What’s New in Las Vegas Dining This September: Steakhouses, Smashburgers & Off-Strip Gems

^{The sleek, stunning bar inside the new Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, opening Sept. 4 at The Venetian. (Photo: Courtesy of Jose Andrés Group)}

The slowdown in visitation this summer gave Las Vegas casinos time to refresh their properties. In addition to hotel and high-limit room renovations being expedited or paused, new and upgraded dining experiences are on the way.

While prices in Las Vegas continue to draw complaints, the latest eateries aim to reach visitors of all budgets. The lineup includes new fine-dining restaurants as well as less expensive quick-serve options.

Venetian’s New Additions: Bazaar Meat, Five Guys & More

The Venetian began a massive $1.5 billion makeover in 2024 that touches nearly every part of the property, from hotel rooms to the casino floor to new entertainment options. That effort now continues with the addition of more restaurants.

Bazaar Meat is the biggest addition to The Venetian’s dining lineup this year. The Meatery™ opens Sept. 4, relocating from Sahara to the lower level of the Palazzo Tower at The Venetian.

Chef José Andrés’ restaurant is more than a traditional steakhouse. While the beef is top-notch, the menu is among the most creative and carnivorous in town. Surprisingly, plenty of reservations remain open for the first weekend of service.

Five Guys just opened its first Strip location at The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes. Prices at the quick-serve burger spot run slightly higher than those at its location about seven miles west.

Earlier this year, The Venetian debuted the Via Via food hall, featuring quick-serve eateries not found at other casinos. While it’s a moderately priced option, the Grand Canal food court on the property’s second level offers outlets with even lower-priced menus.

Lookahead: Cote Steakhouse opens at The Venetian on Oct. 4. It will be the first West Coast location for America’s only Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse.

Keeping Up With The Cosmopolitan: Naughty Patty’s & Clique Lounge Return

MGM Resorts took over operations at The Cosmopolitan in 2022 and continues to make changes to the property. Naughty Patty’s smashburger joint is now open where a gift shop once operated on the second level across from the main section of the Block 16 Food Hall.

Burger fans shouldn’t sleep on nearby Lardo. The price for a double cheeseburger is a couple bucks more than a single at the Naughty’s. The “Beeria” grilled cheese is delicious for anyone looking for something a little different.

Clique Lounge at The Cosmopolitan just completed a makeover. The refreshed space has new decor but the same snack menu. Most visitors will go for the wings or wagyu sliders, but the fried Oreos hit the spot after a few cocktails.

Old-school fans of The Cosmopolitan will remember this space as Book & Stage when the property first opened. Yes, it was the most unique lounge with free live music from touring bands, a gaming bar and a sports betting window.

Flashback: Earlier this year Amaya Mexican restaurant replaced Holsteins on the second floor of the property across from the Block 16 Food Hall.

Vegas Dining Highlights: Smashburgers, Lobster Rolls & Karaoke Bars

Smashburgers are so hot in Las Vegas right now. The Not A Damn Chance! Burger (NADC) pop-up is now open at Resorts World Las Vegas. While the new burger spot never closes, it’s only slated to stay at Resorts World for three months.

Nona’s Lobster Shack recently debuted at the Promenade Food Hall on the second floor of Fontainebleau. The pop-up stall offers just a few menu items, focused on hot and cold lobster rolls. Early reviews are positive.

Bottled Blonde has completed its soft and grand openings and is now open to the public outside Horseshoe Las Vegas. The three-story bar and restaurant offers gorgeous views of the Strip, similar to its neighbor Ole Red.

The two new multi-level bar and restaurants block the sightlines of the Grand Bazaar Shops in front of Horseshoe so visitors might miss changes. Smelly Cat Karaoke recently opened in this patch of shops on the way to the casino. Guests stumbling out of Ole Red after belting their favorite country tunes can walk a few steps and grab the mic for themselves and their friends.

The Miracle Eats food court inside Planet Hollywood has been slowly rolling out new fast-food dining options all summer. The first Strip location for Irv’s Burgers is the latest addition to the mall’s lineup of cheap eats.

Coming soon: Maroon by Kwame Onwuachi, a Caribbean steakhouse, will replace Bazaar Meat at Sahara later this year. Gymkhana is slated to open at Aria in December, becoming the first fine-dining Indian restaurant on the Strip.

Off-Strip Bonus: Rare Society Brings Style & Value

Rare Society recently opened in the southwest area of Las Vegas, across the street from Durango Casino. We usually stick to restaurants closer to the Strip, but the food is delicious, the décor is beautiful and the service is excellent.

Equally important are the fair menu prices. While a bone-in New York strip is $94 at Bavette’s at Park MGM, it’s $68 at Rare Society.

That adds up to just over $100 in savings for a group of four. Visiting Rare Society is a chance to explore a new part of Las Vegas and possibly save a few bucks. For budget-conscious visitors, rideshare fares from Park MGM to Rare Society start around $25 each way, though prices fluctuate with demand.