By Chef Justin Kingsley Hall
![Cover Photos | Credit: Kory Westerhold [flickr]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54806d5de4b0a7c95f7b6d01/1499693988425-M3OWXU7966RJM0FFFPYU/Kory+Westerhold_3-2.jpg)
Cover Photos | Credit: Kory Westerhold [flickr]
“The biggest misconception about Las Vegas is that it is all casinos and desert.”
About Justin Kingsley Hall
Justin Kingsley Hall is the chef de cuisine at Sparrow + Wolf in Las Vegas. He began in the restaurant business after a training injury ended his military career with the 82nd Airborne Division. His next chapter in the culinary world took him to California and Florida, before moving to Nevada. He also teaches restaurant and management courses for The Art Institute of Las Vegas, and is the owner of SLO Boy Food, a catering and event company.
Beef Cheeks with Bone Marrow | Photograph courtesy of Sparrow + Wolf
Sparrow + Wolf
The ambiance, staff, and overall experience at Sparrow + Wolf is one made to make people feel like this is a place they can hangout for hours. Our front of house staff really cares about providing great hospitality and help guests feel comfortable about exploring cocktails and food that may have components they're unsure of or don't know.
Menu Highlights
The bone marrow and beef cheek dumplings are probably the best place to start trying new things (see above photo).
Chinatown Clams Casino | Photo Credit: Sabin Orr
Don't skip the Chinatown Clams Casino, the Sweet Breads, and our specials (that's where we have some real fun)
4480 Spring Mountain Road, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89102
T: 702.790.2147
www.sparrowandwolflv.com
Chef Justin Kingsley Hall's Las Vegas Guide
MORNING | Coffee & Breakfast
Photographs courtesy of Vesta Coffee Roasters
Vesta Coffee Roasters
They've got a variety of coffee drinks served by a young staff who are very into making you happy.
114 South Casino Center Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89104
T: 702.685.1777
www.vestacoffee.com
The World Famous Coffee Cup Cafe
Make the drive to The Coffee Cup in Boulder City – it's worth it. They serve great diner breakfast food. They're known for their pork chile verde. Plus you can get a solid Bloody Mary with bacon in it.
512 Nevada Highway, Boulder City, NV 89005
T: 702.294.0517
www.worldfamouscoffeecup.com
LATE MORNING | Market
Downtown 3rd Farmers Market
I love this farmers market in downtown, next to the Mob Museum. It's where I pick up produce for my weekend along with several other local chefs. Go early and don't miss the bread guy. His sourdough reminds me of San Francisco.
Friday 9am - 2pm
201 North 3rd Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
T: 702.953.4353
LUNCH
Photograph courtesy of Meraki Greek Grill
Meráki Greek Grill
The menu looks like things you've seen before, but the ingredients and execution make you feel like your experiencing something new and vibrant. The plates are large, so you're going to get filled up. Have a friend on hand to help with an order of feta fries.
950 South Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 160, Las Vegas, NV 89118
T: 702.202.1002
www.merakigreekgrill.com
Cured and Whey
This is a little gourmet meat and cheese shop that's hidden in a commercial business area near Valley View and Sunset. They are now also serving lunch. Go with a friend and order as much as you can, but make sure to get the truffle cheese panini, and then buy cheese to take home. The staff has a lot of knowledge and offer educational tasting events.
6265 South Valley View Boulevard, Suite K, Las Vegas, NV 89118
T: 702.429.3617
AFTERNOON | Sweets
Photograph courtesy of Handel's Ice Cream
Handel's Ice Cream & Yogurt
I'm not much of a sweets person, but in this heat I'll drive across town for their blueberry cobbler ice cream. Don't be shocked to find a line here at various times of the day. There's a reason for it.
10170 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89147
T: 702.749.9299
www.handelsicecream.com
EARLY EVENING | Cocktails
Photograph courtesy of Starboard Tack
Starboard Tack
Let two exceptional craft cocktail guys renovate a nautical-themed rum bar and you've got a winner. I say pre-game here only because I know if I go late night I'll likely curl up with half their cocktail list in a comfy couch and pass out smiling.
2601 Atlantic Street, Las Vegas, NV 89121
T: 702.684.5769
DINNER
Photograph courtesy of Forte European Tapas Bar & Bistro
Forte European Tapas Bar & Bistro
Off-strip Vegas is about hiding some of the best places from sight. So find this place, drink some vodka, and order the Georgian bread boat with cheese and egg. If you step outside and get hit by a car, you will have gone out on a high note. The atmosphere is cozy for a date or a place to go with close friends. Stay and relax. This is definitely a place to spend an evening.
4180 South Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 806, Las Vegas, NV 89103
T: 702.220.3876
www.barforte.com
District One Kitchen & Bar
Get the Clay Pot Chicken and do a shot of Fernet with Mama if you can. Your world is going to change.
3400 South Jones Boulevard, Suite #8, Las Vegas, NV 89146
T: 702.413.6868
www.districtonelv.com
LATE NIGHT
Photograph courtesy of The Sand Dollar Lounge
The Sand Dollar Lounge
This is an industry go-to for drinks, music, and an energetic crowd. On Sundays, there's a Spanish food truck. Lately this has been my Sunday after-work dinner and drink spot. Walk into the bar, ask them to make you something with whiskey and let them decide. Grab some patas bravas from the truck and if you're lucky enough to be there on the 3rd Sunday of the month, a one-man band is going to keep you drinking until the end of the night.
3355 Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas, NV 89102
T: 702.485.5401
www.thesanddollarlv.com
Atomic Liquors
If you're down on Fremont Street, come here. Beer or liquor, they have a serious selection. There's also a restaurant now to keep you filled up. I've been going to Atomic for awhile and at just about any time of day. But ending the night here always means ending on a high note. If you can get Rose (manager / part owner) to serve you, she's going to make you something strong, but balanced. She's also a character, which makes the whole experience.
917 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
T: 702.982.3000
www.atomic.vegas
EDIBLE VEGAS SOUVENIR
JinJu Chocolates
How many people do you know are going to be upset that you brought back artisan chocolates after visiting here? They are much more than what you hoped they'd be. Truffles or chocolates, somebody is going to make out with you for sharing these.
707 Fremont Street, Suite #2280, Las Vegas, NV 89101
T: 702.348.9407
www.jinjuchocolates.com
Photograph courtesy of JinJu Chocolates
BEYOND EATING AND DRINKING
Photograph courtesy of Go Mt Charlteson
Mt. Charleston
Las Vegas has much more than casinos and the desert. Take Mt Charleston, for example, which rises over 11,000 feet and has a ski resort. It takes me 35 minutes from my front door to get to hiking trails lush with pine trees. The mountain has been one of my favorite escapes from the Vegas lights. This is a place where I can gather my thoughts.
2525 Kyle Canyon Road, Mt Charleston, NV 89124
www.gomtcharleston.com
Photograph courtesy of Spring Mountain Ranch
Super Summer Theater at Spring Mountain Ranch
Take wine and a picnic basket and enjoy.
6375 Highway 159 Blue Diamond, Blue Diamond, NV 89004
www.supersummertheatre.org
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