In the firearms, optics, and accessories industry, all eyes are focused on the upcoming SHOT Show, the industry’s biggest get-together.

For suppliers exhibiting in the Supplier Showcase on January 19 and 20, now is the time to finalize preparations for SHOT.

Since its introduction, the Supplier Showcase has grown into the “Show Within the Show” and become an important resource for exhibiting companies, whether the largest or the smallest on the show floor.

Below, you’ll find a feature on dining options in Vegas from Jade Moldé of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. It’s no secret that the days of great affordability in Vegas are long gone, so getting through a trade show like SHOT on a budget can be daunting.

Hopefully, you’ll find some of Jade’s suggestions fitting nicely into your SHOT budget.

Looking ahead to January, The Supplier Wire will publish weekly starting on Friday, January 9. This is to put the focus on exhibiting suppliers. Use these additional publication dates to announce new services and products; promote booth giveaways; highlight future trade shows your company is attending; and share SHOT Show follow-up.

Over 600 companies exhibit in the Supplier Showcase, but not all of you have taken advantage of promoting your company in The Supplier Wire. Now’s the time to change that. The more visible you are to SHOT Show exhibitors, NSSF member companies, and the engineers, buyers, and product managers in the industry, the better your chances are of building new customer relationships.

The Supplier Wire is your best resource for consistently reaching existing and future customers in this industry, and we want to help you do just that. Take advantage of this and send us the news you want to put in front of those customers.

– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network

With more than 2,700 exhibitors to visit and thousands of new products to inspect and admire, attendees of the 2026 SHOT Show® will have no problem achieving their step counts as they peruse the miles of aisles at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. Pausing to recharge and grab a bite throughout SHOT Week® will be key — and there are dozens of options available for convenient meals near the show floor and out along the Strip and surrounding areas.

When it comes to dining in Las Vegas, the city has just about every style of food and price point available — from literal gilt-edged steaks to dozens of fast-food chains. Dining on a budget can be both functional and memorable; we’ll explore options that highlight both here. For our purposes, we’re examining dining spots with at least multiple entrées in the sub-$35/person range.

(Looking for more budget-saving strategies? Bookmark shotshow.org/blog for insights on travel, lodging and entertainment.)

Convention Center Convenience

Applying the same concept of the “time is money” idiom, the more time spent off the show floor for meals means less opportunities to network, explore products and glean education insights. So, there’s something to be said about convenience, even if it’s not the most extravagant.

• In & Around The Show Floor: There are several very practical options available throughout The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum (and directly outside both venues, too). The Venetian Expo has food courts right on the show floor on Levels 1 and 2 — ranking high in convenience — as well as in the Level 1 Lobby. Outdoor BBQs are available next to the SHOT Show Bridge in between both venues, as well in the Great Outdoors Plaza outside Caesars Forum. At these locations, everything from drinks, snacks and meals are available.
• NSSF Member Lounge: Conveniently located in both The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, the NSSF Member Lounge provides a comfortable space for NSSF Members to grab lunch, relax, conduct meetings, write up orders or connect with peers. For those on a budget, it’s a both efficient and versatile option with close access to the exhibit halls.

Inside The Venetian Resort

For those wishing to take an extended break from the hustle and bustle of the convention hall, several budget-friendly dining options are available throughout The Venetian Resort, serving meals every hour of the day.

• Near Restaurant Row: One of the busiest thoroughfares throughout SHOT Week, the hallway connecting the Venetian and Palazzo to The Venetian Expo has a collection of establishments along “Restaurant Row” — most fall into the high-end category, but Yardbird (featuring Southern classics) has options available to suit both budget-conscious and expensive tastes. Access to Restaurant Row takes only a couple of minutes (outside of “rush hour” at the close of the SHOT Show each day) from the show. Economical options near the vicinity include: Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer and Grand Lux Café (a staple for SHOT Show attendees over the years, open 24 hours a day and provides a lot of bang for your buck). Via Via Food Hall, a new budget-friendly venue housing several eateries, is another nearby option and was recently highlighted by the SHOT Show team.
• The Grand Canal Shoppes: Just steps (or an escalator ride) from The Venetian Expo, attendees can instantly be immersed in the streets of Venice — complete with a replica of St. Mark’s Square, gondola rides and more. Affordable establishments here include Flight Club (profiled in the “Entertainment on a Budget” story), Rockhouse (a rock-n-roll style hamburger-focused venue), BRERA osteria (Italian), Cañonita (Mexican) and several more. The Grand Canal also houses a food court with a variety of quick-serve options, such as Chipotle, Johnny Rockets, Curry Pot, Social Life Pizza, Panda Express and Popeyes.

Nearby Hot Spots

The SHOT Show’s proximity to the Strip means there are literally hundreds of options when it comes to dining. Here’s a small collection within easy walking distance of The Venetian Expo for those on a budget.

• LINQ Promenade: Conveniently located in between the LINQ and Flamingo hotels, the LINQ Promenade is a bustling open-air entertainment district with more than 30 restaurants and shops. It boasts affordable sit-down and casual options. Yard House, Chayo Mexican Kitchen, Virgil’s Real BBQ, Flour & Barley (which also has a walk-up to go window with a generous combo deal), Off The Strip Bistro & Bar and Maxie’s (featuring a diverse breakfast and dinner menu) are all sit-downs with numerous entrée options in the $20–30 range. Casual eateries in this district include In-N-Out Burger, which has a strong West Coast cult following, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips and Jaburritos (build-your-own sushi burritos and bowls).
• Secret Pizza: Located in the Cosmopolitan Hotel, a short Uber or taxi ride from The Venetian Expo, is an aptly named “hidden gem” — Secret Pizza. A New York-style pizzeria with off-Strip prices, Secret Pizza has developed quite a following thanks, in part, to the challenge of finding it on the third floor of the hotel. For SHOT Show attendees up to the challenge, it represents both a memorable and delicious dinner option. (The Cosmopolitan and Bellagio are connected via a pedestrian walkway, so the Fountains of Bellagio are just minutes away — a free entertainment option to complement dinner.)
• Tacos El Gordo: On the north side of the Strip, Tacos El Gordo is a Tijuana-style taqueria ranking high on flavor and affordability. It’s within comfortable walking distance of Circus Circus, Resorts World Las Vegas and Fountainebleau Hotel. Expect a line upon arrival and trust there’s a reason for it!

Other Budget-Saving Tips

As a major metropolitan area and tourist magnet, it will come as no surprise the Las Vegas Strip has a high concentration of fast-food chains, which offer both convenience and affordability. But fast food isn’t for everyone — and there are additional ways to save on dining throughout SHOT Week.

• Venture Outside The “Resort District”: One way to enjoy a budget-stretching meal is having dinner off the Strip and outside the “Resort District.” This will require a taxi or ride-share service ride to get to these places, but the savings on entrees and drinks, especially compared to Strip pricing, more than offsets the travel expense. The Fremont Street Experience and Town Square Las Vegas were highlighted in the “Entertainment on a Budget” post — and both have unique restaurants and entertainment options for those on a budget. There are a variety of other dining establishments in nearby Henderson and Summerlin, which are frequented by locals.
• Stock Up On Essentials At CVS & Walgreens: This is a very basic, but important budget-saving tip while in Las Vegas. There are multiple CVS and Walgreens locations on Las Vegas Boulevard right by The Venetian Expo, ideal for stocking up on snacks and bottled water — which can generate significant savings, especially across several days.

A “Can’t-Miss” Event

The SHOT Show is a “can’t-miss” event — serving as a launchpad to jumpstart business success in the new year. Multiple days dining out at a trade show will quickly add up, but there are plenty of venues available in and around The Venetian Expo to help you stretch your budget.

There are additional ways to save, too, during SHOT Week, including on travel to Las Vegas, lodging and entertainment. With just over two months to go until the opening day of the 2026 SHOT Show, now is the time to start planning and maximize the value of your stay.