I’m going to Las Vegas soon. It will be my first trip there for 3 years due to Covid airline closures, and I can’t wait. Despite a 15 hour flight from my home down under, I’m really looking forward to the holiday and the chance to once again touch down in the Nevada desert. I’m a huge fan of Las Vegas having been there probably two dozen (24) times over the last 25 years or so. I’m not quite a native but I have got to know the city and its attractions and layouts very well over the years.

It appears that inflation has been rampant in Las Vegas, along with other parts of America. And the USD exchange rate to my local NZ currency has increased about 15% in the last 6 weeks alone, making it the worst exchange rate ratio it’s been for 30 years! On that basis I’ll be watching my pennies more closely in America than before, especially when it comes to avoidable spending – like food. In the past I’ve enjoyed nothing more than sitting down to a good meal in a restaurant, and having a great meal and experience – but on this trip my intent is to do far less sit down meals, and to balance these with cheaper options.

Even a $15 steak meal gets expensive when you add state and federal taxes, and then an expected 20% tip. The $15 becomes $16.50 + $3.50 = $20… and then the exchange rate makes that $36 in my local currency. I could get the same thing locally here for about $20 – almost 40% cheaper. Balancing that meal with the dollar menu from McDonalds (average meal say $5), with no need for tip, makes that a palatable daily spend. Don’t get me wrong, I love good food and good service – but why waste good gambling money? Lol

So I’ve done a lot of research this trip on cheap eats in Las Vegas, and I’m presenting my highlights below.

Ocean One – Planet Hollywood – Lunch 5.99, Three drinks for twelve dollars
Blondies – Planet Hollywood – Early 7am to noon – Breakfast special 4.99
La Salsa Cantina – Planet Hollywood – Early to noon – Breakfast special 5.99
Earl of Sandwich – Planet Hollywood – Before 11am – various Breakfast sandwiches under $6

House of Gogo – Plaza Hotel – Pancake for $12 (huge, feeds 2)
Pop Up Pizza – Plaza Hotel – Slice of Pepperoni pizza for $4.75
Lanai Express Cafe – Fremont Hotel – Footlong hot dog and soda for $5
American coney island chili dogs – The D hotel – for about $4.50
McDonalds – The D hotel – dollar saver menu ($1, $2, $3)
Hash House a Go Go – Plaza Hotel – $12 to $20 but feed 2 people (Signup for emails, sometimes send offers)
Binions Hotel / Four Queens Hotel – cafes both offer $10 breakfast (toast, eggs, hash browns)
White Castle Fremont St – $1.40 each
Evil Kinevel Pie – Fremont St – Cheese pizza slice and beer / drink for $7

Pizzas – 2 for 1 on Sunday, or Thursdays – Ellis Island Pizza shop (or pizza slices from $3.20 and up)
CrunCheeze – Chinatown – Corn dogs for circa $4

Village Pub Cafe – Ellis Island – 11pm to 11am (weekdays), 11pm to 2pm (weekends) – steak and eggs – $8.99
Coronado Cafe – South Point Casino – Midnight to 6am Gamblers Specials – from $2.95 to $6.45 (steak, eggs)
Eggslut – The Cosmopolitan – Classic Bacon egg and Cheese Sandwich – $9.50 (loaded)

If you know of other good cheap eats in Las Vegas, reach out and let me know! I’ll be in the city for a few weeks so I’ll get the chance to try a whole heap of places… some of them new to me despite my frequent visits over the years. Of course, when you gamble you accrue players card points that can be used for food in the casinos – so I expect to have a few freebies along the way too. Balancing costs is key to a good vacation.