Las Vegas’ Upscale Food Halls: the Class of 2024

As further proof that Las Vegas’ upscale food-hall trend is barreling along on a sharply upward trajectory, these four new eateries are testament to the fact that new and existing properties are eschewing the iconic Vegas buffet in favor of multi-ethnic food halls that promise something for everyone – cooked to order.  Here’s what’s new in the Las Vegas food-hall realm since my last story covering this trend ran a mere year ago.

Eat Your Heart Out (Durango Casino & Resort)
The recently-opened Durango Casino & Resort in Las Vegas’ southwest valley area is already buzzing, partly due to parent Station Casinos’ Boarding Pass loyalty program and to the wide array of culinary options onsite.  And the inconvenience of the off-Strip location is offset by the reasonable price point of the outlets’ respective menus.  L.A. import Irv’s Burgers slings a double for $11.25 or a Hebrew National hot dog for $5, while Nielsen’s Frozen Custard – a Vegas original – sells a cup of its rich, frozen treat for only $3.85.  You certainly couldn’t touch those prices on the Strip.  On a recent visit, I enjoyed a Breakfast Bowl with two scrambled eggs, avocado, roasted tomatoes and potatoes for $12 at Uncle Paulie’s, while the line for a large slice ($5.75) at Prince Street Pizza was wrapped around the venue.  Meanwhile, counter seating at the Oyster Bar, a Station Casinos mainstay, was at capacity day and night.  

Promenade (Fontainebleau Las Vegas)
Perhaps the biggest surprise about the Promenade food hall at the new, luxe Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the reasonable menu pricing for most items.  And many of the outlets are Miami imports, paying homage to the property’s iconic, namesake hotel in Miami Beach.  Meanwhile, the atmosphere here, on the resort’s 2nd floor overlooking the chic casino, is relaxed and comfortable, with lots of seating options spread out attractively.  Clients certainly can’t go wrong by starting their day at Miami’s El Bagel, where two fried eggs, thick-cut bacon and American cheese on a quality bagel will only set them back $14.  And New York celebrity chef Josh Capon’s Burgers features the chef’s Classic Capon Burger on a warm, homemade potato bun for a mere $13.  Mixing the upscale ambiance here with quality dishes at reasonable prices makes this casual dining option one of Vegas’ best bets.  

The Sundry Food Hall (Uncommons)
Is it worth the 15-minute schlep from the Strip to eat at The Sundry Food Hall inside the new Uncommons mixed-use campus in the southwest valley?  Yes, if clients opt to take advantage of the many quality options available here, as fourteen upmarket concepts in a hip, urban space with high ceilings and restaurant-style seating add up to an attractive proposition.  Guests order directly from their table via a QR code or from staff, who will then deliver the dishes as they come up.  Meanwhile, roving team members push carts with water, utensils, clean plates and other necessary items, so there’s no need to get up and down.  In essence, the atmosphere and  experience here is more akin to a full-service restaurant than a casual food hall, with the benefit of having 14 restaurants to order from.  And not many food halls can boast a celebrity chef outlet, as The Sundry can with Ray Garcia’s B.S. Taqueria.  Chef Garcia’s gourmet tacos, including a perfectly medium-rare carne asada and a delicious swordfish variation, both dressed perfectly and served on freshly-pressed, blue corn tortillas, rival the cuisine in his fine-dining restaurants – at a fraction of the price.

Canteen Food Hall (Rio Las Vegas)
To say that the Canteen Food Hall – the recently opened culinary marketplace inside the Rio – has big shoes to fill would be an understatement.  After all, Canteen inhabits the space once occupied by Carnival World Buffet, which for years held the title of Vegas’ largest buffet, and where many of us had our first taste of a massive, over-the-top, multi-ethnic Las Vegas all-you-can-eat feast.  But Carnival World shuttered pre-pandemic, and the Rio’s new owners are hoping that Canteen can bring back the magic of this site with a combination of new-to-market and homegrown Vegas concepts.  The Southland Burrito Co.’s menu features Sonoran-style burritos and quesadillas made with a fluffy, crepe-like variation of the flour tortilla, while Master Chef Foo Kanegae’s third restaurant in Las Vegas, Shogun Ramen, is serving traditional Tonkotsu Ramen alongside a neo-Tonkotsu variation with an umami blend.  Meanwhile, South Philly cheesesteak chain Tony Luke’s is slinging that city’s iconic sandwich, and Attaboy Burger is focused on quality over quantity with a short menu of just three smashburgers and three sides.  But no self-respecting, modern food court would be caught dead without a fried chicken outlet, and that’s where Tender Crush comes in, with New York-inspired recipes for its tenders and sandwiches.