Las Vegas Downtown Lip Smacking Tour

Discover the locals’ favorite destination, the newly revitalized booming downtown that showcases a completely different side of Vegas, away from noisy slot machines and gaming tables for a welcome slice of urban authenticity instead. In recent years, downtown has gone uptown in a big way, undergoing a thrilling renaissance to become the city’s most dynamic food scene. Get to know the independent chefs and restaurateurs bringing their singular visions to life with seasonally-driven, farm-to-table artisan fare and cocktails crafted with heart and soul. Our expert guides provide an insider’s view of this special neighborhood. You’ll learn about downtown’s historic past, what prompted its resurgence, and what the future holds for this now trendy area. You’ll be privy to all its intriguing nooks and crannies, which only savvy locals know about. Get escorted right to the best table at nationally acclaimed Carson Kitchen. Founded by the late-great Kerry Simon, who was famed as the celebrity “rock ‘n’ roll’’ chef, it sports an open kitchen to catch all the action up close and personal, as you enjoy classic Americana dishes that have been elevated with seasonal ingredients and modern twists. At Therapy, get rejuvenated as you’re escorted right to the special chef’s table at this buzzy new restaurant recently highlighted on the Travel Channel. The former 99-cent store has been transformed into an industrial-chic destination. It’s the perfect backdrop for indulging in contemporary comfort food, including Devil’s on Horseback reinterpreted with bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with truffled goat cheese; signature baked ricotta gnudi finished with truffled fig jam and roasted almonds; and chicken and Red Velvet waffle sliders, an original creation featured on the Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise.’’ At 7th & Carson, Chef Gregg Fortunato takes your palate on a tour de force ride across earth, land and sea with his menu of clever shareable plates. Fortunato, who previously cooked at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, and Inyo Asian Fusion, makes use of the wood-fired hearth to infuse dishes with delicious smoke and char. With artsy tiled tables, and a brick-lined patio full of greenery, it’s a restaurant made for lingering. Amble through the unique Container Park, a must-stop, where shipping containers have been converted into swank boutiques, bustling restaurants and a spirited venue for free live music. In between bites, quench your thirst at Inspire’s expansive climate-controlled rooftop lounge. It’s where you’ll take in the best view of Fremont East at downtown’s only three-story rooftop overlooking the iconic intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street.