Lou's Reviews
STRIP CASINOS
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NORTH STRIP
Strat, SLS, CircusCircus, Westgate, Resorts World, Encore, Wynn, TI, Palazzo, Venetian, (Hard Rock)
Level 108 Sky Lounge and Extreme Rides STRAT
360° viewing deck – enjoy cocktails from the service bar while viewing Downtown, the Strip from the north, and all of southern Nevada from 829 ft. high. Walk up to levels 109 and 112 and experience the extreme rides and views from outdoors.
The 'World's Highest Roller Coaster' was removed in 2005, and the Insanity ride no longer runs, but
Peppermill Fireside Lounge INSIDE THE PEPPERMILL
The bar is separate from the comfort food restaurant and features a lounge area with a legitimate old Vegas vibe in purple neon and a relaxing pit surrounding a flaming pool. Get the corona-rita!eful though, the wheel doesn’t stop as you exit and there are stairs back down to the Strip.
Sphere BEHIND VENETIAN
You've heard of it, seen photos but that doesn’t quite offer the experience of being up close to the World's Largest Spherical Structure - a 367 foot, 8 story marvel with 1.2 million puck size LEDs. If there is an event available, be sure to experience the futuristic inside, where 20,000 people can experience entertainment that can include vibrating seats and scents.
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106 Top of the World Restaurant STRAT
This is the quintessential style over substance restaurant. The food is good (it's basically a steakhouse, keep that in mind), and you can do better for the price, but make no mistake - with a dining area revolving 360 degrees every 80 minutes offering spectacular views of the entire valley and Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for 26 years, this is the must visit dining experience in Vegas. Note: dinner reservations include free entry to the restaurant, bar and extreme rides viewing level.
108 Drinks & Snacks STRAT
The less sophisticated little brother of the Strat's Top of the World restaurant, this is your best option to have a cocktail and small bite while enjoying the most spectacular view in the Las Vegas valley.
Bouchon VENETIAN
The almost hidden location of this restaurant within the Venetian provides a private dining experience while enjoying dishes created by the only American-born chef with numerous three-star Michelin ratings. The James Beard Outstanding Chef award winner, Thomas Keller’s Vegas restaurant showcases the multi-award winner’s French cuisine. Featured is a raw bar and specialty wine list, but other than the exceptional food, the best feature is the exceptional friendly somewhat informal service in a very formal environment.
Peppermill Restaurant ACROSS FROM RESORTS WORLD
This place exudes a 70’s Vegas vibe, featured in several notable movie and music videos. The Fireside lounge is a magenta and purple neon infused lounge with a relaxing fireside pit flaming inside a pool of water. The restaurant also emulates a diner from half a decade ago, serving overly generous portions of breakfast and comfort food dishes.
Chickie's & Pete's SAHARA
This Philadelphia based chain is the best sports bar in Las Vegas. With over 50 TVs and an exceptional menu of burgers, sandwiches, pizza and seafood, and the best wings in Las Vegas. There’s also a great happy hour and adjoining sports betting.
Davidoff Cigar Lounge FASHION SHOW MALL
If you smoke cigars,this upscale lounge with comfortable outdoor seating and a walk in humidor (you can bring your own) offers premium drinks, service and ambience. There's a huge outdoor patio overlooking the Strip and daily happy hour featuring free 'champagne’ for the ladies and weekly whisky and cigar specials (locals receive the happy hour specials all day, every day).
Eight Cigar Lounge RESORTS WORLD
'The Premier Las Vegas Lounge' - A modern, environment with a sophisticated atmosphere of plush lounge seating and sofas, big-screen TVs, drink specials and selection of premium cigars and expertly crafted cocktails. There's also a beautiful outdoor lounge overlooking the Strip through the privacy foliage.
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MID STRIP
Linq, Flamingo, Harrah's, Caesars, Horseshoe, Paris, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Planet Hollywood, Aria
Big Elvis HARRAH'S PIANO BAR
You don't have to be an Elvis fan to be thoroughly entertained by this exceptionally talented singer performing Elvis classics, deep cuts and other popular tunes. Down to 280 lbs. from 980 fifteen years ago, Pete Vallee might not be as big as then but his voice still is. Maybe the kindest, most talented singer in Las Vegas who is glad to meet and take photos after every show (3 times a day, 3 days a week). 'Big Elvis' engages his audience during the show (no worries, only volunteers perform with him), and after every show, when you can meet, greet and take photos with 'Big Elvis'.
High Roller Bar Car LINQ PROMENADE
A 30 minute ride with fantastic views from two of 28 air-conditioned pods that reach a height of 550 feet on the largest observation wheel in the world overlooking the mid-Strip area. Drinks are unlimited during the 30 minute ride with up to 40 party friends maximum in each pod. We’re not sure what the record is but we’ve seen five (with one to go) consumed on more than one occasion.
Bellagio Fountains, Conservatory & Botanical Gardens BELLAGIO
The Fountains of Bellagio, the third largest fountain in the world and most popular free attraction in Vegas, are mesmerizing whether you stand in front of the lake or watch from one of the many restaurants and viewpoints. After the show be sure to walk into the resort to take in the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. There are also other attractions inside including the world’s largest chocolate fountain and huge glass sculpture hanging from the ceiling in the lobby. Worth the walk.
Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck PARIS RESORT
The views are fantastic (although photos are challenging because of the metal grid structure). Be aware that because it’s an open air experience, the half-scale Eiffel Tower’s observation deck, at 460 feet, can be more vertigo-inducing than the Strat and High Roller. There’s also a restaurant below - 11 stories above the ground.
Wildlife Habitat FLAMINGO
A peaceful four-acre garden right in the middle of the Strip, with streams, waterfalls, waterfowl, pelicans, fish, turtles, birds and, of course, flamingos! It's out back of the Flamingo resort, with no cost to enter.
Chandelier Bar COSMOPOLITAN
Three levels of stylish bars adorned within a purple crystal glass chandelier of light; this is the quintessential Las Vegas Strip bar. The knowledgeable bartenders deliver drinks with care, not flair. You may want to try the off-menu (not so) secret Lemon Verbena cocktail. It comes with a Szechuan button flower that tingles the tongue and changes the flavor (think margarita and ‘Pop Rocks’ and you’ll get the idea). It affects some more than others, so you decide whether it’s worth the over $20 price tag to find out.
Fuel Bar HORSESHOE GRAND BAZAAR SHOPS
Featured on numerous TV special, this relatively unknown flair bar is small but always high energy and fun - maybe because of the generous pours and 2 for 1 drink special. You’ll need the need the 2 for 1 drink card, but it’s always being handed out near the entrance to the bar. They wouldn’t want anyone to miss out! Tip: don’t do the nerf basketball ‘win the entire bar a shot’ game. It’ll be costly and the shots aren’t worth it.
Nine Fine Irishmen NYNY
Serving traditional Irish food and drinks, along with Irish inspired fusion dishes. Whether dining inside in the A legitimate Irish pub that was built in Ireland and rebuilt on the Strip or outside patio in front of NYNY casino (where you can sometimes enjoy the band on stage there). The traditional Irish dishes are excellent and huge, as are the American offerings. Recommended are the best fish and chips on the Strip (possibly with the exception of Ri Ra), and steamed clams.
Jaleo COSMOPOLITAN
One of five Chef José Andrés' Vegas establishments, this one offers authentic traditional and modern Spanish tapas. Recommended experience is the chef’s tasting menu with Spanish wine pairing. The food, prepared in an open kitchen is exceptional. The mostly sweet wines are not.
Lago BELLAGIO
Renowned chef Julian Serrano's Bellagio lakeside restaurant, offering traditional and upscale Italian dishes, enjoyed outside the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dining room or on the open-air patio with best restaurant view of Lake Bellagio. Unlike many other premier restaurants, Lunch and Brunch are available.
Ocean Prime COSMOPOLITAN
National lover 20 large city steakhouse featuring a wine and seafood centric menu with three bars, outdoor dining on the 2,500 square-foot rooftop terrace overlooking the Strip at City Center. One of the best Strip Happy Hours with a half off lounge menu.
Ski Lodge Speakeasy COSMOPOLITAN
A (sometimes) hidden bar in the Cosmopolitan Chelsea tower near Superfrico, with a convincing cozy sometimes lively ski lodge vibe. Serving fresh pizza (must be ‘fresh’ because you’ll wait 2 or 3 drinks time) and, of course, do-it-yourself s’mores.
Peter Luger CAESARS
The only locations outside New York can be found in Vegas and Tokyo, featuring select prime steaks and signature dishes like tomatoes and onions, extra thick bacon, potato salads, and of course Luger’s own sauce. Everything is the same as the famed original location, except credit cards are accepted here (and that’s a good thing, because you get what you pay for and this is simply the best steakhouse in Vegas.
Scarpetta. COSMOPOLITAN
Scarpetta serves bold Italian flavors in four countries including some of the best elevated Italian on the Strip. With views of the Bellagio fountains below from many tables this may be the most overlooked but best Italian restaurant in Vegas.
Spago BELLAGIO
Wolfgang Puck's Spago opened in 1992 at Caesars, beginning the celebrity chef restaurant growth on the Strip. In 2018, Spago moved to the Bellagio where ‘seasonal new American fare’ can now be enjoyed along with fountain views from the bar, restaurant or outside terrace.
Beer Park, Brew Dog, Ole Red,
Jason Aldean’s, Bottled Blonde ACROSS FROM BELLAGIO
Outdoor views of the Bellagio fountains can be enjoyed from the upper floors of the outside patio of any of these restaurants serving bar type food. Beer Park is closest to the fountains, Brew Dog biggest, Aldean’s and Ole Red feature live country bands. Food, drink and views are similar.
Minus5 Ice Bars LINQ, MANDALAY BAY & VENETIAN RESORTS
Yes, in the middle of the desert are three bars (Linq, Mandalay Bay and Venetian) that provide an unexpected experience - an environment completely of ice. The walls, the bar, tables, seats… and the glasses don’t need ice because they’re made of it. Prices are now reasonable. They include entry, gloves, a coat and cocktail.
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SOUTH STRIP
Park MGM, NYNY, MGM Grand, Oyo, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay
minus5 Ice Bar LINQ, MANDALAY BAY & VENETIAN RESORTS
Now with locations at Linq Promenade, Caesars and Mandalay Place. Over 90 tons of ice create a ‘chill’ environment where everything is made of ice – sculptures, bar, glasses. Best during the hundred-degree days in the Mojave Desert. No worries though, admission includes use of a parka.
Foundation Room MANDALAY BAY
Because of the sweeping strip view from the south on the 43rd floor outdoor terrace and reputation as a nightclub, the restaurant and bar are often overlooked. They should not be. However, if you are interested in a loud but smaller night club, get on their website and register for the guest list to avoid the entry fee.
Hakkasan Restaurant MGM GRAND
Not hidden but sometimes overlooked because of the more well-known nightclub on the two stories above is Tao group’s elevated contemporary Cantonese Chinese cuisine restaurant. An a la carte menu, raw bar and dim sum are available but recommended is any of the three levels of prix fixe offerings, all with optional wine pairing. No worries, the restaurant closes before the fun begins on the levels above.