When the MGM Grand opened in 1993, it staked its claim as the largest hotel complex in the world. Now the third largest, the resort commands a spot on the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard with a lineup of celebrity chefs — Joël Robuchon, Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Tom Colicchio, and Michael Mina — along with all out nightlife from Hakkasan and entertainment in between. Walking through this massive resort can be confusing and time-consuming, so sticking to dining options on-site makes sense. Here’s a look at how to eat and drink your way through the MGM Grand from early in the morning to late at night.
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7 a.m. — Avenue Café
Go retro Vegas for breakfast at Avenue Café with its high-backed booths and bar serving mimosas to kick off the morning. Diners can build their own omelets, throw together a scramble, or just be naughty with some biscuits and gravy.
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10 a.m. — Topgolf
Yes, you can combine golf and breakfast in Las Vegas. Order a breakfast burrito, French toast, a Texas brisket hash skillet, or chicken and waffles paired with interactive golf games and balls that score themselves. Pair them with a mimosa or spicy bloody Mary.
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Noon — Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House
Bam! For lunch, take a cue from Emeril Lagasse and go Big Easy-style with Louisiana comfort food with a modern twist. Start with a fried shrimp po’ boy, barbecued shrimp, Creole buttermilk fried chicken, loco coco with seafood sausage and kimchi fried rice, or the seasonal fresh catch of the day for lunch. While Wolfgang Puck ushered in the era of celebrity chefs in Las Vegas when he opened Spago, originally at the Forum Shops at Caesars and now at the Bellagio, in 1992, but Lagasse wasn’t far behind, showcasing his “New New Orleans” cooking in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand in 1995.
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4 p.m. — Whiskey Down
Take an afternoon break with two fingers of one of more than 50 different types of rare and fine American, Canadian, Irish, and Scotch whiskies while playing a round of blackjack. The 24-hour Whiskey Down offers three blackjack tables and seven video poker machines, while those who want to just chat can head to one of the leather sofas and oversized chairs.
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6 p.m. — Morimoto
Find modern Japanese fare from Masaharu Morimoto in a swanky space at the MGM Grand. A bust of Morimoto awaits at the entrance, while diving presentations of Japanese wagyu, topneck clam, Japanese mackarel, and golden big eye snapper make the sushi side of the menu. Try the Morimoto sashimi salad made with seared toro, smoked salmon, barbecue eel, tuna, and hamachi, blended with five sauces and served in a blond wood box. His Duck, Duck, Duck features a roasted duck leg with a duck sandwich made with cucumber and a foie gras-infused croissant, all served with a red miso sauce and a soft duck egg..
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8 p.m. — L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Diners can watch the artistry of the chefs when they pull up a seat at the bar overlooking the kitchen of Joël Robuchon’s more casual approach to dining that is still through the stratosphere. Tapas, a tasting menu, and wines from around the world highlight the menu here at the MGM Grand. Patrons can even order Robuchon’s vision of a burger, and snag a taste of his famous mashed potatoes.
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10 p.m. — TAP Sports Bar
Two-fisted sandwiches and sliders keep diners fueled late into the night at this sports bar at the MGM Grand with 220 seats and 60 TVs. Also find an impressive selection of local and seasonal craft beers, along with sports memorabilia lining the walls.
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Midnight — Hakkasan
After a night of dining on a dim sum platter, stir-fry lobster, spicy prawn, and fried soft shell crab at the Cantonese restaurant Hakkasan, it only seems smart to head upstairs to the nightclub to finish off the party. The megaclub exceeds expectations with a vibrant, technology-fueled setting and star deejays including Steve Aoki, Tiesto, and Calvin Harris. For a truly VIP experience, partiers can purchase the Hakkasan bar card, which offers expedited entry and $100 in drinks. Go more laid back at the Ling Ling Club.
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2 a.m. — Losers Bar
Don’t let the name fool you. Losers Bar brings a honky tonk straight out of Nashville with country acts performing on a small stage in a no-frills environment. Order the Bootwhacker, a frozen chocolate concoction made with Calypso Rum, Patron XO Cafe, and Captain Morgan. Who knows? Maybe George Strait will show up for an impromptu, late-night gig.
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4 a.m. — Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
Wolfgang Puck’s California-style margherita pizza and grilled Scottish salmon are served until 6 a.m. More in the mood for breakfast? Buttermilk pancakes with warm apple compote, a breakfast burrito with spicy chorizo and scrambled eggs, and huevos rancheros with two eggs over easy make the breakfast menu at the MGM Grand.