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AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY
Yes!All American Bar and Grille
Rio Hotel. Tel: 702-247-7923
I haven't been in that place in several months but the last time I checked it it was very good. I had one of their baked potatoes, a spud so large I couldn't finish it. The ambience is great too. A little bit pricey, especially when it comes to dinners. The menu features steaks, seafood and salads.
No!America
at theNewYork-NewYork, corner of Tropicana and the Strip. 702 740 6451
see detailed review.See detailed review
Yes!Bahama Breeze
375 Hughes Center Drive (corner of Flamingo and Paradise), 731-3252
Another excellent restaurant BUILDING at the Hughes Center (see Cozymel's) - like an old corrugated aircraft hanger in the tropics, overgrown with vegetation, palm trees inside, a water feature, and an outdoor patio where I am waiting for the right season to go to and have a few. Actually, the food is pretty good too. There's some "jerk" this and "Cuban" that on the menu, but it is all Americanized to me, so don't worry about being challenged. Oh, don't forget the pizzas. Count on a big variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and meat dishes. Add some fancy tropical drinks and about 50 beers to choose from, and you'll find something you like no matter what.
Burger Bar
in the walkway connecting Mandalay Bay and the Luxor.
Upscale burger joint with upscale pricing. A veggie burger and a beer set me back $12, tip not included. Unfortunately, if you are hungry there are no choices that are less expensive.
Yes!California Pizza Kitchen
at the Golden Nugget on Fremont St, downtown Las Vegas. 385-7111.
See what this world has come to? I now list a restaurant that has the word pizza in it's name under American food. They also serve salads and sandwiches. This is part of a chain out of Southern California. There is a branch at The Mirage also. Their food is very good, the pizzas are delicious and the price is very moderate for what you get. I like their food.
Yes!Canal Street
at The Orleans, 702-365-7111.
Upscale featuring steaks and prime rib. Has a fireplace and other cozy interior accents. Nice room, nice food, fairly expensive.
Yes!Caribe Cafe
at the Mirage hotel, next to Treasure Island on the strip. 791-7111.
This is the Mirage coffee shop. Decent enough as coffee shops go. But here is a little trick I use from time to time. When you spot a long line of customers at the entrance walk right in past everyone. There is a large counter in the rear. There is also a very decent Chinese restaurant way in back of the regular coffee shop. Lots of times they have seats available. In fact, the Chinese place also has a counter that has room when everything else is filled up. They serve good Dim Sum. None of it vegetarian though.
Yes!Carrows
4680 S. Maryland Parkway. Across the street from UNLV. Tel: 702-736-6908
Decent enough American style coffee shop. A bit on the pricey side. I paid $8 for a salad topped with some sliced, broiled chicken. Nevertheless, I give it a good mark, it is the only decent restaurant anywhere around there.
Yes!The Cheesecake Factory
at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. 792-6888.
A huge selection of cheesecakes and regular lunch and dinner items. They have "in mall al fresco" dining. Can we coin a new word here? How about "al mallco"? Anyway, the food is pretty good, the cheesecakes are very good and not that expensive
No!Coffee Cup Cafe
558 Nevada Highway, Boulder City.
See detailed review
This location recently closed and the operation was moved five or six doors north on the same side of the street to another coffee shop location. They are now in the spot formerly occupied by the "Happy Days" diner.
If you want good coffee go to Milo's next door. If you want some watered down dreck stay at this place. They have what is probably the worst cup of coffee anywhere. Their hot cakes are also lousy. I have never befor experienced chewy and tough hot cakes.
Yes!Creekside Restaurant
at Boulder Creek Golf Club, Boulder City
This restaurant has been through the wringer in its short life. Why is golf course food invariably bad?
No!Emeril's New Orleans Fish House
At the MGM Grand
It could well be I caught them off guard or on a bad day. The meal we received for the money we paid was definitely not up to snuff. I had the soup of the day (lobster bisque) $8. and my friend had the Emeril Salad $10. which turned out to be tossed greens with croutons etc. As an entree I had the BBQ salmon which I had ordered because I thought it was a novel idea. It was accompanied by Brabant potatoes. Good, but not earth shaking. That plate cost me $26. As I said good but hardly worth the money. My friend's special of the day was a portobello mushroom on top of linguine with ratatouille. That was even less than special, it was just odd. For $75 for two, you expect more. We have to keep in mind the location of this restaurant. I would have to think rents in that location are not cheap. But any other restaurant in the MGM is pricier -- you would be lucky to get away with $40 for an entree. The others have menus pushing $300, with the ubiquitous Kobe beef and diver scallops. Makes me wonder if they do it all in a central kitchen and cart it over to whichever restaurant. I would love to give the others a try, but even as a restaurant reviewer I can't bring myself to shell out that amount for a meal. I don't have a big conglomerate behind me -- my meals are paid for by me. Just like you. I know there are people who spend hundreds of bucks for a meal, but I will stick to reviewing restaurants that most of us can afford. I see their menus and I read their menus. Grandiose descriptions all of them. The devil is in the preparation (to paraphrase a well known architect.).
No!The Garden Cafe
Harrah's Hotel on the Strip. Tel: 702-369-5084.
Unlike Harrah's in Reno, which I enjoy very much, this place has poor food and poor service. I do not recommend it. And besides, just a regular coffee shop menu.
Yes!Hard Rock Cafe
in front of the Hard Rock Hotel, 4475 Paradise Rd. 733-8400.
Regular coffee shop fare with some specialties of the Hard Rock people mixed in. The menu is almost identical to the one of the Hard Rock in Berlin, Germany. And don't forget to look at all the rock memorabilia. I can't shake the feeling that these Hard Rock Cafes are somewhat overpriced.
No!Las Vegas Club
18 Fremont St. Tel: 702-385-1664
Very simple food, even below normal coffee shop standards. Best to avoid unless money is a problem. see health dept. report
OKLe Bistro Cafe
1312 Nevada Hwy., Boulder City 293-7070
You'll be surprised to find this excellent restaurant in little Boulder City, with big-city quality. The chef here knows how to put flavor into food. Small restaurant in a little strip mall with the kitchen open to the dining room and the menu written on a blackboard. There are always good fish specials and flavorful pasta dishes, and a small but high quality selection of wines.The locals know that this is one place in town where you won't get a disappointing meal, so the place is packed on weekends and you may have to wait for a table. Or you could show up after 8 when the people of Boulder City are heading home for the night. Entrees priced above and below $20.
No!Lucky's Cafe
Stratosphere Hotel close to Sahara and the Strip. Tel: 702-380-7711.
Another typical Las Vegas style themed coffee shop. Extensive menu that is lacking in execution. Still, if you are staying at the Stratosphere there is really nothing out there that is close and of better quality. So, you are stuck.
OKMargaritaville
in the Flamingo Hotel 3555 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Listen up all you parrotheads! Grab your sandals, shorts and flowered shirts and head down to this here place. Strictly fun. With a capital F. Three bars (at last count), two of them overlooking the strip. They are on decks second and third floor. How cool is that? They have island fare (West Indies) and some American stuff too. Entertainment with guys and gals on stilts doing their thing amongst the diners. A volcano with human sacrifice (during dinner) etc. More fun than Rumjungle (Mandalay Bay) or Rainforest (MGM). They also have a small stage for a band. I paid $13.95 for jerk chicken which turned out to be very good. My friend (the vegetarian) had the Gardenburger with a portobello mushroom burger set-up. Also very good. Nothing to complain about there considering the amenities. Drinks are VERY expensive. $7 for a margarita that can be had anywhere in town for $3 to $4 But then again; you are in the high rent district and you are getting FREE entertainment to boot.
OKMr. Lucky's
In the Hard Rock Hotel, corner of Paradise and Harmon.
Just the opposite of the above named restaurant. Friendly, clean, inexpensive.
No!Mahoney's Silver Nugget
North Las Vegas Bl.
Lousy See detailed review
No!Mimi's Cafe
1121 S. Fort Apache, 702-341-0365
Part of a chain of eateries out of California. Let me be succinct. Cute decor and lots of it, popular pricing, huge portions and mediocre quality. There you have it in a nutshell. You would actually be better off at a Denny's, Blueberry Hill or similar.see health dept. report
Yes!Nectar
at the Bellagio. 702-693-7223.
When you hear Bellagio you hear expensive. I mean really expensive. I checked some of their places recently and found dinners at $280, another place offered a bowl of soup at $80 etc.etc. Same for this restaurant. The average entree runs over $20. Lots of microbrews, specialty cocktails. raw shellfish and so forth. There is also smoked prime rib. Very unique. The chef is John Schenk. Dinner only.
Yes!Nob Hill
at the MGM Grand, 702-891-3110.
Dishes from the Bay area such as abalone and King salmon are available. Try the pear crisp. Very expensive.
Yes!Planet Hollywood
at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. 791-7827.
Just like any of the other P.H. restaurants that can be found around the country. The food is surprisingly good! And the price is right too. Give it a try. I think this one might stay open (in contrast to many others that have been forced to close). see health dept. report
OKPeppermill Inn
Across the street from Circus Circus, a little farther south.
I was in Las Vegas when this place first opened and look both of us are still here. It is still the same cute old decor and the same good food and good pricing. You should drop in and watch the flames shoot out of the table in the bar.
Yes!Postrio
The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Hotel. 702-7961110.
That master chef Wolfgang Puck has done it again. This is his fourth venue in Las Vegas I believe. And they are all excellent. This one I could call American contemporary. Beef, fish and shellfish. Very expensive and very high quality. Open for lunch and dinner. Prior to their regular dinner that starts at 6 p.m. they serve what is called an "intermezzo" starting at 3:30. It could be called "between the acts" if you wish. Check it out, money permitting. See detailed review
No!Quark's Bar and Restaurant
at the Las Vegas Hilton (Star Trek, The Experience), Tel: 702-697-8725.
Someone somewhere had a brainstorm. Let's put up a restaurant like they have on Star Trek, let's give all the food real cutesy names and the suckers will come. Go ahead, try a Starfleet pasta or a Taxian turkey wrap. I have suggestions of my own: how about Bones short ribs and Scotty haggis? Or Captain Kirk's kielbasa? Just a mediocre restaurant at best. Open for lunch and dinner. see health dept. report
one of the best!Red, White and Blue
at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
A unique American style cafe and deli. Enter and turn left and you are in the deli,turn right and you are in the cafe. The food is excellent, albeit a little too pricey for my taste for what is really a glorified coffee shop. They have an extensive wine list that starts at $7 per glass. Again.a bit too pricey. I had a Gundlach-Bundschuh cabernet at $8, my friend had the Ravenswood Zinfandel at $10. Nice but to me not worth it. The soup of the day was an excellent cream of carrot. Reminded me of my mother who used to prepare the same item. The daily quiche at $12.50 was a salmon quiche. The salmon was a bit too strong, I was unable to finish my quiche. A nice mesclun salad came wirh the quiche. My friend had the couscous at $13. Also very good. To sum it up: overall quite good but too pricey.
one of the best!Rosemary's Restaurant
8125 W. Sahara Av. Tel: 702-869-2251
A consistent upscale favorite in Las Vegas. See detailed review see health dept. report
Yes!Roxy's Diner
in the Stratosphere. Just look for the tall building at the North end of the Strip.
Open 7/24/365. 50's diner (where have I heard that name before?). They serve food that will kill you over time. It won't take too long either. Huge burgers, thick shakes, blue plate specials. Not bad when health concerns are not important.
maybeRumjungle
in the Mandalay Bay Hotel.
This hotel has a slew of very good to excellent dining venues. In my opinion this is not one of them. Unless of course you love meat. For about $35. the let you eat all the meat you want similar to a Brazilian steak house. Sides are included too.I had a so called "Peruvian" chopped salad for $9. My friend had a vegetable platter for $16! Both very forgettable. My salad was nothing more than a bunch of chopped iceberg lettuce with a poorly seasoned minty dressing, her vegetable plate consisted of mashed potatoes, rice and some fried zucchini and a few other veggies. Hardly worth the effort. The two rum drinks we had on the other hand were very good. But $10 each. They have about a hundred different kinds of rum. To sum it all up: go for the decor and ambience, not for the food. The nightclubbing here is a different matter, and is worth hanging out and seeing. Oh, by the way, they played some very monotonous music. Sounded repetitive and computer generated.
maybeTenuta
In the Casino Monte Lago at Lake at Las Vegas
Oops, I did it again. Four times at various dining venues at Lake at Las Vegas and four disappointments. And some of them specialize in playing games with the Clark County Health Dept. Strange when you think about it. They are sooo trying to put on airs around there. Expensive hotels and golf courses and mediocre food. Isn't that self defeating? My friend had the veggie sandwich which had absolutely no seasoning and tasted like day-old vegetable ($8). I had the penne pasta with pommodoro sauce ($8) which wasn't too bad. Large Sam Adams, 22oz, $3.50 and a 12oz Pyramid $2.75.
So, if you still want to try on account of the ambience "you pays your money and you takes your chances".
maybeTGI Friday's
4330 E. Sunset, Henderson. 702-990-8443
If you know one TGI you know all TGI's. Typical chain operation. They have managed to be relevant and to stay in business with menu changes and pretty decent food for the price. For example fish and chips $9., vegetable platter $8. etc. not too bad for a quick lunch or dinner.
Yes!Tommy Rockers
4275 Industrial Rd. Tel: 702-261-6681
Another of the numerous bar-restaurant operations that have sprung up in Las Vegas in the last few years. This one has the hi-tech interior with numerous TV monitors. The food and the beer are surprisingly good and reasonably priced. Since this is close to the strip, in fact close to the Rio it would not be much trouble to stop by and sample their fare. Parking is really convenient, practically at the entrance.
maybeTajine
Hyatt Regency at Lake Las Vegas Montelago, Tel: 702-567-1234
101 Montelago Bl., Henderson
Quite a distance from Las Vegas proper (the Strip). Take I-15 South, exit onto I-215 East, stay on Lake Mead Bl. where it picks up the end of I-215. From there it is another 7-8 miles to the resort. Follow the signs, you can't miss it, there aren't many buildings there. The resort and the lake are worth seeing, but Tajine is one of several restaurants there that don't live up to the surroundings. See detailed review
Yes!Texas Cafe
at the Texas hotel, Texas Star Lane (off N. Rancho) in N. Las Vegas.
It is the Texas hotel coffee shop. Large portions of mediocre quality. Their buffet is much better. I had the Chinese chicken salad. very heavy on the seasoning! Not expensive, I paid $8. Still, not everyone can afford that on a daily basis. If you are looking for less expensive try the new Wildfire Casino that just opened across the street. I had an excellent cobb salad there not long ago for just $4.99.
And you know what? Station Casinos apparently didn't like the competition and bought them out.
OKTrumpets at Anthem
2450 Hampton Rd. Henderson, 702-614-5858
The real address is: it is in the clubhouse at Sun City Anthem. It is at the end of S. Eastern Bl. In a brand new, very upscale development overlooking the entire valley, including the strip. An American fusion restaurant.
See detailed review
OKThe Verandah
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S. inside the Four Seasons Hotel which in turn is inside Mandalay Bay (more or less).
Uppity type of operation upscale and very expensive. We paid over $100 per for the traditional X-Mas dinner. Very nice wines. I had a Loach Merlot which was excellent. My friend chose the Ferraro-Carano chardonnay which also was a good choice. Our glass was poured at the tabel, and the server showed us the bottle -- first time anyone has done that here in LV. I wasn't too impressed with the turkey. A bit on the dry side. I hate to say it (but I will anyway), when I cook turkey it comes out nice and moist. Why?, you ask. Because I baste it and cover it with foil during the cooking process. But the service was excellent, the presentation attractive, all the dishes had wonderful flavor. If you like steak the Charlie Parker steak house is right next to the Verandah cafe.
OKWildfire Casino
1901 N. Rancho, N. Las Vegas.
If you should be in need for an inexpensive yet good meal, than get yourself over there. I had an excellent cobb salad for just $4.99. Better than at the Texas and cheaper too. By the way, this place is new, I didn't see their telephone number in the directory but they are across the street from the Texas hotel.
And oh yeah, they got bought out by Station Casinos shortly after opening their doors. see health dept. report
maybeWolfgang Puck Cafe
At the MGM Grand
Elsewhere on our website I made a remark that Wolfgang Puck always puts out an excellent plate of food. Now I have to rethink that remark. The Puck Cafe at the MGM is a glorified coffee shop that has some nice touches but where the food seems to have been dumbed down to appeal to the fried food crowd. In fact, this is how they serve their wienerschitzel: deep fried. Who ever heard of deep fried wienerschnitzel? The schnitzel was extremely tough and bland. I suspect it was not even veal but just plain beef. At any rate; very poor quality. And what is that stuff with the Austrian potato salad? I guess it makes sense; Wienerschnitzel, Austrian potato salad. Maybe there is such a thing! Who knows? (Wolfgang does, I guess). Personally I do not like that type of potato salad. Too bland! (again).The salads are nice, the bread is nice, but my mushroom pizza wasn't as flavorful as I would have expected. It seems they've blanded down their seasonings, and I have proof: this place has salt and pepper on the table. Postrio, Puck's fancy dinner house at the Venetian, doesn't. At Postrio you don't need salt and pepper. Here you do. The service is excellent however - kudos especially to our server Krista, who knew the menu thoroughly and was able to deal gracefully with know-it-all patrons complaining about the deep fried wienerschnitzel. My opinions may seem strong, but when you shell out $55 for a pizza, a schnitzel ($18!) and a couple of drinks, you should get a meal that's a lot, not a little, better than coffee shop chow.
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