Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

I'm going for my first time Thursday- Monday.

What are the spots worth checking out. I plan on playing between 10/20 & 20/40. so I'm thinking the wynn, but this post is mostly for suggestions on steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc. so

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

Go to the N9NES Steakhouse in the Palms - Great steak and great scene. Always my first stop in Vegas.

Where are you staying?

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

Steakhouse: Craftsteak at MGM. Everything else is a step below. Bring money.

Club/Bar: Mix at Mandalay.

I'm jealous.....

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

Chimp - I'm staying at Mandalay (The Hotel) in 30 days. Mix is new right? What is the scene like - dance club or ultralounge?

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

Cheapovegas is not for the 20/40 crowd. Try the Mexican Place in Mandalay.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
Steakhouse: Craftsteak at MGM. Everything else is a step below. Bring money.

Club/Bar: Mix at Mandalay.

I'm jealous.....

[/ QUOTE ]

I ate at Craftsteak a month ago. Vastly overrated and the scene wasnt that great. The MGM is basically dead and as far as Vegas casinos go, is mediocre. Go to the Palms steakhouse or even to to Fix at the Bellagio. Fix is right next to Light - scenery is incredible and the food is just north of excellent.

And as far as "bring money," yes, that's generally a good idea at a Vegas restaurant. All the good ones are expensive.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

Just finished a week in LV...Found that the games at Wynn very serious (boring)...most fun with poker was at MGM.
Best meals we had were at Ceasars...Wolfgang Puck's joint and the Italian joint (forgot name) just a little further down. (They had a killer old vine Zinfandel on their wine list)

Best fun on trip was hitting the crap tables at Casino Royal...

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

I'm a big fan of the Border Grill in Mandalay but my friends think it's a dead scene. Anyone been to Bobby Flay's new place at Caesars?

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

I'd cream myself if I could go to Vegas, but alas, I am wearing expensive pants, so I can't afford to go.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm a big fan of the Border Grill in Mandalay but my friends think it's a dead scene.

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There have been several references in this thread to the "scene". As someone who is tragically unhip, the concept eludes me in reference to high-end dining. Maybe somebody can 'splain it to me.

Obviously, if you are throwing money around like a drunken Senator for bottle service, lap service, etc., the "scene" is critical. You need to be seen at the scene.

If I am putting out big bux for fine food, I want a dead scene. I want a nice table in luxurious surroundings, I want a professional staff sucking up to me, and I want enough peace and quiet to enjoy my meal and perhaps even some intelligent conversation.

If I want a scene, I go to Chi-Chi's or Chuck E. Cheese and tell them it's my birthday.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
If I am putting out big bux for fine food, I want a dead scene. I want a nice table in luxurious surroundings, I want a professional staff sucking up to me, and I want enough peace and quiet to enjoy my meal and perhaps even some intelligent conversation.

[/ QUOTE ]

Couldn't agree more, I would only be happy not to have any "sceners" there.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

I'll take a shot, even though I tend to get yelled at every time I post Vegas suggestions. Vegas is the place in the US where I spend the most time (out of my home town) - maybe outgrowing the usual tourist perspective makes you less of a good source for advice?

Binion's Ranch Steak house on 24th floor - take the glass elevator for a first class thrill rides. Great (!) prime rib, great views and don't worry too much about money - you're getting incredible value for your dollar in a trad. Vegas setting.

Osaka trad. Japaneese restaurant with tatami room (shoes off) - fab food, original ambience (it's been there for close to 30 years), really inexpensive Osaka Las Vegas

Best,

McMelchior (Johan)

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

Ben-

When my friends and I go to Vegas, we want to be constantly entertained. Most of us live in and around New York City and can get the superb food experience you mentioned any time we want (most of the great restaurants in Vegas started in NYC). So while Delmonico's or Prime have great steak, we prefer the slightly lower quality steak at the N9NES in exchange for the "scene". Hey, if it were possible, a few of my "crew" would have pizza delivered to the Crazy Horse every night for the ultimate food and entertainment experience!!!

Dining itinerary so far, Fix (Bellagio) on Thursday, N9NES (Palms) on Friday and Nobu (Hard Rock) on Sunday. I thought Mix might be an option for Saturday but the online reviews didn't look promising. Any other suggestions? [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

What about Ghost Bar?

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

I didn't think you could eat at Ghost. We usually bribe our way into Ghost or Rain after the N9NES.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

I just saw a thing on Travel Channel about Mesa Grill. Looks good though I've heard mixed reviews about the NYC one.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

Not much into the nightclub scene but as far as steaks go here is what I have expereienced:

Lawreys Prime Rib: Good stuff if you are in to prime rib. I am not a huge prime rib fan but it was very good. Comes with decent sides and even some Yorkshire pudding which is a nice touch.

Mortons: Very good steak. We had 6 people eating there and it cost $600 when all was said and done so it is by no means cheap. The steaks themselves are prices about what you would expect from a high end steak house but they really hit you on the wine and side dishes.

The steakhouse at the top of Binions (I think it is called The Ranch): A bit below Mortons but very good still. Not outrageously priced and the service is good. If you are in the Freemont Street area it is worth checking out.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

OP sounds like a 20-something. If you are, don't go downtown. Absolutely no reason unless you want to see what Vegas looked like when it sucked. If you're in desperate need of low limit craps or blackjack tables, they can be found on the strip.

And by "scene" we mean hustle and bustle, hot girls, good food, and a good vibe to go out. Sitting and enjoying a relaxing meal in peace and quiet while sipping expensive wine is what you do with your wife or girlfriend. That's not what you do with 8 guys in Vegas.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
don't go downtown

[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, come to think of it, why go to Vegas at all - after all a big chunk of it still "sucks" big time, right?

I'm sure there's WiFi at Club Med or Sandals so all you need to do is to bring your pals and your laptop and you can gamble 24/7 on the sites you already know while overdosing on free drinks and scantily clad babes in a seemless shiny corporately designed leasure environment.

That's what you think the OP wants, right?

Downtown Las Vegas is a @#$% piece of unique, living (and unfortunately) disappering Americana you won't find anywhere else in the world - as opposed to the Strip, computer designed and copied all over the Western World from West Palm Beach, Sun City to Macao.

Somehow Aldous Huxley comes to mind.

McMelchior (Johan)

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]

I ate at Craftsteak a month ago. Vastly overrated and the scene wasnt that great. The MGM is basically dead and as far as Vegas casinos go, is mediocre. Go to the Palms steakhouse or even to to Fix at the Bellagio. Fix is right next to Light - scenery is incredible and the food is just north of excellent.

And as far as "bring money," yes, that's generally a good idea at a Vegas restaurant. All the good ones are expensive.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry, but anyone who would compare the steak (note the singular) at FIX with the prime, dry-aged for 30+days bone-in steaks at CRaftsteak is uninformed to say the least. MGM sucks....agreed. Craftsteak's interior is nothing unique....agreed. But they have the highest quality beef in Vegas. And it's not close.

ps, FIX is a cool place. I agree. But its steak is nothing interesting.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

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Chimp - I'm staying at Mandalay (The Hotel) in 30 days. Mix is new right? What is the scene like - dance club or ultralounge?

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Ultra-loungy, with ultra-fine (and expensive) food. Great view and outside area with dancing too. Very cool. Unbelievable girls. Yum yum.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

Well said!

I'll take downtown over the strip any day.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]

Sorry, but anyone who would compare the steak (note the singular) at FIX with the prime, dry-aged for 30+days bone-in steaks at CRaftsteak is uninformed to say the least. MGM sucks....agreed. Craftsteak's interior is nothing unique....agreed. But they have the highest quality beef in Vegas. And it's not close.

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That's good to hear. My reservations are set for my next trip out.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

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If I want a scene, I go to Chi-Chi's or Chuck E. Cheese and tell them it's my birthday.

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This almost made me fall out of my chair. NH, sir.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

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Go to the N9NES Steakhouse in the Palms - Great steak and great scene. Always my first stop in Vegas.

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I just wanted to chime in with my support for this suggestion. N9NE is currently my favorite steakhouse in Vegas. I've been a couple times and each experience has been better than the previous one. Some of the best food I've ever tasted.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
What about Ghost Bar?

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Ghostbar looked like a pretty sweet club to be at, great view of the city, and there's really (to me) nothing like sitting outside when you're partying.

That said, I was there for the UB pre-WSOP party and got in free with my 3 buddies (none of whom have ever heard of UB I bet) and all the others. Seems like the kind of club people who want to throw around money would be catered to in, but the entire time I was there, I was thinking "man, this place needs to be bigger".

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

AVP-

Since you're Mr. All Vegas [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img], what have you heard about the Foundation Room at the top of Mandalay Bay? I know it's a private club except for Monday. Is it worth trying to scam a pass for a Saturday night, can this even be done?

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

I ate at Craftsteak a month ago. Vastly overrated and the scene wasnt that great. The MGM is basically dead and as far as Vegas casinos go, is mediocre. Go to the Palms steakhouse or even to to Fix at the Bellagio. Fix is right next to Light - scenery is incredible and the food is just north of excellent.

And as far as "bring money," yes, that's generally a good idea at a Vegas restaurant. All the good ones are expensive.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry, but anyone who would compare the steak (note the singular) at FIX with the prime, dry-aged for 30+days bone-in steaks at CRaftsteak is uninformed to say the least. MGM sucks....agreed. Craftsteak's interior is nothing unique....agreed. But they have the highest quality beef in Vegas. And it's not close.

ps, FIX is a cool place. I agree. But its steak is nothing interesting.

[/ QUOTE ]

Didn't intend to compare the food. Just comparing the entire experience. I'd rather have the food at Fix plus the scene over Craftsteak. The food at Craftsteak was good, as you said. Don't get me wrong. I just think 20-something guys are looking for an experience. Just my opinion.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
don't go downtown

[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, come to think of it, why go to Vegas at all - after all a big chunk of it still "sucks" big time, right?

I'm sure there's WiFi at Club Med or Sandals so all you need to do is to bring your pals and your laptop and you can gamble 24/7 on the sites you already know while overdosing on free drinks and scantily clad babes in a seemless shiny corporately designed leasure environment.

That's what you think the OP wants, right?

Downtown Las Vegas is a @#$% piece of unique, living (and unfortunately) disappering Americana you won't find anywhere else in the world - as opposed to the Strip, computer designed and copied all over the Western World from West Palm Beach, Sun City to Macao.

Somehow Aldous Huxley comes to mind.

McMelchior (Johan)

[/ QUOTE ]

Because there aren't slums anywhere else in the world? Just think for two seconds - do you think a guy who posts about steakhouses, clubs, and bars in Vegas has any interest in seeing the run-down part of Vegas? Downtown Vegas is depressing, not to mention incredibly boring. You enjoy yourself at Binion's. Maybe that's your thing.

If someone asked you for clubs, bars, and strip joints in NYC, would you send them to Harlem because of its culture? If you would, then you're doing the person who asked the question a disservice.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone been to Bobby Flay's new place at Caesars?

[/ QUOTE ]

Went there for Sunday brunch, and the food was quite good.

On that trip we also ate at Simon in the Hard Rock, China Grill at Mandalay Bay, and Hugo's Cellar at the Four Queens.

China Grill was tasty and also had a good vibe going.

We ate way too early at Simon to gauge the crowd, and I was disappointed with two of the three entrees (but not the sea bass I ordered) but I absolutely loved the soup and other appetizers.

Hugo's was like going into a time warp and eating in 1979. If you want to sample old school dining, check it out.

I need to write up that trip report.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
Best meals we had were at Ceasars...Wolfgang Puck's joint and the Italian joint (forgot name) just a little further down. (They had a killer old vine Zinfandel on their wine list)


[/ QUOTE ]

Do you mean Bertolini's? Right in the middle of the Appian Way shops with a dozen or so patio-style tables?

I have eaten there twice and highly enjoyed the food on both occasions.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Best meals we had were at Ceasars...Wolfgang Puck's joint and the Italian joint (forgot name) just a little further down. (They had a killer old vine Zinfandel on their wine list)


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Do you mean Bertolini's? Right in the middle of the Appian Way shops with a dozen or so patio-style tables?

I have eaten there twice and highly enjoyed the food on both occasions.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ya Bertollini's...artichoke appetizer nice...good value as well.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
I didn't think you could eat at Ghost. We usually bribe our way into Ghost or Rain after the N9NES.

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no need to bribe. run a big bill and they'll let you on the elevator directly up to ghost bar. if you don't get a reservation they also have the full menu at the bar, and will still let you right on the elevator up.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
AVP-

Since you're Mr. All Vegas [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img], what have you heard about the Foundation Room at the top of Mandalay Bay? I know it's a private club except for Monday. Is it worth trying to scam a pass for a Saturday night, can this even be done?

[/ QUOTE ]

if there's a house of blues in your city and you know someone who works there, could be possible. i have a friend who's a foundation room member in chicago and he's gotten to go to the one in vegas. that being said, monday's the best night.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
don't go downtown

[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, come to think of it, why go to Vegas at all - after all a big chunk of it still "sucks" big time, right?

I'm sure there's WiFi at Club Med or Sandals so all you need to do is to bring your pals and your laptop and you can gamble 24/7 on the sites you already know while overdosing on free drinks and scantily clad babes in a seemless shiny corporately designed leasure environment.

That's what you think the OP wants, right?

Downtown Las Vegas is a @#$% piece of unique, living (and unfortunately) disappering Americana you won't find anywhere else in the world - as opposed to the Strip, computer designed and copied all over the Western World from West Palm Beach, Sun City to Macao.

Somehow Aldous Huxley comes to mind.

McMelchior (Johan)

[/ QUOTE ]

Because there aren't slums anywhere else in the world? Just think for two seconds - do you think a guy who posts about steakhouses, clubs, and bars in Vegas has any interest in seeing the run-down part of Vegas? Downtown Vegas is depressing, not to mention incredibly boring. You enjoy yourself at Binion's. Maybe that's your thing.



[/ QUOTE ]

Those who need to be entertained (as opposed to those capable of entertaining themselves) will find downtown Vegas depressing and boring. (I remember some self-help guru saying that if you are bored, it is because you are boring, but that is a whole other can of worms.)

The "scene" scene in Vegas is but a small part of the spectrum that the gambling and entertainment world have to offer. Those whose interests are limited to that narrow slice of life are looking for outside stimuli to entertain them while they themselves remain basically (intellectually) passive. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with the "scene", I'm saying that people who want nothing else are leading a narrow life. Space Mountain is a fun but passive experience. Hiking in the mountains is a fun and active experience. I recommend both.

It is difficult for me to imagine that anyone interested in playing poker is not interested in the history and traditions of the game. I read TOP and HOH and the rest, but I also read T.J. and others, as much for the stories as for the strategy.

Downtown Vegas is living history. Like much of our history, it is slowly being eroded away by bigger forces. I urge anyone who can to get down there as soon as possible, and to open your mind to the sights and sounds. And the ghosts.

Reading today's news, it struck me that anyone who has never been to Bourbon Street may never really be able to, although something surely will replace it. Anyone who similarly misses out on Glitter Gulch will be the poorer for it. As anyone who ever saw it before they built that stupid light show can testify.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
The "scene" scene in Vegas is but a small part of the spectrum that the gambling and entertainment world have to offer. Those whose interests are limited to that narrow slice of life are looking for outside stimuli to entertain them while they themselves remain basically (intellectually) passive. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with the "scene", I'm saying that people who want nothing else are leading a narrow life. Space Mountain is a fun but passive experience. Hiking in the mountains is a fun and active experience. I recommend both.


[/ QUOTE ]

Hmmm the scene is full of hot women and their equally hot friends! Getting laid is a "fun and active experience" and I highly recommend it!

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
don't go downtown

[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, come to think of it, why go to Vegas at all - after all a big chunk of it still "sucks" big time, right?

I'm sure there's WiFi at Club Med or Sandals so all you need to do is to bring your pals and your laptop and you can gamble 24/7 on the sites you already know while overdosing on free drinks and scantily clad babes in a seemless shiny corporately designed leasure environment.

That's what you think the OP wants, right?

Downtown Las Vegas is a @#$% piece of unique, living (and unfortunately) disappering Americana you won't find anywhere else in the world - as opposed to the Strip, computer designed and copied all over the Western World from West Palm Beach, Sun City to Macao.

Somehow Aldous Huxley comes to mind.

McMelchior (Johan)

[/ QUOTE ]

Because there aren't slums anywhere else in the world? Just think for two seconds - do you think a guy who posts about steakhouses, clubs, and bars in Vegas has any interest in seeing the run-down part of Vegas? Downtown Vegas is depressing, not to mention incredibly boring. You enjoy yourself at Binion's. Maybe that's your thing.



[/ QUOTE ]

Those who need to be entertained (as opposed to those capable of entertaining themselves) will find downtown Vegas depressing and boring. (I remember some self-help guru saying that if you are bored, it is because you are boring, but that is a whole other can of worms.)

The "scene" scene in Vegas is but a small part of the spectrum that the gambling and entertainment world have to offer. Those whose interests are limited to that narrow slice of life are looking for outside stimuli to entertain them while they themselves remain basically (intellectually) passive. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with the "scene", I'm saying that people who want nothing else are leading a narrow life. Space Mountain is a fun but passive experience. Hiking in the mountains is a fun and active experience. I recommend both.

It is difficult for me to imagine that anyone interested in playing poker is not interested in the history and traditions of the game. I read TOP and HOH and the rest, but I also read T.J. and others, as much for the stories as for the strategy.

Downtown Vegas is living history. Like much of our history, it is slowly being eroded away by bigger forces. I urge anyone who can to get down there as soon as possible, and to open your mind to the sights and sounds. And the ghosts.

Reading today's news, it struck me that anyone who has never been to Bourbon Street may never really be able to, although something surely will replace it. Anyone who similarly misses out on Glitter Gulch will be the poorer for it. As anyone who ever saw it before they built that stupid light show can testify.

[/ QUOTE ]

All I'm saying is know your freaking audience. No one posting about wanting to go to clubs and bars has any interest in downtown Vegas (nor does downtown Vegas have anything of note to offer in that regard). Whether or not they can entertain themselves by walking aroun downtown Vegas is completely irrelevant.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

[ QUOTE ]
Since you're Mr. All Vegas , what have you heard about the Foundation Room at the top of Mandalay Bay? I know it's a private club except for Monday. Is it worth trying to scam a pass for a Saturday night, can this even be done?

[/ QUOTE ]

Foundation room used to be a hot spot (late 90's, early 2000's), but frankly it's not what it once was.

The quality of the dining room has declined (I don't even know if they still serve dinner up there). Also, practically anyone can get into the joint by dropping a few bucks these days.

Back in the day the Foundation room really had an exclusive vibe that set it apart from other Vegas clubs. These days, it's not even as nice as the "public" clubs. I would rather go to Ghost Bar.

Re: Vegas pop my cherry ... steakhouses, clubs, bars, etc, comedy
 

Beats me who is best - I've only eaten in a few. But Delmonico's at the Venetian was excellent, and I am one picky bastard when it comes to calling steakhouses excellent.

Get the lobster bisque and split the lamb with someone who orders the filet mignon. You want both, but 60% of the lamb. For a medium price wine get the Ridge Lytton Springs 2002 zinfandel, or better the Ridge Geyserville if they have it. Best to get JA Sucker to go with you, but don't bet on the check if he calls out the wine price, dude cost me $200. Also just split everything with Boris. Oh and invite felson. He carries $20s. Very convenient.

Matt