Any recent Las Vegas must see/do/eat?

[+ 7829V]

Hello! I haven't been to Las Vegas in ages (like 15 years!), I'm going for the weekend with a friend. Just wondering if you can recommend any must see/do/eat? We are planning to stay on the strip. I've seen O at the Bellagio and I enjoyed it very much. We were thinking on trying the Dinner in the Dark thing... just wondering if you can recommend anything else. It'll be my friend's first time.  There's A LOT of information online that is overwhelming. Just trying to get some pointers from any member of this forum.  (Not really looking to hire escorts or masseurs...).

[+ azdr0710]

sorry....not a foodie!......but......

the fountains in front of Bellagio are a personal favorite.....more impressive after dark and, usually, it's every 15 minutes after 7pm.....best viewing is slightly off-center and in one of the alcoves off the sidewalk....free!.....pretty spectacular when the synch'd song is a good (loud!) one......stay for at least a couple or three......

https://bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/fountains-of-bellagio.html

if the volcano is still operating at the Mirage, see it before it's torn down later this year (planned)....also free!.....crowded, so get there several minutes early and try to get near the center.....

https://mirage.mgmresorts.com/en/amenities/volcano.html

walk the Strip (Las Vegas Blvd.) and people watch while enjoying the lights and all.....best area is between Tropicana Ave on the south and Desert Inn Rd on the north.....be ready to use pedestrian overpasses at the major intersections (great safety idea added several years ago) and realize some stretches (or one side of the street) are not as attractive as others......

during the day, if you have a car, try getting off the Strip and drive thru the Red Rock canyon area (BLM land - fee) west of town just a bit......and/or, if interested, go out to Hoover Dam and check out the new (2010) bypass bridge and great outdoor displays at the "Pedestrian Plaza" area.....

https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/nevada/red-rock-canyon

https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/crossingguide.pdf

Valley Of Fire State Park is an option, but really deserves all day and you may not want to devote the time....

if into hardcore history, try the Springs Preserve and/or the old Mormon fort.....yes, the original settlers of European origin were Mormon!.....state gambling did not become legal until 1931

https://www.springspreserve.org/

http://parks.nv.gov/parks/old-las-vegas-mormon-fort

 

 

Edited March 14, 2022 by azdr0710

[+ MysticMenace]

it'd been a while since I've been to Vegas, but i loved the kobe beef from Jean-Georges. I also liked Spago, Joel Rubochon, and Nobu. If yall haven't picked a place yet, the Sky Suites at the Aria are pretty amazing!

[Epigonos]

Damn JoeMendoza you do have excellent taste in Las Vegas restaurants!

[+ MysticMenace]

46 minutes ago, Epigonos said:

Damn JoeMendoza you do have excellent taste in Las Vegas restaurants!

well I'm pretty frugal everywhere else (literally haven't bought new clothes or shoes in years), but I do like to splurge when it comes to food or international vacations.

[Guest]

I've been wanting to get back to Las Vegas for some time now.  One place in particular I'd like to visit is Area 15:

https://area15.com

It's a pretty cool interactive experience.  Also Circa and their rooftop pool looks like fun.  

[CuriousByNature]

For buffets, I enjoyed the Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.  I thought it was better than the Bellagio and less pricey too.

[EZEtoGRU]

Just now, CuriousByNature said:

For buffets, I enjoyed the Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.  I thought it was better than the Bellagio and less pricey too.

The Wicked Spoon gets great reviews from most people but my own experience wasn't very good.  I went last fall and was disappointed.  I found the food to be very mediocre considering the price.  I accept I am an outlier on the Wicked Spoon as most people seem to rave about it.

[MikeBiDude]

14 hours ago, JoeMendoza said:

it'd been a while since I've been to Vegas, but i loved the kobe beef from Jean-Georges. I also liked Spago, Joel Rubochon, and Nobu. If yall haven't picked a place yet, the Sky Suites at the Aria are pretty amazing!

Pieros is a regular stop for me. Old Rat Pack and organized crime spot with great Italian Food and ambiance. Scenes from Good Fellas filmed there.

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

Area 15 (not 51) is something to try.  I've never been personally, but it's on my bucket list.

It's about a mile west of the Treasure Island.  It's supposed to be a funky, artsy, other-worldly "experience"....kind of like a sci-fi indoor shopping mall with food and odd experiences

Edited March 15, 2022 by Vegas_nw1982

[CuriousByNature]

7 hours ago, EZEtoGRU said:

The Wicked Spoon gets great reviews from most people but my own experience wasn't very good.  I went last fall and was disappointed.  I found the food to be very mediocre considering the price.  I accept I am an outlier on the Wicked Spoon as most people seem to rave about it.

Oh no.  That's too bad.  I was there pre-Covid and went a few times during that trip because it was so good.  Perhaps it has slipped since I was there?  Sorry to hear it wasn't good for you....

[EZEtoGRU]

2 hours ago, CuriousByNature said:

Oh no.  That's too bad.  I was there pre-Covid and went a few times during that trip because it was so good.  Perhaps it has slipped since I was there?  Sorry to hear it wasn't good for you....

Who knows what was going on when I went there.  As you say, the quality may have declined since pre-Covid times.  Or maybe I just hit them on an off-day.  I should probably give them another chance.

[EZEtoGRU]

9 hours ago, MikeBiDude said:

Pieros is a regular stop for me. Old Rat Pack and organized crime spot with great Italian Food and ambiance. Scenes from Good Fellas filmed there.

Have you seen Pia Zadora's show there?

[MikeBiDude]

No, I’ve missed that.

[+ Lucky]

10 hours ago, EZEtoGRU said:

Have you seen Pia Zadora's show there?

Why would we?

[EZEtoGRU]

1 minute ago, Lucky said:

Why would we?

I dunno.  I only found out she does a show in Piero's showroom last year. I remember seeing her many years ago on The Tonight Show with Carson.  She was being touted as the next big thing in Hollywood...but that never really happened.  I hadn't heard about her in decades and then discovered she does a show at Piero's.  I was intrigued.  

[MikeBiDude]

12 hours ago, EZEtoGRU said:

Have you seen Pia Zadora's show there?

 

1 hour ago, EZEtoGRU said:

I dunno.  I only found out she does a show in Piero's showroom last year. I remember seeing her many years ago on The Tonight Show with Carson.  She was being touted as the next big thing in Hollywood...but that never really happened.  I hadn't heard about her in decades and then discovered she does a show at Piero's.  I was intrigued.  

I don’t see her show on the current website? And all the stuff I found via googling is 7-8 years old…perhaps Pia isn’t performing anymore. I’ll let you know after my 3/26 dinner there 😉

[NYC_Lover]

Make sure to do a day trip to the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam. Also The Neon Museum is a good thing to check out. They keep all of old Las Vegas strip signs there.

[EZEtoGRU]

4 hours ago, MikeBiDude said:

 

I don’t see her show on the current website? And all the stuff I found via googling is 7-8 years old…perhaps Pia isn’t performing anymore. I’ll let you know after my 3/26 dinner there 😉

Interesting.  I'll look forward to your report later in the month.  I stayed in the Marriott next to Piero's for two nights back in September and her name was still on the marquee under the Piero's sign.  I assumed she was still performing but I don't know for certain.  BTW, I tried to get into Piero's for dinner one night but they were not accepting anyone without a reservation.  I'll have to plan ahead the next time.  Enjoy!!

[BeamerBikes]

3 hours ago, NYC_Lover said:

a day trip to the Grand Canyon

Just be aware the closest Grand Canyon experience is not run by the National Park service. It's definitely a day long affair from Vegas, and prepare to dig deep in your wallet to see the canyon.  Check prices, look for coupons.  I was a bit taken back how commercial/pricey Grand Canyon West experience was.

Hoover Dam was a nice experience and reasonably priced, can be done in a half day.

[BSR]

5 hours ago, BeamerBikes said:

Just be aware the closest Grand Canyon experience is not run by the National Park service. It's definitely a day long affair from Vegas, and prepare to dig deep in your wallet to see the canyon.  Check prices, look for coupons.  I was a bit taken back how commercial/pricey Grand Canyon West experience was.

Hoover Dam was a nice experience and reasonably priced, can be done in a half day.

Grand Canyon National Park charges nominal entry fees, $20 for an individual, $35 per vehicle.  Grand Canyon West is privately owned (Hualapei tribe) and charges more (least expensive option is $64).  GCW's big advantage if you're coming from Las Vegas is that it's only ~2.5 hours from the Strip whereas GCNP is ~4.5.  Factor in scary-high gas, and GCW's prices aren't so bad.  I've heard that the views at GCNP are better than GCW's, but I can't say for sure since I've only been to GCNP.

[Njguy2]

For attractions - Neon Museum - https://www.neonmuseum.org  is a fun experience and if you do a night tour - the restored neon signs are lite.   The one trip I did from Las Vegas airport was to Western Grand Canyon via helicopter.  Was quick, flew over the hoover dam and then we landed in the bottom of the canyon and got to walk around next to the Colorado river.  I think there were discount coupons in one of the touristy books.  This was before the Skywalk existed - https://grandcanyonwest.com/things-to-do/skywalk/ .

[LaffingBear]

Good advice above.

Grand Canyon -yes its not Grand Canyon National Park - by helicopter.  The tour is pricey, but a nice experience.  Two hours, includes landing in the Canyon for 30 minutes for snacks and champagne. 

Hoover Dam

The recommendation for Neon Museum is a good one... go at night and see the Brilliant show.  

The Mob Museum is excellent... add on an experience.   Consider the speakeasy in the basement. 

The Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates 

Absinthe at Caesars is probably the hottest show.  All of the Cirque shows are good... a new one opens soon at NYNY.

Dining depends on cuisine preference and budget.  My opinion, everything at The Cosmopolitan is excellent... buffet, nice restaurants, moderate restaurants and their food hall.  If you want to overindulge at a buffet, Bacchanal at Caesars.  Many many other dining options on the Strip, and great local stuff away from The Strip.  

I visit LV frequently - happy to answer any specific questions. 

Edited March 25, 2022 by LaffingBear
More info

[+ Lucky]

The Wall Street journal today has recommendations for Las Vegas. It's behind a paywall though.

Here's a hint (sorry you have to scroll a lot)

A Guide to Las Vegas, From Top Steakhouses to Hidden Cocktail Bars

Penn Jillette and other locals share their favorite shows, restaurants and hotels, plus desert hikes and hockey games

WANNA BET Circa Resort and Casino opened in downtown Las Vegas in fall 2020.

By

Mike Jordan /

Photographs Mikayla Whitmore for the Wall Street Journal

April 6, 2022 2:57 pm ET

 

WHEN IT COMES TO HOSPITALITY, the reputation of Las Vegas has been hard to beat since its founding in 1905. The famous Nevada desert town has proven resilient despite the brutal beating it took in 2020—when heavy losses in the gambling, entertainment and convention businesses gave the state the unenviable distinction of topping all others in terms of lost jobs for much of the year.

Development has continued along Las Vegas Boulevard, including Resorts World, which opened last year as the Strip’s first new megacasino in a decade. Smart money wouldn’t bet against a big Sin City tourism rebound and visitors willing to venture beyond the Strip will find the biggest rewards. “The best shows, restaurants and places to go may not be on the billboards,” advises magician Penn Jillette, who has lived in Las Vegas since 1994. Here, Mr. Jillette and three other desert dwellers share their favorite insidery spots.

 

 

Magic Mountains, an outdoor art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, is about 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and one of magician Penn Jillette’s favorite local attractions.

 

The Mac King Comedy Magic Show: I think Mac’s the best comedy magician alive in the world. He plays in the afternoon at the Excalibur. Whatever else you’re doing, grab a 3 p.m. show with Mac. I guarantee you will thank me. 3850 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Edo Gastro Tapas & Wine: I’m vegan; I’m a nut. The chef there, Oscar, is from Spain. I brought one of the best-known magicians in Spain, Jandro, over there, and he couldn’t believe a restaurant this good is in a strip mall. 3400 S Jones Blvd., #11A

Sambalatte: Teller and I write our shows at this cafe on S. Jones Blvd. If you like to see small limber people from other countries eating salads and drinking huge amounts of coffee, it’s the place to be. 6555 S. Jones Blvd. #100

Seven Magic Mountains: It’s an outdoor art exhibit. I think some nut went to the middle of the desert, built gigantic boulders, then painted them unnatural colors. S. Las Vegas Blvd.

 

 

Oscar’s Steakhouse inside the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas.

The Writer’s Block: It’s an artsy bookstore-slash-coffee shop downtown, with an outstanding book selection. It’s part of the city’s growing cultural evolution. 519 S. 6th St., Ste.100

Oscar’s Steakhouse: Oscar’s is at the Plaza Hotel, which is built on the site of the old railroad depot. The steakhouse is inspired by our former Mayor Oscar Goodman, a defense attorney for the mob. 1 Main St.

Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs: It’s one of the earliest ranches in the Las Vegas area. Later it became a divorce ranch. Nevada was a place where people would go to get a no-questions-asked divorce in the ‘30s and ‘40s. It’s now a city park with historic buildings, walking areas, shade trees and large ponds where people go fishing. 9200 Tule Springs Rd.

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts: It’s become a cultural gathering place, with art-deco-inspired architecture patterned after Hoover Dam. 361 Symphony Park Ave.

 

 

 

Valley of Fire State Park, a favorite outdoor spot of chef Sheridan Su’s. ‘It’s almost like you’re on Mars.’

The Chef: Sheridan Su

Owner and chef, Fat Choy and Every Grain

 

Valley of Fire State Park: I love going out there. Once you’re there, the entire scenery is red. It’s almost like you’re on Mars. It’s super cool. 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy., Overton

Izakaya Go: You can get really premium quality fish at a really affordable price. I would buy a whole fish on the specials menu. They will cut it up sashimi style. And once you’re done with the plate they’ll take the bones and make a beautiful miso soup out of it, all for under 20 bucks. 3775 Spring Mountain Rd.

PublicUs: It’s like a European-style canteen, very hip and modern. Everything is made in-house, and the breads are just amazing. My favorite is the blueberry scone. It’s crazy good. 1126 E Fremont St.

The Vegas Golden Knights: I’ve never been into hockey, but the first time I went to a game I was blown away. I couldn’t believe how much fun I had. The energy is amazing. 3780 S Las Vegas Blvd.

 

 

The Las Vegas Strip in March 2022. The Nevada desert town, which took heavy losses in its gambling, entertainment and convention business in 2020, is proving resilient.

The Athlete: Brandi Rodgers

Defensive tackle for the Sin City Trojans football team

 

Las Vegas Aviators Game: Our minor league baseball team under the Oakland A’s, they don’t get enough love. They’re just great, and in the summer offseason they have movies on the field for locals. 1650 S Pavilion Center Dr.

The Mob Museum: In 2002, the mayor at the time conceived the idea of this 1933 historic building becoming a museum focused on organized crime and law enforcement, with a hidden speakeasy in the basement. They make their own moonshine. Get a Bee’s Knees or a Southside. 300 Stewart Ave.

Stacks N Yolks: They have pancakes as big as saucers, and their hot chocolate is like Willy Wonka style. 3200 N Jones Blvd.

Elara Center Strip Las Vegas: It’s somewhat of a timeshare-type hotel, hidden right off the Miracle Mile, central to everything. Rooms are gorgeous. King Suites come with a projector screen. One-bedroom King Suites from $332 a night

 

Oscar's Steakhouse, named for the city’s former mayor Oscar Goodman, a defense attorney for the mob. ‘He became the mayor of Las Vegas for three terms and was, in part, responsible for all of this downtown redevelopment,’ said historian Geoff Schumaker.

Circa Resort and Casino in downtown Las Vegas, a haven for sports enthusiasts. The resort contains a stadium-seated betting section with giant TV monitors, a rooftop casino and 24-hour heated pools.

Sheridan Su, chef of the city’s Fat Choy and Every Grain restaurants, recommends Izakaya Go on Spring Mountain Road for good quality fish at affordable prices. Pictured here, Izakaya Go’s tonkotsu ramen and salmon ikura roll.

Velveteen Rabbit, in the Las Vegas Arts District, has a pink outdoor patio and unusual cocktails, including the Poppy (at right) made with bourbon, apple brandy and ginger-turmeric syrup, among other ingredients.

A Vegas Golden Knights hockey game at the T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip. ‘The first time I went to a game I was blown away,’ said Mr. Su.’The energy is amazing.’

 

 

 

 

 

Plus, Don’t Miss...

• Velveteen Rabbit: The vibe at this Arts District cocktail den’s basement lounge—with pink floral patio mural and seasonal cocktails—makes it a mandatory stop for impressive, unique drinks. 1218 S Main St.
• The Shops at Crystals: Opened in late 2009, this high-end retail complex has colorful and angular architecture, and more than 50 luxury brands, from Tiffany & Co. to Tom Ford. 3720 S Las Vegas Blvd.
• Resorts World: This 59-story building is the Strip’s newest and one of the most expensive hotel/casinos ever, with more than 3,500 rooms, upscale dining, an 117,000-square-foot casino and a gigantic LED exterior screen display. 3000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• Circa Resort and Casino: Old-school meets new school at this sports-lover’s dream gambling establishment, which contains a stadium-seated betting section with enormous TV monitors, a rooftop casino and 24-hour, year-round heated pools. From about $71 a night, 8 Fremont St.

[MikeBiDude]

On 3/16/2022 at 1:40 PM, EZEtoGRU said:

Interesting.  I'll look forward to your report later in the month.  I stayed in the Marriott next to Piero's for two nights back in September and her name was still on the marquee under the Piero's sign.  I assumed she was still performing but I don't know for certain.  BTW, I tried to get into Piero's for dinner one night but they were not accepting anyone without a reservation.  I'll have to plan ahead the next time.  Enjoy!!

Indeed, Pia  Zadora’s name is still on the Piero’s marquee. However, My waiter said she hadn’t performed there in years. 🤷🏻‍♂️Not sure why they keep her name up there?

Dinner was great, as always.