Chica’s Mike Minor Shares His Favorite Las Vegas Restaurants

Sin City is home to a lot of restaurants and bars, but there are tons of hidden gems that the majority of Las Vegans aren't unearthing. To help guide readers to these potential discoveries, Eater Vegas enlisted some of the city's food players to share their recommendations for a feature dubbed Dining Confidential.

One of Las Vegas’ favorite chefs, Mike Minor helms the kitchen at Lorena Garcia’s Chica at the Venetian. The former chef of his own food truck, Truck-U Barbecue, and executive chef of Border Grill from co-owners Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at Mandalay Bay shares some of his favorite places to dine when he’s not whipping up Latin fare.

Do you remember your first trip to Vegas? What happened that was memorable?

Absolutely! I was 8 years old and drove with my family from Pittsburgh. My first memory was going to the Winchell’s Doughnuts expecting to have dinner and my dad saying maybe you will be able to order spaghetti with meatballs.

What made you decide to move to Las Vegas?

Well, it wasn’t my decision to make. It was my parents decision since I was 8 years old but I am glad they did!

Where do you like to eat breakfast in Las Vegas?

Favorite places are Babystacks Café and Wynn Country Club.

What about lunch?

Mon Ami Gabi on their patio overlooking at the Bellagio dancing waters.

If you’re going out for dinner, which restaurants do you like to frequent? What makes them special? Any dishes you can recommend?

Other Mama. Bad ass things to order are oysters with uni, salmon roll and fried lobster roll.

Where do you like to dine for a special occasion?

Any spot with great views, hip and modern like STK.

Are there any brunches in town you like to frequent?

The Wynn Country Club.

Let’s say you want to hang out with your friends after work. Where do you like to go?

Chinatown and bars like the Golden Tiki and Franky’s Tiki Bar.

• All Coverage of Chica [ELV]

• All Dining Confidentials [ELV]