Craving classic red-sauce comfort with that unmistakable Old Vegas glow? The Bootlegger Italian Bistro delivers Southern Italian favorites, a lively lounge, and late-night pasta that keeps the good times rolling. You get warm hospitality, a nostalgia-soaked room, and performances that make conversation and bites feel like a night out all on their own. Come hungry, bring a friend, and let the music nudge you toward dessert.
Old-School Red-Sauce Classics
Slide into a leather booth and let the marinara do the talking. You will taste slow-simmered tomatoes, garlic, and basil clinging to spaghetti like a memory from Sunday dinner. It is uncomplicated, deeply seasoned, and exactly what you want when comfort calls.
The servers guide you to the right pairing, sometimes suggesting a house red that fits the mood. Portions are generous, so consider splitting or planning for leftovers. One forkful in, and you will understand why locals steer friends off the Strip to this spot.
Veal Parm That Means Business
Here, veal parm arrives golden, crisp at the edges, and blanketed in bubbling mozzarella. The marinara is bright yet rich, cutting through the cheese so each bite stays balanced. You get that satisfying knife-through-crunch moment before tender veal takes over.
Ask for a side of spaghetti to catch every bit of sauce. You might tip in a sprinkle of chili flakes if you love a little kick. It is a plate that makes you lean back, smile, and consider a slower pace for the rest of the night.
Late-Night Pasta And Lounge Vibes
When the Strip winds down, Bootlegger keeps the lights soft and the pasta twirling. You will hear piano or lounge vocals drift across the room while plates of linguine, penne, and pappardelle keep arriving. It feels like a throwback to Vegas nights that never hurry.
Bring your appetite and a little patience for the show. Order a nightcap and let the set list shape your second course. Late-night here means delicious decisions you are not rushing, which is exactly the point.
Shrimp Scampi With Linguine
Garlic, butter, white wine, and a squeeze of lemon make this shrimp scampi sing. The linguine soaks up the sauce, so you will twirl and taste brightness in every strand. Plump shrimp carry a gentle snap that tells you they were cooked just right.
Ask for extra bread to swipe the pan juices. A chilled white pairs beautifully, especially a crisp Pinot Grigio. If you love seafood pasta that feels light yet indulgent, this checks every box.
Pappardelle Bolognese With A Twist
Wide ribbons of pappardelle catch a meaty ragu that leans creamy, almost vodka-style in texture. You will notice richness first, then savory depth from slow-cooked beef and tomato. It is familiar yet distinct, memorable for that plush finish.
Portions lean hearty, so you might split it or save half for tomorrow. A robust red ties everything together and keeps the sauce feeling luxurious. If you like comforting pastas with personality, this is your move.
Hot Cheesy Bread Bites With Marinara
These little bites arrive blistered and pull-apart fluffy, with gooey cheese inside. Dip into a bright marinara and you will get the perfect salty-savory hit before your main. They are the kind of starter that disappears fast.
Order for the table and watch everyone lean in. A side salad balances the richness if you want something crisp to start. Simple, shareable, and exactly the right way to open the night.
Chicken Parm And The Classics
When you crave the greatest hits, chicken parm lands like a headliner. The cutlet is pounded thin, fried crisp, and layered with sauce and cheese that melt together perfectly. Every bite is comforting, familiar, and right on target.
Pair it with a side of penne or spaghetti to keep the red-sauce rhythm going. If you want something green, a Caesar or chopped salad does the trick. This is the dish to recommend when someone asks where to go for real-deal Italian in Vegas.
Caesar, Antipasto, And Salads Done Right
Fresh greens, garlicky dressing, and generous parmesan make the Caesar a smart opener. The antipasto board brings cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled accents you will keep reaching for. It sets a friendly tone for passing plates and tasting together.
If you prefer lighter fare, the salads stay crisp and balanced alongside richer mains. Ask your server for pairing ideas based on your entree. You will walk in hungry and leave feeling like you timed the courses just right.
Tiramisu And The Sweet Finish
Creamy layers, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and cocoa dusting give this tiramisu a quiet kind of drama. It is soft, airy, and not overly sweet, which means you may find room even after a big meal. One spoon becomes two, then the plate is gone.
For birthdays, add a celebratory cannoli moment and watch the table light up. Coffee alongside makes the textures shine. If dessert is a decision, this one nudges you gently toward yes.
Live Music And Lounge Energy
Bootlegger is about the food, but the room itself is part of dinner. Piano, vocals, or even harp set an easy pulse that makes conversation feel like a rhythm. Some nights get louder near the stage, so ask for seating that matches your vibe.
Order a cocktail, settle in, and let the set list carry you through a second course. The staff reads the room and keeps things flowing smoothly. You are here for a meal and a memory, and both arrive together.
Service With Old-Vegas Warmth
From the host stand to the final check, you feel taken care of. Servers know the kitchen, pace courses well, and offer candid tips on specials. Water glasses stay full, bread arrives hot, and you never feel rushed.
Management checks in without hovering, and big groups get extra attention. If you need private rooms, two beautiful spaces handle celebrations easily. Hospitality is part of the recipe here, and you will taste it between bites.
Good To Know: Hours And Location
You will find The Bootlegger Italian Bistro at 7700 Las Vegas Blvd S, just a short drive south of the Strip. It opens daily at 11 AM, closing at 10 PM most nights, and midnight on Friday and Saturday. That late window makes it a reliable post-show destination.
Make a reservation if you are eyeing peak hours. Parking is easy, and the price point sits comfortably in the mid range. Call +1 702-736-4939 or visit the website when you are planning.
What Locals And Travelers Say
Reviews praise quick, friendly service, generous portions, and that classic Vegas atmosphere. You will see shoutouts for Bolognese, chicken parm, shrimp scampi, and standout desserts like tiramisu. Some guests note the piano can run loud for close conversation near the stage.
Overall ratings stay high thanks to consistency and warmth. Many call it worth the short drive off the Strip. When a place wins both locals and visitors, you know it is doing something right.
Wine, Cocktails, And Pairing Tips
Lean into a house red with anything parm or Bolognese. For seafood pastas, a crisp white lifts the garlic and butter without stealing the show. Classic cocktails slide right into the lounge vibe, so do not skip that pre-dinner sip.
Ask your server to match the glass to your plate. You will get practical advice, not guesswork. The right pairing turns a good dish into a great night.
Group Dinners And Private Rooms
Planning a birthday, reunion, or business dinner? Two private rooms give you space to toast, pass plates, and enjoy a little privacy. The team helps with pacing and menu choices so the evening stays effortless.
Food packages keep budgets predictable without sacrificing flavor. Add a dessert platter and a celebratory candle to finish strong. You handle the guest list, they will handle the rest.
Pro Tips For Your Visit
Reserve ahead, especially on weekends when the lounge fills up. If you want quiet conversation, request seating a bit farther from the music. Arrive hungry and consider sharing starters so you can try more.
Mind the generous portions and plan for leftovers. Do not skip dessert if tiramisu is calling your name. With the right timing, you get dinner, a show, and a small slice of Old Vegas in one stop.