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'SUMMER HOUSE' Brings California-Inspired Dining to the Desert

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'SUMMER HOUSE' Brings California-Inspired Dining to the Desert

Santa Monica-style eatery by Chef Ben Goodnick opens at Durango Casino.

As the mad hoopla surrounding Fontainebleau Resort recently proved, tourists and visitors will always flock to the latest new thing. Although it's been open for less than two weeks, DURANGO RESORT in southwest Las Vegas is already considered by many to be a runaway success. The latest in Station Casinos' portfolio is bright, airy, and inviting. Easily accessed via Interstate 215, Durango Resort offers a wonderful alternative to Strip crowding, faltering service, parking hassles, and, frankly, continually deteriorating conditions. That may be why the relatively remote Red Rock Casino Resort continues to be a significant draw, and the outlying M Resort just announced a major expansion.

While many have focused their press on EAT YOUR HEART OUT food hall, VEGAS 411 decided to start its Durango Resort culinary explorations at SUMMER HOUSE. One of four in the nation, the Las Vegas location seemed particularly appealing when we toured on opening day (December 5th, 2023). So it seemed only natural to return on a Saturday evening when friends were in town. Located in the southwest corner of the casino, SUMMER HOUSE sets a welcoming tone with THE MARKET, aka "The Cookie Bar". A walk-up counter serving coffee, tea, daily-prepared baked goods, and specialty drinks, it's a tempting and easy-to-access break from the gaming floor. Check out the current selection by clicking here.

The main dining room, which includes a full bar and outdoor terrace seating, is accessed by a corridor that separates the restaurant from the energy of the gaming floor. Surprisingly, this walkway also provides dedicated restrooms, a bit of a rarity among casino-based dining establishments.

Once inside, you'll be charmed by the soothing color palette, simple designs, and cheery atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows, natural lighting, and a large central tree enhance the restaurant's commitment to delivering "sunshine all year long".

Chef Goodnick's kitchen promises "simple ingredients sourced from local grower partnerships and sustainable products". You can expect the menu to be updated regularly with recipes that reflect seasonal and market availability. The restaurant also boasts a "Signature Rosé Cart" along with a lengthy wine list. The main menu (available here) is separated into "Starters", "Signature Guacamole", "Veggies", "Raw & Chilled", "Salads", "Sandwiches", "Tacos", "Pasta", "Pizza", and "Summer Comfort". Our group began by sharing two orders of Potato Salad Deviled Eggs with Chino Valley Ranch ($9.95 for three pieces). Additional selections include Warm Edamame, Jalapeño Corn Bread, Cheesy Dream Puffs, and Prime Beef Meatballs.

Potato Salad Deviled Eggs

Preferring to lean on the lighter side of things, my guests and I selected items that would leave us feeling satisfied without being weighed down. Two of us chose salads as our main course: a Kale and Cashew topped with roasted cashew vinaigrette and crispy wontons ($17.95), and the Buena Vista Cobb, made with avocado, egg, corn, cucumber, tomato, bacon, blue cheese, and an herb vinaigrette ($20.95).

Kale and Cashew Salad

Buena Vista Cobb

The lovely lady of our party selected an Herbed Chicken Breast Paillard for her entree. It's a pounded, grilled cutlet topped with Calabrian chili and accompanied by arugula salad ($18.95). This selection was recommended by our server. It appears on the "Summer Comfort" section of the menu, which also offers Center-Cut Filet Mignon ($52.95), Corn Husk Salmon ($38.95), and a Picnic Fried Chicken Basket ($22.95).

Herbed Chicken Breast

Our visiting gentleman chose Crispy Fish Tacos ($22.95), prepared in a light tempura batter and presented with chipotle crema and guacamole. Other taco selections include Grilled Tequila-Lime Chicken ($19.95) and Carne Asada ($28.95) made with grilled skirt steak, queso, and poblano rajas.

Crispy Fish Tacos

The final member of our party went "hearty" with a towering Crispy Chicken Sandwich ($14.95) topped with avocado, buttermilk dressing, and lettuce. Others in the "Sandwich" section include a Turkey Stack on 9-grain bread ($14.95), and a Prime Cheeseburger ($19.95) topped with cheddar ($21.95). All sandwiches are partnered with an order of golden crinkle-cut fries.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Fries

The Summer House dessert menu features two specialties - a Gooey Lemon Cake ($13.95) and a 7-Layer Chocolate Cake ($11.95), along with seasonal treats and the aforementioned cookies and bars available at the front. Click here to peruse the Drink Menu and here for the Wine List, which features selections from Santa Barbara Wine Country.

Although SUMMER HOUSE at Durango Resort just opened to the public, our experience was flawless. Seating (with a reservation) was immediate, service was spot-on and cheerful, and every item arrived as requested. Each dish was enjoyed by the respective members of our party, and the price was quite reasonable. That's especially true when compared to an equivalent restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip. In an upcoming edition, we'll visit Durango's high-end NICCO'S PRIME CUTS & FRESH FISH. So stay tuned to VEGAS 411 as see continue to explore the latest off-Strip resort. In the meantime, we recommend a trip to SUMMER HOUSE. It's a breath of fresh air and a dining experience you're sure to enjoy. SUMMER HOUSE at Durango is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm (until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday). The Market opens at 11 am during the week and at 9 am on Saturdays and Sundays for breakfast items. Make dining reservations by clicking here. Durango Casino & Resort is located at 6915 S. Durango Dr. | Las Vegas, NV 89148 | Call 702-567-7777