Bottled Blonde Ups Its Culinary Game
Bottled Blonde Las Vegas just rolled out some serious menu upgrades, and I‘ve got to say, they’re finally treating food with the respect it deserves. Located at the Grand Bazaar Shops in front of Horseshoe, this sports bar has been known more for its nightlife scene than its kitchen prowess. But these new additions show they‘re serious about competing in Vegas’s cutthroat dining landscape.
The arancini caught my attention immediately - crispy rice balls with parmesan and pomodoro sauce, finished with garlic mayo. It's comfort food executed properly, not just thrown together. The BB Salad reads like an Italian antipasto done right, with genoa salumi, fresh mozzarella, and oregano vinaigrette that actually complements instead of drowning the greens.
Standout Dishes Worth Your Time
The tuna tacos represent what I want to see more of - marinated ahi tuna with ginger vinaigrette, avocado, and tobiko. It's fresh, properly prepared, and shows kitchen skill beyond typical bar food. Same goes for the tuna poke bowl, which includes all the elements you‘d expect: rice, edamame, cucumbers, and that crucial ginger vinaigrette that ties everything together.
But here’s where they surprised me - the Philly cheesesteak with beer cheese sauce. Look, I've had plenty of disappointing interpretations of this classic, but adding beer cheese shows they understand flavor layering. The pan-seared salmon with lemon cream sauce and the protein bowl with feta and oregano vinaigrette round out options that actually cater to different dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
Cocktail Menu Gets Creative
The new cocktail lineup shows similar attention to detail. That spicy coconut margarita with jalapeño, lime, pineapple, and agave hits multiple flavor notes that actually work together. The PB&J old fashioned using Screwball and Jameson sounds gimmicky until you consider how cherry syrup and orange bitters could balance the sweetness - it might actually work.
The peach blossom martini with Ketel One peach and peach purée keeps it simple, which I respect. Too many bars over-complicate their cocktails. Check out their full beverage menu and hours to plan your visit accordingly.
Worth a Second Look
Kitchen hours run 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the party atmosphere kicking in after 10 p.m. They're promising brunch and late-night menus this summer, which could be interesting if they maintain this quality focus. The house-made churros with raspberry sauce show they‘re not cutting corners on dessert either.
This feels like a venue finally understanding that Vegas diners expect more than basic bar food, even at sports bars. The ingredient lists read clean, the preparations sound thoughtful, and the pricing appears reasonable for the Strip area. I’ll be back to taste-test these additions properly - particularly that arancini and the salmon preparation.
