From decor to shows to cuisine, in Las Vegas everything seems to be over the top: Restaurants that offer free food if you’re over 350 pounds – that would be the Heart Attack Grill with fare like the Quadruple Bypass Burger and the Butter Fat Milkshake. Or what about walking through walls of aquariums filled with goldfish before entering a white and simmering dining room to eat hand-stretched noodles at Caesars Palace’s Beijing Noodle No. 9?
 
The Strip aims for memorable cuisine that stuns and surprises – and with a price tag to match.
 
That’s why when we visited Las Vegas recently, we drove right through the Strip and off to tucked away spots around town.

In Chinatown
 
No big name chefs or splashy restaurants.
 
Instead, we went in search of inventive and family-friendly food spots.

 
Mariscos Playa Escondida
1203 E. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas
 
Just northeast of the Stratosphere and near downtown Las Vegas you’d easily miss Mariscos Playa Escondida if you weren’t looking for it. Slipped into a mini mall, Mariscos multi-colored walls fit nicely with its equally vibrant food. While you’re there make sure to order empanadas, the shredded chicken filled ones where soaked in smoked chipotle. I downed plenty of horchata, a milky rice drink specked with cinnamon, to mellow the zing. For your main course, pick something with seafood. If you’re still up for something that packs heat, opt for the shrimp diablo. Layer them into one of the handmade, toasted corn tortillas.  
 
 
Phat Phrank’s
4850 W. Sunset Rd., Las Vegas
 
There’s a Mexican taqueria around nearly every corner in Las Vegas. These neighborhood taco shops offer the expected carnitas, carne asada, and chicken tacos. But of them, Phat Phrank’s with its playful name and equally playful owner is a stand out. I struck up a conversation with Frank (aka Frank – his grandchildren convinced him to spell it with a “Ph”) after sampling my torta. I noted that the torta was prepared almost like a panini versus the standard, fluffy bolilos roll. The creamy beans spread on the inside of the flattened bread held everything together perfectly, including the crisped steak and thin-cut cabbage (versus the more Americanized iceberg lettuce). Whatever you do, get the chips. They’re just fried. Dip them either in the salsa that comes with it or splurge for the guacamole.

 
We had a few picky eaters in our group but all of them willingly tried the chips, which convinced them to try a little bit of everything else. Frank’s, er Phrank’s, was a hit.

 
Il Chianti Italian
72 Horizon Ridge Pkwy., Henderson
 
Chef Rudy circled the restaurant as we started our first course – Calamari & Onion Ring Fritti. I liked the creative take on fried calamari with a stack of fried onion rings to the side. It was served with a red pepper-spiked marinara and an even spicier jalapeno crème. The chef, who hails from the Philippines, adds hints of Mexican and Philipino cuisine to standard Italian fare. You can certainly go with the expected Lobster Ravioli or Eggplant Siciliana (that’s what I had), but for something different, and a stand-out dish, order the Chef Rudy Adobo Nation – thin-sliced chicken with a smooth sauce that mixes in Asian, Hispanic, and Italian flare into one cohesive dish that includes a creamy risotto and crisp asparagus.
 
Pho D’licious
4631 Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas
 
Located within the Chinatown area, take your time sipping a big bowl of pho. The Vietnamese pho was some of the richest broth I’ve ever had. And I wasn’t the only one who noted their stand-out dishes. We waited about 30 minutes for a table and service was fairly sporadic because of the crowd. Make sure to get at least one order of spring rolls to share with your kids.

 
 
Ethel M Chocolates
2 Cactus Garden Dr., Henderson
 
It’s a bit of a drive to make your way out to Ethel M Chocolates. But you can coax your kiddos by promising a sample once you get there. This unusual spot includes a botanical cactus garden and a tour of the chocolate factory – only in Vegas would you have such an unusual combination. Pick out a selection of chocolates for later. I’d suggested the caramels or the chocolate-covered pecan brittle (well, maybe not if your kiddos still have braces).

Photo: Ethel M Chocolates

Kristen J. Gough is the Global Cuisines & Kids Editor for Wandering Educators. She shares her family's adventurous food experiences--and recipes--at MyKidsEatSquid.com.

All photos courtesy and copyright MyKidsEatSquid, except word photo and where noted.