Vegas Baby!!!

[Surely]

I'm going to Las Vegas for the July 4th long weekend, and I thought I'd ask for some restaurant recommendations from my fellow Forumers. Usually I figure it out once we get there, but this time we're going to make reservations before we go.

Ideally, it would be great if the restaurant was in one of the hotels in the central strip, meaning from between Treasure Island/Winn Hotel down to New York New York/MGM Grand.

Price isn't an issue. I'm just looking for good food and a good time.

Thanks :cool:

[dmr727]

Head over to the Nine Fine Irishmen at the New York New York. Get a sausage pail (my favorite) or some bangers and mash. Good atmosphere, good music, and good food.

[rhett7660]

I will second the Nine Fine irishman. If you are into beer, NYNY also has Pour 24 which is 24 micro brew beers on tap. Good place.

If you are looking for steak, I like the Luxor steak house (I know it is not center strip but well worth it) and MGM's Emerill Cafe. I also really like the restaurant in The Mirage, can't remember the name.

I have more if need them. Me and the wife go about ever 3-4 months. Good times. Although we stay away during the summer. Too hot!

[Surely]

Thanks guys. I've been to the Nine Fine Irishmen, I agree with that recommendation.

Anything else?
A good Italian place? (meaning nothing with Wolfgang Puck's name on it)
A good sushi place? (I've been to Koi in Planet Hollywood, that was excellent)

[JNB]

Best steak on the Strip: The Steakhouse at Circus Circus. Seriously old-school (you fully expect Frank & Dean & Sammy to pop their heads up over in the next booth), all USDA Prime and aged, and almost worth a flight from PHX just for dinner. Don't let the crappiest casino in Vegas fool you. This place is worth it.

[spacepower7]

Without a doubt

Mon Ami Gabi

http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/paris-las-vegas/restaurants-dining/mon-ami-gabi-detail.html

located in Hotel Paris

Awesome food. Make a res asap for the outside patio around 8-9 pm stay till 11pm if you want.

It's right across from the Bellagio water fountain display. We stayed the for about 2.5 hours and it was incredible. The scallops are great then have a filet mignon perfecto :D

I have sent 4 different groups of friends there and they have all sent their friends there.

It was incredible food with an incredible view.

[Surely]

Without a doubt

Mon Ami Gabi

Thanks for your suggestion.

I looked on Yelp and found some very good reviews, so based on your recommendation and the reviews, I made a reservation for this Friday night. I'll post what I thought of the place after we eat there. The menu looks interesting, and it's been a while since I've been in any type of French restaurant (not since my last visit to Montreal).

They don't take reservations specifically for the patio- it's first come, first serve for that, even with reservations.


I can't wait to be there already.... I'll be there by this time tomorrow night. I need a vacation..... :D:D

[spacepower7]

I guess that we were walk-ins. We went and played roulette for about 20-30 minutes. They gave us a beeper but said not to go past a certain area. Insist that you want the patio. We even changed seats on the patio once after first being sat inside. It might depend on your party size?

Don't be afraid to ask for better seating, even if it means waiting a few extra minutes.

If you have to (last resort)
Then put up with the wait for a short while if they make you. Then be really nice and come say some sob story (last night with friend you haven't seen in years, hear it is the best, been there b4, etc...

There was a sushi place at Hotel Paris too, but the Mon Ami Gabi view is better.

[DeuceDeuce]

Ill be in Vegas all week starting on the 4th as well... Have fun man, I hope I do!

[Surely]

spacepower7: I could wait for outside, but they told me that on Friday night it could be a 1 to 1.5 hour wait for it, even with the reservations. I'll see what it's really like, and decide when we get there on what to do.

Ill be in Vegas all week starting on the 4th as well... Have fun man, I hope I do!

Right on, man! Thanks, I hope you have a great time too. You will- Vegas is great, it's so much fun there.

[Hdunlopclark]

If you want a great place to eat, get to harrahs and eat a toby keiths i love this bar and grill! it is a great atmosphere and they serve great burgers!

[Surely]

My trip to Vegas was excellent.

Mon Ami Gabi was outstanding. I will be going back there for dinner, and I highly recommend it to anyone. The Filet Mignon was fantastic. So was the chocolate mousse. Thanks, spacepower7.

Stay away from The Social House at TI. The food was mediocre, the portions small (and I don't mean compared to the Cheesecake Factory) and the service was awful. We didn't get menus until 20 minutes after we sat down and we didn't order for another 15 min. It wasn't even busy. It was expensive for what it was. And it was pretentious. Good looking hostesses/servers though....

Bare, the adults only pool at the Mirage was whatever. It's a small pool that has god-only-knows how many STDs floating around in it. A good place to see some boobies though.:D

The Mirage was nice, the pool was amazing, and the remodeled room was nice.

Thanks again for the recommendations.....

[maestro55]

http://www.ieatvegas.com/restaurants/rest574.html

So I am a nerd who loves buffets and this is probably the biggest one I have ever been to.

[Surely]

I brought this thread back from the dead!

I'm going back to Vegas this Thursday. Baby.

I made reservations at Mon Ami Gabi again- they will be 7 of us this time around. Thanks again for the awesome recommendation, spacepower7.

We're going to see Love on Saturday night.... I'm really looking forward to that.

Someone offered us ringside seats and passes for the UFC fight on Sat night, but we already had the Love tickets (apparently the UFC tix have a face-value of $10,000 each! :eek: No, I couldn't accept them and sell them, he'll be sitting in the other 2 seats). I'd rather see Love, I'm not a fan of UFC anyway, and I don't want to break away from the group I'm with. The reason for the trip is to spend time with everyone.

Any new restaurant recommendations from anyone that has been there recently?

Also, can anyone recommend a fun bar in the Mirage-Caesar's-Venetian-Wynn area (not in one of those hotels necessarily, just in the area)?

It's freakin' hot there. I can't wait to sit in the pool all day and sit in the casino all night!

[jecapaga]

I brought this thread back from the dead!

I'm going back to Vegas this Thursday. Baby.

I made reservations at Mon Ami Gabi again- they will be 7 of us this time around. Thanks again for the awesome recommendation, spacepower7.

We're going to see Love on Saturday night.... I'm really looking forward to that.

Someone offered us ringside seats and passes for the UFC fight on Sat night, but we already had the Love tickets (apparently the tix a face-value of $10,000 each! :eek: No, I couldn't accept them and sell them, he'll be sitting in the other 2 seats). I'd rather see Love, I'm not a fan of UFC anyway, and I don't want to break away from the group I'm with. The reason for the trip is to spend time with everyone.

Any new restaurant recommendations from anyone that has been there recently?

Also, can anyone recommend a fun bar in the Mirage-Caesar's-Venetian-Wynn area (not in one of those hotels necessarily, just in the area)?

It's freakin' hot there. I can't wait to sit in the pool all day and sit in the casino all night!

I'm thinking of going in the next couple months specifically to see Love so do report back on what you thought. I'm curious!

[Surely]

I'm thinking of going in the next couple months specifically to see Love so do report back on what you thought. I'm curious!

Will do.

I've heard nothing but amazing reviews about Love, so I'm expecting a great show.

They've got an awesome deal on tickets too..... buy one and get the second for $25! And they're really good seats too, they didn't just allocate crappy seats to this deal.

[jecapaga]

Will do.

I've heard nothing but amazing reviews about Love, so I'm expecting a great show.

They've got an awesome deal on tickets too..... buy one and get the second for $25! And they're really good seats too, they didn't just allocate crappy seats to this deal.

really? Where is this deal located, just through the normal hotel ticket site? That would definitely encourage me to get off my arse and book it with a deal like that.

[Surely]

^^^^ It's through the Mirage website. Click on the Love link, and you should see the "Bring a friend for $25" link.

However, I booked my tickets over the phone because I needed 7 tickets and I wanted to find out where the best location to sit is. The phone rep was very nice and helpful.

[InvalidUserID]

I'll third of fourth Mon Ami Gabi!

That is the place that actually got me hooked on hanger steak.

[Tomorrow]

Best steak on the Strip: The Steakhouse at Circus Circus. Seriously old-school (you fully expect Frank & Dean & Sammy to pop their heads up over in the next booth), all USDA Prime and aged, and almost worth a flight from PHX just for dinner. Don't let the crappiest casino in Vegas fool you. This place is worth it.

I have to second this, whole-heartedly. I recently wrapped up spending 2 weeks a month for 7 months in Vegas on business, and one of my associates and I made it a point to find some of the best restaurants in town, mostly by asking cabbies, dealers, etc. where to go.

Without a doubt, we got more recommendations for THE Steakhouse at the C2. After four different trips, we never caught them on a bad night. You should make a reservation the day before you go.

Canter's Deli in TI makes one of the best Reuben sandwiches I've ever had, and awesome matzo ball soup.

The best buffets in town, IMO, are at Paris and Bellagio. If you're not in the mood to wait, Planet Hollywood has one as well.

It's not the best sushi in town, but the Todai sushi buffet in PH is a great bargain. Better than most buffet sushi, but not quite as good as ordering fresh from the bar.

If you're looking for some cheap but good dinner, head downtown - Tony Roma's inside Fremont, or even better, downstairs inside Binion's is a great place to try, as well.

Our hotel was at the corner of Tropicana and Paradise, so we made a lot of visits to Bahama Breeze, McCormick & Schmick's, and Lawry's The Prime Rib - all are great, but can be found outside Vegas as well.

Enjoy your stay!

[Surely]

I'll third of fourth Mon Ami Gabi!

That is the place that actually got me hooked on hanger steak.

I think that I'm most excited for that meal more than any other we'll have there :D

Hooked! Even with a recommendation like that, I still don't think I'll go for the hanger steak :o. I'm leaning more towards the filet mignon or bone-in ribeye. And a nice spicy chianti.

I have to second this, whole-heartedly. I recently wrapped up spending 2 weeks a month for 7 months in Vegas on business, and one of my associates and I made it a point to find some of the best restaurants in town, mostly by asking cabbies, dealers, etc. where to go.

Without a doubt, we got more recommendations for THE Steakhouse at the C2. After four different trips, we never caught them on a bad night. You should make a reservation the day before you go.

Canter's Deli in TI makes one of the best Reuben sandwiches I've ever had, and awesome matzo ball soup.

The best buffets in town, IMO, are at Paris and Bellagio. If you're not in the mood to wait, Planet Hollywood has one as well.

It's not the best sushi in town, but the Todai sushi buffet in PH is a great bargain. Better than most buffet sushi, but not quite as good as ordering fresh from the bar.

If you're looking for some cheap but good dinner, head downtown - Tony Roma's inside Fremont, or even better, downstairs inside Binion's is a great place to try, as well.

Our hotel was at the corner of Tropicana and Paradise, so we made a lot of visits to Bahama Breeze, McCormick & Schmick's, and Lawry's The Prime Rib - all are great, but can be found outside Vegas as well.

Enjoy your stay!

Thanks!

I'll keep the Steakhouse at C2 in mind for next time- red meat is a once a week thing for me.

There's a Canter's Deli here, and I don't go to it. I've been spoiled on Jewish deli from living in Toronto and visiting Montreal. The deli out here is just not as good. Canter's is good if you've never eaten at Centre Street Deli, Snowden, or Schwartz's Deli. The matzo ball soup is good at Canter's, I'll definitely give them that! Oy vey!

I've heard great things about those buffets. One day, I'll go to one of them, but the group of us just aren't buffet people. Now if there was an alcohol buffet....... :D

I think someone made reservations at Kokomo's in the Mirage for one of the nights. They told me good things about that place, so hopefully they are right!

Now we just need to figure out dinner for one more night......


Still hoping for a cool bar recommendation......:cool:

[Tomorrow]

Still hoping for a cool bar recommendation......:cool:

Try VooDoo Lounge on the roof of Rio, Margaritaville overlooking the Strip at Flamingo, or head on up to the top of the Stratosphere tower for a great view of the city. Surprisingly, that lounge usually isn't as busy as you'd think.

[Surely]

Try VooDoo Lounge on the roof of Rio, Margaritaville overlooking the Strip at Flamingo, or head on up to the top of the Stratosphere tower for a great view of the city. Surprisingly, that lounge usually isn't as busy as you'd think.

I've been to Voodoo... decent place, but we don't want to venture from the Mirage-Caesar's-Wynn-Venetian region of the strip. I haven't been to the Stratosphere- I'll put it on the list though.

Maybe Margaritaville though, that's pretty close.

I've heard that the piano bar at Harrah's is pretty cool. Someone I know told us to go there, so we're considering it.

I'm glad we're not leaving today- getting out of Los Angeles with all of the craziness going on would take forever.

[Tomorrow]

I've heard that the piano bar at Harrah's is pretty cool. Someone I know told us to go there, so we're considering it.


A few months ago they were remodeling it. It's a smallish place, especially for a piano bar, but it looks like it could be a lot of fun. If you're going to hang at Harrah's you could try Toby Keith's, too - it's enormous by comparison.

There are some pretty nice places at Wynn, but they're all so damn expensive (as is everything else there).

And the Pussycat Dolls lounge at Caesars looks pretty cool - there's even a gaming pit out in front, with stripper poles FTW!! :D

[Surely]

I'm thinking of going in the next couple months specifically to see Love so do report back on what you thought. I'm curious!

Well, here is my review of Love.

It was good, but not great.

The costumes were amazing, the sets were incredible, and the choreography was well done.

But the main Cirque stuff- the stunts and the acrobatics- was lacking. There seemed to be a lot of jumping around- they used a lot of trampolines. There was some very minor rope work, but nothing spectacular. There really wasn't anything in the show that made you think: "Wow! Did they just do that?!?"

It's not that the show was bad, it's just that I expected much, much more. I mean, the music was guaranteed to be good. I really thought that they would be able to do something really spectacular with everything else.

Now I'm not complaining just to complain. I still had a good time. I didn't walk out of the show thinking it sucked- it was still a fun experience, and I don't regret seeing it- but I'm glad that I got the tickets for a reduced price. I can see why they're doing that- the show wasn't even sold out on a Saturday night.

I saw Mystére around 10 years ago and thought that that show was far superior. I've heard that the show to see is "O" at the Bellagio. In retrospect, we should have seen that one.

I'd say....... 7.5/10. Mystére was a 9.5/10. I can only imagine what I would rate "O" based on what I've heard....

[rdowns]

Caesar's and Bally's have kick ass Sunday brunches.

[pooryou]

Just got back from Vegas. Had booked a room at The Mirage, but when we saw the 'remodeled' room we checked out and went across the street to the Venetian which is 10x nicer for not much more money. Unfortunately the Venetian had to give us three rooms before we got the actual 'view' we were paying for, but it was nice. Next time we will stay at The Palazzo.

Had never been to the Wynn, but decided to check it out and tried the buffet. The wait was ridiculous, took like 1 hour and I have no idea why because the line was not that long. However, the food was amazing, and very well presented.

The LOVE show at the Mirage was a lot of fun, I recommend checking it out. The only criticism I would give is it's not really that 'Beatles-focused' in general, it's Cirque with Beatles music and a few visual references here and there. Could have been better IMO but still enjoyable and well worth seeing. If you are tall like me though, try to get a seat where there are no seats in front of you.

[Jeffrosproto]

When I went to Vegas, thinking I could be cheap, I booked a room at the Circus Circus. I ordered pizza one nite, and boy, did I ever regret it.

[jecapaga]

Well, here is my review of Love.

It was good, but not great.

The costumes were amazing, the sets were incredible, and the choreography was well done.

But the main Cirque stuff- the stunts and the acrobatics- was lacking. There seemed to be a lot of jumping around- they used a lot of trampolines. There was some very minor rope work, but nothing spectacular. There really wasn't anything in the show that made you think: "Wow! Did they just do that?!?"

It's not that the show was bad, it's just that I expected much, much more. I mean, the music was guaranteed to be good. I really thought that they would be able to do something really spectacular with everything else.

Now I'm not complaining just to complain. I still had a good time. I didn't walk out of the show thinking it sucked- it was still a fun experience, and I don't regret seeing it- but I'm glad that I got the tickets for a reduced price. I can see why they're doing that- the show wasn't even sold out on a Saturday night.

I saw Mystére around 10 years ago and thought that that show was far superior. I've heard that the show to see is "O" at the Bellagio. In retrospect, we should have seen that one.

I'd say....... 7.5/10. Mystére was a 9.5/10. I can only imagine what I would rate "O" based on what I've heard....

Thanks for the review. Doesn't sound like I'll be trying to see it over another show if in town.

[Surely]

Just got back from Vegas. Had booked a room at The Mirage, but when we saw the 'remodeled' room we checked out and went across the street to the Venetian which is 10x nicer for not much more money. Unfortunately the Venetian had to give us three rooms before we got the actual 'view' we were paying for, but it was nice. Next time we will stay at The Palazzo.

Had never been to the Wynn, but decided to check it out and tried the buffet. The wait was ridiculous, took like 1 hour and I have no idea why because the line was not that long. However, the food was amazing, and very well presented.

The LOVE show at the Mirage was a lot of fun, I recommend checking it out. The only criticism I would give is it's not really that 'Beatles-focused' in general, it's Cirque with Beatles music and a few visual references here and there. Could have been better IMO but still enjoyable and well worth seeing. If you are tall like me though, try to get a seat where there are no seats in front of you.

Our room at the Mirage was really nice. Strange that yours wasn't. I could care less about the view. It matters for the first 5 seconds when you walk in, and then all that matters is that the room and bathroom are clean, the bed is comfy, the room gets nice and dark at night, and there isn't an adjoining door to another room. I thought that the Mirage covered all that and more- and my room was a good size. Don't get me started on the pool.......

I agree, LOVE could have definitely been better. I thought it was as Beatles-focused as you could get without losing the Cirque aspect. I thought that it needed MORE Cirque, not more Beatles. I'm still recommending against seeing it and going to see "O" instead.

Thanks for the review. Doesn't sound like I'll be trying to see it over another show if in town.

No worries, I'm sorry that it wasn't better. Ah well.....

[rhsgolfer33]

I'm still recommending against seeing it and going to see "O" instead.

Or even Mystére, for those who haven't seen it. Great, great show, pretty amazing and not nearly as expensive as the other Cirque shows if there aren't any deals. We had like 3rd row tickets and they were under $100 each.

I liked Burger Bar in The Shops at Mandalay Bay. Had a Kobe Beef and Foie Gras burger, pretty great. They have cheaper stuff as well, in case you're not in the market for a $32 burger (they have a $60 one as well, that includes truffle shavings and sauce). Joel Robuchon is excellent as well, if you've got big bucks to drop on a 3 Michelin star restaurant.

[Surely]

Or even Mystére, for those who haven't seen it. Great, great show, pretty amazing and not nearly as expensive as the other Cirque shows if there aren't any deals. We had like 3rd row tickets and they were under $100 each.

I liked Burger Bar in The Shops at Mandalay Bay. Had a Kobe Beef and Foie Gras burger, pretty great. They have cheaper stuff as well, in case you're not in the market for a $32 burger (they have a $60 one as well, that includes truffle shavings and sauce). Joel Robuchon is excellent as well, if you've got big bucks to drop on a 3 Michelin star restaurant.

Yeah, Mystére was amazing.

I've heard good things about Joel Robuchon..... it's on my list for next time!

There are some really good burger places here in LA as well.....

[rhsgolfer33]

Yeah, Mystére was amazing.

I've heard good things about Joel Robuchon..... it's on my list for next time!

There are some really good burger places here in LA as well.....

There are definitely some good burger places out here, but I don't think I'd order a $32 burger here. It seems like something more suited to doing in Vegas after numerous drinks and too much gambling.

Yeah, Robuchon does something like a 16 course at about $400, but has a nice 6 course as well that is around $200. Its definitely got the 3 Michelin star prices, but if you really enjoy good food it will be worth it.

[pooryou]

Our room at the Mirage was really nice. Strange that yours wasn't. I could care less about the view. It matters for the first 5 seconds when you walk in, and then all that matters is that the room and bathroom are clean, the bed is comfy, the room gets nice and dark at night, and there isn't an adjoining door to another room. I thought that the Mirage covered all that and more- and my room was a good size. Don't get me started on the pool.......


Actually we really enjoyed the view, hanging out in the room for a few hours at night before going to bed, it was spectacular to look at, we could even see the volcano eruption up close and personal on the one night we were there early enough. Even the guy who brought room service commented on the view.

As far as the Mirage room, the bathroom was TINY and when I tried to wash my hands it was either scalding hot or freezing cold, no matter how I adjusted it. No way was I willing to find out if the shower would be the same; that is just super annoying.

Also there is no real area to hang out, just a love seat and a desk chair crowded into an undersized room. The Venetian room really was many many times better for hardly any more money. If the Mirage room had been 1/4 the price then maybe that would be OK, but trying to charge prices for a 'luxury room' is a joke.