Everyone has that one bar that they call their spot, where the locals all seem to gather in merriment and look to have a great night with familiar faces. THAT bar on the Las Vegas Strip is shaping up to be the newly opened FIRST Food & Bar at the Palazzo Las Vegas.
Based on the genuineness and character of a classic neighborhood bar and diner, FIRST brings the vibe of a late-night spot and blends it with the comforting surroundings of a casual local eatery. With high open ceilings, tribal tattoo imagery, an urban design with dark warming colors, and over 10,000 square-feet of space, the restaurant is intimate, yet edgy. To put it simply, it’s the place that is a little bit rock n’ roll, but won’t scare away your folks when they stop in for a visit. Located on the 2nd floor in the Shoppes at the Palazzo, FIRST will be the new “IT” spot to head to for late-night noshing on American comfort foods, hanging out, and for staying up late! As the official Palazzo website describes it, “It’s a late-night institution that makes you want to stay up just a little bit later. It’s ‘that’ bar…”
Opened by reknowned Chef Sam DeMarco, known to everyone as Sammy D., FIRST at the Palazzo gets its original roots from the inner-city of NYC. DeMarco was originally put on the map with his ‘90’s opening of the original FIRST in New York City. The restaurant served as a mecca for NYC socialites and famous chefs, who would head to the hangout restaurant after closing the doors for the night at their own shops. In fact, famous Vegas Chefs Charlie Trotter, of Restaurant Charlie, and Wolfgang Puck were among the famed guests to the NYC restaurant. The FIRST Food & Bar at the Palazzo will pay homage to those inner-city roots and ideals, as a late-night neighborhood hang out to have a great time!
“You can build restaurants and have great food, but you can’t buy it a soul. It’s about the people, the culture, and the fiber of the neighborhood,” says Chef DeMarco “We’re in the heart of the Strip, so our ‘neighborhood’ leaves room for interpretation and allows for creativity with my menus."
Creativity indeed! The menu features affordable delicious American “city” classics with a twist, such as mini sliders, lollipop buffalo wings, and lobster rolls. Signature cocktails and classic tap beers are the drink staples at this neighborhood bar. Signature cocktails include the Cotton Candy Kiss and, of course, Adult “Snow Cones.” Affordability is key at this spot! At an average of $22 for a meal, this place isn’t badly priced for a Vegas eatery, by any means! (At any Vegas restaurant you can EASILY spend $30-$50+ per meal!)
The opening of the restaurant, earlier this week, paid homage to the inner-city roots and flavors of the city. The entire space was adorned with hot dog stands, featuring their world-famous “FIRST Original” mini sliders and mini hot dogs, and boardwalk-like photo booths, spitting out four photo strips for eager attendees of the event. The stars were out in full-force to the opening with guests such as Robin Leach, the gentlemen of Jersey Boys, Nevada Sentaor John Ensign, actor Mekhi Phifer, Ryan Starr of American Idol, Dr. 90210 Dr. Gary Motykie, investor to the restaurant Golden State Warriors basketball star Corey Maggette, and the celebrating 2009 NBA Finals Champion LA Lakers’ Robert Horry.
Open 21/7, FIRST Food & Bar at the Palazzo will need to be your first stop on your late-night Vegas adventures! Open from breakfast to late…really REALLY late, FIRST is THE neighborhood bar to visit on the Strip!
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