The bar at Lotus of Siam on Flamingo Road

Where to Spot Political Correspondents Dining in Las Vegas Ahead of the Democratic Debate

NBC and MSNBC’s Joy Reid, Garrett Haake, and Alex Seitz-Wald share some of their favorite restaurants in Las Vegas

by Susan Stapleton Feb 19, 2020, 10:00am PST

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The bar at Lotus of Siam on Flamingo Road

| Louiie Victa

by Susan Stapleton Feb 19, 2020, 10:00am PST

Six Democratic presidential hopefuls take the stage at Paris Las Vegas on Wednesday night for a debate ahead of the Nevada caucus on February 22. Entrepreneur and former mayor of New York City Mike Bloomberg joins the debate stage for this first time, along with Sen. Bernie Sanders, South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former Vice President Joe Biden, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

NBC News, MSNBC, and the Nevada Independent host the debate, beginning at 6 p.m. Political analyst at MSNBC and host of AM Joy Joy Reid, correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC Garrett Haake, and senior politics reporter for NBC News Digital Alex Seitz-Wald are in Las Vegas this week for the debate, and Reid will also anchor AM Joy from Las Vegas for the Nevada caucuses. All three discussed some of their favorite places to eat and drink on and off the Strip in Las Vegas.

Gritz Cafe

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Joy Reid took the advice of her producer and tried Gritz Café and its namesake grits. “I love that it’s a black owned and operated business and the menu has all of my favorite comfort food dishes, including biscuits and gravy and sweet potato pie.”

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1911 Stella Lake St #150, Las Vegas, NV 89106

(702) 255-4748

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A bowl of grits with a side of bacon and an orange slice — Grits at Gritz Cafe

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Tacos El Gordo

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Want to catch Alex Seitz-Wald? He likes Tacos El Gordo for lunch. “Every time I’m in town, I try to visit Tacos El Gordo on Charleston Boulevard, which another reporter who grew up there once took me to see the real Las Vegas.”

1724 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104

(702) 251-8226

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An array of tacos and drinks at Tacos El Gordo — Tacos El Gordo

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ReBAR

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Garrett Haake likes to explore the local vibe, which led him to ReBAR in the Arts District. “Perfect, funky dive bar with a fantastic beer selection and shabby-chic vibe. A great spot to get off the Strip and unwind.”

1225 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89104

(702) 349-2283

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El Dorado Cantina

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Garrett Haake likes to try Tex-Mex dishes in Las Vegas, and on a recent trip, he brought his girlfriend to El Dorado Cantina just off the Strip. “The fajitas and table side guacamole made everything right.”

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3025 S Sammy Davis Jr Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 722-2289

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A plate of fajitas — Mixed fajitas plate at El Dorado Cantina

Lotus of Siam

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Political reporters love to get off Strip while on the campaign trail, and for Alex Seitz-Wald, that means Lotus of Siam. “Their papaya salad and crispy rice is special, unlike what you might get at your neighborhood Thai spot.”

620 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

(702) 735-3033

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Artwork at Lotus of Siam on Flamingo Road — Lotus of Siam

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Momofuku

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Garrett Haake loves ramen, so he likes to hit up Momofuku in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for lunch. “The pork belly ramen is only on the lunch menu, but they’ll serve it for dinner too. Pair it with a Tiger beer and the cauliflower and Brussels sprouts and you’re good to go.”

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Boulevard Tower 3708, Las Vegas Blvd S Level 2, Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 698-2663

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A bowl of ramen with a soft-boiled egg. — Ramen at Momofuku

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China Poblano

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Joy Reid recommends trying José Andrés’ China Poblano at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for lunch. “The food is perfect for the middle of the day because you can get something light and filling, not to mention that José Andrés is an amazing philanthropist in addition to being a fantastic chef. Definitely a must-hit for lunch while you’re in Vegas.”

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3708 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 698-7900

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Wicked Spoon

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When Alex Seitz-Wald wants to be adventurous, he heads to Wicked Spoon, the buffet at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. [It] “has a ton of adventurous foods you might not order off a menu and want to commit to for an entire meal, but can have fun sampling.”