Chef Shawn McClain’s Outstanding Restaurant Sage Closes Permanently on the Las Vegas Strip

Chef Shawn McClain’s Sage, which served farm-to-table American fare from the James Beard Foundation winner for Best Chef Midwest in 2006, will not return to Aria.

The restaurant, which closed after Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered all nonessential businesses including dine-in restaurants and casinos to shutter to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in March, featured a seasonal menu, a must-order foie gras creme brulee, and 10 types of absinthe served from a roving cart. Sage was a member of the Eater 38 since 2012.

“After a 10-year run as one of Las Vegas’ most beloved dining destinations, the iconic Sage has closed,” Steve Zanella, Aria’s president and COO, tells Eater Vegas in an email. “We appreciate all that Shawn McClain and his team have invested in making this restaurant so special and successful. Five50 earned many accolades for creating a dynamic, new pizzeria experience and was widely recognized as one of the best slices in town. After a seven-year run, Aria will transition the location to in-house brand, Moneyline Pizza & Bar. We appreciate McClain Camarota Hospitality’s partnership at Aria and are pleased to continue our relationship with them at Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay.”

McClain’s ode to all things pizza, Five50 Pizza Bar, departed Aria as well, replaced by pizza and beer from the Moneyline brand from MGM Resorts. The casino that reopened on July 1 brought in Moneyline Sports Bar & Book to take its place.

Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay remains open.

• Meet the New Pizza Joint on the Las Vegas Strip at Aria, Replacing Five50 Pizza Bar [ELV]

• All Coverage of Sage [ELV]

• Every Restaurant and Bar That Closed in Las Vegas: 2020 Edition [ELV]