There are an infinite number of options in Vegas, from fast food to $500 a plate restaurants owned by world-renowned celebrity chefs. Business travel means you can deduct virtually all your meals—or at least 50 percent— so enjoy the culinary landscape and keep the receipts. There’s pretty much every mainstream eatery in town, but here’s how to make your dollar stretch in the City of Sin:
Coupons
Grab a copy of the American Casino Guide. The last quarter of the book are coupons, primarily for Las Vegas. Most of 2-for-1 buffets, snack bar deals, and 10-25 percent off the bill at a variety of eateries. The book costs $10-15, which pays for itself with the first meal.
Another option is to hit up the front desk, concierge and casino cashier to see if they have dining discounts at the casino you’re staying at.
Buffet
Vegas isn’t really Vegas until you’ve made yourself sick from overeating and then lay out by the pool in 110° heat. Optimize your food to money ratio with a buffet. In Vegas it’s often quantity over quality, which if you plan for one big meal a day, it can go far. Top end buffets go for $50+ (i.e., Cosmopolitan Wicked Spoon, Caesars Bacchanal, Bellagio, Wynn) and can be near fine dining quality.
For half that price there are many very good, not-spectacular buffets on the Strip (i.e., Planet Hollywood Spice Market, Rio Carnival, Flamingo).
For under $15 you can fill up without worrying about food poisoning (i.e., Silverton, Green Valley Ranch, Main Street Station, Palms).
Late-Night Food
Many casino cafes have midnight – 6am food deals. Typically breakfast fare, steak, burgers, wings, and maybe if you’re lucky a salad. The prices are slashed from normal day cost—$.99-$4.99. At Mr. Lucky’s 24/7 at The Hard Rock you can get a $7.77 steak and shrimp dinner. You just have to ask for the “Gamblers Special”.
As you can see there are plenty of food options in Vegas. Enjoy!
Nick Zynda is a freelance designer with an emphasis on product packaging. His clients have included Tapout, Costco, Tommy’s Chili, Artisan Brand Snacks, The Soy of Life and many small and growing businesses from around the world. He lives in San Diego with his wife, newborn baby, and rat terrier.
