You can learn a lot about a place from its airport. Sure, most airports come with the same vending machines, news stands, and bathroom lines, but there are always some parts worth staying around for, if you know where to find them. This guide looks beyond the stores, restaurant chains, and bars you'll see in every major transit center to focus on the locally-owned hidden gems and small businesses serving up city-specific cuisines in each terminal.
If you've ever flown into Las Vegas, you know that Harry Reid International Airportis one of the most convenient airports in the world. Rather than being a city with an airport, Vegas almost feels like an airport with a city built around it. Located right next to the Strip, it’s easy and accessible to all the hotels, restaurants, attractions, and everything else that makes Sin City awesome. But what if you're stuck inside waiting for a flight—or just landed and want to get the party started ASAP? Harry Reid has its share of fun and fascinating distractions.
Getting there
The airport is on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue, making it just a short drive from anywhere on the Strip and centrally located for anyone else in the valley.
Rideshares will conveniently drop you off in the departure areas, but those leaving the airport will face a congested pickup area in the parking garage that's only becoming more crowded every day. Taxis have a notorious history of "long hauling" (taking the long way to and from the airport), but that seems to be happening less with rideshare competition. Sorry, the Las Vegas Monorail doesn't go to the airport. The RTC (Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada) has three bus routes that do, however.
If you only have time for one thing: test your luck at slot machines
Find it in: Multiple locations
Harry Reid is one of just two U.S. airports (the other is the much smaller Reno-Tahoe airport) with slot machines on property. The crazy part is how omnipresent they are. Bored waiting for a flight? Play some slots in the terminal. Waiting for your bags? Enjoy a game in the baggage claim.
There are more than 1,400 slot machines throughout the airport, generating about $40 million in revenue a year. They're run by Airport Slot Concession, Inc., a company run by Michael Gaughan (South Point owner and son of legendary casino mogul Jackie Gaughan). This is pure Vegas, and yes, the machines are just like the ones you'd see inside any casino.
Old timers like to play slots at Barney's Lounge, a smoke-filled co*cktail parlor near the C gates. It's all-business in an "Old Vegas" kind of way. Nameless smoking and slot machine lounges near gates A7, B15, C5, C25, D16 and E14 are even more no-frills.
If you want to sweat before a long flight: ZERO Level Fitness & Wellness
Find it in: Baggage Claim
Vegas may be known for indulgence and excess, but the Harry Reid International Airport is also known for ZEROLevel Fitness & Wellness. This 13,000-square-foot fitness center has weights, cardio machines, and other equipment for a full workout, just take the elevator near Baggage Claim 10 down a level. A Traveler Day Pass is $25 with other options available for frequent travelers and airport employees. Just having access to a shower and towel service could be worth the splurge alone. And check this out: You can book a Sleep Room (beginning at $40 for two hours) with a private bed and access to the fitness center.
If you want to learn a little aviation history before takeoff: Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum
Find it in: Terminal 1
Take some time to dig into Sin City's aviation history before or after you pass through the security gates in Terminal 1. The Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum is on Level 2 with exhibits about the beginning of public flights in Vegas and how McCarran International Airport took shape before changing its name to Harry Reid. The museum has additional exhibits throughout the terminal, including a replica of a red 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible that was a fixture at the airport in the '50s and '60s. A small aircraft, Hacienda (named after the casino that sponsored it), hangs above the baggage claim. The Cessna 172 holds the record for the longest continuous flight, staying in the air nearly 65 days in 1958, refueling 128 times by flying low over a gas truck with an extended hose.
Best restaurants and bars in LAS for trying Vegas-famous dishes:
For a local-favorite slice: Metro Pizza
Find it in: D concourse
If you only pick one place to eat at the airport, go with Metro Pizza, a Vegas favorite since 1980 and one of the best choices in town for Brooklyn-inspired pizza. The slices are snatched straight from the oven—no microwaves or heat lamps here—and the meatball sliders are served on house-made garlic knots.
For a bagel done right: Siegel's Bagelmania
Find it in: A concourse
Siegel's Bagelmania may be a New York-style deli, but it's a born-and-raised Las Vegas original. More than 30 years after opening east of the Strip, the family-owned business now has a location at the airport's A concourse, where you can get your fix for a lox and bagel or a black and white cookie. Sandwiches include a grilled Rueben with a choice of pastrami, corned beef, or turkey, and the Yiddish Bird, which combines turkey and bacon with chive cream cheese and sprouts.
For something to counteract all the Vegas excess: Rachel's Kitchen
Find it in: D concourse
Rachel's Kitchen is a local chain where everything is based on fresh, vibrant ingredients. The airport location is basically a grab-and-go version of the concept. When it comes to pre-made sandwiches and salads, these are by far the top choices in the airport. You can also order smoothies and juices made fresh on the spot.
For one last cheers: Liquor Library
Find it in: Both baggage claim areas
Liquor Library is the only non-duty free liquor store in the United States in an airport baggage claim. Look for it right behind the escalators that welcome arriving passengers. Prices aren't cheap, but it's a good place to pick up Nevada spirits like Frey Ranch whiskey and more. Even better: Free samples are offered throughout the day with a schedule posted online. A second Liquor Library is by the smaller baggage claim in Terminal 3. And yes, that location likes to offer samples too.
Airport lounges and nearby hotels if you’re willing to pay to rest:
The Club at LAS
Find it in: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
The Club at LAS is an airport lounge for the masses, as long as you're willing to pay $50 for a day pass. It's not a bad deal with snacks and drinks included, along with newspapers, magazines, comfortable seating areas, and a shower if you need it. The newer location in T3 is a little nicer with a more contemporary design.
United Lounge
Find it in: D concourse
If you have a United or Star Alliance ticket, you'll have access to the United Lounge with a day pass charge ($59 per person). First Class passengers get in for free. The United Lounge is less crowded than others at the airport, featuring a full-service bar, light snacks, WiFi, and exclusive digital publications.
MGM Grand
Where to find it: The Strip & Tropicana
If you have a long layover and want to play tourist in Vegas, you’ll be happy to learn that the Strip is less than two miles away. The MGM Grand is the closest big Strip resort to the airport. It's large and full of sprawl, but you can spend the night in a health-focused Staywell suite, enjoy a bucket-list meal at Joël Robuchon (or the slightly less expensive L'atelier De Joël Robuchon), and float in the hotel pool's lazy river. Then again, you might want to stay up late at Hakkasan nightclub, which has its own private valet for those on the run.
Ellis Island
Where to find it: Koval & Flamingo
Prefer to mingle with the locals? Ellis Island is near the Strip, but has its own craft beer, rowdy karaoke nights, a $9.99 steak special, and $5 3:2 blackjack, which is becoming harder to find in Vegas these days. The enclosed atrium-like Front Yard is the best place to hang out. If you need some rest, Ellis Island has its own hotel, formerly a Super 8.
Virgin Hotels
Where to find it: Harmon & Paradise
Virgin Hotels is a Strip-style resort without the crowds (and without the Strip traffic). Take advantage of the easy access, just north of the airport with renovated rooms and free parking. Top restaurants include Kassi Beach House, Nobu, and Night + Market (a great spot for Thai and natural wines).
Rob Kachelriess is a full-time freelance writer who covers travel, dining, entertainment, and other fun stuff for Thrillist. He's based in Las Vegas but enjoys exploring destinations throughout the world, especially in the Southwest United States. Otherwise, he's happy to hang out at home with his wife Mary and their family of doggies. Follow him on Twitter @rkachelriess.
