When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Carson Kitchen
Why Carson Kitchen is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Carson Kitchen is a standout dining destination located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, celebrated for its creative approach to American comfort food served with a fine-dining twist. Founded in 2014 by chef Cory Harwell and the late Chef Kerry Simon, this restaurant has become renowned for reimagining classic dishes with unique flavors and approachable ingredients. Its inviting industrial-style interior features a contemporary bar, an open kitchen with an exhibition counter, and community tables, making it an excellent place for friends to gather and enjoy a lively social atmosphere. The menu offers a diverse array of small plates perfect for sharing, such as Crispy Chicken Skins with smoked honey, Bacon Jam with Havarti and toasted baguette, and the signature "Devil's Eggs" topped with crispy pancetta and caviar. In addition to the social plates, guests can enjoy inventive entrees like the Cocoa-Espresso NY Strip with red wine demi and the Steelhead Trout with lemon caper beurre blanc, alongside decadent desserts such as Bourbon Fudge Brownie with brown butter bacon ice cream. Thoughtfully crafted cocktails complement the food, rounding out an experience that effortlessly blends comfort, creativity, and a vibrant neighborhood feel. Carson Kitchen is celebrated for delivering a curated culinary experience that invites sharing, community, and memorable flavors in a welcoming setting.
Here's what people think of Carson Kitchen
As of recent, Carson Kitchen holds a 4.2-star rating based on 555 reviews.
User reviews commonly praise Carson Kitchen for its inventive menu and the quality of its food, highlighting the creative spins on classic comfort dishes that make it a popular choice in downtown Las Vegas. Many reviewers appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, as well as the cozy yet trendy environment that suits gatherings with friends and family. Positive feedback often mentions standouts like the "Devil's Eggs," Mac & Cheese, and the diverse selection of shareable plates that encourage a communal dining experience. Moreover, customers enjoy the thoughtfully crafted cocktails and the open kitchen ambiance that adds to the overall dining experience. On the downside, some reviews note occasional inconsistencies with service speed and occasional issues with the reception staff’s attitude, which detracts slightly from the otherwise positive atmosphere. A few guests also mention the pricing as slightly higher than expected for some dishes. Overall, however, the reviews reflect a consistently good experience with creative American cuisine and a fun social setting, making Carson Kitchen a favored spot in the Las Vegas food scene where innovative flavors and a welcoming vibe come together.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
S Prudhomme
My son and I had a great experience at Carson Kitchen. The service was great, the staff were welcoming, and the food was fabulous! We started with bacon jam. It was delicious, as well as arriving promptly at our table. We were starved after a long day of travels and the fast service was appreciated! My son had a refreshing cider recommended by the waiter. For entrees, we shared the NY Strip and the mushroom flatbread. They were fabulous, very filling, and we'll definitely visit this restaurant again.
Christina Stinson
I had no idea this unique gem was downtown. Such a beautiful set up and loved sitting at the chef’s table. Getting to see the action of the kitchen was fun to see the food made. The atmosphere was perfect. Great service by Sergio and food by the chefs. I ordered the pot roast dip and baked mac & cheese. You can tell how carefully crafted these dishes are. What’s great is I would feel comfortable coming here to celebrate a special occasion or just come hang out with friends. It’s quite perfectly balanced between upscale while still feeling inviting for everyday. :)
Kanon Olivier
A 4.2 is an Incredibly inaccurate rating for this restaurant. The atmosphere here is fun and welcoming only to be absolutely dwarfed by the food. I am from LA where food is Top of the line and have been Searching for food that is even Close to comparable and I have More than found it here at Carson Kitchen, I mean we’ve barely touched the options and I am truly in love. We had the Chicken skins, bacon jam and Mac and cheese. Top quality preparation - display and passion in Every bite. To top off the meal we had the glazed bread pudding, and My god. Heavenly does not begin to describe it. I IMPLORE you to eat here. It is truly phenomenal.
Isaac Romero
I wanted to give this place a try. The place itself is very pretty and has plenty of seating. Their menu is pretty limited but surprising. The black rice & oxtail risotto didn’t look very appetizing, but actually it was good. I would recommend this as an appetizer. Secret Sunday chicken was also good. It was ok trying out this place; now to the next one.
A Notto
Fun hip vibe! Friendly staff with great recommendations. Timely service, shareable plates, unique twists with classic dishes. You don't want to miss this easy walkable hot spot.
How to reach Carson Kitchen
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Website: None
Why Carson Kitchen may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Carson Kitchen in Downtown Las Vegas stands out as an exceptional spot to gather with friends for a vibrant and memorable dining experience. This restaurant offers a unique combination of delicious, creative American cuisine served tapas-style, encouraging sharing and interaction—perfect for groups who want to try a variety of dishes together. The setting is intimate yet lively, seating about 45 guests in a cool, stylish environment that provides a comfortable retreat from the intense Vegas heat. More importantly, the quality and flavor of the food have earned it rave reviews, making it a culinary highlight worth experiencing as a group. Beyond just the food, their thoughtfully crafted cocktails add another layer of enjoyment and sophistication, enabling everyone in your group to find a drink that suits their taste. With prices that compare favorably to more tourist-heavy Strip options, this restaurant offers not only great value but also the chance to explore the emerging cultural scene in Downtown Vegas alongside your friends, making it a top choice for a memorable meetup.
What makes Carson Kitchen perfect for a group meetup?
Carson Kitchen’s menu and atmosphere are tailored for groups wanting to share a culinary adventure. Their tapas-style plates are designed to be shared among two to three people, allowing everyone at the table to sample a variety of flavors without having to commit to one dish individually. This communal style encourages conversation and bonding over the discovery of new tastes. Signature items like the Killer Shrimp, Pork Belly, and short rib steak have consistently wowed diners with their bold flavors and generous portions, ensuring everyone feels satisfied. The restaurant’s location, just a short walk from Fremont Street, is convenient yet comfortably removed from the bustle of the Vegas Strip. The intimate size makes it easier to reserve tables for groups, and the attentive service ensures that everyone’s needs are met promptly. Plus, the cozy, dimly lit interior creates the perfect ambiance for a relaxed evening of good food, crafted cocktails, and lively conversation.
What activities can you enjoy at Carson Kitchen with your friends?
While Carson Kitchen is primarily a dining destination, the experience extends well beyond just eating. The focus on sharing plates naturally turns the meal into an engaging activity of discovering and recommending dishes among your friends. Their creative menu also inspires conversation about flavors, ingredients, and culinary techniques. The cocktail program is another highlight, offering an interactive element where you and your friends can explore innovative mixed drinks crafted by expert mixologists. Drinks like the “Just the Tip” with rye, Grand Marnier, and mint or the “Evening Prayer” blend of unique spirits invite a tasting adventure in themselves. For those who appreciate craft brews, there is also a thoughtfully curated beer selection. Beyond food and drinks, the bustling Downtown Las Vegas neighborhood around Carson Kitchen offers plenty of opportunities to continue your gathering with nearby entertainment options, making it possible to turn your meal into an evening-long event.
How does Carson Kitchen compare to other dining options in Las Vegas for groups?
Unlike many Las Vegas restaurants that focus on large, formal dining experiences or buffet-style meals catering to tourists, Carson Kitchen offers a more intimate, interactive setting that is ideal for smaller groups seeking a relaxed but high-quality outing. Its tapas-style menu deviates from the typical American steakhouse or all-you-can-eat Vegas buffet, encouraging shared exploration rather than isolated ordering. The high-quality ingredients, creative dishes, and affordable prices make it an exceptional value compared to the often pricey and sometimes underwhelming options on the Strip. Guests consistently praise the flavor combinations and presentation, emphasizing that the food is both innovative and comforting. The attentive and friendly service further sets it apart, as staff are quick to accommodate group needs and make recommendations. When planning a meetup, this creates an environment that supports meaningful interaction rather than rushed or impersonal dining, making Carson Kitchen a standout choice for groups visiting Las Vegas.
Why is the location of Carson Kitchen ideal for friends to meet up?
Situated just a block off the iconic Fremont Street, Carson Kitchen benefits from being in a vibrant part of Downtown Las Vegas that is easily accessible yet less chaotic than the central Strip area. This location makes it convenient for groups staying in nearby hotels or those exploring downtown’s culture and nightlife. It’s walkable from the Fremont Street Experience, which offers a variety of entertainment options before or after dining. The neighborhood itself has a trendy, artistic vibe that adds to the experience, making the meetup feel special and authentically Las Vegas outside of the usual tourist traps. The restaurant’s visibility and easy-to-reach spot ensure no one in your group has trouble finding it or getting there, which can sometimes be a challenge in the sprawling Las Vegas area. Choosing Carson Kitchen means your group can enjoy not only a superb meal but also the chance to immerse collectively in the Downtown scene, with plenty of options to continue the night after dinner.
What should groups expect from the food and drink menu at Carson Kitchen?
Expect a carefully crafted menu that balances bold, innovative flavors with comfort-food familiarity, designed to appeal to a broad range of tastes within a group. The standout dishes often include the Killer Shrimp, notable for its spicy kick and generous portion size; the Pork Belly, rich and satisfying; and the short rib steak, which many reviewers describe as the best they have had in years. The sharing-plate approach allows groups to order multiple dishes and sample a broad spectrum of flavors—from fresh and light salads like watermelon and feta to decadent desserts like glazed donut bread pudding. On the drinks side, the cocktail offerings are a highlight, featuring inventive concoctions with premium spirits and fresh ingredients. Classics are reinvented, and unique house specials like the “Just the Tip” and the “Evening Prayer” deliver complex layers of taste. Craft beer lovers are also not forgotten, with a rotating selection of local brews. This diverse menu ensures that everyone, regardless of preference, will find options to enjoy and discuss, providing an interactive group dining experience.
How does the atmosphere and service at Carson Kitchen support group gatherings?
The atmosphere at Carson Kitchen is trendy yet cozy, with design elements that create an intimate but lively dining environment. The seating arrangement suits small to medium groups well, making conversations easy and allowing for dynamic interactions without excessive noise or distractions. The interior’s cooler, dimly lit environment offers a welcome respite from Las Vegas’s outdoor heat and bright lights, enhancing comfort during a longer meetup. Service is highly praised for being friendly, attentive, and efficient, with staff who are quick to refill drinks, suggest dishes based on group preferences, and accommodate special requests. This kind of thoughtful service removes common dining stresses in groups, such as waiting too long for orders or dealing with mixed preferences. The team’s professionalism combined with a warm demeanor contributes significantly to making the experience feel personalized and relaxed, allowing your group to focus fully on enjoying time together.
What makes Carson Kitchen’s pricing attractive for group events?
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Carson Kitchen for a group event is its excellent value proposition. Unlike many Vegas restaurants where prices can escalate quickly, Carson Kitchen is often noted for its fair pricing relative to the high quality and creativity of its dishes. Portion sizes in the tapas style allow groups to share and taste more items without the expense of multiple full entrees per person. This sharing system not only facilitates a wider tasting experience but also controls costs, making it easier to stay within budget while still exploring the menu extensively. Cocktails and drinks are crafted with care but remain reasonably priced compared to high-end Strip bars, ensuring the whole evening remains affordable. This cost-effectiveness without compromising on flavor or atmosphere makes Carson Kitchen especially attractive for group celebrations, reunions, or casual meetups where budget-conscious diners want a top-tier experience.
How can groups extend their meetup experience beyond dining at Carson Kitchen?
While Carson Kitchen itself is focused on dining and drinks, its location in Downtown Las Vegas opens many opportunities to extend your gathering seamlessly. After finishing your meal and enjoying the inventive cocktails, your group can easily explore nearby Fremont Street for live music, street performances, or vibrant nightlife. The neighborhood has a range of lounges, casinos, and entertainment venues within walking distance, allowing friends or family to continue the evening without having to travel far. For those looking for a more relaxed continuation, coffee shops or dessert spots nearby offer a quieter atmosphere to wind down and chat. Additionally, during special events or festivals often held in Downtown Vegas, your meetup can turn into a full-day or multi-event excursion, adding layers of fun and shared memories. Carson Kitchen thus serves as an ideal starting point, both in cuisine and location, for an engaging, social group outing.
Why do reviewers recommend Carson Kitchen highly for group dining experiences?
Reviewers consistently highlight the restaurant’s combination of excellent food, friendly service, and convivial atmosphere as reasons they would return with friends or family. Meals here become shared experiences where everyone is encouraged to try new dishes, making group dining interactive and enjoyable rather than isolated. Many emphasize the quality and balance of flavors in the dishes, from spicy shrimp to rich pork belly, with rave comments about the dessert offerings as well. Service staff receive praise for their attentiveness and helpful recommendations, which enhance group comfort and enjoyment. The restaurant’s location just off Fremont Street, the cool ambience inside, and fair pricing add further reasons for recommendation. Such positive feedback from diverse guests, including couples, families, and tourists, attests to Carson Kitchen’s ability to deliver a superior, group-friendly dining experience that goes beyond just eating to become a moment of connection and celebration.