14 Worst Things to Eat on the Las Vegas Strip (And What to Try Instead)
Las Vegas is a playground of sensory overload: flashing lights, thumping music, and some seriously over-the-top food options. While Sin City is renowned for its extravagant buffets and celebrity chef restaurants, it’s not all glitz and glamour when it comes to dining. Some spots are more hype than flavor, while others leave you disappointed and ripped off.
Not to worry, with little knowledge, you can dodge the tourist traps and still find some show-stopping bites that won’t make you regret every calorie. In this guide, you’ll learn the worst food to avoid on the Strip, and better options that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Frozen, Pre-Made Margaritas
You’ll spot them everywhere—those giant, colorful frozen margaritas sold in obnoxiously tall souvenir cups. They’re fun for photos but are usually made with syrupy mixes, artificial flavors, and cheap liquor. The result? Zero-sophistication sugar bomb. Grab a handcrafted margarita at Ghost Donkey inside The Cosmopolitan. It’s quality tequila with all fresh ingredients and just the right amount of flair.
Overpriced Hotel Buffet Breakfasts
While hotel buffets in Vegas can be legendary, they aren’t all made the same. Many breakfast spreads rely on bland, steam-table eggs, cold bacon, and rock-hard pastries that taste like they’ve been frozen and defrosted. You deserve better for $30-$40 per person. For flaky croissants, perfectly cooked eggs, and bacon so good that you’ll want to write home about it, visit Bouchon at The Venetian. It’s beautiful, affordable, and Instagram-worthy.
Sketchy $1 Hot Dogs
The promise of a $1 hot dog can seem like a lifesaver when you’re hungry after a night out, but those street cart hot dogs are usually lukewarm, low-quality, and questionable. Instead, get a gourmet hot dog at Haute Doggery in The LINQ Promenade. Their specialty dogs, like the “Gold Standard” with smoked bacon and cheddar, are worth every bite.
Overcooked Pizza Slices
You’re tired. You’re hungry. Next, you see the pizza counter and say to yourself, “Why not?”, but those limp, reheated slices with rubbery cheese are guaranteed to disappoint. Pizza Rock near Downtown Fremont Street is the place to go. They’re fresh, crispy, and full of flavor. Just the award-winning crust is worth the trip.
Soupy Nachos
It’s hard to mess up nachos, yet some places still find a way to drown stale chips in gloopy, fake cheese. It’s a sad, soggy mess that tastes like regret. Try Nacho Daddy at Planet Hollywood instead. They’re known for their inventive toppings and ideal chip layers—no nacho sacrificed!
Overly Greasy Cheeseburgers
There’s nothing wrong with a greasy cheeseburger after a long day, but some of the burgers you find on the Strip are so greasy that they feel like a personal assault on your stomach. Opt for the “Truffle Burger” at Holsteins in The Cosmopolitan. The flavors are absolutely on point, and it’s indulgent without being excessive.
Mystery Meat Tacos
Sure, those $2 tacos you saw in the middle of the night are tempting, but they’re usually filled with low-grade meat and too much salt. By the next morning, you might regret this decision. Visit Tacos El Gordo for real tacos. Their al pastor and carne asada tacos are authentic, super-fresh and bursting with flavor.
Lukewarm Sushi Rolls
Though all-you-can-eat sushi can be tempting exercise caution. Cheaper spots settle for pretty bad fish and let their rolls sit out for too long. SUSHISAMBA at The Venetian is a great sushi spot to try instead. Their creative rolls are fresh, expertly made, and a visual and tasty treat.
“World’s Largest” Milkshakes
When it comes to milkshakes, bigger isn’t always better. Sure, those huge creations covered in donuts, candy, and whipped cream are usually very pretty, but they’re more likely going to be overly sweet and artificial. Instead, try some perfectly balanced shakes at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer. Their CrazyShake creations are fun, well thought-out and delicious.
Microwaved Pasta Dishes
Not all pasta dishes are the same. You find many chain Italian spots with reheated noodles swimming in uninspired, jarred sauce. Carbone in ARIA serves up a handmade pasta dish. Their spicy rigatoni vodka is legendary and worth every bite.
Mediocre Lobster Rolls
When you’re dropping some cash for a lobster roll, you don’t want rubbery meat covered in mayo, you expect buttery, fresh goodness. Visit Luke’s Lobster at The Fashion Show Mall for a happy indulgence. Their rolls are simple, fresh, and taste fresh from New England.
Stale, Pre-Made Sandwiches
Those sandwiches sitting in refrigerated cases at convenience kiosks may look harmless, but the dry bread and sad fillings are far from satisfying. Head over to Earl of Sandwich for warm, flavorful, affordable, and freshly-made options.
Gooey Overcooked Pancakes
Nothing is worse than ordering pancakes that come out rubbery, tasteless and drowning in cheap syrup. Head over to Hash House A Go Go at The LINQ. Their oversized pancakes are fluffy, delicious, and worth the inevitable food coma.
Watery Frozen Custard
Frozen custard should be creamy and rich—not icy and bland. Many of the dessert kiosks on the Strip cut corners and the result isn’t all that indulgent. Instead, grab a scoop at New York-New York’s Shake Shack. Their frozen custard is smooth, thick and just the right balance.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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