AFM Las Vegas features celebrity chefs and great bars

Visitors to Las Vegas soon realize they’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to culinary choices and a proven universe of nightlife.

All the goodies are at your fingertips, from sushi fresh from Japan to British-style high tea and steakhouses brimming with Wagyu beef. The Strip’s resort restaurants feature a stellar roster of celebrity chefs. The star list is headed by Nobu Matsuhisa (Nobu), Gordon Ramsay (Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen), Thomas Keller (Bouchon Bistro), Guy Savoy (Guy Savoy Restaurant), Wolfgang. Puck (Spago, Las Vegas), Martha Stewart (Martha Stewart’s Bedford) and José Andrés (José Andrés’ Market Meat).

Visitors can ping-pong from Michelin-starred restaurants to chain eateries such as beloved California burger franchise In-N-Out Burger (Flamingo’s outlet is closest to AFM).

There’s no shortage of late-night, 24-hour spots, which is a noticeable change from a restaurant in Santa Monica that closes early. And the alcohol never stops flowing when you’re on the casino floor. Themed nightcaps are a given. Try the Stray Pirate bar downtown for innovative tropical cocktails or the 24-hour Golden Tiki in Chinatown, both creatively decorated to the max with kitsch.

Movie buffs: Take time to experience the world’s largest, highest-definition LED screen at The Circle, with two daily screenings of “Postcards from Earth,” directed by Darren Aronofsky, featuring breathtaking picture and sound.

Here’s where else you can dine, drink, or hang out after the market closes.

BBQ Mexicana and Border Grill, Mandalay Bay

Los Angeles chefs Mary Sue Miliken and Susan Feniger pioneered a blend of farm-fresh ingredients and Mexican cuisine at Border Grill when it opened 25 years ago. BBQ Mexicana (across from Border Grill) is the duo’s fast-casual concept and breakfast burrito spot; This smoked beef brisket burrito with organic beans is a reliable, healthy breakfast.

3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd., bbqmexicana.com

Flecha Cantina in City Square

Actor and entrepreneur Mark Wahlberg is the latest high-profile resident of Las Vegas. In September, he opened Flecha Cantina, offering updated Mexican standards. The menu includes ceviche and fajitas, as well as vegetarian proteins like tofu chorizo. Most dishes pair easily with Flecha Azul Plain Tequila from Walbergs. Set back from the street and drawing crowds for happy hour, Wahlberg always stops by when he’s in town.

6683 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Suite #109, flechacantina.com

Hotel Bar and Tea Room, Waldorf Astoria, Las Vegas

The hotel bar on the 23rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria has unobstructed views and serves as a sophisticated tea lounge Wednesday through Sunday afternoons. The non-gaming Waldorf Astoria is a zen alternative to the busier hotels on the Strip. The hotel bar specializes in upscale cocktails, such as strong espresso martinis, which promise a quick start. Caviar toro tacos and wagyu beef sliders are two decadent bar snacks. The traditional afternoon tea comes with the obligatory scones, Devonshire cream and elegant mini sandwiches, some filled with truffle cream cheese.

3752 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Waldorfastorialasvegas.com

Mother Wolf at Fontainebleau.

The stylish Italian spot looks like a Hollywood original, with banquettes covered in red and gold brocade, comfortable leather chairs, parquet floors and an ornate mirrored back bar. Rely on signature wood-fired pizzas and Roman specialties from chef Evan Funke (pasta is served al dente only). Funke’s dedicated fans are hard booking, but bar seating and, of course, the perfect cocktails are also available.

2777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Fountainebleulasvegas.com

Orla

Opening in early 2024, Chef Michael Mina’s Orla restaurant at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is inspired by the talented chef’s Mediterranean roots. Sharable appetizers range from smooth hummus paired with fluffy pita bread (served warm and baked in house) or bigeye tuna with crispy falafel. Mina loves to cook seafood: all Branzino, char-grilled and buttered, is lightly seasoned. A varied plate of kebab for two makes for a satisfying feast.

3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd., mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com

rpm Italian

This Chicago import (from the same family of restaurants as RPM Steak and RPM Seafood) offers the highest quality steaks, seafood and homemade pasta at RPM Italian. There’s a three-course set lunch menu ($35) and a daily happy hour on weekdays. Start with prime beef meatballs, then hand-cut pasta with short rib bolognese and finish with the show-stopper: a flaming meringue cake toasted tableside and then topped with warm chocolate sauce.

3500 Las Vegas Blvd., rpmrestaurants.com

Palms Resort and Casino

There are 10 on-site restaurants to satisfy every appetite. AYCE (All You Can Eat) Buffet includes all proteins, sweets and Asian dishes. The extensive buffet will open an hour earlier each morning at 8am during AFM. Reservations are required for Lobster Nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Extended hours at Laguna Pool House + Kitchen indoor/outdoor restaurant from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Try classics like burgers, burritos and pizza. In addition to the scheduled dinner, lunch will be served at Vetri Cucina Italian Restaurant (11:00 am to 2:00 pm). Smoked meats (pork, chicken and tri-tip) and all-American barbecue are on the menu at Michael Symon’s Mabel’s Bar & Q, open daily with brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Happy hour specials Monday through Thursday are reason enough to check out Scotch 80 Prime; a special lunch menu will be offered daily from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm during AFM.

4321 W. Flamingo Rd., palms.com