Chef Ray Garcia has built his reputation by blending Mexican traditions with the flavors of Southern California. Now, his Resorts World restaurant, Viva! by Ray Garcia, is adding another influence to the mix: the sounds and energy of Latin America.
For visitors looking for a nightlife experience that’s not a traditional club or casino lounge, Viva’s Thursday Latin Nights offer an evening built around live music, dinner, cocktails and dancing. Held on the restaurant’s patio from 6 to 11 p.m., the weekly event transforms the space into a lively open-air gathering that feels worlds away from its Las Vegas Boulevard location.
“The idea is for people to come have drinks, dinner and dancing,” says Rodrigo Guzman, owner of Corazon Entertainment, the company that produces both Latin Nights and Viva’s popular weekend Latin Party Brunches.
The entertainment starts with a five-piece band made up primarily of Cuban musicians, while DJs keep the energy going between live sets. The goal, Guzman says, is to create an experience that appeals not only to Latin audiences, but to anyone looking for an energetic night out on the Strip.
One of the evening’s most distinctive touches is the presence of professional “taxi dancers.” Early in the night, they lead an introductory dance lesson before circulating through the crowd, inviting guests onto the dance floor and helping beginners feel comfortable trying a few steps.
“A lot of the time it can be intimidating just sitting there,” Guzman recently told the Food & Loathing podcast. “We’re trying to have these key players going around the space and really bringing everybody in.”
That welcoming approach makes Latin Nights as appealing to curious first-timers as experienced salsa and bachata dancers. Guests can spend the evening on the dance floor or simply enjoy the spectacle of practiced footwork, effortless spins and flowing dresses while listening to live music over dinner and cocktails.
Travelers visiting over the weekend can find a similar atmosphere during Viva’s Saturday and Sunday Latin Party Brunches. Those daytime events feature live music, choreographed performances and the same festive spirit, though they focus more on dining than dancing.
Whether you want to polish your salsa moves or simply add something unexpected to your Las Vegas itinerary, Viva’s Thursday Latin Nights offer a refreshing alternative to the city’s typical nightlife scene.
Find more on Viva! by Ray Garcia and a list of more fantastic Resorts World restaurants on the Neon Feast app or website.
Hear the full interview with Rodrigo Guzman on the May 29, 2026 episode of the Food & Loathing podcast.