Palms Casino Closes Four Restaurants: Major Changes in Las Vegas Dining Scene

Table of Contents

The Palms Casino is taking a major turn by closing four restaurants operated by three acclaimed chefs, profoundly affecting the Las Vegas dining landscape.

Symon says goodbye to Vegas after six-and-a-half years. (Image: The Palms)

Restaurants Closing at the Palms

The first on the list is Mabel’s Bar & Q, opened in 2018 by the esteemed James Beard Award winner and “Iron Chef” Michael Symon. This beloved barbecue spot will serve its final meal on September 12, boasting one of the most potent barbecue ovens in the city, pulling off dozens of briskets and pork shoulders simultaneously.

Next up is Vetri Cucina. Known for its stunning 56th-floor views, this upscale Italian restaurant was also launched in 2018 by another James Beard Award winner, Marc Vetri, marking the Sin City outpost for his celebrated Philadelphia restaurant. The final closing date for Vetri Cucina hasn’t been announced yet.

The view from Vetri Cucina. (Image: The Palms)

Alongside these closures, Chef Luke Palladino will also shutter both Rojo Lounge and Laguna Pool House & Kitchen. Rojo Lounge, which has been part of Palms Place since at least 2016, and Laguna Pool House, opened only two years ago in the sixth-floor location that used to be Kerry Simon‘s Simon Restaurant & Lounge.

Reasons Behind the Closures

While the official statements from the involved chefs have been vague, indicating that these closures are part of mutual agreements with the casino, speculation suggests that financial performance could be the underlying reason. It’s not uncommon for dining establishments in Las Vegas to face challenges, particularly for high-end options in off-Strip locations.

With tourism ebbing during certain seasons, maintaining steady high-end dining traffic can be quite difficult. It remains uncertain what will replace these vacated spaces in the vibrant Las Vegas dining scene.

A New Arrival: Cote Korean Steakhouse

On a brighter note, the Venetian will welcome Cote Vegas, a Korean steakhouse opening its first location in Las Vegas on October 4. This restaurant promises an elaborate dining experience with tableside service featuring wagyu beef and a delightful assortment of banchan sides, cultivated by Michelin star chef Simon Kim.

Cote is already a hit with its previous locations in New York, Miami, and Singapore, and locals are eager to see what the Vegas outpost has in store.

Yelp Rankings and Notable Spots

Meanwhile, two local eateries have garnered attention by making it to Yelp’s Top 100 list of US sandwich shops. The Leatherneck Club ranked No. 25, offering a Marine-themed bar atmosphere, while The Bronze Café, a vegan-forward eatery, came in at No. 57.

Updates on Other Local Dining Spots

A plethora of changes are also happening in other restaurants:

Pachi-Pachi, helmed by Golden Tiki visionary Branden Powers, recently opened its doors as a Japanese-style dining and cocktail lounge.
Hooters at OYO has permanently closed, a casualty of financial issues following its parent company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Nom Wah, a well-known dim sum spot, is set to begin operations on September 13 at JW Marriott and Rampart Casino.
Restaurants like Diner Ross have also undergone name changes to Diner Ross Steakhouse, while Nona’s embraced a new identity as Nona’s Lobster Shack.
Clique Bar & Lounge at the Cosmopolitan is reopening on August 29 following renovations.

Health Concerns and Closures

Jipata, a Thai-inspired gastropub, was temporarily closed by the Southern Nevada Health District due to severe health violations, such as food contamination and unsanitary practices.

With the dynamic culinary scene of Las Vegas constantly in flux, patrons can expect exciting new openings and unexpected closures as the city adapts to both the highs and lows of the restaurant industry.

Summary

The closure of these restaurants at The Palms signals a significant shift in the Las Vegas dining landscape, with chefs transitioning out and new restaurants emerging. As Las Vegas continues to evolve and industry players seek new opportunities, the culinary scene remains at the forefront of the city’s vibrant culture.