BLACKOUT Dining in the Dark — Restaurant in Paradise

Short story: they refused to let me eat at their establishment because I have a gluten allergy, even though they advertise a gluten free menu and make you sign waivers if you have an allergy and I was willing to accept risk of cross contamination (I do every time I eat out).

Long story: I have been wanting to experience this concept for years, since I heard about it on a news report. I am not a gambler, so it was the number one thing that I was looking forward to on my trip to Vegas with some family. I did my research and found that they have a gluten free menu which is great because I have an allergy. I read several other reviews about how well they were able to accommodate the food allergies of others that made me comfortable enough eating with them. When I made my reservation for four a few days ahead of time, I noted my gluten allergy in the reservation per their instructions. I received my confirmation of the reservation the day before. My family and I planned our day around this event and were really looking forward to it. I notified the hostess upon arrival of my gluten allergy (also per their guidelines). She left to speak with the chef and returned to inform me that they would not be able to serve me because of my allergy even though the allergy isn't life threatening (gastrointestinal inflammation and distress.) She said that everything was cross contaminated in the kitchen as they don't change gloves between types of meals during meal prep. I was furious. Why bother stating on your website that you can accommodate allergies if you don't put forth any effort to keep things segregated? Why are you taking the choice from me instead of informing me of the risk? Why don't you just say on your website that you DON'T serve people with allergies? Our evening was ruined. It is nearly impossible to get same-day reservations at a good restaurant in Vegas. If they could not accommodate my allergy, they should have informed me instead of confirming my reservation. I later spoke with the manager/chef to make sure I would receive a refund for the $20/person reservation fee. She offered to let us eat there (still paying full price of course) as an exception to the rule because we were upset. She assured me that they did indeed change gloves, use separate oil and do their best to segregate things despite what the hostess said, they just don't like to serve people with allergies because they could not be 100% sure as they only have one kitchen. It was too late at this point and I had lost all faith in them. The concept of accommodating allergies unless your customer has the allergy still boggles my...

We just happened to find this place the night of and there happened to be a reservation. We had tickets to a show at 9 pm (across the street) and our reservation was 7:30, so we knew it was a bit close but figured we'd let the waitress know. Despite our reservation we sat in the lobby for at least 15 minutes (not sure how long because they make you turn off the phone and and light emitting objects). As soon as we were introduced to the server, she asked if we had time constraints and we told her about the 9 pm show. No worries she assured us.

The description from the waitress of how to get to our table, how to access our food, find your water etc was stellar. Our waitress was very attentive. The food was good. We eat plant based 95% of the time so we were familiar with many of the flavors. I would say the chefs could back off the salt a lot. When you don't know what you are eating and rely on taste and smell, I don't think you need as much salt. One dish was almost inedible because of the salt. I would say don't wear your finest clothing to this place--black might be a good choice 😊. Also the courses weren't unified so you had cuisine from all over the world in one meal. That's ok I guess, but wouldn't be my first choice.

The experience was cool. I felt that the restaurant was louder than normal... Probably people speak louder when they can't see which is funny to me. Our big problem came when we finished our meal... We don't have our phones or watches so have no idea what time it is... When we went to pay.... It was 9:30!!!!!! We missed at least half of the show that we paid a lot of money for. My daughter who's birthday gift was the show, was devastated. I really wish the waitress had at least said something but she said nothing. Oof.

The other major issue was we went into the rest room afterwards to wash our hands. The door handles on both restrooms were falling off and the cleanliness was not up to par which really made us wonder about the cleanliness of the rest of the restaurant???? If I was managing a restaurant where patrons were blinded, I would make damn sure the places they can see were top notch.

All around pretty neat concept, but I think the execution could be better at this location. Up until we found out what time it was, we had no issues whatsoever with our waitress, so I think it was an honest mistake, but when you are leading the blind, mistakes have more of an impact. I accept some responsibility for not giving ourselves more of a buffer on time. They do tell you it might take an hour and a half. I just wasn't expecting to have to wait so long...

🌟 Blackout Dining in the Dark - A Unique and Unforgettable Experience! 🌟

If you’re in Las Vegas and looking for something truly out of the ordinary, Blackout Dining in the Dark is a must-try experience. It’s one of those activities that you’ll remember for a lifetime and one I can’t recommend enough for vegans, non-vegans, and adventurous foodies alike!

🌌 The Experience Dining completely in the dark was mind-blowing—it’s unlike anything else we’ve ever done. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was intriguing. Once you’re seated in pitch-black darkness, your senses come alive. Without sight, every bite becomes an exploration of flavor and texture, and we found ourselves guessing (and often laughing) about what we were eating. Spoiler alert: we struggled to identify some dishes, which added to the fun!

Pro Tip: If you arrive early and happen to be the first ones seated, the experience feels even more exclusive and immersive. It’s like the entire space is yours to explore through taste and sensation - you may panic as I first did (just be aware).

🍴 The Food The food was absolutely delicious. While the portions were on the smaller side, we both left satisfied and not at all hungry. Each course was thoughtfully prepared, and the flavors were exceptional. It’s impressive how much effort goes into creating dishes that delight your taste buds while leaving you guessing.

🙌 The Service The staff was wonderful! They guided us through the process with ease and made sure we felt comfortable in the dark. Their attention to detail and professionalism really stood out, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable.

📍 The Location Conveniently located not too far from the Strip, it’s easy to include this in your Vegas itinerary. Whether you’re staying on the Strip or nearby, the short trip is absolutely worth it.

💡 Final Thoughts Dining at Blackout is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that engages all your senses and challenges the way you think about food. It’s fun, adventurous, and perfect for anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone. Whether you’re vegan or not, this is an experience everyone should try at least once.

Book your reservation and prepare for an unforgettable evening. You won’t...