Bootlegger Italian Bistro

Owned and operated by former Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt-Bono, recording artist Dennis Bono and Lorraine’s son, music producer Ron Mancuso, this Italian eatery is equally beloved for its family-style Italian-American cuisine and the live entertainment it hosts nightly. It’s a combination that earned the restaurant spots on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown,” as well as our list of places with great food with live entertainment. And its location just south of The Strip makes it a convenient late-night hang for local entertainers and celebrities.

The menu relies heavily on the recipes of Lorraine’s mother, the late Chef “Mama” Maria Perry, who began serving locals in 1949. House specialties include seafood fra diavalo (clams, calamari, prawns and mussels served cioppino style over linguine) and pappardelle Bolognese. There are also some healthy and lifestyle choices like gluten-free pasta and pizza, whole grain pasta and vegan tofu ravioli and vegan chopped “steak.” And Italian desserts include tiramisu, cannoli, Italian cream cake, crème brulee and New York-style cheesecake.