Las Vegas, which built its reputation on both show-stopping dining and timeless glamour, just received one of its most talked-about steakhouse debuts of the year. On July 2, 2025, Rare Society, the acclaimed Southern California steakhouse by Chef Brad Wise and Trust Restaurant Group, officially opened its doors at UnCommons in the Southwest Valley—ushering in a bold new era of classic-meets-contemporary steakhouse dining for locals and visitors alike.
The Culinary Arrival: Redefining the Modern Las Vegas Steakhouse
Rare Society’s Las Vegas launch is more than just an expansion—it’s a deliberate statement about how the steakhouse of the future looks, feels, and most importantly, tastes. Chef Brad Wise, recognized for his innovative approach to American red oak-fired cooking (learn more about his culinary philosophy at Trust Restaurant Group), brings his award-winning playbook out of California for the first time, making Vegas the brand’s sixth location nationwide. The debut at UnCommons mirrors a larger shift in the city’s dining landscape: established chefs and operators are setting up shop away from the Strip, targeting the increasingly discerning off-Strip diner in neighborhoods like Summerlin and now, the bustling new UnCommons campus.
The Atmosphere: Retro-Chic With a Vegas Edge
Step inside Rare Society Las Vegas and you’ll be greeted with a vibe that’s both nostalgic and unmistakably fresh. 
Designed by Studio Rallou, the 5,000-square-foot space transports guests back to the days of Sinatra and the Rat Pack, but updates the look with cut-above contemporary touches. Expect a rich color palette of dark walnut and hunter green, hand-stitched leather seating, polished gold mushroom lamps on each table, and dramatic mirrored overhangs above both the front and back bars. Unlike the grand, cavernous steakhouses common in Vegas, Rare Society aims for “swanky intimacy.” Lowered ceilings, gently curved walls, and strategically layered lighting foster a sense of drama and privacy—making it ideal for both milestone celebrations and spontaneous weeknight feasting.
The Menu: Santa Maria Grilling, Luxe Towers & Dare-to-Share Boards
Chef Wise’s signature style fuses Santa Maria ranchero traditions and innovative techniques—especially the “reverse grilling” of house-aged premium cuts over American red oak, which produces a rich, smoke-kissed flavor profile. Unlike conventional steakhouses, Rare Society encourages guests to go beyond the solo steak by curating shareable boards featuring multiple cuts and chef-acclaimed house sauces.
Headliners include:
- Wagyu Steaks – including a Las Vegas-exclusive Snake River Farms Wagyu Tomahawk, carved tableside for a showstopping presentation.
- Alaskan King Crab – available by the half-pound or full pound, and as a signature upgrade to the restaurant’s opulent seafood towers.
- Broiled Oysters – topped with bacon, yuzu arugula butter, and crispy capers for a decadent opening bite.
- Lobster Mashed Potatoes – as rich as they sound, with fresh lobster folded into creamy potatoes.
- Summer Corn with Chorizo, Pasilla, Cotija Cheese – a playful, seasonal side that’s quickly become a guest favorite.
- Charred Vegetables – because great steakhouses let plants share the spotlight, too.
- Desserts – think: over-the-top and deeply nostalgic, including a rotating selection of house-special cakes and pies.
These dishes not only spotlight sustainability (Wise is serious about sourcing seafood and meats responsibly), but they’re also designed for sharing—an ideal fit for groups who want to celebrate or sample their way across the menu. 
For a taste of how Rare Society’s food philosophy aligns with broader national menu innovation trends, check out our article: Menu Engineering That Works: How Shake Shack’s Strategic Changes Boosted Profitability and Customer Loyalty.
The Beverage Program: Where Old Fashioned Meets New School
A steakhouse’s beverage program can make or break the experience, and Rare Society’s bar is built to impress both the cocktail enthusiast and casual wine lover. High-impact cocktails—like the signature Rare Old Fashioned, made with dry-aged fat-washed bourbon, rosemary oleo, bitters, and a lardo garnish—echo the steakhouse’s meat-forward identity. Every classic on the list is reimagined through a modern, chef-driven approach. 
The wine list bridges Old World and New World labels, favoring bottles that highlight California’s strengths alongside global finds that stand up to the restaurant’s bolder flavors. Far from intimidating, the beverage program is designed to be fun and approachable for all guests—whether you’re a sommelier, steakhouse regular, or someone just out for a celebratory meal. Want to know how top beverage directors are shaking up the industry? Dive into our recent coverage: Premium Pricing Strategies: The Capital Grille’s Approach to Maximizing Adult Beverage Sales.
Strategic Location: Off-Strip and Proud of It
Rare Society’s move to UnCommons represents a strategic pivot in Las Vegas’ evolving dining scene. No longer is Strip real estate the sole marker of prestige; savvy operators are finding success in high-traffic, high-energy developments like UnCommons, a $850-million mixed-use campus across from Durango Casino & Resort. Here, Rare Society joins celebrated eateries like all’Antico Vinaio and Amari Italian Kitchen, and helps draw the neighborhood’s fast-growing population of professionals, foodies, and locals seeking destination-worthy cuisine without Strip-level markups or hassles.
Las Vegas’ Southwest Valley is fast becoming a culinary playground, and Rare Society’s arrival only underscores the market’s momentum. UnCommons itself has earned acclaim for its sustainability credentials, innovative workplace design, and for fostering a restaurant community that celebrates both renowned national brands and emerging local talent. For more details on UnCommons, visit their official website.
Industry Analysis: Why Rare Society’s Vegas Play Matters
For food, beverage, and hospitality professionals, Rare Society’s Las Vegas launch is a telling case study in destination dining, neighborhood-driven culinary development, and the value of blending heritage with new-school thinking.
Key Takeaways for Industry Pros:
- Market Expansion: Moving off the Strip allows for lower overhead, broader appeal, and a chance to build regular, local clientele.
- Menu Flexibility: Rare Society’s shared boards, seasonally rotating specials, and commitment to sustainable sourcing reflect trends toward flexibility, sustainability, and guest engagement.
- Design as Differentiator: By making the restaurant as much about intimate experience as spectacle, Rare Society meets evolving guest expectations for hospitality that’s immersive, stylish, and memorable.
- Bar Program Innovation: Modern drinkers want culinary storytelling in a glass; fat-washed bourbons and inventive low-ABV cocktails keep Rare Society on trend and on palates.
Want deeper insights into how design, menu, and beverage strategies are shaping the future of foodservice? Check out our tech and trends feature: Tech Trends Transforming The Foodservice Landscape.
Visit & Experience Rare Society
Rare Society is now open Wednesday through Sunday, 5:00 pm to close, at 6880 Helen Toland St #100, Las Vegas, NV 89113. Reservations can be made online at raresociety.com/las-vegas or by calling 702.330.3850. To view photos of the restaurant’s design and standout dishes, check out the official gallery (architectural and F&B photos): [IMAGE_HERE]
For the latest updates, specials, and behind-the-scenes looks, follow Rare Society on Instagram and Facebook at @raresocietysteakhouse.
What do you think of Rare Society’s daring off-Strip debut? Have you had a chance to explore the menu or experience the atmosphere? Let us know in the comments, and share your picks for Las Vegas’ next big culinary launch!
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector
