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When it comes to finding that holy grail combination of convenience and livability, Silverado Ranch has got it made. For those who want to live in an area that’s quiet but not boring, the southeast neighborhood has Henderson vibes without the feeling of being relegated to the suburbs. Residents can easily hit up the south end of the Strip, go shopping at the District at Green Valley Ranch, commute to class at UNLV, catch a flight from McCarran or hop on the 215 and head anywhere.
In addition to boasting access to all of the world-class dining and nightlife of Las Vegas Boulevard, Silverado Ranch has plenty of noteworthy restaurants close to home. Whether it’s a coffee shop that caters to locals, island cuisine in the desert or an unforgettable bowl of pasta, it’s easy to satisfy just about any craving without driving far. Here are five restaurants to try this weekend in Silverado Ranch.
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Lattes and smoothies from a local favorite
Locally owned Grouchy John’s Coffee is a long-time Silverado Ranch favorite. The menu features specialty drinks such as chocolate coffee frappes and decidedly healthier options including fresh fruit smoothies. For Sunday morning decadence, customers can try the almond roca mocha latte with hints of almond, vanilla and chocolate. For post-gym refueling, order the Yoda smoothie, made with kale, spinach, pineapple, strawberry and mango.
Grouchy John's Coffee, 8520 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite #100, 702-778-7553
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All-you-can-eat sushi
In Vegas, dining out is often about going all out. In other words, if the evening calls for sushi, it might as well be the all-you-can-eat variety. As one of the pioneering all-you-can-eat sushi restaurants in Las Vegas, Sushi Mon delivers the goods with fresh sashimi, nigiri, maki and speciality rolls for vegetarians and fans of all things deep-fried. For the perfect blend of crunch and spice, the Crispy Rice Roll, made with spicy tuna, and drizzled eel sauce packs a punch.
Sushi Mon, 9770 S. Maryland Pkwy., 702-617-0241
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Chamorro cuisine from Guam
There’s nothing like a little island flavor in the middle of the desert. For those interested in a taste of Guam, Red Rice serves traditional Chamorro dishes prepared from family recipes. Customers can expect heaping platefuls of chicken and pork marinated with soy, ginger and garlic served alongside the namesake red rice, which gets its distinctive earthy, smoky flavor from bright red achiote powder. And of course, no meal would be complete without Spam musubi — think nigiri but with red rice and Spam.
Red Rice, 9400 S. Eastern Ave., 702-912-4826
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Classic Italian straight out of Sicily
With a tradition of Italian cooking that extends all the way back to a pastry shop in Sicily, this family-run trattoria blends the history of authentic Italian cuisine with modern culinary trends. The menu at Trattoria Italia features a wealth of pasta options including carbonara made with cured pork cheek, cracked pepper and romano and gnocchi topped with mascarpone cheese, peppers and sautéed spinach. Local and Italian beer is available to complete the Italy-in-Vegas feel.
Trattoria Italia, 9905 S. Eastern Ave. #140, 702-492-0000
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Elote with a Mexican Flair
Few things evoke the flavor of Mexican street food quite like well-prepared elote, or corn on the cob seasoned with chili powder, lime juice and cotija mayonnaise. Las Cazuelas’ version has just the right combination of savoriness, citrus and heat and is served either on or off the cob. Other memorable dishes include enchiladas with mole poblano, corn tacos with citrus marinated pork and the best huevos rancheros this side of the border.
Las Cazuelas, 9711 S. Eastern Ave. H8, 702-837-0204
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