Could have sworn there was a Vegas thread before. Just booked a quick weekend at the Bellagio in November (I assume that’s a good one).  Don’t really care about shows, but what are some legit places to eat? Don’t have to be the super popular ones. Or anything else to do? We’ve looked up the neon museum. A bunch of 30+ year olds not lookin to club but will still be out late. I’ve never been, but most in our group have been. 

We're heading out in early December for a buddy's 40th, staying at Caesar's Palace. I've been twice before but nothing really stands out. 

Bellagio is older, but still classic and THE property associated with high rollers (though maybe more Wynn now).

Restaurant recommendations LOL.  There must be dozens of celebrity chef spots there.  Pro tip: do a bit of homework to find out which celebrity chef is actually in town and working.  In most cases, it's a franchise or licensing type deal and that guy won't be preparing or overseeing your meal.  But presumably they do train and hold the kitchen to their high standards.

Haven't been there in a number of years, so find out what's hot.  Definitely don't be tempted by the Wagyu beef scam - I've had it a few times and always underwhelmed.

I know you said you don't care about shows, but Cirque de Soleil is worth seeing at least once.  As is Fremont Street (definitely a seedier, older lower-class feel, but it's classic Vegas).

I might do a Cirque show for my wife. Friends are doing Aerosmith but I didn’t want to. Problem is I’m very cheap and already dropped a bunch lol. I know Vegas isn’t for the cheap. We got a great half off rate at Bellagio that was equal to some of the other not as nice hotels like Planet Hollywood that we were looking at. Too many restaurants to even pick. 

I go 3-4 times a year. 

I’m an MGM guy and get free rooms and money to eat. I prefer to stay at Vdara or Park MGM because they are non smoking and MGM properties. Whatever you do get a card and connect your room to it so whatever you paid for the room goes toward your offers. Also always use your card at tables or slots for the points as well. If you go to a restaurant again use your card. You really don’t have to spend a crazy amount to get good offers. I get offers for 4-5 free nights with low resort fees and $250 Freeplay and $300 Food and I don’t bet crazy amounts. 

Restaurants: 

There are two musta for me every trip.

1) Cosmo Food Hall called Block 16 it contains 5-6 really good fast casual restaurants from across the country. It’s also across from Egg Slut and close to secret Pizza. That should give everyone in your group an option for something they want. 

2) Esther’s Kitchen - Simply Put it’s the best meal in Vegas. It’s in the Arts District between the strip and Downtown. Make reservations and be prepared for an amazing meal. The fresh sourdough is a must order. If you or any of the guys enjoy breweries you can also walk to 5-6 breweries in the arts district and it completely safe. 

Other Good Restaurants:

Bavettes - Probably the best MGM steakhouse 

Hells Kitchen - Good but it a lil overpriced because it’s Gordon Ramsey and it’s really loud. 

Emerils - I’ve had good meals here everytime and sometimes they have a really nice tasting menu for a very reasonable price. 

Barry’s - Best Steakhouse I’ve had in Vegas. It’s located in the basement of Circa and is a cool atmosphere. Rib Cap was great

Wicked Spoon - My favorite buffet. Everything is plated on small plates so you can try lots of different things. 

Lotus of Siam - Famous Thai spot that’s really good but not your ordinary Thai

Le Thai - Good traditional Thai with a great happy hour

Din Thai Fung - great dim sum

Yard Bird - awesome southern food 

Avoid: 

Any Cheap Buffets

Delmonico - worst steak I’ve had in Vegas by far

Bars:

Downtown Cocktail Room - This place is a must visit for me. Happy Hour every day from 5-7 and all drinks are half priced. Best bartenders in Vegas give them liquors you like and a flavor profile and they can make an amazing drink. 

Foundation Room - Drinks are just okay but the view is great. It’s at the very top of Mandalay Bay with an outside balcony you can take your drinks out to

Transportation: 

Uber and Lyft are my go to once I’m at the hotel but sometimes taxis are cheaper to and from the airport because they have have pre priced zones now so they can’t overcharge you taking a longer way. 

Sports Betting:

If you wanna watch and bet the NFL games Circa is the best place but can be expensive I would also recommend Chickie and Pete’s. Good food and the sports book is directly outside the door. Also you can download the app but money on it and then you get your rewards and can bet from anywhere on your phone. 

Let me know any other specifics you may need help with.

posted by sportchampps

I go 3-4 times a year. 

I’m an MGM guy and get free rooms and money to eat. I prefer to stay at Vdara or Park MGM because they are non smoking and MGM properties. Whatever you do get a card and connect your room to it so whatever you paid for the room goes toward your offers. Also always use your card at tables or slots for the points as well. If you go to a restaurant again use your card. You really don’t have to spend a crazy amount to get good offers. I get offers for 4-5 free nights with low resort fees and $250 Freeplay and $300 Food and I don’t bet crazy amounts. 

Restaurants: 

There are two musta for me every trip.

1) Cosmo Food Hall called Block 16 it contains 5-6 really good fast casual restaurants from across the country. It’s also across from Egg Slut and close to secret Pizza. That should give everyone in your group an option for something they want. 

2) Esther’s Kitchen - Simply Put it’s the best meal in Vegas. It’s in the Arts District between the strip and Downtown. Make reservations and be prepared for an amazing meal. The fresh sourdough is a must order. If you or any of the guys enjoy breweries you can also walk to 5-6 breweries in the arts district and it completely safe. 

Other Good Restaurants:

Bavettes - Probably the best MGM steakhouse 

Hells Kitchen - Good but it a lil overpriced because it’s Gordon Ramsey and it’s really loud. 

Emerils - I’ve had good meals here everytime and sometimes they have a really nice tasting menu for a very reasonable price. 

Barry’s - Best Steakhouse I’ve had in Vegas. It’s located in the basement of Circa and is a cool atmosphere. Rib Cap was great

Wicked Spoon - My favorite buffet. Everything is plated on small plates so you can try lots of different things. 

Lotus of Siam - Famous Thai spot that’s really good but not your ordinary Thai

Le Thai - Good traditional Thai with a great happy hour

Din Thai Fung - great dim sum

Yard Bird - awesome southern food 

Avoid: 

Any Cheap Buffets

Delmonico - worst steak I’ve had in Vegas by far

Bars:

Downtown Cocktail Room - This place is a must visit for me. Happy Hour every day from 5-7 and all drinks are half priced. Best bartenders in Vegas give them liquors you like and a flavor profile and they can make an amazing drink. 

Foundation Room - Drinks are just okay but the view is great. It’s at the very top of Mandalay Bay with an outside balcony you can take your drinks out to

Transportation: 

Uber and Lyft are my go to once I’m at the hotel but sometimes taxis are cheaper to and from the airport because they have have pre priced zones now so they can’t overcharge you taking a longer way. 

Sports Betting:

If you wanna watch and bet the NFL games Circa is the best place but can be expensive I would also recommend Chickie and Pete’s. Good food and the sports book is directly outside the door. Also you can download the app but money on it and then you get your rewards and can bet from anywhere on your phone. 

Let me know any other specifics you may need help with.

Great info, thanks!

Table game wise, should I study up on Blackjack or Craps? I know how basic games work like Roulette, and have had success in 3 card (in WV) but I feel like BJ is the way to go to play for awhile and not lose a ton. 

Blackjack can be a nice, long social game if you know how to play.  But, generally, sitting down for more than 45 minutes results in losing money.

Craps can be a riot.  IMO the most exciting & social game in the casino.  And if you get lucky catching someone on a hot roll, you can win a lot of money.  Otherwise, you can lose it quick.

Personally I really enjoy video poker.  It's another game that can offer plenty of excitement with modest losses for a long time.  But it's more of an individual game.

Dinner:

Momofuku- Cosmopolitan 

Carbone - Aria

Le Cirque - Bellagio 

Amalfi - Caesar’s 

Lago - Bellagio

Lunch:

Terrace Point Cafe - Wynn

Mon Ami Gabi - Paris

Giada - Cromwell

Hash House A Go Go - LINQ

Brera Osteria - Venitian

Breakfast:

Eggslut - Cosmopolitan 

Terrace Point Cafe - Wynn

Hash House A Go Go - LINQ

Cocktail Bars:

The Chandelier - Cosmopolitan 

107 Skylounge - STRAT Hotel

Lily Bar and Lounge - Bellagio

Sports books:

Mandalay Bay

Caesar’s 

Wynn

Cosmopolitan 

LINQ

posted by iclfan2

Table game wise, should I study up on Blackjack or Craps? I know how basic games work like Roulette, and have had success in 3 card (in WV) but I feel like BJ is the way to go to play for awhile and not lose a ton. 

I do very well in blackjack. I play pretty much by the book. I also don’t get mad if someone is playing their own way because sometimes it helps sometimes it doesn’t. I will help someone if they ask or if they have a lot of money out I may give them a tip if what the right strategy is. You can get a card and use it to play by the book until you memorize it.

I have had sessions where I lose $500 in a couple hours or sessions where I have won a couple grand over 5-6 hours. 

Craps is all about hitting the table at the exact right time and walking away when the hot shooter or shooters are done.

Video poker is the best way to earn points per dollar spent but I get bored very quickly at that. 

If you play roulette please please please don’t play at a triple 0 table. I don’t know how many times there are two roulette tables next to each other 1 teiple 0 and 1 double 0 and the triple is filled while the double is wide open. Your giving the house a much bigger advantage on the triple 0 table. 

I absolutely cant stand slots. I never ever win on them. My $100 always is gone in mins while people like my mom can play a long time on an hour. My mom actually hit 10k on a slot machine today at Scioto Downs.

Craps and Blackjack are my 2 favorites. Craps if you dont know, you can just play the come line bet and try and pick up on the rest while doing that. 

BJ, just play by the book/have a strategy so you dont get mad or second guess. IE, dealers down card is always a 10, so if they have a made hand, you hit. If they have a bust hand, you stay. 2 is 50-50. Always double down on 11 and on 18-20 if dealer has 4/5/6. Pick the cards you want to split, and always do it...no second guessing. etc. Have enough money to lose 10 hands to start. You will play for a long time doing all this, may end up losign it all, but itll at least take awhile.

I also forgot to mention that Esther’s Kitchen is more reasonably price since it’s not on the strip and still the best meal I think the chef was nominated and might have won the James beard for best chef southwest. 

Oh and if you do a show 100% make it Absinthe! By far the best show on the strip. It’s basically a cirque show but done way closer to the audience and the host between acts is raunchy comedy that is hilarious. Not for the easily offended though.

Absolutely love Battista's for some Italian. As mentioned above, a ton of good places to eat and enjoy entertainment. Hell, the people watching alone is worth the price of airline tickets.

Vegas is awesome. Haven't been back in since last October and now after reading this I am itching to get back.

posted by birddog23

Absolutely love Battista's for some Italian. As mentioned above, a ton of good places to eat and enjoy entertainment. Hell, the people watching alone is worth the price of airline tickets.

Vegas is awesome. Haven't been back in since last October and now after reading this I am itching to get back.

Haha Reading this made me want to plan my next trip to. My wife wants to go for New Years but prices are crazy. I did the first week of March Madness there last year but this year there are two major conventions at the same time so rates are insane even with my comps.

posted by sportchampps

I absolutely cant stand slots. I never ever win on them. My $100 always is gone in mins while people like my mom can play a long time on an hour. My mom actually hit 10k on a slot machine today at Scioto Downs.

Exact opposite with me. Can't stand card games (my nephews the high roller there) but do very well at slots. I guess I'd fall under the high roller status, to some extent lol. Typically don't waste my time unless I'm taking about 5k into the casino and bets are usually greater than $10 a spin. We've probably hit for 120-150k this year with about 60k of it coming over a four week stretch. With that being said, we've probably broken even for the year.

A lot of good info regarding Vegas to digest here. Have never been (hate planes and have too many cats to leave alone) but my lady has been pushing me to go.

https://www.palms.com/palms-casino-resort/experiential-suites/hardwood-suite/

This is where I normally stay.  It kinda sucks because it doesn't have a hot tub but the whisky room is well stocked. 

/Sleeper'd

Just found out a little more of the planned itinerary for my buddy's 40th. We're having dinner at Hugo's Cellar which appears to be solid based on google reviews. Anyone been?

Here at Vegas now. Never been, but this place is nuts. Crowded as fuck at all times. Haven’t really gambled yet, but boy is everything expensive. Walked through the Cosmo, place is legit. The flight is so long. 

posted by iclfan2

Here at Vegas now. Never been, but this place is nuts. Crowded as fuck at all times. Haven’t really gambled yet, but boy is everything expensive. Walked through the Cosmo, place is legit. The flight is so long. 

I’m telling you now. Make reservations to Esther’s Kitchen it will be the best meal you have while you are there and it’s not strip prices. Also other decent places for a meal that won’t break the bank is Block 16 food hall in the Cosmo as well as secret pizza in the Cosmo. If the strip is to much for you Uber Downtown where everything is cheaper. If you like cocktail go to the downtown cocktail room (some of the best bartenders in Vegas) and go from 5-7 when everything is 1/2 Off. 

posted by justincredible

Just found out a little more of the planned itinerary for my buddy's 40th. We're having dinner at Hugo's Cellar which appears to be solid based on google reviews. Anyone been?

Hugo’s is very Old Vegas. I’ve heard it’s good for groups. Not my favorite place but you will have an enjoyable meal in a very Vegas type vibe. 

I’ll be back in Vegas end of February as my wife has decided to run a half marathon there.

Where is the best place to watch an NFL game on a Sunday morning? Jets play the Bills at 10am while we're in town and I can't miss that.

posted by justincredible

Where is the best place to watch an NFL game on a Sunday morning? Jets play the Bills at 10am while we're in town and I can't miss that.

You just wanna watch or eat and drink and watch? And where you staying again?

posted by sportchampps

You just wanna watch or eat and drink and watch? And where you staying again?

Eat and drink while we watch. Staying at Caesar's Palace.

The sports book is always a perfectly fine and great answer. And you will have a crowd cheering raucously for every play in every game which makes it a blast.

But there are some awesome sports bars that I am blanking on the names of. 

posted by Laley23

The sports book is always a perfectly fine and great answer. And you will have a crowd cheering raucously for every play in every game which makes it a blast.

But there are some awesome sports bars that I am blanking on the names of. 

I think Ceasars has been charging just to watch in their sportsbook. 

I would find a sports bar my choice would be Chickie and Pete’s at the Sahara. Great food tons of TVs and it’s 10 feet from the sportsbook