Rodeo News

Wrangler NFR 2024: Dine like Rodeo Royalty at the Rio Las Vegas!

Written by

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Wrangler NFR time! The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is back and better than ever this December 5th-14th. Celebrating 10 days of rodeo’s best thrills, spills, and wins, the WNFR’s 66th anniversary will open its arms to hundreds of thousands of rodeo fans worldwide. Flocking to sunny Las Vegas for a December to remember, rodeo goers will get to see their favorites face off against bulls and broncs, shop till they drop at Cowboy Christmas, dance the night away at fun concerts and after parties, cheer on their favorite Miss Rodeo America contender, and so much more. With action-packed to the brim, one can’t help but work up an appetite! Roundin’ up some of the best dining options in town, The Rio Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is prepared to keep your belly full during the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!  

Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas

The Rio is Ready to Rodeo!

As a phoenix rises from the ashes, the Rio Las Vegas is back with a bang. Having undergone extensive renovations under new management and ownership, this once-aged hotel is now a vibrant Las Vegas hotspot, mixing the classic charms of its storied past with new-age conveniences and amenities that any Las Vegas enthusiast will love. From newly designed rooms to unique pools, lounges, restaurants, a revamped casino, and more, the Rio is ready to impress rodeo fans this December with its top-notch entertainment, comfort and class, and timeless Las Vegas appeal.

Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas

Dine Like (Rodeo) Royalty!

Whether you’re early to rise or ready to party the night away, the Rio Hotel & Casino has a multitude of dining options to keep your hunger satiated at any hour of the day. From high-end restaurant experiences to quick bites ready to get you back on the trail, join us for a dining “Tour de Rio!”

Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas

Restaurants

Luckley Tavern & Grill – Step into Luckley Tavern & Grill and prepare for a delight! Donning Americana favorites with a modern twist, Luckley’s is a must-stop for those who love the classics. From prime steaks to burgers, to hearty lobster pot-pie and an ice-cold drink to top it off, Luckley Tavern & Grill is the perfect place to dine in style with friends and family this Wrangler NFR!

Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho – No one knows dining quite like Guy Fieri! Guy’s El Burro Borracho is a great pick for those who love traditional Mexican fare such as enchiladas and of course, margaritas!

Hash House A Go Go – A night of Wrangler NFR partying is sure to have one waking up hungry! Whether your morning-after-rodeo-cure comes in the form of a Bloody Mary or a tall stack of chicken and waffles, Hash House A Go Go has creative brunch offerings to start your day off strong. 

Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas

VooDoo Steak – An upscale dining experience in the heart of Sin City, VooDoo Steak will have you hypnotized by rich flavors and a gorgeous view of the Las Vegas Strip. Dive into fresh seafood, prime steaks, iconic cocktails, and more.

KJ Dim Sum – Top-tier service in a casual setting, KJ Dim Sum allows diners to enjoy the thrill of choosing their favorite dumplings, buns, and more from Dim Sum carts as they roll to your table. Did we mention KJ Dim Sum was awarded “Best Alternative Sunday Brunch”!?

Kang’s Kitchen – Get a taste of authentic Korean flavors at Rio’s very own Korean BBQ joint, Kang’s Kitchen! From delicious beef bulgogi and short-ribs to addicting sides like kimchi, restaurateurs will enjoy the thrill of food cooked to perfection right on their tabletop grill. 

Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas

Royal India Buffet – All-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffets make Rio’s Royal India Buffet a must-experience for those looking for robust flavors and lavish spreads. Enjoy classics like tikka masala and freshly baked naan, as well as much more!

Sports Deli – Dining doesn’t have to be difficult! Can’t decide what to eat, then go for the classics! Burgers, pizzas, homemade sandwiches, and more are sure to hit the spot at Sports Deli!

Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas

Quick Bites at the Canteen Food Hall

The Rio Hotel & Casino is your one-stop shop for flavors galore! Stop by one stand or stop by them all and get your grub on during the 2024 Wrangler NFR!

Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas

Attaboy Burger – Looking for the best burger in Vegas? Well, look no further than Attaboy Burger! Onion rings, curly fries, and the perfect burger make for a great meal! 

Nama Nama – High-quality seafood transformed into made-to-order hand rolls, sushi, and poke bowls make for the perfect afternoon or dinner stop! 

Tender Crush – NYC Fried Chicken brought straight to Las Vegas! Tender Crush’s many flavors are inspired by the unique boroughs of New York. Chicken tenders, sandwiches, and more will transport your taste buds straight to The Big Apple!

Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas

Tony Luke’s – Take your tastebuds on a journey to Philly! Award-winning cheesesteaks and hoagies are making their grand debut on the West Coast at Tony Luke’s!

Shogun Ramen – Nothing hits the spot quite like a warm bowl of traditional Japanese Ramen. With flavors guaranteed to make your tastebuds dance, Shogun is a must-have for those chilly December rodeo nights in Vegas!

Southland Burrito Co. – Sonoran-style burritos? Sign us up! From fan favorites such as the Chicken California Burrito to build-your-own-options, Southland Burrito Co. will keep your engine running all day long! 

Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas

Bars & Lounges

For those looking for the “hair of the dog” or an evening nightcap, look no further than the Rio Hotel and Casino’s multiple bar and lounge options.

Photo Courtesy of the Rio Las Vegas

Lapa Lounge – A vibrant cocktail lounge, Lapa Lounge is the perfect spot for those looking for a high-energy and sophisticated bar experience. Hand-crafted and unique cocktails inspired by the vibrant samba and bossa nova music of Brazil, Lapa Lounge will provide an eclectic experience for those looking for live music and camaraderie.

Masquerade Bar – Get ready to dance the night away at the neon-lit Masquerade Bar! With live music every Saturday, attendees can enjoy uniquely crafted cocktails as well as classic libations.

Shutters Bar – Located right in the middle of the casino, Shutters Bar is the perfect place to experience Vegas action! Close to dining options and other hotel attractions, Shutters is the perfect place to pop in for a quick drink while on the way to your next Wrangler NFR event or a great spot to close out the night with friends.

The Wine Cellar Tasting Room – For the classy cowboys and cowgirls, look no further than the Rio’s Wine Cellar Tasting Room. A getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Vegas Strip, the Wine Cellar Tasting Room tells a story of craftsmanship in every bottle.

WNFR Watch Party at the Rio Las Vegas!

You’ve spent all day watching the best youth competitors in the world compete, but now it’s time to watch the pros – but where? Kick up your boots at the Stetson Cowboy Christmas Watch Party at the Rio Round-Up inside the one and only Rio Las Vegas!

Hosted by world-famous Matt Merritt, with special celebrity guest hosts nightly prizes, giveaways, fun & entertainment. Seating begins at 5:00 pm nightly at the Rio Masquerade Village on the casino floor.

Brian Childress and the Western Fusion Band Rio Round-Up 2024 (Photo: Aaron Kuhl – CLN)
Matt Merritt, NFR Watch Party Host Rio Round-Up 2024 (Photo: Aaron Kuhl – CLN)
Rio Masquerade Village on the casino floor during the Rio Round-up 2024 (Photo: Aaron Kuhl – CLN)

The Stillery

The party doesn’t end after the last bull bucks! Catch the performances at The Stillery, located on the Rio Masquerade Village on the casino floor. The Stillery is having its very own pop-up bar during the Wrangler NFR, where you can enjoy a signature cocktail. Check out their permanent locations in Nashville, Tennessee; Chandler, Happy Valley, and Goodyear, Arizona; and Westminster, Colorado. There will be a dance floor to dance the night away while listening to authentic music and enjoying a cold one. Also check out the other Wrangler NFR Headliners performing across Vegas during the rodeo!

Sponsors

Thank you to all of our outstanding sponsors.

Wrangler

The Western Wear icon since 1947, Wrangler is an authentic American brand with a rich legacy rooted in the Western Lifestyle. The brand is the title sponsor of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and a supporter of hundreds of western events across North America. From the greatest rodeo cowboys and cowgirls in the world, like Stetson Wright, JB Mauney, and Hailey Kinsel, to headlining country music artists, George Strait, Lainey Wilson, and Cody Johnson, Wrangler is the brand of choice for the biggest stars in the West. Long Live Cowboys! Long Live Cowgirls!

Coors Banquet

Coors Banquet is celebrating 150 years in 2023. For those 150 years, they haven’t compromised their craft. You get what you give, and they’ve only given the best that they can brew. Banquet is brewed with 100% Rocky Mountain water, so when you’re enjoying a Banquet, you’re drinking history. Coors Banquet has been an amazing and loyal sponsor of professional rodeo since 1980. Their support runs deep for the inspiration and passion of rodeo cowboys. Coors Banquet has been the official beer of the PRCA since 1987 and is the rodeo sponsor for the NFR (National Finals Rodeo). Coors Banquet launched its “Man in the Can” program in 1984. The program recognizes top barrelmen in ProRodeo for the uniqueness, determination, and passion that they display in the rodeo arenas throughout the United States. Coors Banquet is dedicated to its fans with a grass-roots sponsorship of local rodeos as well as ingenious marketing. Next time you’re thirsty for a cold one, Make It a Banquet.

Visit Cheyenne

Around the world, the very name Cheyenne conjures up images of cowboys, trains, and the great outdoors. Cheyenne has remained true to its roots as a center for hard work, determination, and community spirit. Its rich history is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the people who have called it home, and it continues to inspire and shape the city today. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Western experience, then Cheyenne, Wyoming should be next on your vacation bucket list. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, culture, or shopping and dining, you’ll find it all here. So why not add Cheyenne to your travel plans? I guarantee you won’t regret it! Discover all that Cheyenne has to offer at cheyenne.org. The New Old West.

Taryn Cantrell

Taryn Cantrell is an Arizona native who has spent many hours in the rodeo arena. Having grown up barrel racing, serving as the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen and as a member of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, Taryn is passionate about her western heritage and all things rodeo. When she’s not on horseback, Taryn can be found playing her bass guitar, painting, and performing around Phoenix with her band. Taryn is a graduate of Arizona State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance. Taryn is proud to combine her love of the arts with her love of rodeo and has been honored to sing The National Anthem at various rodeos across the beautiful state of Arizona. Alongside her love for art and music, preserving her western heritage and promoting the sport of rodeo are just two of Taryn’s many passions. Taryn is so honored to share her love of rodeo with Cowboy Lifestyle Network’s wonderful audience.

Recent Posts

Coors Banquet & CLN Present the 2024 Rio Round-Up!

When you’re ready for a cold one, Coors Banquet has you covered. Coors Banquet has been around… Read More

2 days ago

Ak-Chin Indian Community Presents Masik Tas 2024!

Masik Tas is right around the corner, and you do not want to miss your… Read More

4 days ago

Visit Cheyenne & CLN Present the 2024 Rio Round-Up!

Tales of the Wild West meet the thrills of the new age, weaving together perfectly… Read More

5 days ago

Meet the 2024 Wrangler NFR & NFBR Competitors

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! What better way to spend your time… Read More

6 days ago

Last FREE Cowboy Party Weekend! Live Music, DJs, Dancing & More!

Looking for more than just a dance floor? The Rio Round-Up offers a complete NFR… Read More

1 week ago

Ring in the New Year at the Roughy Top Gun Invitational 2024

Fallon, Nevada – Mark your calendars for the third annual Roughy Top Gun Invitational on December… Read More

1 week ago