American restaurants in Southwest
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Chelsea's Kitchen
Kick up the wardrobe for this see-and-be-seen eatery (you will get a once-over); but then again, looking nice just feels right. Brick walls, lofty industrial ceiling, leather booths: this casual place wouldn't be out of place in New York's Chelsea. The cuisine, however, is distinctly Western-inspired. Burgers, salads and tacos make appearances, but we're partial to the organic meats tanned to juicy perfection in the hardwood rotisserie. There's a nice patio too.
reviewed
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B
BLT Burger
Here, French-trained NYC chef Laurent Tourondel grills up haute Black Angus beef, lamb and veggie burgers with all the trimmings, plus there are almost three dozen microbrews, liqueur-spiked ‘adult’ milkshakes, crisp sweet-potato fries and peanut-buttery s’mores for dessert. Beautiful mod diner-style furnishings have a background of enormous black-and-white photo murals that show off Nevada’s desert and snowy mountains.
reviewed
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C
Quark’s Restaurant
Star Trek fans should beam directly into this surprisingly cool and palatable eatery. In a futuristic setting, fork into ‘Captain Janeway’s Salad,’ ‘Flaming Ribs of Targ’ and other amusingly named sci-fi dishes, which your server may force you to pronounce with a straight face. Chat with a Klingon or a Ferengi at the bar until your table is ready.
reviewed
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D
Bert’s La Taqueria
Long-time local favorite Bert’s recently moved into a big new location closer to the center of town. Thank goodness that affordable food – including Mexican, veggie dishes, burgers and delicious homemade salsa – is still the norm. Choose between a large outdoor patio near the aromatic open-air grill or colorful, contemporary and casual indoor seating.
reviewed
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E
First Food & Bar
Foodies will salivate over this haute bar and grill with a seriously creative edge. Order up Philly cheesesteak dumplings, Dr Pepper ribs with cheesy grits or a cotton-candy-flavored cocktail. Metallic industrial design, vintage-goth furnishings and carpeting with tattoo patterns all look especially sexy after midnight, when the clubbing crowd takes over.
reviewed
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F
Shugrue's Hillside Grill
Promising panoramic views, an outdoor deck from which to enjoy them and consistently excellent food, this restaurant is a great choice for an upscale meal. If it's too chilly to sit outside, don't fret – the walls are mostly glass, so you can still enjoy the scenery. The menu offers everything from steak to ravioli, but it is best known for its wide variety of well-prepared seafood.
reviewed
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L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek
Featuring refined American cuisine with a French accent, the menu at L'Auberge changes seasonally (you might find ramps and morels in the spring, and roast duck and beets in the fall). The creekside spot is a local favorite for celebrating special occasions in elegant environs, with a select wine list to complement your meal.
reviewed
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Lbs Burger Joint
It’s a detour from the Strip, but so worth the trip for all-natural, hand-crafted beef, turkey or veggie patties lovingly laid on house-made buns, and piled high with boundary-breaking toppings like brie and wild mushrooms or smoked bacon with a fried egg. With warm sourdough pretzel sticks plus a vodka milkshake, it all equals a happy meal for adults.
reviewed
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Zoom
Robert Redford-owned restaurant in a rehabbed train depot.
reviewed
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Amaya
Within colorful Hotel Santa Fe, owned by the people of the 800-year-old-plus Picuris Pueblo, diners feast on authentic, contemporary Native American cuisine. Muse (and let your mouth water) on marinated elk tenderloin, mint-crusted lamb chop, buffalo sausage, and orange ginger duck breast with garlic herb demi glaze (around US$27).
reviewed
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Hash House a Go Go
Before heading to Red Rock Canyon, fill up on this SoCal import’s famed ‘twisted farm food, ’ which has to be seen to be believed. The pancakes are as big as tractor tires and the farm-egg scrambles and huge hashes could knock over a cow. Meatloaf, pot pies, chicken ’n’ biscuits and wild-boar sloppy joes are what’s for dinner.
reviewed
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Landmark
If you worship at the culinary altar of steak and prime rib, you'll want to make the pilgrimage to this converted 1908 Mormon church that's been a family-owned local mainstay for decades. Lighter eaters, meanwhile, have an entire 'Salad Room' with over 100 items for grazing (lunch/dinner $11/15).
reviewed
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K
Carson Street Café
Downtown’s most appealing around-the-clock coffee shop has surprisingly pricey grub. The chintzy Euro-flavored café dishes up an endless selection of sandwiches, burgers, fresh salads, Mexican and Asian standards and more, all barely above average for Fremont St. Prepare yourself for long waits.
reviewed
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Top of the World
While taking in the cloud-level views at this dressy, revolving, romantic roost perched atop the Stratosphere Tower, relish impeccable service and satisfying if overpriced mains such as wild king salmon or chateaubriand for two. Reservations recommended for lunch, required for dinner. Excellent wine list.
reviewed
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M
Zia Diner
Voted Best Comfort Food by locals, this cozy diner is known for its meatloaf, buffalo burgers and yummy homemade pies. Have a beer and watch pink-haired hipsters and graying progressives coo over their blue-plate specials (served weekdays only). It's one of the few places open late on Sundays.
reviewed
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N
Sage
Acclaimed Chicago chef Shawn McClain meditates on the seasonally sublime with global inspiration and artisanal, farm-to-table ingredients in one of Vegas' most drop-dead gorgeous dining rooms. Lounge at the eggplant velvet banquettes underneath the giant scrims of Impressionist paintings, or head to the stunning bar to sip on inspired seasonal cocktails doctored with housemade liqueurs.
reviewed
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Moab Brewery
A good bet for a group with diverse tastes. Choosing from the list of microbrews made in the vats just behind the bar area may be easier than deciding what to eat off the vast and varied menu.
reviewed
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O
Arcadia Farms Café
Hmm, the smoked-salmon club? Or the wild mushroom, spinach and goat-cheese tart? Perhaps the strawberry chicken salad on baby greens? The problem with this chic bistro, tucked inside the Phoenix Art Museum , is that everything sounds delectable. This welcoming eatery uses only seasonal organic ingredients for its light yet satisfying dishes. And for ladies who lunch, there's always the peach Bellini.
reviewed
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Bull Ring
This is the seat of state government, and lobbyists lather up their prey over thick steaks and single-malt scotches at places like the Bull Ring, where fast and friendly staff serve aged Angus in either the Naugahyde dining room or rustic saloon (open until 23:00).
reviewed
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Rainforest Cafe
Congo catfish, python pastas, primal steak and safari sundaes are on the family-friendly menu at this jungle-themed restaurant. The hooting and hollering of the wild-animal soundtrack is enough to keep little ‘uns distracted so that adults can converse.
reviewed
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R
Arizona Room
Antler chandeliers hang from the ceiling and picture windows overlook a small lawn, the rim walk and the canyon. Try to get on the waitlist when doors open at 4:30pm, because by 4:40pm you may have an hour's wait – reservations are not accepted. Mains include steak, chicken and fish dishes, while appetizers include such creative options as pulled pork quesadillas.
reviewed
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S
Route 66 Malt Shop
Bring the kids to this nostalgic and friendly place, tightly packed with 10 tables and four stools – up from just one table a few years ago. Make sure to try one of the awesome green chile cheeseburgers, washed down with a house-made root-beer float.
reviewed
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Heartline Café
This restaurant's name refers to a Zuni Native American symbol for good health and long life, and indeed the imaginative menu offersfresh and clean gourmet victuals. A cozy ambience and creative, seasonal menu make it a long-running favorite. Nowadays, the Heartline Gourmet Express next door serves breakfast and lunch.
reviewed
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U
Bright Angel Restaurant
Menu offerings include burgers, fajitas, salads and pasta. Families with small children gravitate here so it can get loud, and the harried staff provide the most perfunctory service of the three waitstaffed restaurants on the South Rim. Reservations not accepted.
The dark, windowless bar off the hallway doesn't offer much in the way of character, but it's a cozy spot for a beer or espresso.
reviewed
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V
Lion House Pantry Restaurant
Down-home, carb-rich cookin' just like your Mormon grandmother used to make – only it's served cafeteria-style in the basement of an historic house. Several of Brigham Young's wives used to live here (including this author's great-great-great grandmother).
reviewed