The Beverly Theater is part film house, concert venue and storytelling arena. Its programming can feature anything from an indie movie or classic-film screening to an author’s or screenwriter’s talk and a set by a live band or DJ.  

Any visit downtown isn’t complete without touring The Arts Factory. This collection of galleries, boutiques and performing arts spaces sits in the heart of the Downtown Arts District. Its 30,000-square-foot interior and 20,000 square feet of outdoor space comes alive during the monthly First Friday arts festival.  

Relive Las Vegas’ storied history at The Neon Museum. Longtime locals love to reminisce with vintage signage from yesteryear – and the fabulous stories behind them. See some of the most nostalgic Las Vegas signs including the Stardust, the Riviera and The Mirage, and enhance your experience with a guided tour.
 
PRO TIP: The Neon Museum is open 2-10 p.m. daily, but you can save $10 off regular pricing with special daytime rates if you arrive by 4 p.m. Kids 6 and under get free admission.  

Spectacular Shopping: From Souvenirs Shops to Unique Boutiques

Las Vegas has numerous open-air shopping locales where you can find great deals and dining options, too. Town Square Las Vegas is a retail, dining and entertainment destination a few miles south of the Strip. It features more than 200 shops, restaurants and attractions, including Bespoke, Doll House, Kay Jewelers, Guitar Center, PopStroke and more. Take advantage of happy hour pricing Monday–Friday from 3-6 p.m. and Sunday–Thursday from 9 p.m. till closing at Flecha by Mark Wahlberg and indulge on food and drink specials under $10, both inside the bar and outdoors in the cantina.

Explore boutique shops and enjoy live entertainment at Downtown Container Park in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. Fuel up with gourmet quick-service dining at Downtown Terrace or sip on hand-crafted cocktails from Oak & Ivy.

About 15 miles from Downtown Las Vegas, you’ll find Downtown Summerlin, a walkable, open-air urban center with vibrant shops and restaurants. From retailers like Banana Republic and Boot Barn, to dining hot spots including Grape Street Café & Wine Bar and Sushi Loca, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Also in Summerlin, check out Tivoli Village, home to a mix of top retailers such as Stitched, Vasari and Mario Capasa, eateries including Echo & Rig and El Dorado Cantina, along with wellness centers and art galleries.

Plan your off-the-Strip adventure now and see this vibrant destination like you never have before. For even more arts and culture, check out these suggestions from local Las Vegans. Or follow this 48-hour guide filled with spontaneous activities. Take advantage of the knowledge from the people who live here and discover the Las Vegas that locals love!