Summer House

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A California State of Mind in Las Vegas

Summer House brings the relaxed, sun-drenched spirit of Californian-American cooking to the Durango Casino & Resort on the southwest side of Las Vegas. Part of the Lettuce Entertain You family of restaurants, it operates under the banner of Summer House Santa Monica® – a brand that leans into coastal ease: fresh produce, wood-grilled proteins, bright acids, and a menu that moves comfortably from brunch through late dinner.

Wine Spectator recognized the restaurant with its Award of Excellence in 2024, a nod to a wine list that takes its cues seriously without overwhelming a room designed for genuine comfort.

What's on the Table

The menu covers a lot of ground without losing focus. Starters lean California through and through – Whipped Burrata with hazelnut pesto, Salmon Poké Nachos with ginger soy and wonton chips, Hamachi Sashimi with white soy ponzu. The Signature Guacamole, made with Hass avocados and charred-tomato salsa, can be upgraded with Dungeness crab.

Mains range from the Famous Herbed Chicken Breast Paillard with arugula and Calabrian chili to a Miso Glazed Faroe Islands Salmon with carrot-ginger sauce, and a New York Strip sourced from Westholme Wagyu in Queensland, Australia. Wood-grilled artichoke, truffle fries, and caramelized Brussels sprouts round out the vegetable side of things. The kitchen notes that most items can be prepared gluten-free on request.

Weekend brunch adds its own chapter: the Famous Giant Cinnamon Roll arrives with a fresh blueberry swirl and house-made cream cheese frosting, alongside Huevos Rancheros, Short Rib Hash, and crispy strawberry waffles. Brunch cocktails include a fresh-squeezed California OJ mimosa and a Bloody Mary with chili salt rim.

The Cookie Bar and Daily Rituals

A separate counter called The Cookie Bar operates as "summer's sweetest treats" – a nostalgic spot serving cookies, bars, and beverages available to eat in or take away. It's a small detail that says something about the restaurant's overall character: unhurried, a little playful, and attentive to the full arc of a visit.

Weekday Martini Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 PM in the bar area. Kids 12 and under can do tableside pizza making daily – a genuine family-friendly touch that's rare for a room with this level of Californian-American ambition.

Private dining, drop-off catering, and full-service catering are all available, making Summer House a practical choice for events as well as everyday dining.