Temperatures Are Warm Enough for Las Vegas Casino-goers to Start Dining Outside

^{The large patio at Spago at Bellagio has great views of the fountain show. (Image: courtesy of MGM Resorts)}

It shouldn’t be surprising that Las Vegas has an outdoor dining option for every mood and meal. Now that it’s spring, it’s time to look forward to places to eat outside.

Las Vegas has outdoor dining options that range from quick grab-and-go meals to the finest dining with beautiful views. Each option is important when visiting Las Vegas since we never know where the day will take us.

Depending on your plans for the day, a grab-and-stand meal from Chick-fil-A outside of Planet Hollywood can be as satisfying as a delicious meal at one of the Bellagio fine dining restaurants that surround the fountains.

All Day Dining Outside on the Vegas Strip

As an early riser, I’m usually awake a couple of hours before my friends and I’m ready to eat a full breakfast. The coffee and candied bacon at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris complement the view of the passersby and the Bellagio Fountains. 

The French toast at Tom’s Watch Bar (formerly Tom’s Urban) at New York-New York is another excellent place to grab breakfast with a view of passersby on the Vegas Strip. These restaurants have two things in common. Both are Vegas Strip affordable and they’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

YardHouse at The Linq has a covered patio and the food from this chain restaurant is acceptable for anyone in the mood for a beer and a casual meal outside. Beerhaus at The Park outside of New York-New York and Beer Park at Paris are two more solid options for beer drinkers who want to grab a bite. Beerhaus is a popular pit stop on the way to a concert or game at T-Mobile Arena. 

Anyone looking for a great view of the Vegas Strip might want to check out Ole Red outside of Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s). The multi-level venue has great views from above on its terraces. Like the newest Gordon Ramsay Burger’s patio outside of Flamingo and Guy Fieri’s Kitchen at The Linq, the prices are typically more expensive than similar meals at restaurants away from the Vegas Strip.

Chayo at The Linq has changed its menu a few times since opening but it has a fairly large outdoor seating area. The brunch outdoors at the center-strip shopping promenade is a great way to get back on track after a night of too much Las Vegas.

There are plenty more places to dine outside but these are among my favorites.

Cashing Out with Fine Dining

One of my most memorable outdoor meals was on the patio of the recently renovated Prime Steakhouse at Bellagio. I had a big win at MGM Grand and decided to take the winnings and have an amazing dinner with a friend on the patio. Two bros had the most romantic dinner drinking wine and eating steak with the Bellagio fountains going off repeatedly throughout. 

Bellagio has a few fine dining options on Lake Bellagio. Prime is my favorite but Lago and Spago are both great options. Other options include Jasmine, Yellowtail and Mayfair Supper Club.

Wynn has some great fine dining options with outdoor seating. I’m a steak guy and SW Steak is always my number one choice. Sinatra is always great and friends love Mizumi. 

While Delilah Supper Club has outdoor seating, you’ll miss the action when eating outside. A new seafood restaurant, Pisces, is opening this spring in the space once occupied by Lakeside for anyone looking for a new restaurant to try at Wynn.

Anyone hitting a six-figure jackpot who wants to really splurge can try to get a last-minute outdoor table at the Michelin-starred Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace. This is one of the most expensive restaurants in Las Vegas. 

Warning: Sunset Dining Can Be Hazardous to Your Vibe

Dining outdoors during a summer sunset can be risky. I found this out the hard way meeting a friend for dinner at Mon Ami Gabi on evening.

In Las Vegas, summer temperatures don’t drop until well after sunset. While it may seem obvious, direct sunlight can make it feel significantly hotter than the air temperature. On a 100-degree day, the direct sunlight can add up to 15 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, categorizing it as “dangerous.”

The sun sets to the west, behind Bellagio, casting direct sunlight onto the patio at Mon Ami Gabi. Neither of us considered this when making plans, but it was a lesson I’ll never forget — one I often share with others planning to dine outdoors at sunset.

I arrived early and waited at the patio table. Within minutes of my water being poured, the ice had melted, and the water was warm.

When my friend arrived, I unwrapped the silverware from its napkin. The fork and knife heated up so quickly that we eventually asked to move indoors.

Between the scorching tableware and the oppressive heat, we sought relief inside, where we could breathe a little easier and avoid the risk of burns.

The patio at Mon Ami Gabi sits slightly elevated above street level, so not all restaurants on the east side of the Vegas Strip face the same issue. Still, it’s something to consider when planning an outdoor dinner in this area.