When In Vegas… Do As The Italians Do!
Local Italian-American Club is Full of Food, Fun and History
By Chelsea Abate
When looking for an authentic Italian experience with food that smells like nonna’s famous Sunday gravy, try the Italian-American Club. This private social club not only offers a full restaurant with a variety of classic Italian dishes, but it also has the allure you’d expect from a place where for the last 50 years, countless local Italians have spent nights drinking, eating and partying.
To say this place has history is an understatement.
Founded in 1961, the Italian-American Club has housed members and regular performers such as Frank Sinatra and Vic Damone. Joe DiMaggio and Jerry Lewis were regulars, and in fact, Frank Sinatra would occasionally step onstage with fellow friend and member Dean Martin to perform for members and guests. Today, you’re likely to find Las Vegas’ very own former mayor Oscar Goodman, who enjoys the food and live entertainment. While the rest of the world dives into modern culture, the club continues to provide its vintage Vegas flare with classic accents from the food to the décor. Low-lit candles outline rose glassware and photos of some of Vegas’ finest entertainers line the walls.
From superstars to the valley’s hardworking Italians, the club welcomes everyone. Edward Bevilacqua, director of education for the club, was on the search for a place where he could fit in and make friends when he moved to the area in 2011. Joining the Italian-American Club not only gave him the opportunity to get involved with the Italian community, it gave him life-long friends.
Bevilacqua describes walking into the club on any given night as “entering a vintage Italian Vegas with a friendly environment,” where you can enjoy catching up with friends and family over a classy, yet not stuffy, candlelit dinner. There’s an underlying comfort found at the club, which can’t be achieved at the other Italian restaurants in the valley. The staff at the Italian-American Club is warm and inviting, helping to welcome any new faces and familiarize them with club members. Being Italian is a requisite to becoming a member, and for those who are, the feeling of familiarity with everyone there is reminiscent of Italian family reunions each time you visit.
The food is authentic and has all the flavors you’d recognize from your Nonna’s homemade Bolognese. From the explosion of basil to the texture of the pasta, Chef Jimmy Gerard does not disappoint. Gerard puts life into the food by giving you exactly the dining experience you’d expect from a place with Roman statues greeting you as you enter.
Gerard has not only exceeded the expectations of club members, but he has contributed to the club’s title as the No. 1 Best Italian Restaurant in Las Vegas by the Review Journal.
Bevilacqua smiles as he recounts the joy he feels in watching the club grow and be recognized over the years. He can’t make it clear enough: “If you’re looking for privacy, class, and a wonderful experience that will have you coming back for more, you need to join the Italian-American Club.”
The club promotes friendship as well as unity within the Italian culture, and also provides great opportunities to network and do business. From golf tournaments and boccé club to monthly socializing dinners, there is no shortage of social events. In our book, that’s truly amoré.
For more information about becoming a member of the Italian-American Club please contact Edward Bevilacqua at 866-287-9376.
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