A Guide to the Best American Las Vegas Restaurants

Your Guide to the Best American Las Vegas Restaurants

Las Vegas is not just the entertainment capital of the world. It’s also home to a vibrant dining scene that caters to different cravings and occasions. Among the city’s celebrated eateries, Beauty & Essex and Stanton Social Prime stand out as two premier American Las Vegas restaurants, offering the perfect balance of creativity, luxury, and unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re seeking a speakeasy-style ambiance or modern twists on classic comfort food, these establishments deliver experiences you won’t want to miss.

Discover the Best in American Dining on the Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Strip is a culinary playground, and Tao Group Hospitality’s venues like Beauty & Essex and Stanton Social Prime prove why the city’s dining scene is second to none. These immersive dining experiences celebrate bold flavors in luxurious settings with outstanding service.

Whether you’re drawn to the speakeasy-inspired elegance of Beauty & Essex or Stanton Social Prime’s art deco style and modern approach to top-notch steaks, both venues promise unforgettable moments, perfectly suited for intimate dinners, celebratory occasions, or indulgent nights out on the Las Vegas Strip.

Beauty & Essex – A Jewel in Vegas’ Culinary Crown

History and Concept

Beauty & Essex, located at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, has redefined luxury dining with its speakeasy-inspired ambiance. Inspired by its flagship location in New York City, guests are welcomed through a hidden pawn shop entrance before stepping into a lavish vintage setting. This unexpected entryway is just the start of a one-of-a-kind experience that combines creative design with iconic flavors.

Created by Chef Chris Santos, Beauty & Essex combines his signature approach to American cuisine with inventive touches that highlight every dish.

The Menu Highlights

The menu at Beauty & Essex is diverse and indulgent, featuring an array of dishes that feature inventive twists on American cuisine combined with global influences. Executive Chef Chris Santos brings his personal touch to every dish, offering something for every kind of palate. Here’s a glimpse of what Beauty & Essex’s menu has to offer:

• Signature Plates – Expect tasting favorites like their Grilled Cheese, Smoked Bacon, and Tomato Soup Dumplings starters or the Tuna Poke Wonton Tacos, which pair crisp textures with fresh, vibrant flavors.
• Luxurious Main Courses – The Beef Wellington and Brown Butter Scallops showcase the kitchen’s dedication to expertly crafted dishes with premium ingredients. Meanwhile, the Spaghettini is also a standout dish that features zucchini, lemon, parsley pesto, Parmigiano, and a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but the serving is generous, making it ideal for sharing or savoring on your own.
• Decadent Desserts – End your meal on a high note with their bestseller treats like the towering Wonder Wheel, a selection of petite sweets presented in a playful, shareable display.

Pair your meal with one of the restaurant’s specialty cocktails, such as their signature “Mother of Pearl,” a delicate, velvety creation with subtle floral notes, blending Belvedere vodka, white peach, and sakura with a hint of lemon and orange bitters. The smooth texture of the aqua faba adds a luxurious touch, making it a standout choice. 

Or, you can explore an extensive wine list that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the menu. Happy hour here on Wednesdays and Thursdays is not to be missed, offering smaller plates and BOGO cocktails in a relaxed yet chic atmosphere 

The Atmosphere and Experience

Beauty & Essex is a restaurant experience that combines a speakeasy element with elegant, jewelry box-themed private dining rooms, a full service bar, and an elegant lobby lounge that sparkle with vintage charm. 

Inspired by its New York City origins, the venue’s entrance is hidden behind a chic pawn shop where every item is for sale. This adds a playful and unique start to your visit, and this exclusive and whimsy flair sets the tone. Here’s a more detailed look into the restaurant’s dining spaces:

• The Jewelry Box – This private dining room is perfect for intimate celebrations or exclusive events like bachelorette parties, enveloping guests in a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere.
• The Pearl Dining Room – Located just to the right of the entrance, this space offers a luxurious setting for group dining while maintaining the venue’s signature ambiance.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or enjoying a night out with friends, Beauty & Essex is perfect for booking special events..

To secure your spot in one of its popular spaces, making reservations at Beauty and Essex in advance is highly recommended, particularly for peak dining hours or private events.

Stanton Social Prime – Redefining American Dining

The Evolution of a Concept

Stanton Social Prime is a whimsical steakhouse and lounge created by Chef Chris Santos, rooted in the legacy of its original New York City location. 

Revamped for the Las Vegas Strip, this sophisticated venue located inside Caesars Palace offers new American cuisine by merging playful dishes with an upscale steakhouse experience. It sits conveniently next to Tao Group Hospitality’s OMNIA Nightclub, making it an ideal spot to start your evening!

Signature Dishes and Drinks

Stanton Social Prime’s menu combines the elegance of a steakhouse with whimsical, highly shareable creations, ensuring every dish is both fun and flavorful. Signature highlights include:

• Specialty Plates – Kick off your meal with the French Onion Soup Dumplings, a fan-favorite that pays homage to the restaurant’s New York City roots. These savory bites are rich in flavor and inventively presented. Another must-try is the Black Truffle Ribeye Cheesesteak Sliders, offering a luxurious twist on a classic. Now, if you’re a seafood lover, the Seared Dayboat Scallops deliver a perfectly balanced plate with smoked tomato, orzo, pancetta, and butternut squash.
• Savory Main Courses – The Super Tomahawk steals the show with sake-braised short ribs, bone marrow, and a cognac flambé that’s prepared right at your table, making it a memorable centerpiece for any meal. For seafood enthusiasts, the Pan-Seared Chilean Seabass offers a delicate and flavorful experience, complemented by a lemongrass beurre blanc, wild mushrooms, and micro vegetables that balance the dish beautifully.
• Rich Desserts – End your evening with the restaurant’s indulgent desserts. Try the Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cake, featuring layers of peanut butter mousse, devil’s food cake, and warm chocolate sauce for the ultimate sweet treat. If you’re looking for something lighter yet equally delightful, the Butter Me Up pairs lemon curd and crème fraîche with a toasted croissant, offering a playful twist on classic flavors.

The restaurant’s cocktail program is also equally impressive, with handcrafted drinks that highlight unique flavor profiles. Guests can also enjoy a curated selection of wines and craft beers, making it the perfect pairing for every meal. 

Dining in Elegance

Stanton Social Prime combines modern, art deco luxury with a welcoming, sophisticated atmosphere. The interior features sleek design elements, including polished wood finishes, elegant lighting, and cozy banquettes.

This fine dining destination is perfect for booking special events, whether it’s an anniversary dinner, a celebratory night out, or an intimate evening with friends. 

For those seeking group dining options, the restaurant offers flexible spaces designed to accommodate parties of all sizes, so every guest feels like a VIP. To make sure you get the best experience, especially for larger groups or those planning private dining, securing reservations at Stanton Social Prime ahead of time is essential.

What Sets Beauty & Essex and Stanton Social Prime Apart

While both restaurants offer American cuisine with a modern twist, they shine in distinct ways:

• Beauty & Essex captivates guests with its speakeasy entrance, glamorous atmosphere, and playful approach to comfort food. It’s the ideal spot for those seeking a lively, social dining experience with a touch of mystery.
• Stanton Social Prime, on the other hand, delivers a polished, upscale vibe where classic American dishes are elevated to fine dining perfection. It’s perfect for those who appreciate elegant simplicity and refined flavors.

What unites these venues is Tao Group Hospitality’s unwavering commitment to high-quality dining and creating memorable experiences that keep guests coming back for more.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

Reservations

Both Beauty & Essex and Stanton Social Prime are incredibly popular, so it’s highly recommended that you book a reservation in advance. Visit the Tao Group Hospitality website to secure your spot.

Best Times to Visit

For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the week or for happy hour, when you can enjoy specialty cocktails and smaller plates in a laid-back setting. Weekends tend to be livelier, making them ideal for celebrating special occasions.

Experience the best of American Cuisine in Vegas with Tao Group Hospitality Venues

Beauty & Essex and Stanton Social Prime are redefining what it means to dine at American Las Vegas restaurants. From their innovative menus to their stunning interiors, these venues offer a perfect blend of luxury, creativity, and exceptional flavors.

If you’re exploring more exceptional dining options, don’t miss Tao Group’s diverse portfolio, including Italian restaurants in the Vegas Strip  like LAVO Italian Restaurant or world-class Asian restaurants in Las Vegas like TAO Asian Bistro. Make your reservations today and experience why these venues are among the best in Las Vegas.