Las Vegas

[BigBadBen]

We will be in Vegas over Christmas.
We have tickets to see 2 Cirque Du Soleil shows, Mystere and Love.

This is our first trip there so any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Things Im looking for are good places to eat that dont cost a mint.
Things to do during the day. Free stuff will be great! I want to save as much as I can for the tables!!!

Of course all the must sees, but some of the not so know things would be
great too.


Tips, Hints, Insider Info, its all welcome.

[Verb]

There's a restaurant called The Luxe Cafe at the Venetian. It's owned by the Cheesecake Factory, and has a similar menu. Like all Cheesecake Factory restaurants, it has well-prepared food with high quality ingredients. And for a "nice" restaurant, it's quite reasonable, especially the lunch-sized portions. I always make sure to stop by there when I'm in town.

[Verb]

Oh, and if you're going to do one "special night out" type meal, you can't beat the rotating restaurant at the top of the Stratosphere. The food is excellent and the view is wonderful, especially right at sunset.

[BigBadBen]

Since we are staying at the Stratosphere, it wouldnt be too tough to go there. The task will be convincing Rhonda to go up there!


Someone mentioned in the past about a resturant that served a dirt cheap steak dinner, in the MGM maybe? They said the meal wasnt on the menu, but if you asked for it, you get it and its awesome.

[jakeman]

It you go to Vegas and eat at someplace you could eat here, I will personally hunt you down and kick your a$$. One exception is Jimmy Buffet's down by the Flamingo.

Believe it or not, one of the best steak dinners in town can be had at The Steak House in Circus Circus. The Mexican at Gardunos in the Palms is great. The Italian at Arriva in The Gold Coast is way better than Batista's, and the wine won't give you heartburn. The little sushi bar in the MGM is pretty good. The Tillerman is awesome, but sorta high. Don't do a buffet (it's probably just me).

Gamble at least some at the Wynn and the Hardrock.

Go downtown and see the lights, not because it's great but because you haven't.

See the Forum Shops at Caesars and the Grand Canal shops at the Venetian. There is a good cigar shop there, and a good (but really,really small) one in the NY,NY. Smoke a good cigar. Find the "Wine Angels" if you can. I can't recall where we stumbled on them, but it was cool.

No help here on night clubs, we never leave the tables after dinner. I do know there are some good ones, and I heard Pollyesthers at the Strat was pretty funky.:D

When the cabbie asks if it's okay if he takes the freeway down to the Strat, tell him no, to take you down Paradise Rd. It's cheaper and faster. When walking down the strip and you get worn out and want a cab, don't try to hail one on the street, they won't/can't stop (unless it's really late and your in a really deserted place, and I don't advise getting there, it's a long story, but I speak from experience, trust me on this) walk up to the front door of a hotel, and there will be a line of them. If you want to go south up the strip a really cheap and fast way of getting there is to walk over to the Sahara and catch the Monorail. Ride it a few times to get the feel and to see if it works for you before you buy a sharable pass.

Read a book on Craps and Blackjack before you go. "Progression Blackjack" and "Winning Craps for the Serious Player" are good ones. Don't spend your entire trip staring at a damn slot machine. If the dealer isn't personable, find another one. There are a bunch. Don't gamble with an asshole. Sometimes there are some cheap tables at the Imperial Palace. (The IP also has great gin & tonic's) Buy a BJ basic strategy card in the gift shop for 2 bucks and use it, they'll let ya almost everywhere. Try to find a 6 deck shoe that the dealer shuffles. Craps is a blast, and as long as you play "strong" it isn't hard or confusing. Play the pass or don't pass and the come or don't come line's only, depending on your bank roll play two times odds on everything except the 6 & 8 and put 3 chips behind or on top, and let that other stuff go right over your head. Tip your dealers, most prefer a bet.

Christmas is a really good time to be there, (we go every year) because it isn't crowded. Not many lines to do stuff, and lots of open tables. The one thing is the shows are mostly dark. Including the Cirque shows, so good catch on that one, except we didn't like the Beatles show. Loved Mystere at Treasure Island. Probably our favorite of all the Cirque shows. There is an old dude in the Mystere Gift shop that loves to talk about the show, and has friends that perform, go find him.

I'm sure I've forgotten more than I've listed, and most of this is JMVHO, and there will be others that can add tons.

I'll be at the MGM.

Have fun.

Sleep when you get home.

[CowboyJD]

The "Wine Angels" are in the Mandalay Bay Casino/Hotel.

My favorite spot in Vegas is the Peppermill Fireside Lounge. It's one of the last remaining bits of true "old school" Vegas. Go sit next to the water and fire grotto fireplace and have a big old "frou frou" cocktail while you snuggle with your honeybunny.

I'm a big fan of a new district that is becoming really cool.....Fremont East. It is the area immediately east of the Fremont. Go see the Fremont Street Experience.....like Jakeman said....not because it's all that great, but because it's something you won't see elsewhere.

BUT then walk to the east for Fremont East. Have a drink at the Griffin. Have one at the Downtown Cocktail Room. Both are dark places with strong drinks, low lights, and good coversation from the bartenders, waitresses, and other patrons. The Beauty Bar in the same area is fun. Finally, Hogs and Heifers is the "original" bar that Coyote Ugly stole all its ideas from. The one downtown Vegas is just like the first one in NYC.

December is a good time to go. I just got back Thursday night. I was there for the UFC fights Saturday, the Mayweather/Hatton after parties, and the WEC MMA fights Wednesday night.

[BigBadBen]

It you go to Vegas and eat at someplace you could eat here, I will personally hunt you down and kick your a$$. One exception is Jimmy Buffet's down by the Flamingo.

But I hear the Vegas Applebees is the best!!!




Believe it or not, one of the best steak dinners in town can be had at The Steak House in Circus Circus. The Mexican at Gardunos in the Palms is great. The Italian at Arriva in The Gold Coast is way better than Batista's, and the wine won't give you heartburn. The little sushi bar in the MGM is pretty good. The Tillerman is awesome, but sorta high. Don't do a buffet (it's probably just me).


Im sure we will check out Circus Circus then! Thanks for that tip.

Sushi is a must for me.

Ive read a few reviews that the Bellagio Buffet is Awesome. And the Rio has all you can eat Lobster. I dont see how you can go wrong there.




Gamble at least some at the Wynn and the Hardrock.



Im going to go where I can get the most bang for my buck. I like low limit tables. I dont mind betting big, I dont like being forced to.



Go downtown and see the lights, not because it's great but because you haven't.


Definately going to hit freemont street!!




See the Forum Shops at Caesars and the Grand Canal shops at the Venetian. There is a good cigar shop there, and a good (but really,really small) one in the NY,NY. Smoke a good cigar. Find the "Wine Angels" if you can. I can't recall where we stumbled on them, but it was cool.


We will definately hit that! Im thinking about getting us a reservations for a gonola ride.

I have plenty of great cigars. I will just bring my own!

Ive seen the wine angels on tv. I will definately check that out.



No help here on night clubs, we never leave the tables after dinner. I do know there are some good ones, and I heard Pollyesthers at the Strat was pretty funky.:D


We arent into the night club scene either. A nice piano bar would be cool though. Been to a few different Polly's, they are cool, but for the younger crowd for sure!



When the cabbie asks if it's okay if he takes the freeway down to the Strat, tell him no, to take you down Paradise Rd. It's cheaper and faster. When walking down the strip and you get worn out and want a cab, don't try to hail one on the street, they won't/can't stop (unless it's really late and your in a really deserted place, and I don't advise getting there, it's a long story, but I speak from experience, trust me on this) walk up to the front door of a hotel, and there will be a line of them. If you want to go south up the strip a really cheap and fast way of getting there is to walk over to the Sahara and catch the Monorail. Ride it a few times to get the feel and to see if it works for you before you buy a sharable pass.


Most of our traveling will be during the day. I hope we can take the busses to save some cash. But will check out the monorail for sure.
I imagine we will just use a cab to & from the shows.




Read a book on Craps and Blackjack before you go. "Progression Blackjack" and "Winning Craps for the Serious Player" are good ones. Don't spend your entire trip staring at a damn slot machine. If the dealer isn't personable, find another one. There are a bunch. Don't gamble with an asshole. Sometimes there are some cheap tables at the Imperial Palace. (The IP also has great gin & tonic's) Buy a BJ basic strategy card in the gift shop for 2 bucks and use it, they'll let ya almost everywhere. Try to find a 6 deck shoe that the dealer shuffles. Craps is a blast, and as long as you play "strong" it isn't hard or confusing. Play the pass or don't pass and the come or don't come line's only, depending on your bank roll play two times odds on everything except the 6 & 8 and put 3 chips behind or on top, and let that other stuff go right over your head. Tip your dealers, most prefer a bet.



Im not a big fan of craps. I like playing, but in house games with buddies for low wagers. Last time I played in a casino I had so much money out there, playing like I do with low stakes, then crapped out! ha ha

Im more of a blackjack man. I really love playing it & have a good system.
I also like let it ride. I plan on trying a few other games. I will play a few slots, but it will be at a minimum. They arent my thing.



Christmas is a really good time to be there, (we go every year) because it isn't crowded. Not many lines to do stuff, and lots of open tables. The one thing is the shows are mostly dark. Including the Cirque shows, so good catch on that one, except we didn't like the Beatles show. Loved Mystere at Treasure Island. Probably our favorite of all the Cirque shows. There is an old dude in the Mystere Gift shop that loves to talk about the show, and has friends that perform, go find him.


I will definately find the fellow. Sounds intriguing.

We might even book tickets for Tony & Tina's Wedding. It is a very funny dinner theatre. We read part of the script, and are planning on performing it at our local theatre in the next couple years. It would be great to see it performed.


I'm sure I've forgotten more than I've listed, and most of this is JMVHO, and there will be others that can add tons.

I'll be at the MGM.

Have fun.


What nights will you be there? We are there the 23rd - 27th.

Maybe we could hook up for Dinner one evening. Let me know.
And, Rhonda doesn't gamble. So at night after our evening events, she will hit the hay so I will be on my own to hit the tables.


Sleep when you get home.

Damn Straight!:D

[jakeman]

Gonna have to check out the Fremont East area.

Sounds like my kinda place.

[CowboyJD]

Gonna have to check out the Fremont East area.

Sounds like my kinda place.

It's certainly mine. Have you been to the new "Playboy Club" at the Palms? I had high hopes, but was largely disappointed. WAY too corporate for my tastes.

Oh yeah, a really really good complete dive bar is the Double Down Saloon. It has a great juke box and home of the world famous "ass juice" shots and the "bacon martini". Check it out next time.

Ben-My favorite sushi places are off-strip.

I like Nobu's at the Hard Rock and Little Buddha at the Palms.

[MASONOKIE]

I just have to say it! Sorry!!

CHEETAHS!!

[BigBadBen]

ok, where is that in relation to the Strat?
:D

[Roman Craig]

Go into the flower room in the Bellagio. It is decorated in Poinsettias this time of year, undescribably cool. Magnolia's is a restaurant in the 4-queens downtown. Last time I was there they had very good prime rib dinners for about $7. You have to ask for them they are not on the menu.

[JimBob]

Play roulette anywhere. The odds are the worst, but if you use "J.B.'s system", you'll receive mailbox money. Sit down, and don't bet on any number/color you can't reach; I call it the J.B. short-arm theory of Vegas gambling.:D

[MASONOKIE]

ok, where is that in relation to the Strat?
:D

You can see the sign from the Strat! You should have gone during the race!!! Hoover Dam is a Must!!!

[BigBadBen]

I have some friends that want to go to the Vegas race in '08.

You gonna be there?
Or back home in the shop?

[jakeman]

I just have to say it! Sorry!!

CHEETAHS!!

I almost had the wife talked into going last time out in July.

Almost, but no cigar.

PS - late change in plans. We'll be at the Hilton. Called out to check on something at the MGM and they were going to make us change rooms the last night. I told 'em to stick it, canceled and booked a cheaper room at the home of Barry Manilow.:D Hell I like the Hilton better anyway. Sometimes,,,, late at night,,,, when it's really, really quiet,,,, you can hear Elvis' ghost eating a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

[MASONOKIE]

I have some friends that want to go to the Vegas race in '08.

You gonna be there?
Or back home in the shop?

As of right now I'll be there...

[bleedorange]

When you're down at Fremont, DO NOT get away without having some 99 cent shrimp cocktails at the Golden Gate. It's not that they're all that great but they're not bad. They're cheap and definitely hit the spot for a night cap after breaking the bank at the blackjack tables. They serve em up in parfait glasses. Get a couple.


BTW- if you like low limit tables, downtown's your place.

[jakeman]

Anyone else coming to Lost Wages?

BBB, Lets get together and play some cards.

[BigBadBen]

Sounds like a plan! Check your PM.



Ive had several folks tell me about Mr. Luckys Grill in the Hard Rock. They say there is a non advertised special, Steak & Shrimp for $7.77, you just have to ask for it.

[jakeman]

Sounds like a plan! Check your PM.



Ive had several folks tell me about Mr. Luckys Grill in the Hard Rock. They say there is a non advertised special, Steak & Shrimp for $7.77, you just have to ask for it.

Love the Hard Rock. Never eaten at Mr. Luckys.

[AggieSpice]

1) eat at in-n-out burger
2) go to the manilow store in the LV hilton

[OSUFan]

I've never been to Vegas but I have been to Tahoe and I love the craps tables. It's pretty easy money compared to blackjack or the quarter slots.

[BigBadBen]

Ive heard of in & out but never been to one.
Anything like White Castle? White Castle is great.

Manilow??? eeek!

:D

[rodbakeriii]

Ive heard of in & out but never been to one.
Anything like White Castle? White Castle is great.

Manilow??? eeek!

:D

In an Out Burger is pure genius...great great great burgers.

I'll be in LV in February for the international DJ convention. Got the deal on Worry Free Vacations at the Riviera (not my favorite hotel at all, but it just so happens to be the same hotel as the convetion). Flying in and out of OKC, and the air/hotel was just a little over $400 for four days. Heck of a deal considering I'm there all the days of the convention at the right hotel. I skipped on the "special DJ rate" of $109/night. hahahahaha...

Been a few years since I've been. I enjoyed Rain at the Palm (got the VIP pass and skipped the four hour line, but had to drop a little $$$ to do it). Rum Jungle at Mandalay was cool too. They had a DJ that had a backup drummer that played during the crossfades. A freaking cool idea I want to try out someday.

I need to get out there more. A very good childhood buddy of mine is a poker dealer at Harrah's.

[MASONOKIE]

Ive heard of in & out but never been to one.
Anything like White Castle? White Castle is great.

Manilow??? eeek!

:D


OMG!!!

IN and Out is the only food on this Earth!!!

Double Double Animal Style with Large Strawberry Shake.

Get one everyday that were out West!!

[rodbakeriii]

Double Double Animal Style with Large Strawberry Shake.





Uhhhhh.....

[BigBadBen]

Animal Style?



Doggy?

[BigBadBen]

Here we go, the secret menu:

http://www.in-n-out.com/secretmenu.asp




So would a double double be the 4x4??? Dang thats a lot of meat!





Thats what she said.
Hiyo!

[MASONOKIE]

That's right Buddy!!!! God, your a quick learner...

ENJOY..

Don't forget you T-Shirt. Everyone gets a T-Shirt!!!

[bigbadbob]

In an Out Burger is pure genius...great great great burgers.

I'll be in LV in February for the international DJ convention. Got the deal on Worry Free Vacations at the Riviera (not my favorite hotel at all, but it just so happens to be the same hotel as the convetion). Flying in and out of OKC, and the air/hotel was just a little over $400 for four days. Heck of a deal considering I'm there all the days of the convention at the right hotel. I skipped on the "special DJ rate" of $109/night. hahahahaha...

Been a few years since I've been. I enjoyed Rain at the Palm (got the VIP pass and skipped the four hour line, but had to drop a little $$$ to do it). Rum Jungle at Mandalay was cool too. They had a DJ that had a backup drummer that played during the crossfades. A freaking cool idea I want to try out someday.

I need to get out there more. A very good childhood buddy of mine is a poker dealer at Harrah's.

Rain sucked in October. Skipped the line too, but just not that cool. There are two places at the Venentian that are pretty hot right now.

[jakeman]

Ben, I heard the casinos were giving away free money. ;)

I'm on my way buddy! :D

[rodbakeriii]

Rain sucked in October. Skipped the line too, but just not that cool. There are two places at the Venentian that are pretty hot right now.

Figured since I hadn't been in a couple years it was not cool any more. I don't even know if I'll have time to hit anywhere on this trip. I'm pretty serious about stepping things up on the DJ side of things and I'll probably actually be pretty clear headed on this trip!!!

[jakeman]

bump