When we think about some of the best food and nightlife experiences around the world, many people will immediately turn to hard-to-get reservations at restaurants frequented by celebrities in New York City or Las Vegas.
But something curious has been happening in recent months, the cities have started to mirror each other. Now, some of the hottest and most legendary spots in Las Vegas have made the trek to New York City. Given both are known to have constant attention, activity, and star appeal, it makes sense.
The most recent gamble came this past January in the form of the Golden Steer Steakhouse, a veritable Las Vegas institution for the greater part of a century, beloved by Elvis and Frank Sinatra that’s been going strong since 1958. There’s also the five-year-old Carversteak, another Las Vegas steakhouse that just launched in the Big Apple in March.
We tapped Rick Camac, executive director of industry relations at the Institute of Culinary Education, to tell us more about the restaurants since he has eaten at both Carversteak and Golden Steer in each city. Spoiler, turns out they’re perfect for the city.
Dining at Carversteak
Camac said the NYC Carversteak instantly draws a Vegas parallel since it’s located where the lights of Broadway are always glimmering and close to Times Square. It mimics the famous Las Vegas strip, but in a very East Coast way.
“Carversteak was more understated than its Las Vegas counterpart, while Golden Steer had more of a Vegas feel and more closely resembled their Vegas venue,” said Carmac. “Carversteak is in the Theatre District and would be perfect for pre- or post-show dinner.”
As expected, he said, it “Vegas touches” including an Old Fashioned drink cart, a box of special knives for you to choose from, tableside service with a flare, dramatic lighting, and an attractive atrium. Those touches aside, overall the vibe isn’t too far from what one might find in NYC, which is why the migration works so well.
“The Caesar salad was delicious, served tableside, and the shrimp cocktail was plentiful and fresh,” he said. “If I had to pick one exceptional thing, it would be the special Old Fashioned.”
Dining Out at Golden Steer at One Fifth
Our expert also felt Golden Steer at One Fifth in the West Village properly executed the Vegas feel. At one glance it’s easy to see what he means. The backdrop involves sultry red decor, black leather booths, and table-side service of everything from the signature Caesar Salad to Bananas Foster.
The restaurant also offers the same old-school Vegas spins on the steakhouse experience, with dishes such as Shrimp de Jonghe, prime rib, and dry-aged steaks. Each somehow feels sexy and intimate, but also opulent and impressive, sentiments describing the vibe of the dining scene in both Las Vegas and NYC. Plus, Golden Steer knows how to make a mean Martini that pairs with the food as well as the mood.
Understanding the Trend
Meet Mark Steele, a fourth generation hospitalian and founder of the Las Vegas Restaurant Hospitality Institute (a school that trains restaurant staff and offers corporate restaurant consulting and training services). For him, the Las Vegas exodus makes a lot of sense.
“In my experience traveling nationwide to train teams and troubleshoot operations, New York City is the only market that truly rivals Las Vegas in terms of global visibility and dining relevance,” said Steele. He pointed out how both cities appeal to a more diverse, well-traveled guest. However, each stands apart in one important area.
“The expectations placed on operators in Las Vegas, particularly around consistency, the art of hospitality, and financial performance, are uniquely rigorous,” said Steele, pointing out that you don’t have the luxury of an off night in Vegas. “That discipline forces operators to deliver a complete experience every time, not just strong food, but energy, atmosphere, and a highly refined approach to guest engagement.”
That’s what has made this current trend of Las Vegas-based spots opening in New York City so appealing. Steele added that he sees successful operators in Vegas being those who think beyond the plate.
“They build environments, they manage flow and energy, and they train teams to read and respond to guests in real time,” he said. “That foundation positions them well in a market as competitive and visible as New York.”
Finding Vegas in New York
Those seeking New York City spots that have that casino city pizazz won’t have to look far. Carmac recommends visiting the Quality Branded concepts such as Zou-Zou’s, Twin Tails, and Bad Roman, which all offer a Vegas-like feel. He added The Peak, Cipriani’s, and Major Food Group’s Carbone, Lobster Club, and The Grill also fit the bill.
It’s hard not to think of Big Apple newcomer Ambassadors Clubhouse as well, which recently moved in from London. The spot stems from the same team behind London’s Gymkhana, which brought a location to Vegas. Now, the same over-the-top vibe rules the impossible-to-get-a-reservation spot in NoMad.
Tribeca-based Musaafer fits the bill as well, from the Indian temple-like setting to the opulent, immersive Indian fare that includes a tableside Butter Chicken Experience. It’s an incredibly creative and theatrical menu, from the lychee masquerading as a scallop to the sexy cocktail lounge beneath it all.
The opulence of the Russian Tea Room fits in with the Vegas vibe, as does 4 Charles Prime Rib. The former is glitz and glam throughout, while the latter has the moody feeling of exclusivity, and is nearly impossible to get a table at. Overall, it goes to show the Vegas migration is really just another way New York gets its lively, colorful, and amazing inhabitants.
