A Local's Las Vegas
In the five or so years since I’ve been here, I’ve learned to appreciate Las Vegas — its variety, the mix of people, great restaurants, the easy access to entertainment and we don’t even mind the climate.
Since so many of you come here to see Tom, I thought I’d share some of our favorite people and places and link you to some interesting attractions in case you want to do a bit of exploring between shows. I’ve linked to many of the places I talk about so it’s easier for you to check them out.
If you have anything to add, please do and, if you choose to go someplace we recommend based on our recommendation, please let us know what you thought of it. We’ll be adding more very often.
And, to stay up-to-date with the local community — especially if you are considering a move here — check out Vegas Community Online. Our friend Marleen Marino has the best community site in the city — no cheesy gossip, just lots of news and columns that cover every facet of life here. Check it out!
— Ellen & Ursula
Restaurants and More Restaurants
Wednesday, March 8th, 2006There are more restaurants in Las Vegas than even the heartiest restaurant critic could visit. Our restaurant section starts small, but will grow by leaps and bounds. You will probably notice among the missing are restaurants specializing in pizza, Chinese food and bagels. They just don’t make ‘em here like they do back east. Of course, your additions and comments are welcome.
The best burgers on The Strip are at The Burger Bar at Mandalay Place where you can get delicious Oregon Kobe Beef burgers, all sorts of imported beer and the best sweet potato fries anywhere.
Also for great burgers and amazing bar-b-q, Lucille’s Smokeshouse Bar-B-Que in Henderson cannot be beat. The ribs are great, the barbeque chicken salad is amazing — we love everything about the place. Try to avoid weekends there but, if you have to wait, it’s worth it.
We like Fiamma for Italian food. They advertise it by saying, “Italian food so authentic you’d swear you were in New York.” Really. They also have amazing desserts and, if it’s just dessert you want, you can sit in the comfy chairs in the bar area and really relax. For casual dining, ‘wichcraft and the Grand Wok (for sushi) are good. Of course, nothing beats the hot dogs and fries at Nathan’s in the food court. That’s as good as you can get in Coney Island. Surprisingly, most of the restaurants close fairly early, so don’t dawdle after the show unless you want to eat in the less-than-wonderful Studio Café, the MGM’s 24/7 coffee shop.
For the best crepes in the city, visit La Creperie in Paris Las Vegas.
At Caesars Palace, right between the casino and the Forum Shops is Cypress Street Marketplace where you’ll find casual and pretty inexpensive dining. There’s a nice range of choices, excellent salads and everything’s fresh. Great lunch spot.
April 19th, 2006 at 3:56 pm
Across the street from the MGM Grand at the New York New York hotel there’s a restaurant open 24/7 that I thought was good. Well, the club sandwich I had was good and I felt the price was reasonable. I think it’s called “America”?
April 20th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Dana, it is called America and the menu is designed to offer a bit of all the cuisines found in this country — from bagels to quesedillas. Check out the menu at its website.