Steaks, slots, and drinks. Those are the three things that usually come to mind for people like me when they first think of Las Vegas. While the order of those three important things may change, they are always within reach.
Seeing as my comfort meals revolve heavily around meat and potatoes, the ease of acquiring a delectable steak was a welcome development in life. For context, I grew up in a very small town with a limited number of restaurants, the town steakhouse actually shut down and we’d have to drive a few towns over to find a chain steakhouse.
Once I made it to Vegas, I was making up for lost culinary time. Over my time living in The Valley, I was fortunate enough to break bread at a number of steakhouses including well-known institutions and newer offerings. Ever the gambler, most of the steakhouses I visited were housed in a casino and typically involved a healthy comp.
Comps aside, read on below to see what steakhouses you should consider next time you’re in Vegas. If you have a favorite of your own, especially located off Fremont, let us know in the comments!
Golden Steer
Chances are, if you could only be given one steakhouse recommendation, most Vegas locals will encourage you to check out the Golden Steer. The Golden Steer, located just off The Strip, is the premiere, vintage steakhouse in Vegas. Over the many decades it has been in operation, it has become a Vegas mainstay, serving the likes of current celebrities and those of years gone by including Frank Sinatra.
Because of the history and delicious menu options, you’re going to want to get on making reservations quickly, these are some of the most sought after tables. Fans of the Rat Pack can request to sit in Booth 22, Sinatra’s favorite spot to sit.
Enjoy at home: Now that I do not live in Vegas full time, I have been ordering Golden Steer seasonings to my house. I like the reminder of my Vegas life and the spices are pretty tasty. Plus, being in marketing, I am a sucker for quality packaging- I love the gold metal tins that they come in.
Oscar’s Steakhouse
If you have been watching Brian over the years or reading my downtown-centric articles, you’ve definitely heard of Oscar’s Steakhouse. Located downtown inside The Plaza Hotel & Casino, Oscar’s is a Vegas staple in its own right. Like Golden Steer, Oscar’s has been playing host to Vegas royalty over the years and has been immortalized in films including Casino.
I love Oscar’s because of the large windows that allow the neon lights to seep in and classic chandeliers. The service is typically top notch and the food is deliciously dependable. This is also the spot that I truly started to appreciate a nice (gin) dirty martini- the bar is expansive and the olives are bleu cheese stuffed.
Recently the restaurant went through an expansion to include an outdoor patio. This outdoor patio is my favorite place to be during the cold months. The views are absolutely beautiful and there is something to be said about hearing the sounds of Fremont just steps away.
Pro-tip: If you are a gambler, you should definitely consider playing a little at The Plaza so that you can start earning comps. In my opinion, Plaza comps are very reasonable. I will save up all my offers to use at one meal and have what I lovingly call a “ball-out meal.” This involves ordering something a little more expensive and at least one of those before mentioned gin martinis.
Top of Binion’s
Sticking downtown, another option to add to your list is the steakhouse located at the very, very top of Binion’s. Top of Binion’s offers you the chance to dine above Fremont Street, taking in the views of the downtown area and extending all the way to the mountains.
In addition to the truly mesmerizing views, the level of attention during the dinner service is extraordinary. The servers are attentive without being overbearing and are very quick with bringing out the dishes as they are ready.
My only complaint with this location is there is one table that does not offer up that gorgeous view. Without fail, I am offered this table nearly every time I visit. If this happens to you, know you can politely decline and ask to wait for a table along the windows. Yes, the food is good and the service is great, but it is the view that makes the experience and I promise waiting for a nice table is worth it.
Make reservations in advance here.
Prime Bellagio
One of the more “once in a lifetime” dining experiences I had came early in my Vegas life. My parents were in town visiting, we must’ve only lived there a year, and we decided to book a truly Vegas moment. After researching some options on The Strip, my mom landed on Prime Steakhouse. She picked this restaurant based on two criteria: 1) steaks and 2) outdoor dining.
My mom has always loved eating outdoors, probably because we grew up enduring New England winters, and as soon as she found a place to eat literally in front of the Bellagio Fountains, nothing else could compare.
Being eye level with the fountains was a new vantage point, something incredibly unique. The patio area that we ate on was small which helped make sure everyone dining could take in the views without feeling like they were given a bad seat. The atmosphere, while hot, was cozy with a subtle mist coming off the water every time the fountains activated.
Of course, we have to talk about the food too. These were some of the best, and most expensive, steaks I have ever had in my life. Everything was cooked to perfection and the restaurant team made sure to swing by at appropriate times to make sure we had everything we needed. If your budget allows, this would be my splurge recommendation.
Lawry’s The Prime Rib Las Vegas
If old school charm is what you’re after, consider Lawry’s The Prime Rib Las Vegas. This spot is popular amongst locals for special occasions or even business lunches. I made reservations a few times, including for one anniversary and a Christmas eve celebration.
Part of the charm is if you order their famous prime rib, it is served table side out of shining silver serving carts. This table side service adds a different sort of charm than I am used to seeing in restaurants. My entire family was delighted to experience something new and the prime rib is, as expected, delicious.
If prime rib isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Lawry’s does have a full menu with other options for your entire group to enjoy.
Cleaver Steakhouse
This is the most “off the beaten path,” recommendation on my list but is actually pretty easy to get to. Located within two miles of The Strip, Cleaver Steakhouse offers a dark and moody atmosphere and impressive menu.
Now that I don’t live in Vegas, I can look past their less than stellar parking lot and focus on the food. The food is approachable yet elevated. They serve up virtually every cut of steak and offer other classics like pork chops and, of course, lobster.
Note: This is the sister restaurant to the ever popular “Herbs and Rye.” Though I have yet to make it to Herbs and Rye, that is a recommendation I have heard time and time again. If it is anything like Cleaver, which I have heard it is, add them to your list too!
Hugo’s Cellar
In my opinion, Hugo’s Cellar is often overlooked. This is probably because if you’re not actively looking for the outlet, you’ll probably miss it while walking the Four Queen’s floor. Like its name states, it is literally a cellar that you’ll find at the bottom of a set of stairs off of the main gaming floor.
Although “cellar” normally has negative connotations, Hugo’s Cellar is a dark and charming space that exudes luxury more than it does your grandma’s basement. It is another vintage feeling gem that ups the charm by presenting ladies with a single rose upon arrival. From there, the level of service takes center stage as diners are guided through the menu including a few table side options like “Hugo’s Famous Table-Side Salad.”
Andiamo Steakhouse
Try as I may (only for writing purposes), I can’t escape my love for downtown. Another Fremont Street option that you should check out next time you are craving a nice steak is Andiamo Steakhouse, located inside The D.
Andiamo is another tried and true favorite. I remember when I first moved to the city I was always impressed by the roster of celebrities and well known figures that would swing through the steakhouse for a meal. I wasn’t impressed by the level of celebrity but taken by the fact that the food must be good for that many people to publicly seek it out.
After a few years, I finally made my way over and Andiamo did not disappoint! I went with a group and we all got different things to taste a little bit of everything. Service was top notch and I enjoyed the large spacious booths.
