A trip to Las Vegas means many different things to different people. For Broadway lovers, you can see a different show every night. For the outdoorsy types, we were thrilled to find Death Valley National Park only a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas — and well worth the trip! And of course, almost anywhere you go in Las Vegas is a gambler’s delight.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Las Vegas, you’re bound to work up an appetite. The good news is that the restaurant choices are almost endless here. The bad news is the huge variety makes it hard to choose. We stayed downtown on our recent Vegas trip and were on a mission to eat well on a budget. Here are the best cheap eats in Las Vegas, in no particular order.
1. Garden Buffet
Southpoint Casino
I confess to loving good buffets. Back in the “before” days, buffets in Las Vegas were a common thing, but these days, not so much. While the fancy strip buffets are more plentiful, the price tag was more than we wanted to spend. On the recommendation of our hotel staff, we made the quick drive to the Garden Buffet at Southpoint Casino, located just minutes south of the Strip. According to the front desk rep, this is where the locals go.
This large buffet offers a wide variety of foods — including Italian, Chinese, barbecue, and Mexican — a large salad bar, and a dessert station with lots of sweet options. The highlight of the buffet is the carving station, where you can get freshly-carved meats. We went on a Sunday when the featured dish at the carving station was prime rib. We liked the variety of choices at the buffet and felt it was a good deal for less than $35. Was it as good as the pricier buffets at Wynn and Caesar’s? Probably not, but it was almost half the price!
What To Order At Garden Buffet At Southpoint Casino
We liked the prime rib at the carving station.
Pro Tip: Southpoint Casino is massive and the buffet is busy. Go during off-peak times for fewer crowds.
2. Binion’s Cafe
Binion’s Casino
Looking for a Vegas throwback where you can grab a quick meal 24/7 right off the gaming floor? Binion’s Cafe has you covered. This little diner — towards the back of Binion’s Casino on Fremont Street across from slot machines — offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You won’t find luxurious decor or fancy presentations, but you will get classic dinner fare at a great price.
What To Order At Binion’s
The Binion’s famous burger is delish and so is the classic Caesar salad with blackened chicken. If you want a steak, you can’t beat the ribeye steak and frites for less than $22.
3. American Coney Island
The D Casino
Who doesn’t love a Coney dog? The dogs at American Coney Island at The D Casino are grilled up fresh as you watch. I ordered the Coney with chili, mustard, and onions at this tiny, super casual spot on the ground floor of The D. Open 24 hours, here you can grab a satisfying dog or burger at any time. This place is as casual as you can get, but for less than $5, it’s a deal!
What To Order At American Coney Island
Induldge in the Detroit original Coney Island Dog with a side of cheese fries.
4. Proper Eats Food Hall
Aria Casino
This upscale food court is not like the one at the mall where you noshed with your friends during high school. Proper Eats Food Hall is made up of top-of-the-line, highly sought-after restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else. Here, you can dine at the first Wexler’s Deli outside of Los Angeles, London’s famous Seoul Bird, New York’s Egghead, and more. You’ll find sushi, specialty donuts, ramen, gourmet burgers, and almost anything else you can dream of.
What To Order At Proper Eats Food Hall
Try a made-to-order roll from the temaki bar with a side of temaki spicy dipping sauce.
5. Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar
Golden Nugget Casino
Happy hour is a beautiful thing. The Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar within the Golden Nugget Casino delivers a variety of cheap eats and drinks at happy hour and beyond. Located across from the pool in the casino, this place was rockin’ during a Monday night happy hour. Luckily, there was no wait and we were quickly seated in the modern bar space. We devoured our appetizers along with our cocktails. Serving a Mexican-centric menu, the Cadillac offers a multitude of traditional favorites including tamales and nachos. Starting this month, they’ll also unveil a weekend breakfast menu with breakfast fajitas, huevos rancheros, as well as American favorites.
What To Order At Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar
The queso blanco and housemade guacamole with pickled jalapenos from the appetizer list are super popular. Try the Pink Cadillac Margarita for a different spin on a classic.
6. In-N-Out Burger
Anytime I’m anywhere close to In-N-Out Burger territory, I make room on the itinerary for a stop! In-N-Out is quality, fresh fast-food that’s a cut above any other fast food. I don’t even eat fast food, but I make an exception for In-N-Out Burger. It’s scrumptious!
What To Order At In-N-Out Burger
It’s hard to beat the double-double — a mouthwatering two-patty burger with fries.
Pro Tip: Go to the location at the Linq Promenade. You’ll want to check out this upscale outdoor entertainment and shopping complex.
7. Famous Foods Street Eats
Resorts World Casino
The newest casino on the strip, Resorts World, has an impressive food court with not-your-run-of-the-mill fast-food options. Famous Foods Street Eats is an Asian-inspired food court that’s top-of-the-line. You can get made-to-order handrolls at Nori Bar, peking duck burritos at FUHU Shack, and clay pot rice dishes from Singapore-based eatery Geylang Claypot Rice. You can also try favorites like Nashville hot chicken from Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird as well as Texas barbecue with a twist from James Beard Award-winning Blood Bros. The variety here is vast.
Pro Tip: For other good food court options, check out the Forum Food Hall at Caesar’s, Block 16 at the Cosmopolitan, Grand Canal Shoppes Food Court at the Venetian, and the Village Street Eateries at New York-New York.
8. Saginaw’s Deli
Circa Resort & Casino
The newest casino downtown, Circa is a cool and hip spot with a ton of amenities and lots of different dining options. One of the best is Saginaw’s Deli, a Jewish-style deli where you’ll find all the traditional deli favorites and then some. The deli is the creation of Michigan legend Paul Saginaw, known for the iconic, award-winning Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Open 24 hours a day, Saginaw’s Deli serves brunch all day, and you’ll find plenty of creative breakfast-type creations. With a menu full of Jewish comfort food like chicken matzo ball soup, and chopped liver pate, plus all the deli specialties you’d expect, choosing just one entrée is going to be tough.
What To Order At Saginaw’s Deli
Try Rosie’s Meatloaf or the Royal Flush Reuben.
9. Bacon Nation
The D Casino
Another tasty and economical dining spot is Bacon Nation at The D Casino. Bacon Nation focuses on good old bacon as the name suggests! Located on the second floor of the Fremont Street Experience hotspot, the restaurant’s 24/7 menu is centered around a love for all things bacon and incorporates 13 gourmet bacon varieties into a plethora of dishes.
What To Order At Bacon Nation
The Reverse BLT is a fun take on the classic sandwich, with bacon on the outside!
Remember that it’s possible to sample tons of different, unique foods Las Vegas offers and stick to your travel budget at the same time.
Related Reading:
- 24 Fabulous New Las Vegas Attractions (2023)
- My 8 Favorite Experiences On Fremont Street In Las Vegas
- 7 New And Unique Things To Do On The Las Vegas Strip
FAQs
9 Best Cheap Eats In Las Vegas ? ›
Meals can vary in price but it is possible to eat on a budget in Las Vegas. Stick to restaurants off the strip or the chain restaurants to spend as little as $25 a day on food and drink. If you intend to try the buffets and restaurants on the strip, expect to pay around $30 per meal on average.
What is Vegas signature food? ›- Swinging Tomahawk Ribeye. Vegas isn't complete without a decadent steak. ...
- Linguini Frutti di Mare. ...
- Miso-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass with Wok Vegetables. ...
- Chicken 'N' Watermelon 'N' Waffles. ...
- Banana Cream Pie. ...
- Moqueca Mista. ...
- Cannoli. ...
- Lasagna.
Meals can vary in price but it is possible to eat on a budget in Las Vegas. Stick to restaurants off the strip or the chain restaurants to spend as little as $25 a day on food and drink. If you intend to try the buffets and restaurants on the strip, expect to pay around $30 per meal on average.
How much does the average person spend on food in Las Vegas? ›Average Daily Costs
While meal prices in Las Vegas can vary, the average cost of food in Las Vegas is $64 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Las Vegas should cost around $26 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.
10Best Says. A favorite with celebs including Fergie, Adam Levine, Katy Perry and the entire Kardashian clan, STACK is known for its inventive American cuisine, reinterpreted with modern techniques under the direction of Executive Chef Brian Massie.
What is the most iconic food in Nevada? ›Perhaps no dish says Nevada more than a juicy steak, favorite of ranchers and the Rat Pack alike. There's no better place to enjoy a classic cut than the Golden Steer, founded in Las Vegas in 1958.
Can you spend $100 a day in Vegas? ›It's easy to go big in Vegas. But what you might not know is that it can also be easy to do Vegas on $100 a day! Excluding hotel and travel costs, see how you can have an affordable trip to Vegas while still having a great time.
Is $500 enough for Vegas? ›It's possible to have a great time in Las Vegas without spending a ton of cash. Of course, if you don't have $500 to spend, don't put this on your credit card, that's silly. Save up if you really want to visit Vegas, but don't think it's impossible to have a good time for under $1000.
How much money should you bring per day to Vegas? ›The minimum money one needs to bring to Las Vegas while on a shoestring budget is around $40.00 per day. That is $25.00 per day for accommodation and $10.00 a day for self-catered food.
What is the average tipping in Vegas? ›Leaving between 15-20 percent is the standard gratuity practice across Las Vegas, and the US as a whole. So you'll be safe as long as you stick to those figures when you pay the bill in the casino restaurant or bar. But, of course, if you received outstanding service there's nothing stopping you from leaving more.
What is the slowest month in Las Vegas? ›
The slowest times of year are parts of January and February; late June through August; the week before Christmas; and the week after New Year's. If a major convention is to be held during your trip, you might want to change your date. Contact the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (tel.
How many nights in Vegas is enough? ›Five days is ideal for a first-time Vegas itinerary. This way, you can see the best attractions on and off the Strip and have plenty of time to take in all the sights. Start with a tour on the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus, which will take you down the Boulevard and through downtown.
What is the best drink to get in Vegas? ›- Vodka Cranberry.
- Vodka Red Bull (Energy)
- Jack and Coke (Whiskey)
- Long Island / Long Beach.
- Screwdriver (Vodka Orange Juice)
- Cosmopolitan (Vodka Martini)
- Vodka Tonic.
- Rum and Coke.
A vegas bomb is a fun drink to make at home with friends. Made with Crown Royal, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and energy drink, it's a cocktail that will keep the party going all night long!
Where to find celebrities in Las Vegas? ›Want to spot a celebrity in Las Vegas? Tao at the Venetian, Beauty & Essex and STK at Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and Hakkasan at the MGM Grand are sure bets for spotting celebrities.
What part of the strip is best Las Vegas? ›What is the best part of the Las Vegas Strip? The Main Strip is the best part of the Las Vegas Strip. Most of the places you want to see will be within walking distance of the Main Strip. You will catch the sights of the Bellagio Fountains, pass through many luxury hotels, and encounter vibrant bars and nightclubs.
Are drinks still free in Vegas? ›Do they still give free drinks in Vegas? Yes. While casinos are tightening up their free drink policies, people can still get free drinks. However, you need to be careful how you do it.
What snack is Nevada known for? ›One of the most famous foods in Nevada is none other than onion rings. These deep-fried treats are the perfect combination of savory onion and crispy breading, making them an irresistible addition to any meal or snack time.
What drink is Nevada known for? ›"Nevada has a large population of Basque immigrants, especially in the northern part of the state, according to NBC News Las Vegas. That's why the state drink is none other than the Picon punch, a Basque Country drink that is made with grenadine, club soda, brandy, and Amer Picon."
What are the cheapest days at Vegas? ›Which Are The Cheapest Days Of The Week To Stay In Vegas? Due to many visitors vacating on weekends, weekdays are the cheapest time to stay in Vegas. Sundays to Thursdays are the best bet for tourists looking to stay in the city on a budget as the things are a bit slower during these days.
Is a $1,000 dollars enough for 4 days in Vegas? ›
It depends on how many people there are in your group. For a group of 4, $1,000 should be enough. But please remember that this is just a general guideline and your specific needs may vary. Have a great time in Vegas!
What is the best month to visit Vegas? ›The best time to visit Las Vegas is from March to May and from September to November. While you'll find plenty of travel deals throughout the year, the spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the most moderate weather.
How much money should I take to a casino in Vegas? ›This is one area where your budget can easily get away from you, so proceed with caution. If you just want to try some slots or a low-limit table, you could test the waters with $50. Those who want to make more of a night of it at the casino should plan on about $200-$250 per night.
Is there a dress code in Vegas? ›There isn't a formal dress code at the majority of Vegas casinos, although what is and isn't acceptable to wear depends on the time of day and casino. During daytime hours, you can get away with wearing more casual clothing, including jeans, T-shirts, shorts, and open-toe shoes.
Is Vegas cashless? ›At casinos in Las Vegas and around the country, cash is still king, but there's a steady drumbeat within the industry that continues to point to a change — cashless options are coming. In some cases, they're already here.
Is it better to use cash or card in Las Vegas? ›Bring cash. You can cover many Vegas expenses with a credit card, but according to a Nevada law, playing chips isn't one of them. If you plan on gambling, make sure to bring cash or use a card like the Charles Schwab Bank Debit Card to avoid fees on ATM withdrawals.
What is the cheapest way to get around Vegas? ›The cheapest way of getting around Las Vegas is via public transportation. For the most convenient way of getting around the Strip, take advantage of the Las Vegas Monorail. The 4-mile air-conditioned, elevated system runs along the Las Vegas Strip from 07:00 and stops between 00:00–03:00, daily.
How much cash can you fly with to Vegas? ›You can fly with any amount of cash. No law prohibits you from bringing any amount of money on a flight. Likewise, TSA has no rules that limit how much money you can bring through security. In other words, TSA has no cash limit per person.
Does the $20 tip work in Vegas? ›You Don't Have to Hide Your $20 Bill
Most people who work in the Las Vegas hospitality and service industry work for tips. And they all have to disclose their tips. So when you hand your 20 dollar bill to the front desk staff, there's no need to hide it or sandwich it between your ID and credit card.
That means buffet tipping & etiquette isn't as strictly connected to billing percentages as most restaurants. However, the staff of a buffet restaurant still works hard to ensure proper service. Ergo, the answer is yes: you should leave a tip at a buffet.
How much do you tip for free drinks in Vegas? ›
While you are gambling in Las Vegas, servers in the casinos will come around with free drinks. Regardless of your luck, it's customary to tip them $1-2 per drink.
What is the best day of the week to go to Las Vegas? ›TIP: If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, it's best to plan a visit to Vegas between Monday and Thursday. It's not only quieter and more enjoyable, but most hotels also have better rates and midweek deals. Also some attractions are cheaper on weekdays (e.g. Meow Wolf's Omega Mart to mention just one).
What is the best time to go to the casino? ›Many gamblers prefer hitting the casino after midnight or around 2 a.m when there's less traffic and increased chances of betting against high rollers. Con of evening gambling: Like going to the casino on weekends, expect more packed tables and slots during peak evening hours and fewer games available to play.
What is the shortest day in Las Vegas? ›The December solstice (winter solstice) in Las Vegas is at 7:27 pm on Thursday, December 21, 2023. In terms of daylight, this day is 4 hours, 55 minutes shorter than the June solstice. In most locations north of the equator, the shortest day of the year is around this date.
How long does it take to walk the Las Vegas Strip? ›The Las Vegas Strip is 4.2 miles long and runs from Mandalay Bay to the Stratosphere. At an average walking rate of 0.3 miles per hour, it would take you almost 90 minutes to get across the Strip—and that's if you don't stop along the way. The Strip is very busy. There are typically around 37,000 cars in the area.
Is it worth going to Vegas for 3 days? ›A 3-Day trip to Vegas allows just enough time for visitors to get a taste of what the city has to offer – and trust us, it has a lot! On a 3-day Vegas trip, visitors can see the flashing neon lights, eat at celebrity chef restaurants, gamble at flashy casinos and visit top city attractions…and that is just on Day One!
What is the busiest month in Las Vegas? ›High season (March to May and September to November) has the best weather. Las Vegas is balmy by day and pleasantly cool at night in the spring and fall. March is probably the busiest month, but April to June and September to November are nearly perfect.
What is Las Vegas famous for? ›Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city, known primarily for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife. The Las Vegas Valley as a whole serves as the leading financial, commercial, and cultural center for Nevada.
What is popular in Vegas right now? ›- Fountains of Bellagio. 92,126. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains. ...
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. 26,366. ...
- Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden. 14,706. ...
- The Strip. 34,925. ...
- Fremont Street Experience. 44,976. ...
- High Roller. 25,645. ...
- Hoover Dam Bypass. 11,568. ...
- The Mob Museum. 9,824.
- Vodka Cranberry.
- Vodka Red Bull (Energy)
- Jack and Coke (Whiskey)
- Long Island / Long Beach.
- Screwdriver (Vodka Orange Juice)
- Cosmopolitan (Vodka Martini)
- Vodka Tonic.
- Rum and Coke.
What are the most common stadium foods? ›
Hot dogs, nachos, peanuts and crackerjacks… these are the iconic foods most associated with America's many football and baseball stadiums. These treats make game day fun, even for people who don't know a foul ball from a field goal.
What are 4 famous places in Las Vegas? ›Some of the best places to visit in Las Vegas are The Strip, High Roller Ferris Wheel, Hoover Dam, Stratosphere, The Mob Museum, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, The Neon Museum, and MGM Grand & CSI.
What is the richest part of Las Vegas? ›Dragon Ridge Country Club lies within the guard gate of MacDonald Highlands. Some of these luxury home sites exceed 2 acres in size. Another noted area where rich people live in Las Vegas is known as “Billionaire's Row” and is located in Summerlin near the TPC Golf Course.
What is Las Vegas most famous street? ›The Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard) is the most well-known street in all of Las Vegas, offering iconic resorts, casinos, fine dining, and a world of entertainment, glitz, and glam.
How many days in Las Vegas is enough? ›Five days is ideal for a first-time Vegas itinerary. This way, you can see the best attractions on and off the Strip and have plenty of time to take in all the sights. Start with a tour on the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus, which will take you down the Boulevard and through downtown.
What is the best day to go to Vegas? ›TIP: If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, it's best to plan a visit to Vegas between Monday and Thursday. It's not only quieter and more enjoyable, but most hotels also have better rates and midweek deals. Also some attractions are cheaper on weekdays (e.g. Meow Wolf's Omega Mart to mention just one).
What do I wear to Vegas? ›Keep It Casual
Feel free to dress casually as you explore Vegas, meaning nice jeans or slacks with a collared shirt for men and a casual dress or slacks for women. At casinos, the dress code is also casual during the day though it becomes a bit more formal in the evening.
- Whiskey. Whiskey is one of the most popular elite drinks in the casino. ...
- Gin and Tonic. Gin and tonic are classic elite drinks players enjoy while playing casino games. ...
- Beer. ...
- Martini. ...
- Tea and Coffee. ...
- Conclusion.
The minimum money one needs to bring to Las Vegas while on a shoestring budget is around $40.00 per day. That is $25.00 per day for accommodation and $10.00 a day for self-catered food.
How to get the most free drinks in Vegas? ›Tipping is something everyone should do when getting free drinks in Vegas casinos. Servers depend on tips to make a living. If you tip well, you will increase your chance of getting free drinks more quickly. It's not to say you need to tip $10 every time, as that would defeat the purpose of getting free drinks.
What is the most favorite Super Bowl food? ›
- Chips and salsa.
- Tater tots.
- Chili.
- Buffalo wings.
- Hummus.
- Nachos.
- Pigs in a blanket.
- Spinach artichoke dip.
Four of the top 10 Super Bowl foods (according to BoE's analysis of Google searches in the U.S.) are dips: Hummus, spinach artichoke dip and salsa all made strong showings, while guacamole ranked #2, second only to the magnificent meatball. Other popular dips for the Big Game include queso, buffalo chicken and ranch.
What do you eat at a football stadium? ›Hot dogs, burgers and pies are the most typical stadium buys which can be quickly eaten whilst standing around waiting for kick-off.