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The words “Las Vegas Boulevard” bring to mind images of glowing neon, blackjack tables, and endless buffets. But for locals and visitors in the know, Las Vegas Boulevard is more than just the Strip; it’s also the location of the decidedly calmer Town Square. In addition to playing host to shopping and entertainment, Town Square also offers an array of restaurants and bars. Shoppers can sip a quiet martini before heading to the bright lights of the Strip or you’re in the mood to dig into some of the best barbecue in the city, here are five restaurants to check out in Town Square this weekend.
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The weekend kickoff
The cocktails and tapas at Blue Martini are practically synonymous with happy hour. From classic martinis with blue cheese-stuffed olives to the cinnamon buns dessert martini made with the surprisingly tasty combination of Rumchata and Jagermeister, Blue Martini has a cocktail suited for any palate. Half-priced tapas such as the warm brie stuffed puff pastry or Maine lobster salad make for a delicious start to any evening.
Blue Martini, 6593 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; 702-949-2583
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Strawberry Nutella pizza
Adriano and Fabiana Bianco have been perfecting 200-year-old Italian cooking traditions their entire lives, and luckily for Las Vegas, the result is La Bella Napoli. The restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizzas featuring ingredients imported from Naples. Whet your appetite with house made polenta and then move onto the chef pizza topped with prosciutto, arugula and fresh mozzarella. Finish the meal with a decadent strawberry Nutella dessert pizza.
La Bella Napoli, 6599 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; 702-202-6688
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A whiskey fueled brunch
Chef Doug Vega, formerly of of DB Brasserie, created a space where food is designed to be paired with whiskey at Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge. Choose from a dizzying 170 whiskey choices served with a carved ice block or in specialty cocktails. Brunch features half-off the whiskey of the month along with maple bourbon bacon and chicken and waffles drizzled with — you guessed it — whiskey maple sauce.
Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge, 6599 Las Vegas Blvd. S. #150B; 702-473-5415
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Something for the sushi-lover
Kabuki offers a little something for sushi experts and skeptics alike. Featuring Saketinis (creamy peach, lychee lime and sake) plus poke bowls, noodles and omakase options, it’s the ideal spot for a shopping break with a side of fresh seafood and Japanese flavor—and maybe a cocktail or two.
Kabuki, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. S. #147; 702-896-7440
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A dog-friendly dining experience
Dining out doesn’t mean leaving the dog at home. After taking a stroll around canine-friendly Town Square, dogs and their humans can grab a bite at Lazy Dog. The restaurant is known for its massive menu that includes everything from togarashi edamame and buffalo chicken lollipops to sun-dried tomato pasta and sesame-crusted ahi tuna with pureed cauliflower. There’s even a special menu for dogs.
Lazy Dog, 6509 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; 702-941-1920
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