Dining out: The best of old-school Vegas
“When it’s time to book a dinner reservation, everybody wants to know what’s new,” said Rob Kachelriess in Thrillist.com. On any Las Vegas jaunt, though, you should also keep in mind “the time-tested restaurants that helped shape the sinful city we know and love today.” You can expect great food at the three standbys below, and also a taste of what Vegas is all about. Top of Binion’s Steakhouse Step into the dining room at the top of the former Mint Hotel tower on downtown’s Fremont Street and you might think it’s 1965 again. “The interior design is a throwback to an earlier era when the mob ran much of Las Vegas,” the valley-wide views are still stellar, and you can have your baked Alaska flambéed right at the table. If you’re not up for slow-roasted bone-in prime rib, try the lobster Newburg, served in a puff pastry. 128 E. Fremont St., (702) 382-1600
The Golden Steer Steakhouse Tucked into a strip mall just west of the Strip, the Golden Steer has a 60-year history of serving up prime, wet-aged steaks to celebrities from Muhammad Ali to Nicolas Cage. The “dark and moody” dining room features red leather booths named for Frank Sinatra, Betty Grable, and other former regulars. 308 W. Sahara Ave., (702) 384-4470
The Peppermill “The kitsch is strong” in this neon-hued restaurant and lounge, which has been the backdrop for numerous TV shows and movies. Opened in 1972, it remains “everybody’s favorite place on the Strip to grab eggs and pancakes in the middle of the night.” 2985 Las Vegas Blvd., (702) 735-4177