A virgin in Las Vegas

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

...so to speak.

 

Going out there for geeky professional reasons, but that doesn't mean I won't be a slut or a tourist.

 

Anything I should do/see/not miss for the world?

 

[bigvalboy]

...so to speak.

 

Going out there for geeky professional reasons, but that doesn't mean I won't be a slut or a tourist.

 

Anything I should do/see/not miss for the world?

 

Look up Ace....then go find Daddy. Should be an interesting weekend.....

[Guest countryboywny]

Definitely try to connect with Ace. He is a Vegas expert..

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

Definitely try to connect with Ace. He is a Vegas expert..

 

I have already talked to Ace. Want other perspectives too.

[+ azdr0710]

each person has their preferences in LV....is this your first time there, Chris?

 

my favorite thing is to watch the Bellagio Fountains after sunset from right in front of the Strip (where the speakers are)...usually a show every 15 minutes, some lame, others incredibly fantastic....also, just walking up/down the Strip for the people-watching is really fun, but can be crowded...watch out for the recent immigrants shoving ads in front of you hocking "Girls Direct To Your Room!!!"....some areas of the Strip are trashy, others very nice....a walk up the west side of the street between NY/NY all the way up (north) to Treasure Island (TI) is clean and fun....watch the volcano show at Mirage (check the schedule) ....a walk thru the lobbies of the Palazzo and the connected Venetian is fun for a first-timer....and a walk thru the Forum Shops at Caesars is nice, but watch out for the one-way stairs and corridors (all roads lead to....uh....the casino!).....

 

many shows available, of course....some are "dark" one or two days a week....popular discount ticket brokers scattered up and down the strip....pick up a couple of the freebie newspapers at the airport with show info....

 

if you like the outdoors and hiking and have the time, visit popular Red Rock park on the west side of town, or Valley of Fire State Park further from town, or do an overnight at Death Valley a couple hours each way from LV....also, Hoover Dam is always a tourist mecca about 25 miles from town....all of these have a fee....google all this if you want....if you like history, visit the humble little origins of LV at Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Park (yes, the first settlers were LDS, but they didn't stay long - the town was only founded in 1905 and gambling wasn't legal until 1931).....

 

it's often very crowded, so be patient where necessary....fun for a few days, then it all gets weird and you're ready to go back home....

 

if you're renting a car, be careful....always amazed at how crazy many of the drivers are there....

Edited June 30, 2018 by azdr0710

[Racketjock]

My favorite place to eat is Bartolotta at the Wynn hotel. Just down from them there is a great place for gelato. My favorite show is a toss up between "O" and Le Reve. Both are artistically beautiful and engaging for different reasons. I always take time if I can to visit Art of Shaving at the Mandalay Bay shops for their royal face/ shave treatment. The gardens and fountains at Bellagio are fun, free sights. There is great food to be had a Bellagio, along with a huge chocolate fountain and shop behind the gardens. PM me if I can help further. Sadly, if I were going to be there, I would gladly help you with the slut part!

[leigh.bess.toad]

Have you gotten hold of JJ?

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

A fun place to grab breakfast is Hash House a Go-Go at the Imperial Palace.

[big-n-tall]

So I've been to Vegas a number of times. I am not much of gambler so anything i can do besides it... I'm up for. Besides I know someone who lives in Henderson (not far from Vegas) so I also go visit him.

 

First, I'm not sure what you're up for or how much money you have to burn, but a good starting point is to check out Vegas.com (check the shows, tours, attractions section). I usually check to see if there is a particular show(s) or entertainer(s) there or coming I want to see. I went to Aisha Tyler's comedy show, last time I was there. I not only participated in her performance... but I also got to meet & talk to her, got an autograph, and a picture. We kind of geeked out about certain things... we apparently like a lot of the same things.

 

I'd just take a day just to check out some of the hotels. From a visual/artistic stand point some of them are just amazing. I could walk around the mall interior of the Venetian all day.

 

Besides what people have already mentioned, including the various tours. The one I want to do most is a Grand Canyon tour by helicopter. So if you do it, I'll live vicariously through you. :-)

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

Have you gotten hold of JJ?

 

Only in Palm Springs, and only one hand (Nate or Ace or Tyger had the other).

 

Yes, AZDR, I'm a newbie when it comes to all things Vegas. This is the first opportunity that I've had to go out there and other than Oceans 11-13 and Pawn Stars, I don't have much knowledge of the city.

 

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions... my friend and I are going to try to see at least a show and do some touristy stuff when we aren't being techno-geeks.

[down_to_business]

Well it depends on what you like to do. Not too much to add but I will second the free little show in front of TI http://www.treasureisland.com/shows/sirens_of_ti.php and the Volcano at Mirage and the Fountains at Bellagio. You can watch the fountains of Bellagio from the top of the Eiffel tower. You can see the strip and surrounds way up high (and grab a drink or ride some rides) on top of the Stratosphere Tower. The conservatory and glass ceiling at Bellagio is neat to see as well. http://0.tqn.com/d/govegas/1/0/m/Q/1/chihulybell2.jpg

 

For the paid shows, besides the various Cirque ones (i.e. O, Mystere, Zumanity) and La Reve, there is Rock of Ages, and my own favorite, Absinthe.

 

There is the Freemont Street Experience, downtown. You can also get your picture taken with 1mil in cash for free at Binion's (formerly Horseshoe) http://www.binions.com/million_dollar_photo.php . If you are into it, you can go eat downtown at the Heart Attack Grill http://www.heartattackgrill.com/ where you eat free if you are 350lbs or more! Finally a place I have always wanted to check out but haven't yet... drink and drag http://www.drinkanddrag.com/index.php looks like a lot of fun.

 

Perhaps you want to get a drink and watch the Lake of Dreams show at Wynn Las Vegas at Parasol Up or Parasol Down. http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/Restaurants/BarLounges/ParasolDown

 

Away from the casino areas, there is the National Pinball Hall of Fame which is fun if you like pinball. http://www.pinballmuseum.org/

 

And my favorite website for info : http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/ Check out the top 10 list for some deals or even learn about transportation, pools, or gay Las Vegas.

 

Enjoy your trip.

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

And also... is there anything we should steer clear of that just isn't worth the time or the money?

 

Other than those nasty ranch places on the outskirts of town.

[cany10011]

If you are considering taking a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, I recommend the breakfast champagne package offered by Maverick. Lovely and easy way to visit the National Park without having to drive 5 hrs or so. Was there a few weeks ago and had fantastic meals at Fleur, Scarpetta, Hot and Juicy, and Culinary Dropout. I don't think you can go wrong eating anywhere in Las Vegas

 

Hope your trip is fun!

 

And also... is there anything we should steer clear of that just isn't worth the time or the money?

 

Other than those nasty ranch places on the outskirts of town.

[BSR]

As a foodie and a Vegas resident, I disagree, there are far too many places you can go wrong eating in Las Vegas. The Strip is quite expensive. If you compare the menu prices of NYC restaurants w/their Vegas copies (e.g., STK), the prices are actually higher in Vegas than NYC! There's a lot of great dining on the Strip, but it'll cost you, plenty! Worse yet, there are countless morasses of mediocrity that charge eye-poppingly high prices for the sh*tshows they serve up. One tip: avoid any restaurant with an in-house DJ ... the trying-way-too-hard-to-be-coolness-of-it-all pretty much guarantees that you're overpaying for very mediocre food, e.g., Hakkasan @MGM, Andrea's @Wynn. I'd also avoid all the "gastropubs" -- e.g., Pub 1842 @MGM, Public House @Venetian, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill @Caesars -- unless you simply must pay $19 for a crab cake (yeah, that's singular). Finally, avoid any and all barbecue on the Strip. None of it is real wood-smoked BBQ. In other words, they just bake meat in an oven & pour BBQ sauce all over it. Sometimes the fake & bake stuff isn't that bad, except on the Strip, where anything BBQ'd is absolutely awful.

 

My opinion: the best moderate-priced (there's no such thing as "cheap" on the Vegas Strip - even a small slice of plain cheese pizza at the Caesars food court costs $6) food on the Strip is at the gourmet burger joints -- e.g., BurGR @Planet Hollywood, Burger Bar @Mandalay Place, BLT @Mirage. It's not all hamburgers at the burger joints. They have "burgers" made of chicken, fried fish, salmon filets, etc. They're surprisingly good while prices, for the Strip, aren't that bad. If you feel like giving your credit card a workout, I'd suggest Jaleo @Cosmopolitan (Spanish tapas) or Sage @Aria. If you want to give your credit card a horse-whipping, go to Atelier de Joel Robuchon @MGM. It's my favorite restaurant in town. Just brace yourself for the shock of your $80 entrée coming out exquisitely presented, and the size of a deck of cards.

 

PS: the gelato place at the Wynn used to be awesome! But the bean-counters got to it, and now for your six bucks, you'll get two scoops of Dreyers.

[cany10011]

BSR, thank you for providing the viewpoint of a resident foodie . I wish I had checked with you prior to my trip! Someone i know recommended Bent fork or spoon? Is that any good?

 

 

As a foodie and a Vegas resident, I disagree, there are far too many places you can go wrong eating in Las Vegas. The Strip is quite expensive. If you compare the menu prices of NYC restaurants w/their Vegas copies (e.g., STK), the prices are actually higher in Vegas than NYC! There's a lot of great dining on the Strip, but it'll cost you, plenty! Worse yet, there are countless morasses of mediocrity that charge eye-poppingly high prices for the sh*tshows they serve up. One tip: avoid any restaurant with an in-house DJ ... the trying-way-too-hard-to-be-coolness-of-it-all pretty much guarantees that you're overpaying for very mediocre food, e.g., Hakkasan @MGM, Andrea's @Wynn. I'd also avoid all the "gastropubs" -- e.g., Pub 1842 @MGM, Public House @Venetian, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill @Caesars -- unless you simply must pay $19 for a crab cake (yeah, that's singular). Finally, avoid any and all barbecue on the Strip. None of it is real wood-smoked BBQ. In other words, they just bake meat in an oven & pour BBQ sauce all over it. Sometimes the fake & bake stuff isn't that bad, except on the Strip, where anything BBQ'd is absolutely awful.

 

My opinion: the best moderate-priced (there's no such thing as "cheap" on the Vegas Strip - even a small slice of plain cheese pizza at the Caesars food court costs $6) food on the Strip is at the gourmet burger joints -- e.g., BurGR @Planet Hollywood, Burger Bar @Mandalay Place, BLT @Mirage. It's not all hamburgers at the burger joints. They have "burgers" made of chicken, fried fish, salmon filets, etc. They're surprisingly good while prices, for the Strip, aren't that bad. If you feel like giving your credit card a workout, I'd suggest Jaleo @Cosmopolitan (Spanish tapas) or Sage @Aria. If you want to give your credit card a horse-whipping, go to Atelier de Joel Robuchon @MGM. It's my favorite restaurant in town. Just brace yourself for the shock of your $80 entrée coming out exquisitely presented, and the size of a deck of cards.

 

PS: the gelato place at the Wynn used to be awesome! But the bean-counters got to it, and now for your six bucks, you'll get two scoops of Dreyers.

[+ azdr0710]

great comments by BSR!.....I'm NOT a foodie, but like to try local breakfast joints and non-touristy places off the beaten track favored by locals....

 

BSR: what do you think of the Golden Steer?....overrated?...locals don't go there anymore?.....I ate there once and liked the retro feel of stepping back into the 1950s....

 

http://goldensteersteakhouselasvegas.com/

[Bart]

Hmmmm! Don't blame the bean counters. Rarely is the bean counter making the decision. The boss asks how can I make 75% return and bean counter presents a practical choice. Most of us aren't marketing majors, it takes a seasoned veteran to discover the art of accounting and the boss never wants to see the accountant in the casino.

 

That said remember Las Vegas exists for gambling period. They make the money gambling and they want want people to use up their points fast so thus rooms and food are necessary evils to get people to stay at the tables. The downside are people who are not gamblers will pay a higher cost.

[BSR]

cany, not sure what you're referring to ... the Wicked Spoon buffet @Cosmopolitan? Haven't been myself, but a foodie friend went once and liked it, for a buffet.

 

I've heard great things about the Golden Steer, more about the ambience and service than the food. It's very "old Vegas" - i.e., tuxedo-clad waiters, white tablecloths, salads & desserts prepared tableside. I've never been myself. But if you do go, you HAVE TO make sure you get the Robert DeNiro look-alike waiter. A foodie friend showed me a picture they snapped on their phone. Holy bleep! the guy is the spittin' image of DeNiro!! If you call and specify that you want the DeNiro look-alike as your waiter, they'll know what you're talking about. People ask for him all the time. I have to go one of these days just for the experience.

 

A few off-Strip recommendations:

Gandhi or Origin India. Try Gandhi for traditional Indian cuisine. Good food and great prices! Try Origin India for more innovative fare, kind of like "nouvelle cuisine" Indian. Origin India is a little pricier than Gandhi, but still far less expensive than the Strip.

Lotus of Siam. The best Thai food in Vegas. I'm a huge fan of Thai, been to countless Thai restaurants in Boston & NYC. Gotta say, Lotus beats any Thai restaurant I've been to in those two cities.

Rollin Smoke. The best BBQ in Las Vegas! I grew up in Kansas City, which means I'm a total barbecue snob. Only 3 BBQ joints in Vegas actually wood-smoke their meat. All the others just sprinkle a little Liquid Smoke and throw it in the oven cuz they're bleepin' lazy. Boy, does that chap my ass!! Anyway, the link I posted will get you 10% off their already reasonable prices.

Yonaka. It's not traditional Japanese sushi, more Japanese/PanAsian fusions conjured up by a very talented chef whose staff affectionately calls him "The Mad Scientist." My favorite dish here is Niku Berry - grilled beef tenderloin with strawberries, pistachio butter, enoki mushrooms, and sugar-dried fennel. Sound crazy? Just wait 'til you combine all the ingredients onto a big spoon and put it in your mouth. Check them out on Yelp. Vegas foodies LOVE this place!

Raku and Raku Sweets (no website yet because it's brand new). Raku is a Japanese charcoal grill - fresh, high-quality ingredients mostly cooked over charcoal. They offer many dishes you might not have tried before. I've tried a bunch, have never disliked anything, and loved almost everything. Raku Sweets is the Vegas version of NYC's very successful Chikalicious, that is, a 3-course dessert bar. You get an amuse-bouche (a small pre-dessert), dessert (the "main course"), and a small post-dessert dessert. If you're thinking it's all too much sweetness, Japanese pastry uses far less sugar. You can actually have 3 dessert courses without any cloying sweetness. It's in the same strip mall as Raku. It's so new it doesn't even have a sign yet. Look for the big silver spoon in front or just ask the folks in Raku where it is. If you have a car, try Suzuya, another Japanese pastry shop. I had no idea Japanese did such fine pastry until I discovered this place. All you ever see for dessert in Japanese restaurants is mochi or green tea ice cream. But the crepes and pastries at Suzuya are divine, as good as Raku Sweets, but far less expensive. I loved Raku Sweets, but it's pricey. Their 3-course dessert is $19, or $25 after tax & tip. But it's worth it once for the experience.

[geoffk]

I was there in April. Saw Shania's show at Caesars and the Faith and Tim show at the Venetian. Liked them both. Also liked the Million Dollar Quartet show at Harrahs.

 

Went to the pawn stars shop, it is between the strip and downtown, you can take a bus that is close by.

 

There was a zip line at fremont street, didnt do it but it looked cool.

 

Ate at the Eiffel Tower, yes it is very expensive, but the food was great the service was great and you get the view of the fountain show across the street. Also ate at Joe's stone crab at the Caesars Mall, it is always awesome there, Joluca who posts here works there, of course you can always visit Joe's in Chicago and South Beach. Also ate at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant at the Venetian Mall. The service was slow but the food was very good.

 

And I got to see Tommy Gainer at Share night club. That made the trip.

[playwrestler]

I can't say enough about Cirque's "O"... I was visiting with friends who were also Vegas first timers and to a man they wanted to leave (The pseudo everything was really getting to them) but we had already purchased tickets for "O" for the next night and so we stayed. Long story short, the show mesmerized and then some!! And a disappointing trip was spectacularly rewarded.

[Steven_Draker]

Someone i know recommended Bent fork or spoon? Is that any good?

 

Wicked Spoon is not good. It is exquisite!

 

This upscale buffet offers great variety and will satisfy the most discerning of palates. Breakfast is served till 2pm.

 

The only downside is the waiting time in order to get seated. Tip: avoid rush hours or if you stay at the Cosmopolitan, your Marriott Rewards loyalty card will give you priority seating.

 

http://i.usatoday.net/travel/gallery/2011/tr110512_vegas-day/wicked-spoonpg-vertical.jpg

[Steven_Draker]

Chris,

If you get a chance, I'd recommend the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a short 30 minute flight or helicopter ride from Vegas. Enjoy !

 

http://northbroadcorridor.com/wp-includes/skywalk-bridge-i14.jpg

[cany10011]

Thanks Steven! I'll make sure to try it next time:-)

 

Wicked Spoon is not g ood. It is exquisite!

 

This upscale buffet offers great variety and will satisfy the most discerning of palates. Breakfast is served till 2pm.

 

The only downside is the waiting time in order to get seated. Tip: avoid rush hours or if you stay at the Cosmopolitan, your Marriott Rewards loyalty card will give you priority seating.[/color]

 

http://i.usatoday.net/travel/gallery/2011/tr110512_vegas-day/wicked-spoonpg-vertical.jpg

[cany10011]

Sorry to resurrect an older thread, but can anyone recommend a nice restaurant in Las Vegas? I'm looking for something upscale, japanese, spanish or american cuisine. Any good buffet suggestions as well? Thanks!

[+ Avalon]

Sorry to resurrect an older thread, but can anyone recommend a nice restaurant in Las Vegas? I'm looking for something upscale, japanese, spanish or american cuisine. Any good buffet suggestions as well? Thanks!

 

I have no personal experience but found this. Maybe someone here has been to one. I'd think a local escort there would know the best places to dine.

 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g45963-c36-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html