If you're playing at the annual World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, it can be hard to find something to eat that you can reach on foot during a tournament break.
Somewhere healthy? Even tougher.
Somewhere you haven’t already visited 10 times before? Almost impossible, right?
Wrong. The locals know the best spots and how to find them, but now that insider knowledge is out there, thanks to poker-playing fitness coach TJ Jurkiewicz.
TJ’s put together a handy guide that walks you through the best options within walking distance of the Horseshoe and Paris Casinos.
This extensive guide covers everywhere from the Linq Promenade down to the Miracle Mile Shops — all places you can easily reach on a dinner break — but below we’ll focus just on the options on-site at the WSOP.
You can sign up for TJ’s free comprehensive guide here, but if you’re in a hurry for some food right now, here’s PokerOrg's snack-sized version. It's all based on TJ’s research and tips for the healthiest meal options to keep your body satisfied and your mind sharp.
Horseshoe Las Vegas
Horseshoe Las Vegas.Subway
You can ‘eat fresh’ downstairs in the food court. Pro tip: go nuts with the lower-calorie veggies, but avoid the chipotle southwest sauce, ranch, and regular mayo.
If you’re extra hungry, go for double meat.
Johnny Rockets
Located in the food court near Subway, the healthiest options in this diner are the grilled chicken club salad (no dressing) and the grilled chicken single burger on a wheat bun.
Avoid the milkshakes. Sorry.
Jack Binion’s Steak
Right off the casino floor inside Horseshoe, Binion’s offers classic steakhouse fare. Go for the wedge salad, the salmon with jasmine rice, or, if you can’t resist a steak, the petite filet with asparagus. It’s protein-heavy but not too big to slow you down.
The chocolate layer cake may call out to you. Don’t answer.
Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Sports Kitchen
You won’t be able to miss this sports bar inside Horseshoe, near the walkway to Paris. Portions are big, it’s open late, and you’ll pass by it every day.
Skip the trash can nachos, the brisket mac & cheese, and anything with donkey sauce, but you can grab some tasty grilled chicken in either sandwich or salad form.
Nosh Deli
Near the Hall of Fame Poker Room, this quick-service deli counter is one of the closest options for players on a break.
It’s super convenient, but don’t succumb to the call of the hotdogs or the pastries and cookies they have on show. Grab a turkey sandwich on wheat instead, or a bagel with cream cheese.
Paris Las Vegas
Paris Las Vegas.Café Americano
A good spot to grab breakfast, with options including omelets, avocado toast, and blueberry granola bowls.
There’s also a decent choice for a healthy lunch, such as a quinoa bowl with chicken, shrimp, or salmon, plus sesame salmon and grilled chicken entrees.
Café Belle Madeleine
One word: salads.
Mon Ami Gabi
The salads are good here, too.
They’ve got arugula, Roquefort, salmon, spinach, baby kale, plus a good shrimp cocktail to remind you what city you’re in.
For an entree, go for the seared salmon, trout almondine, or the roast chicken. Voilà, as they say in Paris.
Beer Park
Yeah, there’s plenty of beer. If that’s your pregame, then you do you, but a wiser choice would be the Asian chicken salad or the Southwest chicken salad.
In fairness, ‘Chicken Park’ doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.
Gordon Ramsay Steak
There’s a good selection of seafood here as well as steak — try the Pacific salmon, roasted branzino, lobster, or Alaskan king crab.
Salad and veggies are good here too; add grilled chicken to the farmer’s salad, and broccolini, mushrooms, and shishito peppers are also on the menu.
The Bedford by Martha Stewart
On the casino level at Paris, this is a legit dinner break option with French-inspired salmon, chicken, and frisée salad, all good choices.
Avoid the mac and cheese and potato puree if you want to stay light on your feet.
Alexxa’s (pictured, top)
At the base of the Eiffel Tower, with views of the Bellagio fountains, this modern Italian restaurant with an outdoor patio is a great spot to take a break and reset.
The grilled salmon, Caesar salad, and flat-iron steak make for good dinner options, while the 3-egg, bacon, and muffin brunch can set you up well for the day (skip the potatoes).
If you can’t avoid the temptation of the pizzas and pasta, steer clear.
Next time out we’ll take a look at grocery shopping and how you can fill your fridge — and body — with tasty foods that will keep you sharp and healthy from the first hand of the day to bagging up time.
For even more useful info, go get TJ Jurkiewicz’s free Fit To Execute Blueprint.
Featured image courtesy of Alexxa's Las Vegas.
