Suggestions for restaurants in Las Vegas needed

[AZSpeechCoach]

At the Las Vegas Premium Outlets (North of the Strip at Charleston and Grand Central) there is a Makino's restaurant. All you can eat sushi and other Asian themed food. Prices are VERY reasonable for what you get. The staff and a majority of the customers look like Mrs. SpeechCoach, so I know that it is a great place. I took a couple of students there last weekend, and they enjoyed the food (although one of them freaked out at seeing me eat crab legs).

Also, The Wynn Buffet is amazing. For what you pay, it better be good, and it is.

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by rjolley

Bally's Sunday buffet

Don't be a fool.

If you want to do a Sunday buffet, you have to make the right call. Bally's is not that call, but even if it's free.

Your best choices for Sunday brunch buffet are, more or less in order:

Paris
Wynn
Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood
Bellagio


I personally like the Wynn best of all, but that's including ambiance and atmosphere a fair bit. The line for the Paris buffet was long, and the service was horrid (rude people, it was just like being in France!) but their food is probably the best of the lot and the Sunday brunch is the high point. Spice Market has a wide range of offerings and is all high quality, but I think it has probably been lapped by the top two on that list. Bellagio is very good, but overpriced relatively speaking.

Don't eat at Bally's. Honestly. You can get a piece of burnt ham steak with a canned pineapple ring on it back home.

[rjolley]

Ok, I have to ask:

Why would someone freak out at the sight of you eating crab legs?

Looking at the review, it sounds good. Don't know if I'll be able to sell the wife on a sushi buffet. We'll stop by and check it out at least.

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by rjolley

Bumping this thread for suggestions.

We don't mind them being off the strip as we'll have a rental and we are not staying on the strip anyway.

I am a really big fan of the excellent $15 entree (as opposed to the overdone $60 entree, which is very common inside the casinos) and here are two suggestions for off the strip"

Lebanese/Mediterranean
http://www.hedarys.com/docs/LasVegas_Main.htm

Thai/Chinese
http://www.jasminethaigourmet.com/

These are both excellent, family-run restaurants, maybe 10-15 minutes off the strip, likely an easy jump from a rental in the are.

[rjolley]

What's the problem with Bally's? How long ago did you go there?

Everyplace I've seen has given it good reviews, outside of price.

Oh, wait, are you talking about Bally's Big Kitchen Buffet or Bally's Sterling Sunday Brunch? The latter is the one I'm referring to, with unlimited champagne, lobster, and other dishes not expected on a regular buffet. According to the review of the former, I think that's the one you're talking about.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by oliegirl

There is an Italian place in the Venetian that is amazing...have no idea what it's called though

Where are you guys staying?

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it's called Canaletto.

Yep, Canaletto is great. Had dinner there on Friday with Lathum and MollyMurphy. Very authentic Italian, and the prices were normal restaurant prices, not inflated on-the-strip prices. I think appetizers, main courses and bottle of wine for the three of us was around $100.

Originally Posted by st.cronin

A couple of people in our group on the last trip had sushi at this place in Mandalay Bay, and said it was quite good. I don't know the name of it, though.

JPop is the name of the sushi place in Mandalay Bay. It is right on the casino floor, and shares space with a bar/lounge. It is good, but really pricey. Two pieces of standard sushi was $12.

[rjolley]

Thanks QS. The Thai/Chinese place will almost definitely make the list. The Mediterranian will possibly make it as well.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it's called Canaletto.

that's the one. Cartman, myself and my wife ate there Friday night and it was excellent.

My wife and SIL really enjoyed the Sushi place in Mandalay Bay as well.

If you guys like Mexican and want something a little more casual Diablo in front of the Monte Carlo was really good.

[rjolley]

Anyone tried or heard about Ra in the Fashion Mall?

And since I have your attention, any recommendations on shows to see? So far, we have Damon Wayans and Zoomanity. We may try O and/or Ka.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by rjolley

Anyone tried or heard about Ra in the Fashion Mall?

And since I have your attention, any recommendations on shows to see? So far, we have Damon Wayans and Zoomanity. We may try O and/or Ka.

We saw Blue Man Group. It was really good but there were a few parts that it dragged but if you like percussion it was excellent.

[rjolley]

That's one that crossed our mind, but didn't make the final list.

What about the drag queen shows? Are they any good?

Also, are there any ways to get discounts for tickets? Sales pitches are ok for one, as long as we'll actually get the tickets when we say no.

[AZSpeechCoach]

Originally Posted by rjolley

Ok, I have to ask:

Why would someone freak out at the sight of you eating crab legs?

Looking at the review, it sounds good. Don't know if I'll be able to sell the wife on a sushi buffet. We'll stop by and check it out at least.

Let's just say that my student has led a very sheltered life. She also freaked out going over Hoover Dam.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by rjolley

That's one that crossed our mind, but didn't make the final list.

What about the drag queen shows? Are they any good?

Also, are there any ways to get discounts for tickets? Sales pitches are ok for one, as long as we'll actually get the tickets when we say no.

there are discount priced same day ticket booths in 5 locations in the city, at 10:30 it shows what tickets are available and they go on sale at 11:00. The line was pretty long so I would get there early.


http://www.tix4tonight.com/

the site says they open at 10:00 but IIRC it was 11:00

[rjolley]

Thanks Lathum. We may try that one day.

[gkb]

Originally Posted by rjolley

Anyone tried or heard about Ra in the Fashion Mall?

And since I have your attention, any recommendations on shows to see? So far, we have Damon Wayans and Zoomanity. We may try O and/or Ka.

My wife and I saw Ka the last time we were in Vegas, and it was good. We enjoyed Mystere more though.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by gkb

My wife and I saw Ka the last time we were in Vegas, and it was good. We enjoyed Mystere more though.

+1 on Mystere over Ka. Avenue Q is a lot of fun. Blue Man Group is great if you've never seen it before.

[hoopsguy]

Originally Posted by AZSpeechCoach

Also, The Wynn Buffet is amazing. For what you pay, it better be good, and it is.

Agreed - I did this on the last day of my trip earlier this year. I wish I had found it earlier, as it world's better than the adequate buffet at Treasure Island (where we stayed). Almost twice as expensive (I think it was close to $30 for Wynn) but worth it.

[AZSpeechCoach]

Originally Posted by hoopsguy

Agreed - I did this on the last day of my trip earlier this year. I wish I had found it earlier, as it world's better than the adequate buffet at Treasure Island (where we stayed). Almost twice as expensive (I think it was close to $30 for Wynn) but worth it.

Lily and I were at the Wynn Memorial Day weekend to see Spamalot. We decided to eat at the Buffet. It was the special Holiday Price of $38, but there were king crab legs and massive choices. Not to mention the chocolate tart with gold leaf decoration. I need to convince her to go back at some point. For what we spent at the Wynn Buffet, we could have had a single entree at another comparable restaurant.

[Glengoyne]

I'd second the Wynn Buffet, Hedary's, and Mystere (just one of my favorites)

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

Yes, you can. I've had a couple bad meals in Vegas hotels before. Not many, but a couple. (Mexican place that may or may not still be there in NY/NY, and the one of the Chinese eateries in Mandalay - BAD).

Mandalay-Shanghai Lilly or Noddle Shop?
NY/NY-Gonzalez Y Gonzalez

Vegas will be getting a second wave in the two or three years with all the new properties that are opening soon (The Palazzo started this wave) and the restaurants that will come with that.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Logan

I'm anti-Ruth's Chris in general.

As for Sushi, Nobu always works. Hard Rock I think.

Pretty much every property has a sushi joint now, I think.

[Carrot Top]

I don't know where you're dining, but make sure to see me perform at the Luxor, kthxbai.

[Marmel]

Mystere is the best of the Circue shows, IMO. Even better than O. I got 1/2 price tix at the booth near the big Coke bottle, walked up to TI and secured 1st row seats just off to the side. You really can't beat that. Social House in TI was pretty cool as well. We made a night of it at TI once, and even won a hundred bucks on some powerball slots.

If you are into bizarre humor, go see The Amazing Jonathan. He was at the Sahara, but I think he is at Planet Hollywood now. I am in a very small minority I realize, but it is the best show on the strip.

Call me crazy, but the one thing I absolutly love about Vegas is the late night dining. I enjoy staying at the Orleans and they have a 24 hour restaurant that serves traditional fare as well as a full Chinese menu. It sits right in the middle of the casino, has a Keno runner and a quiet atmosphere, but it very reasonably priced. Some of my fondest memories of Vegas are hanging out with the wife, having a late night appetizer, a glass of wine, spending 20 bucks on Keno tickets and people watching. *shrug*

Having said all that, go to Piero's if you like Italian. Bring your wallet. http://www.pieroselvaggio.com/valent...as/default.asp

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Marmel

Some of my fondest memories of Vegas are hanging out with the wife, having a late night appetizer, a glass of wine, spending 20 bucks on Keno tickets and people watching. *shrug*

People watching in Vegas between 3:00-6:00 AM is awesome. There's a totally different breed of people that are out at that time of the night.

[Logan]

The first time I was in Vegas, I was most amazed by the amount of old people that I was walking along the sidewalks with at 5am as my friends and I were wasted.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Logan

The first time I was in Vegas, I was most amazed by the amount of old people that I was walking along the sidewalks with at 5am as my friends and I were wasted.

The old people likely had just got up to head to breakfast.

I'm always up early in Vegas anyway for financial reasons. There's a ton of college kids from California that drive into town late Friday night and head straight to the poker table for an all-nighter so they don't have to pay for a hotel room on Friday. I usually get to the poker room around 6:00 AM on Saturday. By that time, they're tired and full of free booze from their overnight stay in the poker room. I've paid for a couple of my trips just by playing poker on a Saturday morning and hanging out with a bunch of college kids.

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Mandalay-Shanghai Lilly or Noddle Shop?
NY/NY-Gonzalez Y Gonzalez

Vegas will be getting a second wave in the two or three years with all the new properties that are opening soon (The Palazzo started this wave) and the restaurants that will come with that.

Shanghai Lily. Vileness.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

The old people likely had just got up to head to breakfast.

I'm always up early in Vegas anyway for financial reasons. There's a ton of college kids from California that drive into town late Friday night and head straight to the poker table for an all-nighter so they don't have to pay for a hotel room on Friday. I usually get to the poker room around 6:00 AM on Saturday. By that time, they're tired and full of free booze from their overnight stay in the poker room. I've paid for a couple of my trips just by playing poker on a Saturday morning and hanging out with a bunch of college kids.

That's not a bad strategy. Any of them decent looking girls? If I find any, I'll offer them my room for a nap before they get the fuck out.

[cartman]

If you aren't tied to a place on the Strip, there is The Salt Lick BBQ at the Red Rocks Station Casino about 20 minutes away from the Strip. It is a replica of the BBQ place by my house, and it is all you can eat. I haven't been to the one in Vegas yet, but from what I've been told, they have successfully replicated the cooking process.

[rjolley]

Hmmm, texas BBQ in Vegas. That would be worth the trip off the Strip.

And no, we are definitely not tied to dining on the Strip. Actually, I would like to dine off the Strip at least three times to pay a reasonable price for the meal.

[Coffee Warlord]

Ya know, I found the ribs there kind of tough. (at Red Rocks)

The other meals there ARE quite good, though. Just be leary of the ribs.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

Shanghai Lily. Vileness.

Interesting to note.

[Galaxy]

Any one been to any of the "Big Four" (Five-Diamond, extremely expensive) restaurants: Guy Savoy, Alex, Picasso, or Joel Robuchon?

[Galaxy]

Bump for the buffet seekers.

[hoopsguy]

Originally Posted by gkb

Alize...one of the best meals I've ever had.

Heading there tonight. It will have to be off-the-charts good to top the meal we had at Delmonico's last night.

[gkb]

Originally Posted by hoopsguy

Heading there tonight. It will have to be off-the-charts good to top the meal we had at Delmonico's last night.

I hope it doesn't disappoint.

[BYU 14]

There is this little Italian place tucked away in the Stratosphere, name escapes me, but it was exceptional.

[hoopsguy]

Originally Posted by gkb

I hope it doesn't disappoint.

Disappoint is not the right word, but it was not as good as Delmonico's the night before. The food at Alize was really, really good. The staff was friendly and outside of taking a little too long to get the soup out (maybe 25-30 minutes?) I did not have any complaints there. The wine was good, but not great and I was hoping for great when asking for a recommendation from the sommelier. The bigger issues were the parties around us being kind of loud and definitely uninteresting. Two hours is a long time to have to listen to people that you do not like. That is not on Alize, but it does shape our experience nonetheless.

Anyone who goes here should definitely request a window seat. The view is unbelievable.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by hoopsguy

The food at Alize was really, really good. The staff was friendly and outside of taking a little too long to get the soup out (maybe 25-30 minutes?) I did not have any complaints there. The wine was good, but not great and I was hoping for great when asking for a recommendation from the sommelier. The bigger issues were the parties around us being kind of loud and definitely uninteresting. Two hours is a long time to have to listen to people that you do not like. That is not on Alize, but it does shape our experience nonetheless.

Anyone who goes here should definitely request a window seat. The view is unbelievable.

I wonder how Alize compares to Andre's Restaurant at the Monte Carlo. Both are run by Vegas chef Andre Rochat (who also had a downtown restaurant before closing it not too long ago).

One thing I really like about Vegas is they are able to keep the element of high-end dining alive and thriving. Just the number of top-shelf French restaurants alone is amazing.