VEGAS DINING NEWS: MGM Resorts Considers Charging for Window Tables

Posted on: January 11, 2025, 01:30h. 

Last updated on: January 11, 2025, 01:34h.

Corey Levitan Read More
Expertise: Commercial Gaming, Entertainment, Expert Insight, Las Vegas, Restaurants, Las Vegas Myths.

According to the Public Gaming Research Institute, Deutsche Bank analyst Carlo Santarelli authored a note to investors stating that MGM Resorts is “exploring additional ways to generate revenues through creative strategies, including tiered seating in restaurants.”

AI renders a photo of a window seat at a Las Vegas Strip restaurant offering a controversial new fee. (Image: GROK2)

This comes as a shift toward digital operations eats into MGM’s revenue from brick-and-mortar casino. MGM already jacked up resort and parking fees at all 12 of its Strip properties in December.

What might tiered restaurant seating look like? Santarelli didn’t elaborate, and MGM won’t comment on his speculation.

However, tiered restaurant seating is already a thing at some Las Vegas restaurants. For example, “premium upgrades” are already offered for a window view at the Strat’s Top  of the World restaurant, and to overlook the Bellagio fountains from the Eiffel Tower at Caesars Entertainment’s Paris Las Vegas.

Presumably, MGM’s tiered seating would extend to all or most of its restaurants, meaning those without Strip views would have to figure out ways to make some of their tables more desirable than others.

Oh, and they’re not fees per se, but the Bellagio’s Yellowtail and now-shuttered Picasso for years have required a “minimum spend” for guaranteed terrace seating overlooking Bellagio Lake, as does Mizumi for views adjacent to the Wynn’s waterfall.

Reaction from the socials has been predictably harsh.

“It is generous that they even call these ‘strategies,’” wrote redditor @jhussong91. “The strategy is just to price gouge every way possible.”

“Premium standing fee — extra $15,” sniped redditor @krowofefas.

“I wouldn’t bitch if it was just a select few places for very select reasons (i.e.: Bellagio fountain-side table),” added redditor @Muted_Cucumber_6937. “But I know corporations and they are going to tier the fucking McDonalds if they can.”

Have your thoughts about potential tiered-seating restaurant fees? Leave them in the comments below.

A decorative Sicilian slice at Carnegie Pizza in NYC’s Times Square. (Image: Carnegie Pizza)

Dining Ins & Outs

Carnegie Pizza, whose 4.5 stars on Yelp is impressive for a New York City pizzeria, will debut only its second location at Miracle Eats, the food hall opening shortly at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.

According to What Now Vegas, New York-New York is getting a dessert shop called Uptown Gelato from the Fifth Avenue Restaurant Group, which operates more than 40 restaurants on the Strip.

The Montana Meat Company, a 24-hour locals steakhouse in Centennial Hills, closed on New Year’s Day after 20 years.