After spending a packed day at AAO 2015, don’t waste your precious time at a bad restaurant or a boring bar. Check out these hot spots hand-picked by local ophthalmologists in Las Vegas.
Editor's note: Share your own suggestions in the comments, and we'll add them to the map.
On the Strip
Lavo at the Palazzo. If you’re looking for a hip Italian restaurant with great food and cocktails, this is an excellent selection. It’s conveniently located at the Palazzo, footsteps away from the convention center. — Matthew Swanic, MD, cornea specialist and owner of the Las Vegas Eye Institute
Picasso at the Bellagio. For an incredible meal with excellent views of the lake at the Bellagio, I would highly recommend Picasso. This restaurant also has its walls decorated with real works of art by the artist himself. The restaurant serves prix fixe menus only, but the selections are phenomenal — as are the cocktails! — M.S.
Todd English P.U.B. This always-fun, modern gastropub has great food and a raw bar. You’ll earn yourself a free beer if you can finish it in less than seven seconds. — Rachel Lieberman, MD, Maj USAF
The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas. I don't usually go to buffets in Las Vegas, but they do seem to be part of the quintessential Las Vegas experience. That being said, I wouldn’t recommend going to a low-quality one. If you want to gorge yourself on the best, then you really can’t do better than the buffet at Wynn Las Vegas. — M.S.
Downtown
Pizza Rock. This is my hands-down favorite for pizza in any city, anywhere. Choose from numerous types of pizza styles and enjoy the DJ rocking out to old MTV music videos and Saturday Night Live skits. — R.L.
Gold Spike. In the heart of the Zappos-owned portion of downtown, this bar has everything from giant Connect Four to cornhole. Make sure to wear your hipster duds — plaid shirt and skinny jeans are recommended! — R.L.
Downtown Cocktail Room. Just tell one of their mustache-clad mixologists which flavor profiles you prefer — he’ll be sure to whip up a cocktail to your liking. — R.L.
Chinatown
Orchids Garden. This is a perfect place to take a group for dim sum. You’ll just wish you could hold more food. — R.L.
Monta Ramen. The folks at this hole in the wall make the noodles right in front of you.! — R.L.
Raku. Many locals consider this elite Japanese restaurant to be the best restaurant in Las Vegas. Try the tasting menu — it’s always high quality and innovative. — R.L.
Quick Take on the Nightlife
Las Vegas is world famous for its nightlife. So if you’re interested in seeing some of the world’s most famous DJs at the world’s largest and most extravagant nightclubs, Las Vegas has you covered. My favorite clubs are Marquee at the Cosmopolitan and XS at Encore. Omnia — located at Caesar’s Palace — is the newest megaclub in town, but it’s usually wall-to-wall packed and a perfect place to get drinks spilled on you all night long. So I tend to frequent the other clubs instead! — M.S.
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About the authors: Matthew Swanic, MD, is a cornea and refractive subspecialist who is originally from Las Vegas. He works at his own practice, Las Vegas Eye Institute, which he started two years ago.
Rachel Lieberman, MD, is an active-duty ophthalmologist currently serving as a Major in the U.S. Air Force. After earning her medical degree from New York Medical College. Dr. Lieberman completed her transitional-year internship and ophthalmology residency at San Antonio Military Medical Center. In 2013, she moved to Las Vegas, where she takes care of patients at a military hospital at Nellis Air Force Base. She is also a participant of the Academy’s Leadership Development Program Class of 2015 and is the president-elect of the Society of Military Ophthalmologists.