There’s no shortage of places to eat, drink, and catch a show in Las Vegas, but locals know some spots just hit differently. Downtown, especially around Fremont Street, is where the city’s energy is impossible to miss. Right in the middle of it all, Circa Resort & Casino has become one of those places where a night out can turn into a celebrity sighting without even trying.
Downstairs at Circa, Barry’s Downtown Prime has earned its reputation as one of downtown’s go-to spots for a serious steak dinner, and for tourists, part of the fun is never knowing who might be sitting at the next table. That was exactly the case when Barry’s Prime regulars Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy were dining nearby Ellie Dempster, the first-ever female Power Slap champion and the first woman to claim the championship belt. Dempster is a fan of both stars, particularly admiring McCarthy’s work with trying to keep women healthy and looking good with her Formless Beauty line. Wahlberg, meanwhile, has his Barry’s favorites down to a science. The Garbage Salad is a must-order, followed by the Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Pie for dessert. After dinner, what started as a typical photo on the restaurant’s signature red carpet quickly turned into something a little more unexpected when McCarthy volunteered to get slapped by the Power Slap champion. Thankfully, it was all fun and games, but the two took the moment to social media, recreating the interaction like they were getting ready to compete at the next Power Slap together.
In case you didn’t know, a lot of tourists come to Vegas for a glimpse of the city’s celebrity history. Some of that history can be found with one of the most recognizable names in Las Vegas entertainment, Pawn Stars. Instead of visiting them on the set at the Gold & Silver Pawn, the cast was making an appearance at Circa. Rick Harrison and Chumlee were spotted filming a new episode at Stadium Swim pool, where the duo met up for another mystery pawn deal. What exactly was changing hands is still under wraps, but fans can expect to find out when the episode airs this fall. The Pawn Stars crew, along with producer Tracy Whittaker, took over Circa CEO Derek Stevens’ cabana known as the Owner’s Cabana, grabbing some food and cooling off with some colorful drinks, all while filming the ending of their scene. They were definitely having fun and laughing about something. The Stadium Swim team had them well taken care of; even Circa Executive Richard Wilk was on hand to make sure everything went smoothly. They have every right to enjoy themselves because this is their 20th season of Pawn Stars, and they have filmed over 750 episodes since 2009. For a series to run that long and for that many episodes, it’s become a huge part of Las Vegas and gives people visiting a chance to meet their favorite characters from the show. Pawn Stars has built a longstanding relationship with Circa and the D Casino, resulting in several cameos over the years, making Derek’s casino properties a familiar backdrop for the show.
Of course, Vegas wouldn’t be Vegas without the UFC. When UFC takes over T-Mobile Arena, the energy downtown gets another level of intensity, but this time some of the UFC’s most recognizable ladies were stirring up the energy on a night out at Barry’s. UFC ring girls Arianny Celeste, Chrissy Blair, Brookliyn Wren, and Red Dela Cruz were spotted dining together for a girls’ night out. Chef Barry himself cooked for the group, capping off the evening with a photo that was an instant highlight.
That’s what is so magical about Circa Resort and Barry’s Downtown Prime; celebrity sightings don’t necessarily feel like a special event. They’re simply part of the downtown Vegas experience. One night it could be a celebrity grabbing dinner, an athlete stopping in for a drink, or a familiar face from a legendary Las Vegas show walking through the casino. For locals who know where to look, Circa continues to be one of downtown’s best bets for great food, big Vegas energy and the possibility that the next person walking through the door might be someone famous.
