Emmitt’s Vegas, located in the Fashion Show Mall on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, is a must-visit restaurant where Texas boldness meets Las Vegas luxury.

This dining destination delivers a legendary experience, brought to life by NFL legend Emmitt Smith. It showcases the culinary designs of Concept Chef Steve Mannino and Executive Chef Antwan Ellis, who have crafted a menu that redefines American cuisine.

The restaurant serves as a creative playground that combines Smith’s passion for food, hospitality, and sports. Emmitt’s Vegas offers versatile spaces, including a private dining room and an elegant lounge for special occasions. Like Texas, Emmitt’s Vegas embodies boldness, personality, and a determined commitment to excellence.

In just nine months since its opening, Emmitt’s Vegas has established itself as a favorite among both locals and visitors. The restaurant recently received the prestigious 2024 OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award, an award that celebrates exceptional dining experiences. This recognition is based on genuine feedback from thousands of diners who have shared their ratings and reviews on OpenTable, solidifying Emmitt’s Vegas as a standout on the Las Vegas Strip.

Classy Yet Comfortable

Emmitt describes the atmosphere of his restaurant as “classy yet welcoming,” inviting guests who are avid sports fans, food lovers or simply seeking a good time. The restaurant has a great balance of elegance and energy, delivering a high-end dining adventure with a hint of sports-inspired sophistication. Emmitt’s legendary football career is woven into the décor, such as memorabilia or artwork, adding a unique flare without taking away the elegance of the space.

The interior design is sleek and modern, with luxurious furnishings, subtle lighting, and a stylish vibe that appeals to both fine-dining enthusiasts and sports fans. The space balances the energy of Las Vegas with intimate dining areas, creating a stage where you can enjoy a lively evening or a private celebration. With an incredibly welcoming staff, Emmitt is committed to bringing Texas hospitality to Vegas with the restaurant’s inviting, warm atmosphere that mirrors southern charm. 

A Global Appeal

Emmitt’s Vegas attracts diverse customers, each visiting for unique reasons. From dedicated Emmitt Smith fans eager to connect with the NFL legend memorably to global travelers exploring the Las Vegas Strip, the restaurant offers something for everyone. Emmitt takes pride in this diversity, describing his establishment as “nondiscriminatory while striving to reach the masses,” ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests.

Private Dining at Emmitt’s Vegas

Emmitt’s Vegas allows businesses and personal groups to book a private dining experience. These unique spaces are filled with decor and memorabilia that illustrate Emmitt’s personality and accomplishments. Guests can admire original items from his career and early life, including his Hall of Fame jacket, a Cowboys jersey he wore at age 12, autographed footballs, and even memorabilia from his time on Dancing with the Stars.

These private dining rooms feature upgraded amenities, including high-definition screens and audio systems for presentations, sophisticated dining tables, and adjustable lighting. Depending on the room size, some spaces also include private bars, custom menus, and themed centerpieces to enhance the overall guest experience with intentionality and flare.

Emmitt’s Inspiration

Emmitt Smith’s inspiration for creating Emmitt’s Vegas stems from his passion for hospitality, food, and connecting with people. After spending 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Emmitt built strong friendships with chefs in the DFW market, which sparked his interest in opening his restaurant when the opportunity arose. Having been exposed to some of the best BBQ in the world, Emmitt has expressed gratitude to his culinary mentors who provided valuable guidance as he launched his journey to Emmitt’s Vegas.

Just as Emmitt strived for elite standards and quality in his football career, he’s kept that same mindset when running his restaurant. As one of the NFL’s most iconic figures, Emmitt wanted to establish something significant outside of sports, where fans and food fanatics could connect with his story and success. When asked about the Cowboys’ impact on his ability to run Emmitt’s Vegas, he said he was blessed to “know what quality looks like” through the Cowboys Club and overall treatment of the players.

Emmitt also communicated his enthusiasm for landing a spot on the Vegas Strip due to its vibrant atmosphere and reputation as an entertainment capital. This made it the perfect place for Emmitt to launch his new legacy that combines luxury, entertainment, and sports.

Home away from home

Texans are one of the top contributors to the influx of visitors that Vegas receives every year, typically in the millions, based on LVCVA. In 2022, Texas was ranked as one of the largest domestic air feeder markets in Las Vegas, particularly through major cities like Dallas and Houston. With the opportunity to see familiar faces and a Texas-inspired culture, Emmitt’s Vegas is the perfect spot to set up camp as a Texan’s home away from home. 

Recommendations for fellow Texans

For his fellow Texans, Emmitt recommends the Tomahawk Ribeye and Emmitt’s Butter Cake. The Tomahawk is a show-stopping, Texas-sized steak that delivers bold flavors and an exceptional dining experience. Served with the bone standing tall, it’s as visually impressive as it’s delicious. This steak is perfect for sharing, making it an ideal centerpiece for celebrations.

On the sweeter side, Emmitt describes the Butter Cake as Texas-inspired because of the “homey feeling” it produces. This rich dessert is dense yet moist, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Each bite offers a perfect blend of warm cake, cold ice cream, and sticky-sweet sauce, creating the ideal balance between comfort and luxury.

To touch off your Texas-sized meal, order the “South of the Border” espresso martini which has Don Julio reposado, Borghetti coffee liqueur, cold-pressed espresso, and simple syrup. This drink carries Texan culture with it, bringing you back to the South. 

Lasting Legacy

Emmitt’s journey from his football career to becoming a successful entrepreneur mirrors the independent spirit of Texas. The restaurant’s brand identity expands beyond fine dining, but also the hard work, resilience, and self-assurance Emmitt has embraced throughout his life​.

Texas pride is not just about size or scope; it’s about legacy. Emmitt’s success as an NFL legend is deeply rooted in his Texan roots. Just as Texans honors its historical figures with statues and landmarks, Emmitt’s Vegas showcases his legacy, offering a space where fans can celebrate his journey.

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Cover Photo: Emmitt Smith and Executive Chef Antwan Ellis. Photo courtesy Emmitt’s Vegas.

Tucker Flatt is a lifelong football fan and food fanatic. He’s proud to be a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2026.