Block 16 Urban Food Hall

The gourmet food hall trend that's currently sweeping Las Vegas owes a lot to Block 16 Urban Food Hall. Because it was here, in 2018, that The Cosmopolitan took the traditional food court concept, and turned it on its head with a curated collection of award-winning quick-casual restaurants.

The collection of six walk-up, takeout or sit-down dining spots includes famous concepts from other cities, like Hattie B’s chicken from Nashville, Lardo sandwiches from Portland, and District Donuts from New Orleans. The other tenants are David Chang’s Bang Bar, Tekka Bar Hand Roll & Sake, and the speakeasy Ghost Donkey, which features Mexican snacks to go with Mexican spirits. Unlike newer food halls with central ordering systems, you order from each spot at Block 16. But, since there are only six, you won’t lose track of your friends on the other side of the world.

Food & Loathing’s Rich Johnson, a Portland native, is especially fond of Lardo. While pork is the star, he says “I’m a sucker for Lardo’s Hot Italian, finished with provolone, Dijon, relish, and shredded lettuce, which always hits the spot.” He’s also a frequent flyer at Tekka Bar Hand Roll & Sake, where he recommends a “Threesome” of yellowtail, spicy tuna, and salmom.