I Tried Lisa Vanderpump's Newest Las Vegas Restaurant—Here's My Honest Review

Pinky’s by Vanderpump, which opened in early December, is one of the newest hot spots on the Las Vegas strip. It marks former Real Housewife of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump’s third location in Sin City (and one of 30+ restaurants she's run in her lifetime). But even though the bar and restaurant is brand new, it takes its cues from the past.

The swanky space is in a prime spot in the Flamingo Hotel, facing directly out onto the Las Vegas strip. Stepping inside is like stepping into old-school Vegas. "Let's not forget, this is the first hotel on the strip. It's a nod to a bygone era," Vanderpump told Parade exclusively. "It's a nod to Art Deco and is exactly what I think belongs."

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"It feels like you've pulled back the curtain and you're walking into something that was here eighty years ago," she continued.

The result is an Art Deco spot that feels like an elegant speakeasy. The space features countless bespoke pieces designed by Lisa Vanderpump and her design partner, Nick Alaine. Stunning details, like emerald green chandeliers and a rotating sculpture encased in crystals, make the space something special. "We're both perfectionists," Vanderpump said. "We don't care how long we're here."

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And despite the name, the restaurant isn’t Barbie-pink. (Pinky's was inspired by Vaderpump's nickname.) In fact, the many green accents combined with the Art Deco design add a Wicked-like vibe. While that wasn't intentional, it sure was lucky. "It is very current for sure," Vanderpump remarked.

What to Eat at Pinky's by Vanderpump

The Pinky's menu is filled with New American, decadent comfort food (think truffled mac and cheese). Nearly every item on the menu is great for sharing, with medium-sized portions. Its shareability is convenient, considering how many menu items sound so enticing.

The delicious pull-apart bread with honey butter is an absolute must-order. It arrives at the table crispy and warm with a beautifully burnished crust. Other menu winners include the Parmesan Caesar salad in a crunchy, edible Parmesan bowl and charcuterie or cheese served in an Instagram-worthy birdcage.

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And you can't go to a Vanderpump restaurant without ordering the fan-favorite goat cheese balls. The OG version of this dish at SUR is served with a mango dipping sauce; the Pinky's version comes with strawberry and hot honey. If you're a deviled egg fan, you can't miss the Deviled Egg Gardens, which are topped with luxe stuff, like caviar and lobster salad.

We were also fans of the Crispy Rice Spicy Everything, which is crispy rice with a variety of spicy seafood toppings. Our favorite was the lobster salad, but you can't go wrong with any of the options.

As a whole, the menu is predominantly focused on highly shareable fancy finger foods like wagyu sliders, macadamia-dusted chicken tenders and mini lobster rolls as opposed to classic entrees. They do offer a Pinky's Burger, complete with Pinky's secret sauce if you'd prefer a meal of your own.

For dessert, the baked Alaska took the cake for us. When you slice in, you'll find pale pink and green Neapolitan semifreddo, which matches the decor and is also absolutely delicious. The gorgeous and colorful rainbow fruit tartlets were a close second. These mini fruit tarts come in a range of flavors—blueberry, pineapple, cherry and more. The tiny tart shells are filled with colorful mousse, then topped with fresh fruit and edible flowers.

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What to Drink at Pinky's by Vanderpump

One thing a Vanderpump restaurant never ceases to nail is a cocktail. From their classic Pumptini and Vanderpump Frosé to extra-special birthday drinks, their attention to detail shows. Lisa Vanderpump's daughter, Pandora, keeps her finger on the pulse when it comes to the beverages.

"Pandora did an extraordinary job creating the cocktail menu," the Vanderpump Rules matriarch told Parade. "And I think we have a lot of knowledge of what's very current. And I think the left hand knows what the right hand's doing from the napkin to as you walk out the door, it's all cohesive."

If you're looking for a cocktail that screams fun, Daddy Issues is for you. It's a delightfully sweet, but not too sweet, white peach French 75 that comes with a pouf of cotton candy on top. Festive!

For a birthday girl (or guy!) you simply have to go with the Birthday Baby. It's the rules, practically! It's a vodka-based white chocolate strawberry dessert martini, complete with a macaron on top.

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Feeling fancy? the Pump & Bump is pure class in a glass, with caviar on top to prove it. It's a fairly classic (and classy) martini made with orange bitters, green chartreuse, olive brine and, of course, caviar.

If you prefer something on the spicy side, the It's Hot, Honey is a great pick. It's Pinky's take on a spicy margarita with honey and jalapeño. Sweet and spicy, all in one.

Where is Pinky's by Vanderpump Located?

Pinky's by Vanderpump is in the Flamingo Hotel, facing Las Vegas Boulevard. It's located next door to The Cromwell Hotel and across the street from Caesar's Palace.

Does Pinky's by Vanderpump Serve Brunch?

No, Pinky's by Vanderpump does not currently serve brunch, but they're expected to start brunch service soon with some new specialty menu items. They're unlikely to provide a bottomless brunch option, but they'll have their extensive cocktail menu available.

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Where Does the Name Pinky's Come From?

Pinky has been Lisa Vanderpump's nickname for years now. "Before I joined Housewives, even my number plate was Pinky. And I said to them, why don't we use my nickname?" Vanderpump told Parade. "And they were like, 'No, nobody would take you seriously.' So I guess it's come full circle."

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