15 Best Tips For Saving Money On Food In Las Vegas
Vegas dining can drain your wallet faster than a slot machine after a jackpot payout, and I learned that the hard way—spending nearly $300 on a single dinner my very first night on the Strip.
But living here for the past three years has taught me that you don’t have to break the bank to eat like royalty in Sin City. Beneath the glitz and glamour, there’s an entire world of incredible flavors waiting for those who know where to look.
From off-Strip gems to hidden happy hours, I’m sharing my insider secrets for savoring Vegas without sacrificing your budget.
1. Take Advantage of Happy Hours
I stumbled upon my favorite Vegas hack by accident! Wandering into Herbs & Rye during their happy hour, I snagged a premium steak for half price. Their 5-7pm and late-night happy hours offer 50% off select menu items.
Most Strip restaurants offer similar deals, with discounted appetizers and drinks during off-peak hours. The Cosmopolitan has some of the best options, with places like Jaleo offering tapas at bargain prices.
Always ask about happy hour specials even if they’re not advertised. Some of my best food finds came from simply asking servers about their unadvertised deals!
2. Join Casino Player’s Clubs for Discounts
Those little plastic cards are worth their weight in gold! My MGM Rewards card has scored me countless free buffets and meal discounts. Every major casino has a player’s club, and they’re completely free to join.
You don’t need to gamble big to benefit. Even casual slot play can earn food credits. The Caesars Rewards program once comped my entire dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant just from minimal gameplay.
Sign up for multiple casino loyalty programs and watch the offers roll in. I keep all my cards in a special wallet section, ready to flash whenever I’m dining anywhere on the Strip.
3. Share Large Portions with Friends
Vegas restaurants don’t understand portion control! The first time I ordered at Hash House A Go Go, the pancake was literally bigger than my face. Now I never dine alone in Vegas if I can help it.
Many restaurants like Buca di Beppo and Carmine’s serve family-style portions meant for sharing. At Battista’s Hole in the Wall, my buddy and I split their enormous pasta dishes and still had leftovers, effectively cutting the cost in half.
Don’t be shy about asking for an extra plate – servers in Vegas are used to it. Some places even offer half-portions if you ask nicely!
4. Use Restaurant Week Deals
Mark your calendar for Las Vegas Restaurant Week! This twice-yearly event is a budget foodie’s dream come true. I’ve dined at top-tier restaurants like Nobu and STK for a fraction of the normal price.
Participating restaurants offer special prix fixe menus, typically ranging from $20-$80, with a portion of proceeds going to charity. You’re literally saving money while helping others – win-win!
The secret is booking early. I missed out on Bazaar Meat my first year because reservations fill up fast. Now I set a reminder for when the participating restaurant list drops and book immediately.
5. Hunt for Locals’ Specials
Flash that Nevada ID with pride! My local driver’s license has saved me hundreds on meals. Many Vegas establishments offer significant discounts to locals to maintain business during slower tourist seasons.
Ellis Island Casino serves an incredible steak dinner for under $20 if you have local ID. Even big-name spots like Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas offer locals’ discounts certain days of the week.
Don’t have a local ID? Make friends with someone who does! My visiting cousins were amazed when I got our whole table 20% off at Lindo Michoacan just by showing my Nevada license.
6. Eat at Food Courts in Casinos
Casino food courts saved my budget during a week-long conference! The Cosmopolitan’s Block 16 Food Hall became my go-to lunch spot, offering gourmet options at fast-food prices.
Every major casino has at least one food court with surprisingly good options. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace has amazing choices, and Fashion Show Mall’s food court offers everything from sushi to Philly cheesesteaks at reasonable prices.
Pro tip: casino food courts are typically cheaper than standalone fast-food joints on the Strip. I paid nearly double for a burger at a Strip-facing McDonald’s compared to the one inside Excalibur!
7. Use Groupon or Other Deal Apps
My phone is loaded with deal apps that have saved me a fortune! Before any Vegas trip, I check Groupon, Restaurant.com, and Travelzoo for dining deals. Last month, I snagged a $100 dining experience at Pampas Brazilian Grill for just $50.
Many off-Strip gems offer substantial discounts through these platforms to attract tourists willing to venture beyond Las Vegas Boulevard. The deals typically include set menus or percentage discounts on your total bill.
Always read the fine print for exclusions and expiration dates. I once rushed across town to use a Groupon only to discover it wasn’t valid on weekends – lesson learned!
8. Try Off-Strip Restaurants
Venturing just a mile from the Strip cut my food expenses in half! Chinatown Las Vegas (Spring Mountain Road) became my culinary playground with authentic Asian cuisine at a fraction of Strip prices.
Downtown Las Vegas offers fantastic eateries like Carson Kitchen and Evel Pie where meals cost substantially less than similar quality on the Strip. Even chain restaurants have dramatically different pricing – I paid $15 less for the exact same Cheesecake Factory meal downtown versus the Strip location.
Rideshare makes off-Strip dining easy. A $10 Uber each way still saves money when main courses are $20-30 cheaper per person!
9. Get Buffet Passes or Buffet of Buffets Deals
Buffet-hopping became my Olympic sport during my second Vegas visit! The Caesars Entertainment “Buffet of Buffets” pass granted me 24-hour access to multiple casino buffets for one fixed price, including the magnificent Bacchanal Buffet (with a small upcharge).
Strategic timing maximizes value – I started with dinner (the most expensive meal), followed by late breakfast and lunch the next day. Three premium meals for the price of roughly 1.5 regular buffets!
MGM Resorts offers similar multi-buffet packages. Watch for seasonal promotions too – I scored a two-for-one buffet deal at the Wynn during their slower summer season just by signing up for their email list.
10. Look for Late-Night Menus
Night owls get the deals in this 24-hour town! After accidentally staying at the blackjack table until 1am, I discovered the magical world of late-night dining specials. Peppermill’s “Graveyard Special” steak and eggs for $9.99 became my favorite post-midnight meal.
Many upscale restaurants offer reduced-price menus after 10pm or 11pm. Herbs & Rye cuts their steak prices in half after midnight, and Mr. Lucky’s at Hard Rock has an off-menu $7.77 steak special available 24/7 if you know to ask for it.
Casino cafés often have “swing shift” or “graveyard” specials targeted at locals working unusual hours. These deals are rarely advertised but worth asking about!
11. Use Coupons from Hotel Booklets
Those forgotten booklets in hotel rooms are treasure troves! My first Vegas trip, I almost tossed the welcome packet until spotting a 2-for-1 dinner coupon for the hotel restaurant. Now checking the room literature is my first action after check-in.
Tix4Tonight booths along the Strip offer same-day dining discounts of 20-50% off at participating restaurants. They’re easy to spot with their bright red signage. The Las Vegas Advisor coupon book ($40) has saved me hundreds with its 2-for-1 deals at popular restaurants.
Even taxi and rideshare drivers often have restaurant coupons – just ask! My Lyft driver handed me a 25% off coupon for Ellis Island BBQ last trip.
12. Take Advantage of “Kids Eat Free” Deals
Family Vegas trips don’t have to break the bank! My sister saved nearly $200 on her family vacation by targeting restaurants where her kids ate free. Hash House A Go Go offers free kids’ meals on select days with adult entrée purchase.
Many buffets discount or completely comp children under certain ages. At the MGM Grand Buffet, kids under 5 eat free, while Circus Circus offers heavily discounted kids’ prices all the time.
Off-Strip family restaurants like Coco’s and Denny’s frequently run kids-eat-free promotions on specific days. Download the restaurant’s app for notifications about these special deals – they’re often unadvertised outside their loyalty programs.
13. Snack at Grocery Stores Instead of Restaurants
My Vegas hotel room mini-fridge became a money-saving ally after I discovered Whole Foods just off the Strip! I stocked up on breakfast items, snacks, and even pre-made meals for a fraction of restaurant prices.
CVS and Walgreens have multiple Strip locations with surprisingly decent food selections. I grab waters, sandwiches, and snacks there instead of paying $8 for a casino water bottle. For better selection, take a quick rideshare to Trader Joe’s or Target slightly off-Strip.
Many Vegas hotel rooms now include mini-fridges standard, but call ahead to confirm. Even without refrigeration, items like fresh fruit, bread, peanut butter, and snacks can replace at least one restaurant meal daily.
14. Follow Restaurants on Social Media for Flash Deals
My Instagram feed is filled with Vegas restaurants for good reason! Following Lotus of Siam scored me a surprise 30% off lunch deal announced only on their social media channels.
Many Vegas establishments offer “flash deals” exclusively to their social media followers. These limited-time offers might include free appetizers, BOGO entrées, or special prix fixe menus not available to the general public.
Gordon Ramsay restaurants frequently post last-minute deals when they have unexpected openings. I once got a $75 credit at Hell’s Kitchen just for showing their Instagram post to my server! Check platforms right before dining out – you might get lucky with a same-day promotion.
15. Eat at Hotel Cafés Instead of Fancy Spots
Casino cafés became my secret weapon against expensive dining! The Bellagio Café serves essentially the same eggs Benedict as their fancy brunch restaurant at half the price. These 24-hour spots offer surprisingly good food without the upscale restaurant markup.
Every major casino has at least one café-style restaurant with extensive menus at reasonable prices. The Grand Lux Café at Venetian and Palazzo serves portions big enough to share, with quality rivaling specialty restaurants.
Many hotel cafés offer spectacular views too! I enjoyed the same Paris Las Vegas view at Le Journal café as diners paying triple at the adjacent fine dining spot. For the best value, look for cafés located away from main casino floors.