The Flamingo Las Vegas’ Refresh Leans Into Nostalgia

As the oldest, continuously operating casino-resort on the Las Vegas Strip, the Flamingo Las Vegas has experienced multiple iterations over the years. The most recent refresh of the storied Caesars Entertainment property, however, leans heavily into nostalgia for its post-World War II genesis with myriad new food-and-beverage outlets, a reimagined pool area, throwback entertainment options and a refocus on the iconic pink bird. But first delving into a bit of history provides the necessary context for an appreciation of the recent enhancements at the budget-friendly, center-Strip property.

It’s often said that Bugsy Siegel had a dream, and that dream marked the beginning of the modern Las Vegas Strip. The birth and evolution of the Flamingo was almost that simple, but for a few (not minor) details. Yes, the infamous mobster and his high-profile organized crime partners, including Meyer Lansky, took over the financing and development of a failed project that ultimately would become the first luxury casino-resort on the Strip, luring Hollywood glitterati eager to visit a glamorous, desert destination in the years following World War II.

Seeing this initial success, other casino-resort operators soon followed with their own projects, thus contributing to the evolution of the Strip. And now, “as one of the most iconic destinations on the Strip” says Dan Walsh, SVP and General Manager of Flamingo Las Vegas, “we’re proud to begin the next chapter in Flamingo’s legacy.”

New Food-and-Beverage Outlets Feature Throwback Look-and-Feel

Pinky’s by Vanderpump

In the third Las Vegas interior-and-hospitality design collaboration between reality-TV star Lisa Vanderpump and Nick Alain, Pinky’s by Vanderpump is yet another gorgeous, cinematic lounge concept from the pair that first conceived and developed Vanderpump Cocktail Garden at Caesars Palace, then followed it up with Vanderpump a Paris at Paris Las Vegas. And while the over-the-top, Art Deco aesthetic – dripping with atmosphere – at Pinky’s is reminiscent of a 1950s Miami supper club, patrons here enjoy a creative, modern cocktail program and small bites that also pay homage to the Flamingo’s past. Clever wordplay and ingenious presentation dominate the drink menu, with specialties like “Flip the Bird,” a green goddess margarita – served in a birdcage, naturally – leading the way.

Havana 1957

Harkening back to the glory days of hedonistic, pre-revolution Cuba, Havana 1957’s interior design gives off tropical vibes with palm tree motifs, vintage mix-and-match furnishings, period memorabilia and warm lighting. And the authentic Cuban cuisine is a perfect match for the environs, since the Miami-based operation behind this eatery has spent years catering to a discerning, south Florida clientele that expects and rewards authenticity. Diners unfamiliar with classic Cuban cuisine would do well by ordering La Orquesta Cubana, a sampler platter

composed of the venue’s signature Havana 1957 chicken, ropa vieja (shredded beef) and roasted pork, accompanied by white rice, black beans and sweet plantains. And clients should not miss the two standout desserts: a rich tres leches cake with a burnt meringue and cherry topping; and a quality flan caramel that rises above the everyday version of that latin staple. Washing it all down with a classic Mojito while listening to live Cuban music on weekends easily transports guests back in time. Right next door, the adjoining Cortadito Coffee House continues the theme with a full menu of beverages and snacks.

Gordon Ramsay Burger

With a dining juggernaut that now numbers a lucky seven venues spread across Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas empire, Michelin-starred TV chef Gordon Ramsay obviously has a devoted following in his casual and fine-dining establishments. And the second iteration of Gordon Ramsay Burger (which opened this past January) is even larger than its Planet Hollywood predecessor. The previous Margaritaville space here has been completely reimagined with a full exhibition kitchen, an island-style bar, and a patio area prominently exposed to the Strip highlighted by the chef’s now-iconic, flaming imagery. Multiple burger options, of course, dominate the venue’s offerings, which all come with fresh-cut fries. An all-day brunch is also served at this location, as well as a few Flamingo-specific items. The Steak Dinner Burger ($49.99) features a Wagyu beef patty, sauteed mushrooms and onions, boursin spread, hp sauce and crispy matchstick potatoes. And accompanying it with the Sticky Shake ($24.99), made with Stanky’s Whip Irish whiskey, vanilla ice cream, sticky sauce and Heath Bar bits, represents a surefire Vegas guilty pleasure.

Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse

Although it opened back in 2020, Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse fits right in with the current theme as an ode to an era when steakhouses represented the epitome of dining at Las Vegas casino-resorts. And thankfully, this venue does justice to the classics. Executive chef Lei Wang keeps the menu fresh with seasonal additions, while still focusing on core steakhouse classics like an 8-oz. ribeye cap, lobster bisque, truffle beef carpaccio and a jumbo crab cake. Of the dessert selections, the Chocolate Cigar Cake makes a beautiful and creative presentation. An adjoining, hidden speakeasy comes alive on weekends with era-specific musical entertainment.

New Adults-Only Go Pool Ups the Ante on Daylife

Notwithstanding the near-wholesale refresh of the property’s principal F&B venues, the new Go Pool is perhaps the most impressive asset here, providing an atypical (for the Strip) value proposition while exhibiting aesthetic appeal. In a complete overhaul that is nothing short of transformational, the adults-only venue – adjoining the Flamingo’s lush Wildlife Habitat – now features five pools with no admission fee for hotel guests or the general public. Complimentary lounges ringing the main pool are available on a first-come, first-served basis, as are multiple chairs along the back wall. Free towel service is also provided, a DJ spins tunes 7 days a week, and a swim-up bar provides the necessary lubrication to keep the daylife humming.

Even though the main pool is technically an adults-only resort pool, the experience here falls somewhere in the continuum between a traditional hotel pool and a dayclub – without an admission charge. Three private VIP pools ring the complex, each with cabanas for rent plus an F&B minimum-spend that varies by day of week. Cabanas are nicely furnished with ceiling fans, safes, 65” TV and multiple electrical/USB outlets. Meanwhile, visitors of all ages can still experience Flamingo’s Family Pool, located nearby.

And the overall refresh wouldn’t be complete – or in context – without the ultimate throwback entertainment experience. Yes, Wayne Newton, amazingly well-preserved and evidently still a draw, is celebrating his 67th year of performing in Las Vegas with “Wayne: Up Close and Personal” three nights a week in the intimate Bugsy’s Cabaret.