Key Highlights:
- What it is: A high-energy Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant and lounge from chef Roy Choi.
- Where it’s located: Inside Park MGM Las Vegas, near the Dolby Live concert venue.
- What it’s known for: Its hidden bodega-style entrance, Kogi short rib tacos, kimchi fried rice, spiked slushies, and lively atmosphere.
- Is it worth visiting? Yes. It offers bold flavours, generous portions, and a fun dining experience at a relatively accessible price.
- Who it’s best for: Foodies, concertgoers, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys casual Asian-Mexican street food.
Best Friend by Roy Choi at Park MGM is a lively Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant that brings the flavours and energy of Los Angeles street food to the Las Vegas Strip. Created by chef Roy Choi, the restaurant combines Korean BBQ, Mexican street food, creative cocktails, and a 1990s hip-hop soundtrack in one of the Strip’s most distinctive dining spaces.
About Best Friend Las Vegas
Best Friend is Roy Choi’s Las Vegas take on the Korean-Mexican food culture that helped make his Kogi BBQ food truck famous in Los Angeles. The restaurant feels less like a traditional Las Vegas dining room and more like a neighborhood hangout combining a convenience store, cocktail bar, and Korean-Mexican restaurant.
The experience starts at the colorful bodega-style entrance, stocked with snacks, merchandise, and frozen drinks. Walk through the plastic freezer curtains and you enter the main dining room, where music, colorful décor, and an energetic crowd create a casual party atmosphere.
Quick Restaurant Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Resort / Venue | Park MGM Las Vegas |
| Address | 3770 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 |
| Cuisine | Korean BBQ, Mexican-Korean Fusion & Street Food |
| Price Tier | Casual / Moderate ($$) |
| Dress Code | Resort Casual / Streetwear Friendly |
| Reservations | Recommended |
| Nearby | Dolby Live, T-Mobile Arena, The Park |
Best Friend Menu: What to Order
The menu is built around bold flavors and shareable dishes, making it especially good for groups.
Signature Dishes
- Kogi Short Rib Tacos: The restaurant’s signature dish features Korean BBQ short rib, chili-soy slaw, cilantro, onion, and lime served in warm corn tortillas.
- Slippery Shrimp: Crispy fried shrimp are coated in a sweet, spicy, creamy sauce and finished with herbs and sesame.
- Chego Pork Belly Bowl: Tender pork belly is served over seasoned rice with pickled vegetables, cotija cheese, and spicy sambal.
- Kimchi Fried Rice: Spicy and tangy fried rice topped with a soft-poached egg. Break the egg and mix it through the rice for extra richness.
- Kalbi Short Ribs: Korean-style beef short ribs are marinated with soy, garlic, and sesame before being grilled for a smoky finish.
- Garlic Chicken: Marinated chicken thighs are grilled and served with sweet, charred onions.
For groups, the Chef’s Tasting Menu is a convenient option because it lets you sample several of the restaurant’s popular dishes without having to build the meal yourself.
Drinks & Dessert
Best Friend is also known for its fun beverage selection. The spiked slushies can be made with spirits such as tequila, mezcal, or rum, making them a popular choice for adults looking for something playful.
For dessert, the Medjool Date Cake is a standout. The warm cake is served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream for a rich finish to the meal.
Best Friend Prices
Best Friend is generally more affordable than many celebrity-chef restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip.
| Menu Category | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Tacos & Small Snacks | $6–$16 |
| Starters & Banchan | $12–$20 |
| Rice & Noodle Dishes | $20–$24 |
| BBQ & Meat Platters | $28–$52+ |
| Chef’s Tasting Menu | Around $75 per person |
| Spiked Slushies & Cocktails | $17–$20 |
A typical dinner for two sharing several dishes and drinks can run about $110–$160 before tax and tip, depending on what you order.
Reservations & Walk-Ins
Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend dinners and evenings when Dolby Live has a major concert. Booking ahead can help you secure a preferred dinner time.
If reservations are unavailable, try the bodega bar or other available bar seating. Walk-ins may be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Concert Night Tip
If you have tickets to a Dolby Live show, consider eating at Best Friend beforehand. The restaurant is located within Park MGM, making it convenient for a pre-concert meal.
Dress Code & Hours
Best Friend has a relaxed resort casual atmosphere. Jeans, sneakers, T-shirts, hoodies, casual dresses, and streetwear fit comfortably with the restaurant’s style.
Basic resort rules still apply, so guests should avoid wet swimwear, bare feet, and inappropriate pool attire.
The restaurant generally operates for dinner and late-night dining:
- Monday–Thursday: 4:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Friday–Saturday: 4:00 PM–12:00 AM
- Sunday: 4:00 PM–11:00 PM
Hours can change for special events and concert nights.
Dining Experience: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Bold and memorable Korean-Mexican flavors
- Fun bodega-style entrance
- Energetic atmosphere with hip-hop music
- Good prices compared with many celebrity-chef restaurants
- Excellent choice for groups and concertgoers
Cons
- Music can be loud during busy periods
- Food may arrive quickly, which can feel rushed for slow diners
- Not ideal for a quiet or formal dinner
Is Best Friend Las Vegas Worth Visiting?
Yes. Best Friend is one of the more distinctive casual restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip. Roy Choi’s Korean-Mexican cooking delivers plenty of flavor without the formality or price of traditional fine dining.
It is particularly appealing if you want a fun dinner before a concert, a casual meal with friends, or a restaurant that feels completely different from a typical Strip steakhouse or Italian restaurant.
Who Should Visit?
Best Friend is ideal for
- Korean BBQ and taco lovers
- Groups of friends
- Foodies seeking creative fusion dishes
- Dolby Live concertgoers
- Diners who enjoy energetic restaurants
Who Should Skip?
Consider another restaurant if you want a quiet, romantic dining room, formal service, or a traditional multi-course fine-dining experience.
Tips Before You Go
- Explore the bodega: Give yourself a few minutes to look around the colorful entrance before heading into the dining room.
- Order the Kogi tacos: They are one of the best representations of Roy Choi’s Korean-Mexican cooking style.
- Consider the tasting menu: Groups can use the tasting menu to sample several popular dishes without spending time deciding what to order.
- Plan around concerts: Dolby Live events can make Best Friend significantly busier, so reserve early if you are dining before a show.
Nearby Attractions
Best Friend’s location inside Park MGM puts several major attractions within easy walking distance.
- Dolby Live: Major concerts and residency performances inside Park MGM.
- T-Mobile Arena: Home to major sporting events and concerts.
- The Park: Outdoor dining and entertainment promenade between Park MGM and New York-New York.
- ARIA Resort & Casino: Connected to Park MGM via nearby pedestrian routes.
Final Verdict
Best Friend by Roy Choi brings the flavors, creativity, and casual energy of Los Angeles street food to Park MGM. The combination of Korean BBQ, Mexican-inspired dishes, creative drinks, hip-hop, and its unexpected bodega entrance makes it far more than a standard Strip restaurant.
For the best experience, share several dishes, try the Kogi short rib tacos, order a spiked slushie, and save room for the date cake. If you want bold food and a fun atmosphere without a huge fine-dining bill, Best Friend is well worth adding to your Las Vegas itinerary.
FAQs
What is Best Friend Las Vegas known for?
Best Friend is best known for Roy Choi’s Korean-Mexican street food, especially Kogi short rib tacos, kimchi fried rice, Korean BBQ, spiked slushies, and its hidden bodega-style entrance.
Does Best Friend take walk-ins?
Yes. Walk-in seating may be available at the bar and other designated seating areas, although reservations are recommended during busy periods.
Is Best Friend family-friendly?
Yes. Families can visit, particularly during earlier dinner hours. The restaurant becomes livelier and louder later in the evening.
Can I earn MGM Rewards points at Best Friend?
Yes. As a restaurant inside Park MGM, eligible food and beverage purchases can qualify for MGM Rewards.
Is Best Friend good before a Dolby Live concert?
Yes. Its location inside Park MGM makes it one of the most convenient dining options before a Dolby Live show. Just allow enough time for dinner before the performance.
More Restaurants: