How to enjoy the best of Las Vegas cuisine and culture
As you may know, IMEX America is held in Las Vegas where there’s an adventure around every corner. With our exciting home, Mandalay Bay, comes a host of fun things to see, do and eat! We’ve put together a list of our top restaurants, attractions and things to do in Las Vegas.
Places to eat
Border Grill, Mandalay Bay
An IMEX team favorite, this modern Mexican restaurant is conveniently located just a short distance from the IMEX America tradeshow floor. Let Food Network chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger spice up your day with bold Mexican flavors, conscientiously sourced ingredients and seasonal sangria.
Soulbelly BBQ, Arts District
If you feel like getting away from the strip, Soulbelly serves classic American BBQ in the trendy Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas. Here you can sample BBQ favorites like salt and pepper brisket, pork spareribs and Carolina pulled pork – all imagined by former Top Chef contestant Bruce Kalman.
Best Friend, Park MGM
Best Friend is ‘Koreatown in a capsule’ – it offers modern, LA twists on classic Korean dishes. From kimchi carbonara to kung pao glazed lobster tails (and an impressive sake list), Best Friend is one of the coolest places in Vegas to grab a bite and a “drank”. And our plant-based friends will love the dedicated vegan menu.
Casa Calavera, Virgin Hotels
Head over to Virgin Hotels to try this Mexican cantina with its Instagram-worthy interior. The menu boasts contemporary spins on traditional Mexican favorites, including tacos, ceviche, enchiladas, and a dazzling selection of cocktails and margaritas.
Vegan-friendly
If you’re looking for plant-based options, we recommend checking out Vegans Baby for a comprehensive guide to all things vegan in Vegas. Downtown and the Arts District are two of the city’s more vegan-friendly parts of town, with highlights including VegeNation, Tacotarian and 18 Bin.
Things to do
On your doorstep
Skyfall Lounge, Delano
Experience the best view of the Vegas strip away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. The Skyfall Lounge offers a taste of the high life: artisan cocktails, panoramic views over the city, a relaxed atmosphere and easy-going tunes from in-house DJs. Reservations recommended.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign
Just a 15-minute walk away from Mandalay Bay is the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Our top tip is visit early, before the rest of Vegas wakes up, to avoid queues.
Shark Reef Aquarium, Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay is home to more than just humans, with over 2,000 sea creatures in this unique exhibit.
Further afield
Area 15
‘Immersive playground’ Area 15 opened in 2020 and we’ve been desperate to see it since the team joined us over on PlanetIMEX. This 200,000-square-foot complex is an entertainment venue like no other, offering experiences ranging from immersive VR to axe-throwing, right through to zip lining.
IMEX-exclusive offers
IMEX America attendees have access to exclusive discounts at restaurants, shows and experiences, courtesy of our Las Vegas partners.
The most important thing to know about Las Vegas is it’s host to IMEX America every year!
