SPOTLIGHT

A Meal to Remember

Make your meal old-school American with a burger and a shake. But where? We suggest Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer. Here, all the meat is griddled, not grilled, and served up on a to-die-for potato roll. Go big or go home with the Texan burger, with bacon, aged cheddar and a huge onion ring topped with mayo and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce.

Vegan? There are options for you, too. Wings and chicken sandwiches also make the menu, and local beers and Black Tap’s own limited-edition brews are sure to whet whistles. A trip to Black Tap has to include a CrazyShake—delicious milkshakes taken to the extreme with toppings like cake slices, churros, candy, cereal and so many more sweet treats. –Kiko Miyasato

The Venetian, 702.414.2337

The Venetian Mandalay Bay

The Linq Promenade

Chill Out

Escape the heat at these frozen lounges

Who likes their cocktail to remain nice and cold the whole time you drink it? Who likes to have bragging pics of your vacay to show the folks back home? Who likes to hang at some of the most-unique bars and lounges when on vacay? We’ve got three of the perfect spots for you to accomplish all the above and more. Minus5 Icebar at Mandalay Bay, The Venetian and The Linq Promenade.

Each is kept at a chilly 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and everywhere you look is ice, ice and more ice (we’re talking 100 tons of ice, specially made to remove all air bubbles, so it’s the clearest ice possible). Chairs, benches, tables, the bar—all made of ice. And ice carvers used chainsaws and precision ice-carving tools to craft some of the coolest art displays throughout each venue— perfect for those Instagrammable moments.

Before entering, each guest is suited up in their choice of a parka or faux-fur coat and gloves. Trust us, you’ll want to bundle up before going inside. Once inside, see how long you can “chill” before needing to step outside to get the blood fl owing warm again.

After a brief warm-up, get back inside, step up to the bar and order any number of delicious specialty cocktails (all served in glasses made entirely of ice) like the Icy Mudslide with Skyy Vanilla vodka, co ee liqueur and a touch a cream. For a sweet treat, try the Frosted Berries with Skyy Wild Strawberry vodka, peach schnapps and white cranberry juice.

If you’re with a group, a must-order is the Shot Ski—a long, wooden plank that holds four shot glasses, where everyone takes the shot together (shots include spirits like Fireball and Jägermeister). There’s also spiked cold brew co ee in vanilla cinnamon and café mocha fl avors; and if it’s your birthday, you can get a shot for just $5.

Minus5 Icebar is quite literally—and fi guratively—one of the coolest things you can do on the Strip. –Kiko Miyasato

Mandalay Bay, 702.740.5800, The Venetian, 702.293.3388, Linq Promenade, 702.489.3545; all 21+ after 9 p.m.

Carry the Tune

Do you warble in the shower? Well, get out of there, dry off and head to the ultra-cool night spot KAMU Ultra Karaoke, where you can show off your skills to all your friends. KAMU features 40 separate, themed karaoke rooms for different-sized groups, gourmet eats and cool cocktails plus bottle service. Choose from thousands of songs—and since you won’t need to try to remember the words, you should be able to blow away your shower performance. –Nina King

The Venetian and The Palazzo, 702.445.7664

T-Mobile Arena, 8 p.m. July 30, starting at $64 plus tax and fee. axs.com

Songs and Stories

It isn’t just the masterful songs James Taylor sings; it’s that voice, gentle yet hard-edged, a voice in which you can hear decades of life experience. And while most would pay the cost of admission just to see the iconic singer-songwriter sing and strum his guitar at T-Mobile Arena, they will no doubt be floored by the world-class band Taylor has assembled. It’s why the act is billed as James Taylor & His All-Star Band. Because even performers as towering as Taylor will admit: No one artist does it alone.

That means you’ll hear full-blooded versions of Taylor classics like “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “Country Road,” “Carolina In My Mind,” and so many others. But those who have attended a James Taylor concert will tell you it’s not just about the music; Taylor is an adept storyteller, whether it’s the inspiration behind a particular audience favorite or a humorous anecdote. Regardless of the size of the venue he plays, Taylor just has the ability to make everyone feel like they’re sitting with him in their living room. –Ken Miller

For the Love of Beef

It’s surely one of the most difficult choices a beef lover has at a Vegas steakhouse: Which cut to choose? At VooDoo Steak at Rio, the dinner for two would be a great choice. It features a 32-ounce tomahawk with salad or soup, whipped potatoes and asparagus, so you won’t go hungry. You have other options, too, from a 10-ounce filet to an 8-ounce wagyu rib cap.

Seafood lovers have always felt welcome at steakhouses, and VooDoo is no exception. The Fire and Ice starter really excites the senses, with Alaskan king crab, shrimp, oysters, poke shooters, lobster medallions, crab cakes and seared scallops available for two to six people.

Chicken marsala, lamb chops and Norwegian king salmon are all popular as well. And the tasting menu features surf and turf, lobster bisque and desserts like cheesecake, among other options. –Nina King

Rio, 702.777.7767

Silverton, 702.263.7777

Marbled With Magic Classic cuts and decadent sides impress on every level

It’s hard to not be impressed at the level of detail you encounter at Twin Creeks Steakhouse at the Silverton, not only in décor but in the dish presentation and service. As far as neighborhood steakhouses go, this is one of the better experiences you’ll fi nd in the entire Las Vegas Valley.

The cocktails here are exactly as you’d expect, with Old-Fashioneds, margaritas and Kentucky mules all ready to get your tastebuds prepped. For something a bit di erent, try the Smokin’ Sazerac, featuring High West Campfi re whiskey and Pernod, or the Twin Creeks Sangria, combining Smooth Ambler bourbon and house-made red wine sangria.

Executive chef Jaimee Pepe has packed this menu with highlights, from starters to desserts. The grilled artichoke comes with a delightful lemon basil aioli for dipping, while the beef tartare, made with beef tenderloin, dijoinnaise and fried capers, gets a signifi cant boost: This version is smoked, giving it a truly satisfying fi nish, especially when piled high on Parmesan lavash.

Main courses range from meat-lover specials like a 40-ounce Creekstone Farms tomahawk for two (this absolutely has to be paired with the brandy peppercorn sauce) to vegan options such as a pan-seared caulifl ower steak, served with wild mushroom risotto, a port wine reduction and pistachio vinaigrette. And for seafood fans, there’s a terrifi c scallops dish, served with butternut squash risotto, crispy prosciutto and apple butter.

Whatever you choose, make sure at least one of your side dishes includes the au gratin potatoes, made with russet potatoes, house-made béchamel, white cheddar, Parmesan cheese and chives. So creamy, so rich—you may order two! Other highlights include mac and cheese loaded with bacon and roasted poblano peppers; broccolini with garlic Parmesan; and Brussel sprouts fried and served with bacon and a pomegranate reduction.

Almost all of the desserts here are made inhouse, with such classics as crème brulee, a chef’s trio of sorbets, and a deconstructed lemon curd, showing you all the elements used in a way that lets you enjoy each individually, if you prefer. –Ken Miller

Girl Talk

If you’re hungry for fun as well as for food, Hamburger Mary’s is serving up meals with a side of sass. You’ll love the fabulous drag queens almost as much as the fabulous half-pound burgers, yummy wings and cupcakes. Book a weekend brunch reservation, which includes tons of brunch items, bottomless mimosas and an allstar cast of drag entertainers on Saturday—and The Gospel Brunch Sunday is hilarious! Or check out Stars-n-Stilettos on Friday nights, where dinner is served with a side of drag queens dressed and performing as some of your favorite celebrities. –Kiko Miyasato

1700 E. Flamingo Road, 702.592.0208

The Mirage, ticketmaster.com

One Amazing Night

Not only did Shin Lim handily win season 13 on America’s Got Talent, he remains the only champion to win twice (on America’s Got Talent: The Champions). No one who saw him on TV (or voted for him) was in the least bit surprised when his Las Vegas residency at The Mirage was announced in 2019.

What makes Lim so accessible to audiences is his humility; he’s not afraid to share the stage with another talent, in this case fellow AGT competitor Colin Cloud, a mentalist who’s also an adept comedian, engaging the audience in between Lim’s feats of wonder. The pacing is perfect, with Lim’s elegant illusions (often scored to romantic music like Sting’s “Shape of My Heart”) punctuated by Cloud having fun with the audience.

By now, most Lim fans are aware of the illusions that won him AGT and the Champions edition. And yes, Lim does perform those, although in a slightly different way than you might expect. Without giving anything away, you want to be watching the man himself as well as the cards he skillfully manipulates. Because in Lim’s world, nothing is as it seems. –Ken Miller

Darling Drinks

One could say that Vanderpump Cocktail Garden is an extension of the fabulosity that is reality star Lisa Vanderpump.

The cocktail menu is packed with creative recipes like the Matcha Matcha Man, a blend of the Vanderpumps’ line of vodka, matcha, fresh mint, lemon, ginger liqueur and aquafaba. The Checkmate Bitch is mixed with Stoli Hot vodka, Chacho jalapeño aguardiente, fresh pineapple, grapefruit liqueur, vanilla citrus and Angostura bitters. The Vanderpump sangria is made with the family’s own line of red or pink wine and served with fresh berries.

Vanderpump Cocktail Garden offers small-plate selections like goat cheese balls, mini beef sliders, and the Rosé Cake for Two. This beautiful presentation is a small rosé-infused sponge cake covered in strawberry buttercream, and one of my favorite desserts on the Strip. –Kiko Miyasato

Caesars Palace, 702.777.3800

Petite Eats

Do you want an incredibly satiated feeling? Such is the case with Julian Serrano Tapas, a bright, colorful restaurant with a vivacious bar and a chill, elegant dining room. There is really no set way to order, although the menu does group dishes into starters and classic dishes. I recommend starting with a cheese platter—Julian Serrano’s version comes with a changing selection of melt-in-your-mouth cheeses, pickled peppers, nuts and fruit jam. Just amazing.

The beauty of tapas is also simply the sheer variety of o erings, from brava potatoes, a staple on every tapas menu, to seared scallops with apple butter and caramelized apple. Pulpa a la Gallega features grilled octopus and potatoes with Spanish paprika; chicken croquetas come with béchamel; and bombas are like small, round, elevated potato cakes with goat cheese inside.

If you are a paella fan, Julian Serrano o ers four varieties to indulge in, but you must order them early in the meal, as they can take 45 minutes to an hour to prepare. If you’ve ordered all the savory dishes you desire but wish for a sweet ending, try the churros with spicy hot chocolate. You won’t regret it. –Nina King

He’s Got the Look

Are you a Prince fan? No? I don’t believe you. Really? Well, attend just one performance of Purple Reign: The Prince Tribute Show, and you’re sure to be among the converted. Tribute artist Jason Tenner, a pair of dancers and an incredible band give an inspired show, with Tenner ably evoking Prince’s persona, wearing signature outfi ts and makeup and playing the guitar. (Tenner is bigger than Prince was, but somehow seems mostly the same size; it’s wild).

You’ll hear Prince’s biggest hits, of course, like “Raspberry Beret” and “Purple Rain,” but you’ll be surprised to learn there are some more obscure songs like risqué “Darling Nikki,” which is somehow as hot here as the artist himself intended it.

A Morris Day and the Time tribute act adds some comedic respite, so you’ll have a moment to catch your breath before the music takes it away again. –Nina King

Tropicana, ticketmaster.com

Aria, 702.590.8520

Jump to It

Go ahead, take the plunge—it’s only a drop from 829 feet up in the air! Say, what?! SkyJump Las Vegas is one of those Las Vegas adventures that no one will believe you did, but you can get the video and photo package to prove it. The jump from the top of the iconic STRAT tower, (although it is a safe, controlled descent), will have you topping speeds of almost 40 mph in the open air, so go ahead and scream as loud as you want! –Kiko Miyasato

The STRAT, 800.998.6937

More Than Meat

Steakhouse has plenty of inventive options

Talk to anyone who’s eaten at a Michael Mina restaurant and they’ll all undoubtedly tell you the same thing: They can’t wait to go back. The qualities that constitute a Mina restaurant are distinctive—the vibe you get from the dining room, the way the waitsta makes you feel, the variety in the menu and, naturally, the food, all sourced from the fi nest purveyors and cooked to exacting standards. StripSteak may have the word “steak” in its name, but trust us, that’s only the beginning of what you’ll fi nd here. Those return visits we referenced earlier? That’s because there will always be something on the menu you didn’t get to try.

The spirit of unadulterated fun begins immediately once you sit down and peruse cocktail names like Dr. Feelgood (a sweet, delicious libation made with bourbon, vanilla liqueur, housemade Dr. Pepper syrup and bitters), Maggie May (so refreshing with tequila, Aperol, fresh lime and agave), and Piggie Manhattan (rye, Carpano Antica and bitters). We’re not saying you have to have a cocktail to enjoy a meal here, but … Wait a minute, what am I saying? You’re in Vegas. Of course you have to have a cocktail!

The appetizers might want to make you stay awhile before moving on to mains. The raw bar serves up morsels like tuna and tomato poke, hamachi and ahi poppers, Pacifi c oysters, and dashi-poached shrimp cocktail, while the small plates section ranges from hot (our favorite here is “instant” bacon, a tempura oyster with daikon and a soy glaze) to cold (oh, those lobster tacos, containing pineapple, bell pepper and cilantro).

Notice how we haven’t even gotten to meat yet? And yes, there’s so much to tempt you in this arena, from a Mishima Reserve, 7-ounce wagyu rib cap to a 40-ounce tomahawk for two (If you don’t order one of Mina’s amazing sauces like shitake chimichurri or tru e marrow butter, you’re truly missing out). –Ken Miller

Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7200

Magical Moves

For an afternoon that will leave you shaking your head in disbelief, head to Frederic Da Silva’s mentalism show, Paranormal. Hypnotism, misdirection and magic all combine with Da Silva’s trademark suave demeanor. Whether he’s reciting the serial number from a dollar, guessing a random word or guessing the time on a stopped watch, the resulting reaction from the audience is the same—complete incredulity. “We produce effects that are unexplainable and impossible to understand,” Da Silva said. “You could think it is real or not; no one agrees on the same explanation.” –Nina King

Bally’s, ticketmaster.com

Tropicana Las Vegas, 702.739.2307

Get Comfy

All offerings at Robert Irvine’s Public House reflect Irvine’s travels around the world, and all have one aim in mind: Comfort. Start with signature cocktails like the Robert’s Margarita, featuring Patron reposado tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime and agave nectar, and the PH lemonade, made with Malibu coconut rum, citrus vodka, lime juice and strawberry reduction. Appetizers include wagyu beef slider BLTs in servings of two, four or six, and hummus and crispy chickpeas, served with grilled naan, roasted garlic and feta cheese.

Main courses include sandwiches like the Mother Clucker, made with pickle brine chicken, crispy buttermilk sriracha crust, pickles and PH sauce, as well as a killer pastrami sandwich with sauerkraut, grain mustard, Swiss cheese on marble rye with a pickle.

If you want to go a bit more substantial, try the bourbon maple salmon accompanied with roasted broccolini, bacon and tater tots, and cod fish and chips, served with Kennebec fries, lemon, capers, aioli and green onion. –Ken Miller

Let Loose

On Jan. 27, 1993, Liliana Lovell opened the doors to the first Coyote Ugly on Manhattan’s 1st Avenue, unleashing a chain of events that would result in a movie based on her bar and second location in the heart of Las Vegas that became an immediate hit.

Lovell’s blueprint started when she discovered she had a knack for making money in the bar business. A Catholic school girl turned New York University student, Lovell found that after a few drinks she was uninhibited enough to jump on the bar and sing along with the jukebox. The bar owner found drink sales increased with her enthusiasm. When an opportunity to become a partner in what would become Coyote Ugly presented itself, it seemed like destiny. Her modus operandi became the way of the Coyote Ugly bartender: sassing customers, challenging them to drinking contests and dancing on bars. –Matt Kelemen

New York-New York, 702.740.6330