Chowhound: La Cave at Wynn Las Vegas
La Cave at Wynn Las Vegas is considered a wine and food hideaway. Indeed, it comes across as that. La Cave (pronounced K-ahhh-ve) is comprised of three distinct spaces — "the cave," main dining room and garden lounge. As you approach La Cave you are greeted by a glass entryway which is surrounded by rich wood panels. The cave area features oak flooring, low vaulted ceilings and a large sign made of red LED lights that reads "In Vino Veritas" (translated this means "in wine there is truth") and, finally, the garden lounge recalls an oversized living room with mix-and-match custom-made chairs and tables.
Overall, the concept of La Cave is inspired by that Latin phrase "in vino verities." On the surface one might call La Cave just another tapas (small Spanish savory dishes) joint, but it isn't. It's not exclusively a wine bar either as they also have a nice selection of craft beers. Additionally the theme isn't just on Spain either, it's much more broad and worldly. On my visit I tried a couple very American items - an order of mini burgers and their special house brew.
There's one thing I've come to expect at any restaurant and that's great service. When I arrived I was asked by the hostess to give my full name (first and last) before seating. That was a first for me at any restaurant and strange because I was seated immediately. Even though there was no wait, I was sat at the bar instead of being given the option to sit inside at one of the other dining areas. There were a few other people at the bar, so I was sat in the corner by the door. Possibly the least desired seat in La Cave.
While the beer selection wasn't huge, it looked good although I'm still wondering why they had Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap (hip and trendy okay but at Wynn?). In the mood of exploring what La Cave had, I tried their La Cave Select beer on tap. It had a nutty, Newcastle type flavor. While their house beer was good enough for me to want a lot more, I stayed in control and only had the one beer.
The mini burgers were gently seasoned and juicy, but not dripping or sloppy. They were only garnished with a little chipotle mayo, which was perfect. Overall the mini burgers went perfectly with the beer and made for a great afternoon snack. Some other notable dishes if you are going to stop by for a nosh include the ahi tuna, jumbo lump crab lettuce cups, three sausage flatbread, salt roasted beets and the lamb t-bone. Also if you are a big charcuterie fan like me, you must indulge in the three meat, three cheese option.
La Cave is a good place to grab a few drinks and bite to eat before heading out for a night on the town or checking out Le Reve or Garth Brooks at Encore Las Vegas. In the spirit of a wine bar or tapas restaurant La Cave would probably have been more fun if I was sharing a table with a large group of friends. That will be the case when I return to La Cave.
