Capo’s Restaurant and Speakeasy, located just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, offers an enchanting escape into the era of prohibition with a touch of Italian mobster intrigue. Inspired by the culinary traditions of Chicago and the legacy of Al Capone, Capo’s not only serves as a restaurant but as a speakeasy experience, making it a unique dining destination in Las Vegas.
Menu Highlights:
- Pasta Dishes: Capo’s prides itself on its “made-man” pastas, drenched in what they claim are Al Capone’s Family Secret sauces. Signature items include:
- Lasagna: Layered with Italian sausage, meatballs, ricotta cheese, and herbs, topped with mozzarella and baked to perfection.
- Ravioli: Pasta pillows stuffed with ricotta, served with either marinara or Alfredo sauce.
- Spaghetti: Served with various options like Italian sausage, meatballs, or Capo’s meat sauce, showcasing the “Capone Family Secret” sauce.
- Seafood: For seafood lovers, the menu offers:
- Shrimp Scampi: Jumbo shrimp in a lemon, butter, and white wine sauce over angel hair pasta.
- Desserts:
- Cannoli: Available in two styles: filled with a blend of mascarpone, ricotta, and vanilla cream, or dipped in chocolate with chocolate chips.
- Tiramisu: A traditional Italian classic, layered with mascarpone cream and soaked in coffee, espresso, and Kahlua, finished with cocoa powder.
- Specials:
- Chicken or Veal Piccata: Sautéed in a lemon, butter, white wine caper sauce with a touch of cream, offering a lighter yet flavorful option.
Ambiance and Experience: Capo’s not only focuses on food but also on creating an immersive experience. The setting mimics a 1920s speakeasy, complete with live entertainment every night, giving diners a taste of the mafia era’s glitz and glamour. Visitors often mention feeling like they’ve stepped into a scene from a mob movie, with personal introductions by staff adding to the authentic feel.
Visitor Tips:
- Dress Code: Keeping with its theme, Capo’s appreciates a smart casual dress code. Dressing up adds to the speakeasy vibe.
- Entertainment: Live music and performances are nightly features, enhancing the dining experience.
- Reservations: Given its popularity, especially for its unique theme dining, reservations are recommended, especially if planning to dine during peak times or weekends.
- Age Restriction: The speakeasy atmosphere means it’s for those 18 and over, with a strict ID check at the door.
Cultural Context: Capo’s not only serves food but also a piece of American history and Italian-American culture. The restaurant’s connection to the Bar Rescue episode, where it was featured, highlights its resilience and adaptation during challenging times like the Covid-19 pandemic, underscoring its enduring appeal in Las Vegas’s vibrant culinary scene.
Conclusion: For those looking for more than just a meal in Las Vegas, Capo’s Restaurant and Speakeasy offers a culinary journey through time, combining authentic Italian flavors with a slice of American gangster lore. Whether it’s for the pasta, the atmosphere, or the live entertainment, Capo’s promises an unforgettable dining experience.
