One Day (and Gluten Free!) in Las Vegas, NV
I attended the Women’s Rally at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas this past January, and although this isn’t my favorite city in the world, or in the USA for that matter, it is surrounded by some amazing natural beauty and delicious allergen-friendly eats (perhaps even worth revisiting). If you find yourself in, or passing through Las Vegas, do check out this must-visit-and-eat list for your enhanced enjoyment on, and off the Las Vegas Strip.
Breakfast
Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Hotel & Casino
This is our go-to breakfast spot when on the Strip. They have a gluten-free section on their menu, and they can accommodate most diets. I’m a big fan of their eggs benedict with regular benedict sauce, not the green sauce that comes standard on the gluten-free version. But their GF waffles are also to die for. I personally love sitting in their Green Room, in the back, with a view of the Bellagio water show. If you find yourself wanting to return for more, then definitely sign up for their points program, where you can get credit to use towards future meals.
P.S. They have other locations around the USA! Ouiii. P.P.S. Get the Lettuce Entertain You App to get discounts off the bat. There are quite a few restaurants on the strip that are apart of it.
Veranda
Located at the Four Seasons, you can get any type of meal here, at essentially anytime. Virtually anything on the menu can be made gluten-free, and they have a dedicated space and utensils just for it. Breakfast includes everything from pancakes, waffles, sausage and a breakfast sampler (highly recommended). Be sure to return back for lunch… and maybe dinner!
Coffee
Brioche by Guy Savoy at Caesar’s Palace
This little/underrated spot has some of the best espresso, caffeinated or decaf, and offers almond milk. Brioche is our go-to spot for coffee. The pastries look delish, but you know the drill… Like a married woman at Thunder Down Under, I can only look, but not touch the gluten.
Juice
The Juice Standard at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Not everything should stay in Vegas, for instance, The Juice Standard… Can you please make your way to San Diego? They have some amazing juices, blends, wellness shots, and a gluten-free muffin that they heat up, which will melt in your mouth. I feel like I have to be in constant detox mode when in sin city, and this balances things out.
P.S. They technically have a few other locations in Nevada.
Lunch
El Segundo Sol
This spot will make you say ‘siii’ right away! You don’t have to worry about table tortilla chips here. They have a dedicated fryer, and a separate gluten-free menu just waiting for you. I absolutely fell in amor with their flautas, that were delivered with an allergy stick.
House of Manchester Caribbean Grill- Organic Gluten-Free Fusion in North Las Vegas (NOW CLOSED - SAD FACE)
Did we take advantage of renting a car by visiting this place THREE different times? Yep. Should you? Double yes! This is located in the industrial district of North Las Vegas, and is literally a hole-in-the-wall spot. You would never know it is a restaurant from the outside, or that it would satiate your deepest desires from the inside.
The owner/chef was brought up in Manchester, Jamaica where he learned how to work with Cassava flour to make just about anything GF. Everything in-house is organic and gluten-free. There are also plenty of vegan options. The owner explained how he makes the cassava flour from scratch, and in small batches. We are hoping this spot doesn’t just stay in Vegas either, because we pretty much need it everywhere. Oh, and what was my favorite item? The fried chicken (yassssss #friedf’nchicken) and rum cake. Who’s ready for a road trip to return back ASAP?
P.S. It’s also open for dinner.
P.P.S. Sometimes I don't have enough patience to take a picture before I eat. Sorry... Not sorry.
Stripburger
This door to El Segundo Sol, if you haven’t filled enough, or are having a burger craving. They have a dedicated space, and fryer, and serve their food with allergy stricks. Most of their burgers can be made gluten-free, either served on a gluten-free bun, or paleo style with lettuce. Oh, and they are part of the Lettuce Entertain You App fam! Get that discount.
Grand Lux Café at Venetian Resort & Casino
This is an easy spot to eat at if you’re staying on the Strip. There is rarely a line, it’s open 24/7 and has a quite a few GF options to choose from, including massive salads and pasta. I recommend sharing. They also serve their food with allergy sticks.
Dinner
SUSHISAMBA at The Palazzo Resort Hotel & Casino
This place nearly had my stomach dancing the samba by the end of our meal. The waiter recommended that we choose an amount to pay and that the rest would be the chef’s decision on what they brought out. IN ADDITION, everything was made gluten/dairy-free upon our request. They only brought out sauces I could eat, and I was just impressed by the knowledge and taste. This may be high-end, but it’s completely worth it. If Michael Outlaw, the pastry chef, still works there, ask him for something special GF. Trust me. He knows what’s up. ***Rumor has it that he is now at Sushi Roku (also very much gluten-free and celiac-friendly).
MOzen Bistro at Mandarin Oriental
Located inside the only hotel in the strip without gambling — it’s truly Zen. In addition to being quiet and calm, they have an extensive gluten-free and vegan menu (INCLUDING RAVIOLI) for breakfast and dinner. The waiter was knowledgeable and kind, and I look forward to returning back for breakfast, because they have GF pancakes, so yeah, that’s happening.
Gluten-free fried chicken and fries, anyone?! They’ve got a dedicated fryer, and do not disappoint. Tip: Be sure to make a reservation or order to-go. Clearly, we chose the latter… thrice.
Viva Las Arepas
Arepas are gluten-free heaven because they are naturally gluten-free. This Venezuelan restaurant will be one of your most cost-effective and delicious options on the strip. I recommend getting various types of arepas to try and share! Viva la taste!
Dessert
Gluten Zero Bakery
Owned by someone with celiac disease, so you know you are in good hands, and taste. They’ve got just about everything you can crave.
Scratch Made
Scratch Made is 100% gluten-free and newer and is located in downtown Las Vegas. They have all kinds of desserts, as well as have breakfast!
Senza Gluten Free Bakery
Just as the name states, this bakery is 100% gluten-free Located on the strip, this is a really fun bakery. You can get everything from donuts to Pao de Queijo (Brazillian cheese bread). You will have to stop by for a treat.
Buffets
Although I haven’t had the opportunity to visit buffets in Vegas since going gluten-free in 2012, I’ve hard that the following go above and beyond to ensure your taste bud’s satisfaction while keeping you safe (ensure you let the staff know about the severity of your restrictions):
Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan Hotel (they even label what’s gluten-free!)
The Buffet at ARIA Resort & Casino
The Buffet at Wynn
Mocktails
Things to Do
AKHOB By James Turrell at Louis Vuitton Las Vegas City Center
I found out about this exhibit via Atlas Obscura, and I am so glad I did. However, when I heard you had to call two months in advance, I panicked. I called anyway and requested to be placed on the waiting list. We found out the next day that there was a last-minute cancellation. Thank you, Universe! It is quite strange that this is located in a Louis Vuitton store, but art is art. They have a special elevator to get you to the secret third floor for the exhibit, which begins in an ominous-looking reception room where you fill out a waiver form and are asked not to take photographs. After signing, you are led into another room where you remove belongings and put on shoe covers. Then. You walk into the art space, which I can’t exactly describe, and soak in the magic of color. My visual snow went nuts for this, and I felt a little disoriented afterward, but it’s so worth it. As noted on Atlas Obscura, this is completely free and open to the public. To make a reservation, call (702) 730-3150.
P.S. I will not confirm or deny whether or not I took these photos in this exhibit.
The Neon Museum
A peaceful boneyard tour of the Strip’s historic neon signs, located in downtown Las Vegas (which is not the Strip, btw). If you ever visited Vegas in or before the 90’s, you will get to walk across some of the neon signs that have since been retired and exchanged for more modern fare. We learned a lot of fun facts, and it was great to see the Old Pirate Skulls that used to hang in front of Treasure’s Island (couldn’t withstand the desert’s heat). RIP child-friendly Las Vegas! If you go on this tour at night, you will get to see all of the neon signs lit up. Get lit!
Valley of Fire State Park in Moapa Valley, NV
Less than an hour away from the Strip! Yes, it is that close and easy to escape the artificial landscape and enter one that looks like it was taken over by earth’s fire and fury. It’s so vibrant and red. We were able to stop by the ranger station within the park, where they had convenient and thorough hand-outs of what to see and do in whatever time you had available. It is 46,000 acres after all. We got to see the most notable areas, however we would love to hike more of it next time. Get off the Strip and check this out if you have time! P.S. Leave VERY early if you are heading there during late spring through early fall #2hot.
Seven Magic Mountains
The most instagram-able art installation, located right outside of Las Vegas, off the 15 N. “The contrary air between the desert and the city lights,” is how Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone describes it. Just ensure it’s still on view when you visit, as it is temporary.
“Comprised of seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders standing more than thirty feet high, Seven Magic Mountains is situated within the Ivanpah Valley adjacent to Sheep Mountain and the McCullough, Bird Spring, and Goodsprings ranges of mountains. A creative expression of human presence in the desert, Seven Magic Mountains punctuates the Mojave with a poetic burst of form and color.”
Tag @buenqamino, so we can see your magical photos!
