Mandarin Bar At City Center, Picasso, Guy Savoy And Botero In Las Vegas
Avoid the Las Vegas madness at these swank spots
You don't have to do thumping nightclubs and overcrowded parties in Las Vegas for New Year's Eve. Here's where to celebrate like a grown-up–some of these intimate restaurants and lounges even come with a view.
Botero The centerpiece of this Encore restaurant is Fernando Botero's rotund Fertility Goddess sculpture, but the view of the pool is just as lovely. The New Year's Eve menu ($195 for five courses) is fittingly decadent, with Maine lobster, potato gnocchi with white truffles, and Kobe steak. Or simply share small plates and cocktails in the bar. 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; 702-770-5310 or encorelasvegas.com
Guy Savoy Reigning over the Augustus tower at Caesars Palace, this is the perfect place to escape the Strip scene. If you don't want to splurge on the full 10-course tasting menu, sit in the bar for the Bites and Bubbles menu–select two, three or four items from the menu for $20, $30 or $40, with an excellent by-the-glass Champagne selection for pairing. 3570 Las Vegas Blvd.; 877-346-4642 or caesarspalace.com
Mandarin Bar You can toast the New Year at this sultry 23rd-floor bar (pictured) at City Center's new Mandarin Oriental hotel, but it will cost $100 (plus bottle service for a table). Any other night, it's the best spot for a glass of Ruinart Rosé ($35) and amazing views of the Strip. 3752 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; 702-590-8888 or mandarinoriental.com
Picasso Helmed by Spanish chef Julian Serrano, this is still one of the most elegant rooms in town–and definitely a special-occasion spot. For a view of the Bellagio fountains or the over-the-top NYE fireworks display, try to get a table along the windows. But the dining room, which is filled with $30 million worth of art, is equally impressive. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; 702-693-8105 or bellagio.com