I’d Take Luchini Over Carbone. Here’s Why.
Plus Chez Bippy, the speakeasy hiding behind a Pizza Counter at MGM
Luchini and Chez Bippy have been on my list for a while now.
Part of the Tao Group, it opened in the fall of 2023, and it was honestly one of the reasons I booked my recent MGM stay.
You see, I grew up around Italians. Real ones. The kind where you walk in and see meats hanging from the kitchen ceiling and Nonnas already cooking dinner at 10 a.m. (or earlier). I’ve been spoiled. Fortunate as hell, but spoiled. So when it comes to Italian food, I’m super critical. I can’t help it.
We hit Luchini on a Saturday night. Had reservations, but honestly I don’t think we needed them. The place was busy, but not slammed. Outside it’s got that fun Italian street vibe. Inside? Green tile, brick walls, nice, but not over-the-top. It just felt like an Italian restaurant, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for.
We got seated quicker than we could even order a drink at the bar. Service was almost immediate. Tao Group is really good at that. The table behind us was complaining about drink service, but some people just need to relax. Ours was fine. I barely noticed the wait.
We each started with a Bronx Noir — their take on an Old Fashioned with Makers, Amaro, Mission Fig, chocolate bitters. One of these days I’ll remember my rule: “Don’t fuck with Old Fashioneds.” But I like trying new things. Lesson learned, I apparently don’t really care for figs. Downed it like a shot and chased it with water for the rest fo the meal. I’d been drinking all day anyway.
Portions are big and shareable, so pricing felt pretty reasonable by Vegas standards. Our total before tip was under $150, and we each had a $22 drink. That’s not bad for drinks, an app, salad, and an entrée.
We kicked off with the Charcuterie Board ($28) “Char-coootie-arie” or however you say it. Meats, cheeses, gnocco fritto. Great start, and cheaper than Eataly. Then the Chopped Salad ($23). Prosciutto, cucumber, olive, tomato, pepperoncini, parmesan, sherry vinaigrette. Gigantic. Could have fed three. Solid, probably my #2 chopped salad in Vegas. First would be a surprise to a lot of people… Future newsletter… perhaps.
The mark of any Italian place is the pasta, so Short Rib Lasagna Pinwheels it was. Covered in marinara and mozzarella, $41 (their highest pasta). Not traditional Italian by any means, the short rib threw my brain for a loop at first, but the sauce tasted fresh, the pasta was on point, and the short rib was super tender. Different, but very good. Splitting it made it easy on the wallet, sure, but we weren’t hungry enough for dessert after it all, either.
Chicken parm and meatballs looked killer walking by, and the house focaccia had me curious. I kind of wish we had been with a larger group; we could have certainly tried more. Big Italian family-style dinners are always a great time.
Now for the comparison that might get me some heat: When you look at the whole package— price, taste, environment— I’d pick Luchini over Carbone any day. Carbone feels like a rip-off for what you get, and it really isn’t a whole lot better. If you want high-priced “look at me” Italian, Spago brunch on the patio by the Bellagio Fountains is where you should be, and if you want better-priced food and a genuinely fun environment with friends, I’m still sending you off-Strip to Capo’s every time. Luchini sits right in that sweet spot for me. Not bank-breaking, not influencer IG bait, just solid. I’d never tell anyone not to go. We enjoyed it.
Then it was time for Chez Bippy.
We had reservations but were early, so they said go right in. You walk through the Slice Shop (pizza-by-the-slice counter), push the side of the red vintage candy vending machine, and it swings open like a door. That part is still cool as hell.
Inside? Dark, deep red, moody. But incredibly loud for a speakeasy. Like Fremont Street Experience on Concert nights loud. The bartender was walking around taking orders, which I thought was odd for a place that small. Service wasn’t crazy slow, but definitely longer than I expected. Maybe an off night. Didn’t ruin it for me.
I was tired of fancy whisky drinks, so I went simple with a Whistle Pig Rye Old Fashioned. Solid. On point. Exactly what I wanted. Wifey got the Bella Notte (vodka, Licor 43, coffee liqueur, Frangelico, espresso, vanilla gelato). Good thing we skipped dessert, she said it was basically one.
We had one round and bounced. The volume had nowhere to go, so it felt more like a closed-off lobby bar than a true speakeasy. I love hidden bars (Laundry Room is still king), but this one lands in the “one-drink-if-you’re-already-here” category for us.
Would we go back?
If we’re already eating at Luchini, sure. Would we seek it out like I do 1923 or Laundry Room? Nah.
If you’re a fan of speakeasies, here’s a review of my favorite one. It might become your favorite as well.
The Verdict: Solid Choice, Not a Destination
Luchini is exactly what it should be. reliable, reasonably priced Italian that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. For the money and vibe, I’d take it over a lot of the overhyped Strip Italian spots. Chez Bippy is cool for the gimmick and the drinks, but the loudness keeps it from being a repeat destination.
If you’re at MGM and want good Italian without the Carbone price tag, go. Reservations are recommended on weekends, but not required. Push the vending machine door after dinner. Have the one drink. Enjoy the little Vegas surprise.
-Jason
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