Even in the extremely dry summer heat, Las Vegas finds a way to create an ideal oasis for a relaxing and memorable outdoor dining experience. There are many restaurants with patios and al fresco areas that provide an escape from the desert as well as a transportive culinary experience, and two such spots are creating an enormous buzz at the recently refashioned Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, where the expansive pool complex is at the heart of all the action.
Wrapping around the aquatic fun are the sublime patio spaces at Kassi Beach House (702.693.4000) and Casa Calavera (702.522.8000). There’s even sand on the ground at Casa Calavera, a fresh Mexican concept from the Hakkasan Group, adding to the vibrant beachy vibes. You’ll enjoy the patio’s colorful murals as much as the Baja shrimp cocktail and chipotle bacon guacamole, two delicious starters that pair perfectly with your selection from an extensive handcrafted cocktail menu. At Kassi Beach House, it’s all about coastal Italian and Mediterranean flavors for brunch, lunch or dinner out on the whimsical patio space that’ll make you feel like you’re on an extended vacation. Don’t skip the raw bar offerings or the perfect wood-fired pizzas.
The beer-and-sports favorite known as the Front Yard at Ellis Island (702.733.8901) has turned tropical. The tiki-style summer pop-up experience known as the Island at Ellis continues to be so popular, it has extended its stay into August, giving you extra chances to sample the teriyaki chicken burger, crispy coconut shrimp, and some or all of the 10 island-themed specialty drinks. The Front Yard was already one of the most fun and spacious indoor-outdoor eateries in town and it’s only adding to the excitement with this special programming.
On the Strip, it’s tough to beat a lakeside meal adjacent to the world famous Fountains of Bellagio. Combine that iconic scenery with the all-time favorite dishes from the legendary Wolfgang Puck and you’ve found a one-of-a-kind experience on the terrace at Spago (702.693.8181). Let Las Vegas do its thing while you revisit Puck’s English pea agnolotti, veal wiener schnitzel and smoked salmon pizza.
A different perspective on all the action on Las Vegas Boulevard South is available in front of the FSLV mall, at El Segundo Sol (702.258.1211). Keep it cool while spicing things up with fried padrón peppers or achiote-spiced mahi mahi fajitas with garlic-serrano marinade. Whether you’re taking a shopping break with a sweet-and-sour or classic margarita or just watching Vegas visitors strolling the north Strip, this is a top-ranked chill spot.
Along downtown Las Vegas’ energetic Fremont East district, locals and visitors like to park it on the patio at Eureka (702.570.3660) for some people-watching and cold craft brews; there’s an incredible selection of both on tap at this friendly neighborhood pub. If you don’t fill up on savory snacks like orange chile-glazed wings and truffle cheese fries, the spicy fried chicken sandwich or Fresno fig and goat-cheese burger will get you where you need to be. Downtown does offer a different kind of outdoor scenery to be sure, but it’s all part of the big Vegas picture.
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