Since this destination boasts some of the most robust entertainment and dining venues in the country, there are countless combinations for a successful night out on the town in Las Vegas. From Celine Dion paired with a delicious buffet to "Magic Mike Live" and, well, high-quality meat, our list of nine Las Vegas dinner and show pairings will make for entertaining and satisfying experiences.
1. Celine Dion and Bacchanal Buffet
Celine Dion's show at Caesars Palace has been captivating audiences for years, drawing more than 2 million viewers since its 2011 debut. Celine performs timeless classics for a show you simply cannot miss--and before you leave the Palace, consider whether you can afford to pass by its award-winning Bacchanal Buffet, which received a hefty $17 million renovation in 2012 to become the luxurious spread it is today. The Bacchanal completely revolutionizes the concept of a buffet, taking the culinary setting and dressing it in robes fit for royalty. Think red velvet pancakes, carved Northwestern nagyu and rosemary-marinated tri-tip, and you're on the right track.
2. "O" by Cirque du Soleil(r) and Lago by Julian Serrano
At Bellagio Resort & Casino, submerged in a 1.5-million-gallon pool of water, "O" by Cirque du Soleil(r) will shatter your expectations and amaze you with synchronized swimming, aerial theatrics and feats of incredible physical performance. Before the show, book a table at Lago--the first Italian restaurant from renowned Michelin-decorated Chef Julian Serrano. Lago offers small, bold portions of irresistible Italian dishes like Margherita Pizzetta and salumi, burrata and cheese platters alongside striking views of the famous Fountains of Bellagio.
3. Blue Man Group and Tender Steak & Seafood
If you're looking for a more avant-garde show, get a ticket to see Blue Man Group at their specially designed Blue Man Theater at Luxor Hotel and Casino. The group's experimental theatrics entail explosive colors, astonishing illusions and the group's signature music played via truly creative devices. Also located at the Luxor Hotel and Casino is Tender Steak & Seafood, which lives up to its namesake with an impressive selection of dry and wet aged steaks.
4. Frank Marino's Joan Rivers and Jaburritos
Endorsed as "Las Vegas' longest running headliner," Frank Marino's Divas Las Vegas is just one of The LINQ Hotel & Casino's eye-catching shows. Marino begins the 75-minute show as beloved (and bemoaned) comedian and roaster-extraordinaire Joan Rivers. And then, her cast of queens make the classic diva rounds as Diana Ross, Celine Dion and Liza Minnelli. For your feast factor, try LINQ's Jaburritos: a Japanese-Mexican fusion that takes all the portioned-goodness of a burrito and blends it with the delicious, tantalizing tastes of sushi. Look out for their truly unique sake sangria, as well!
5. Jon Lovitz & Dana Carvey and Katsuya
Easily one of the funniest shows in Las Vegas, "Jon Lovitz & Dana Carvey Reunited" brings together Saturday Night Live comedian-veterans Lovitz and Carvey, famous for their dynamic impressions and improvisation, to the SLS Las Vegas. After the show, consider dining at the famous and centrally located Katsuya. With specialty cocktails from an award-winning mixology program, pioneering Japanese dishes, and spectacular sushi and sashimi platters, Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi's work is sure to immerse you in an adventure for the senses after you've burned at least a few calories laughing at Lovitz and Carvey.
6. Jennifer Lopez and Burger by Gordon Ramsay
If you love global superstar Jennifer Lopez or a high-octane performance, her show "All I Have" at Planet Hollywood is a must see. Lopez remains a spectacular dancer and delivers a performance that is jaw-dropping, fresh and full of raw talent, billed as "a blistering, sensational and stunning spectacle" by the Las Vegas Sun. With extravagant costumes, a five-piece live band and 16 backup dancers, this show will have you humming JLo classics like "Jenny from the Block" long after the curtain closes. Be sure to dine at one of the many restaurants inside Planet Hollywood before the show, such as Gordon Ramsay Burger.
A little tip: If Ramsay's restaurant has a line around the corner, parties of two may be seated faster by speaking to the hostess.
7. Penn & Teller and the Royal India Bistro
For a blend of magic and comedy, look no further than Las Vegas' Penn & Teller at their very own theater within Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. The duo's show involves all the usual "funny" things: knives, guns, a fire-eating showgirl and a cow. Penn serves as the show's narrator while Teller brings the action to the stage with his classic, nonverbal comedic gold. Relying heavily on audience interaction, this show will definitely leave you on the edge of your seat--and once you've left it, each ticket guarantees a meet-and-greet with Penn and Teller themselves. Catch yourself craving Indian food before the show? Spice it up with Royal India Bistro, also conveniently located at the Rio.
8. "Magic Mike Live" and MB Steak
"Magic Mike Live" at the Hard Rock Hotel is a brand new entertainment experience based on the fleshy, celebrity-filled hits Magic Mike and sequel Magic Mike XXL. Step into the film's very own nightclub setting, Club Domina, which has been completely redesigned to "capture the magnetism of the Magic Mike franchise," according to the hotel's website. And if you can't wait for the show to stimulate your salivary glands, hit the grill at MB Steak, also located in the Hard Rock Hotel. Conceived by restaurateur-brothers David and Michael Morton, MB Steak is a high-end steak joint that also serves seafood and classic sides inspired by generations of their family-owned restaurants.
9. Human Nature & Canaletto
Featuring the beautiful harmonies of Toby Allen, Phil Burton, and Andrew & Michael Tierney, the "Human Nature" show revives Motown classics and will have you stomping, clapping and harmonizing well after the performance is over. Before the show, dine in the piazza of St. Mark's Square in The Venetian at Chef Gianpaolo Putzu's famous restaurant, Canaletto. The Italian locale boasts a wide array of regional dishes straight from Venetian kitchens, like Venezia Antica-- risotto prepared with asparagus, saffron, moist chicken breast and Grana Padano (a possible rival to parmesan). The warm aroma of freshly baked bread will greet you at the door, and be sure to browse the extensive, vintage wine list to bring out the flavorful intricacies cooked into Italian delicacy.
In search of even more entertainment and fine dining? Check out some of Las Vegas' bountiful eateries and thrilling venues, and throw the old "What happens in Vegas" mantra to the wind. Tell us all about your night on Instagram and Twitter.
