The strip is pretty long...where are you staying or will you take a cab?

/tricia

The strip is about 3 miles or so which is not a big deal to us. No cab - we will walk.

Las Vegas claims to be the buffet capital of the world. Once you know where you are staying relative to the strip, you can google things like "Las Vegas best buffets" then make your plan of attack.

I don't know where you are but I'm betting you don't have a Trader Joe's near by so you can take a trip not too far from the main drag to Trader Joe's.

With LV as our base, we have taken fabulous day trips to Hoover Dam and the canyons in Utah, as well as over-nighters to the Grand Canyon.

Have fun!

Or I should add we could walk one way (we are going to be staying down at the end of the strip - no choice, that is where my husband's work is putting us) and we could ride the rail back but we walk quite a few miles every day on a regular basis.

My sister lives in Vegas so my wife and I make it out there every year or so. Haven't been in a year, so things may have changed--but there are a lot of decent casual places.

I had a great meal at an Asian place called Noodles. Sort of Asian-fusion type stuff, very good. I just checked to see where it was; unfortunately I see there is one at both the Venetian and the Bellagio, and I don't remember which one it was I ate at...

At the Venetian, Thomas Keller has his Bouchon bistro. I gotta say I have not eaten there yet, but it's on my list for next time. Anthony Bourdain wrote a rave review of it for Gourmet.

The days of the cheapo buffet are dwindling, and I really don't like buffets anyway, but I did try the buffet at the Wynn resort. I was impressed--the food was far superior to most buffets, more like a la carte restaurant dishes.

I did eat at Spago (Wolfgang Puck's place--I think it's in Caesar's Palace) and it was pretty good.

There were a couple of restaurants in the Paris casino that were good, too, but I don't remember the names...

The link may give you some ideas as well. Bon appetit!

Here is a link that might be useful: cheap vegas eats

Where I live we have every grocer you can imagine. Trader Joes, Wegmans, Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, Safeway, Giant, Bloom's, Penzey's, etc.

I really want to see Hoover Dam and we are considering getting a car for the day to do that trip.

Were not much of buffet people also but I have heard there are some good ones. I have researched on-line and it can be 50/50 with people saying it's great and others saying it's horrible.

Dixie, Good for you, we only have one of the stores you mentioned.

Whenever I go to Vegas, I stay at the Wynn. I have breakfast at Bouchon at the Venezia Tower, the sourdough waffles are my absolute favorite. I ate at the buffet once at the Wynn and found the food exceptional. But, I just don't eat that much and I had a hard time sleeping that night because my stomach was hard as a rock. I obviously overate and I don't like that feeling. There is a chocolate shop in the Wynn that will get you in trouble pretty quickly. Bartolotta in the Wynn is also a lovely italian place to eat. For more conventional food, I like the Noodle place at the Venetian. The Wynn also had a coffee shop type place as did the Bellagio that were great places to get salads and a croissant for breakfast. The other restaurant that I liked was SW steakhouse and Red 8 at the Wynn is to die for. The Dim Sum at Red 8 is really fantastic too and the prices are pretty reasonable. I found the buffet at the few other places that I went with friends to be subpar to the Wynn and the price was about $5 less. I know I now sound like a shrill for Steve Wynn but I really am not affiliated with them in anyway. I just really like the hotel. It is a good size and is more sedate than all the other hotels that I have stayed in when in Vegas. I have stayed at the Bellagio, MGM grand and Caesars palace and find them all too large and overbearing.

Good luck and have fun on your trip. Do visit the Shark reef at the Mandalay bay.

Dixie: They have a Tram now. They were just building it when I was there 3 years ago.

I was there in 08 but didn't use it.
We ate at restaurnts across from the Bellagio, that were good.
Like others mentioned , there are all kinds of eating places.
Some were more than my budget. I'd rather spend money on other things. Like losing in the Casino's.

My nephew said that in the Old Downtown Section, you get better meals ( reasonible priced )

There is a lot to see right here, near the Belligio.
All kinds of shows, while you are walking.

I even sang to a Couple in a Gondola, who were just married
at that Casino.

You should go to Hoover Dam .Great Visit. It was hot when I was there.
On the Concrete Railings,that you look over into the River 500 feet below,
There are signs "Danger , Don't sit on the Rail "
No Kidding !!! You would get 5 Degree burns, on your Butt.

We also went to Red Rock Canyon. There is an Old Western town there.
My niece dropped me off at the new Red Rock Casino.

It was huge. I walked around a center Hub, then I couldn't find the entrance, where I came in.
So I went out and called my niece on the cell Phone, to tell her where I was.
She laughed, because all the entrances are the same.
You have to get Oriented before you enter.
Get all the brochures that you can before you leave.

You will get a lot of help here ,I'm sure.
Lou

Try to have an evening at old town Vegas for the street show they put on. Lots of fun and many of the older less expensive meals. You usually get what you pay for but we had an excellent prime rib dinner, for around $10, at the Barbary Coast, I think that was the name. It's a casino across the street from Bally's, not across the strip but on the same side of the strip as Bally's. We try to stay away from the buffets, lack of will power. We also loved the eateries and shops at the Venetian. If you have a car, they have at least a couple of outlet malls, one close to old town, one south of vegas. There's a trolley that you can ride that stops at all the casinos on the mall but we found that it was faster and cheaper to take the city bus and try not to look like tourists. You need exact change but the waiting is not as long. There's also a monorail that runs behind the strip and right by the convention center. Have fun. We make it to a convention there almost every year and never run out of new things to see. We stopped renting a car or driving there but then we walk a lot also.

There are bus trips to Hoover Dam from various spots on the strip at different times of day so you might find that easier than renting a car if that's your destination. There is also bus service up and down the strip that's an easy way to travel.

I love the Peppermill. It's like stepping into another era and I keep waiting for the Rat Pack to walk in. The food is like well-prepared diner food with large portions that you'll probably end up toting back to your room.

Another interesting place is Battista's Hole in the Wall. The food is just average Italian fare but the atmosphere is fun, especially late in the evening. The Buca di Beppo chain is based on Battista's.

If you want to try one of the hotel dinner buffets, many of them have a substantial discount off the price from 3-5 or 4-6 P.M.

If your DH has to attend any long business meetings, there are spas in all of the hotels where you could get a massage or other treatments. You don't have to be a guest of that hotel, although guests get preferential booking times.

There are so many different dining experiences available that you might want to check out some of the LV tourism websites.

Hope you and your DH have a great visit!

Buffets, ugh...sorry but I've never been happy with one. The two most recent were at Paris and the Bellagio. I said never again, life is just too short. Mom was in Vegas last summer and was very disappointed in Spago, we know it well in L.A., so take that for what it's worth. Check out the food at the MGM, many of their restaurants are quite good, some not as fancy.
The spa at the Venetian is the Canyon Ranch and it's terrific!

Just got back from Vegas. Had some great food. We would go back to Red Square at Mandalay Bay in a heart beat. Suggestions on the menu that we had at our table: Beef Stroganoff, Fettuccine with Truffle oil, Bone-in Rib Eye.
The BS would be my pick, not like any BS I have ever seen.If you enjoy martinis they having an ice bar with a menu that most dont have.
Rio, Sea Food Buffett is another good meal for $38. New York New York, Irish Pub the Fish and Chips were wonderful. We shared an order for a lite lunch with drinks. Biagio's (sp) Olive's had a very good menu, we had drinks their. My hubby had the Sidecar Martini.....oh so good.
They have the double decker busses that are very easy to take. We should of gotten the 3 day pass, much better deal. Also some of the hotels have shuttles to other hotels. There is a Shuttle that goes from Paris to the Rio that we took, but if you check into it there are lots of other shuttles available.

If you are a gelato fan, there are lots of places in the shopping areas that have lots of different flavors. We dont have places around us that have gelato available so it was oh so good to us!

If you like Roller Coasters try the one at New York New York.

Have a great time in Vegas we did.

I won't be much help, I've only been to Vegas once and just hated it, spent one night and left at 5 a.m. the next morning. We stayed at Circus Circus because we had the kids. It was about 110 degrees outside, and the first thing we saw was an argument going on in the parking garage and one of the people arguing had a gun. The room was right next to the bungee jumping tower and so we listened to the drunks jumping off the tower all night. We had the buffet at Circus Circus and I was not impressed, so the only thing I can tell you is don't go there! The cost several years ago was $9.95 and it was about like going to the Old Country Barfay...um Buffet. The girls did like the amusement park inside though.

We did leave and go to Hoover Dam and that was fun and interesting, definitely worth a side trip.

Annie

I'll second the Peppermill. I was there 30 years ago and again last year the decor has been updated , still the same 50's look but updated from my first trip.

We did enjoy the breakfast brunch at Bellagio but I would not do their buffet for dinner.

Great food, great prices and lots of it. A fun lunch or breakfast spot.

Take a pass on Rao's at Caesar's Palace , expensive and mediocre.

I haven't been there in about 4 years, but have probably been there around 15 times within a 5 year span. Some of my favorite restaurants are:

Le Cirque at Bellagio

Picasso at Bellagio

Bellagio Buffet

RosemaryÂs Restaurant (off the strip) was excellent.

Kokomo's at the Mirage

Oh I forgot a wonderful little bakery in "Paris". I don't recall the name but they had the best bread, rolls and croissants as well as fabulous breakfast "sandwiches" made on fresh bread and rolls.

There is also a wonderful cheese shop in the same area. We bought some rolls at the bakery, some cheese and pate at the "fromagerie". That along with a bottle of wine made for a wonderful picnic...in our room ; )

The bakery and cheese shop is located in the walkway that leads out of the Paris casino to the hotel next door.

Thank you ALL for the help and suggestions. I've been doing a lot of research on the internet. Chase a cheese shop would be wonderful. I've got a real list kicking right now of places to see and places to eat!

I hear the shakes are wonderful at Jean Phillippe Patisserie at the Bellagio. The Burger Bar has gotten written up quite a bit too.

I think I will try out Taqueria Canonita one day for lunch and sit by the water and watch the people go by in the gondolas.

I'm off to research some of these places that you all graciously let me know about. Thank you!

Oh, Annie so sorry to hear that your trip did not go well. That's a bummer:(

Also if you like steaks, Gallagher's at New York New York had great rib eyes. We wish that we would of split one. Way to large. Didnt want to look cheap, but table next to us split theirs. Should have...who cares what you look like in Vegas :)

Another person at our table had the prime rib, great flavor. Queen size steak would be enough for two to split.

Here is a link that might be useful: New York New York

Forgot to mention....we were glad we only did one buffet.

Way to easy to over eat and feel miserable the rest of the day. Food is good, but would rather have a fresh made meal.

We did go into the bakery at the Bellagio, wonderful!

You can only eat so much, but you can look :)

Trudy we love Ribeye Steaks - my favorite! Thanks for the heads up on Gallaghers. Dress code was not listed - Casual or Business Casual OK? The menu sort of reminds me of Ruth Chris'.

Someone else told me about Craftsteak at the MGM. Anyone been there?

Gallagher's seemed to be dress casual. We went on a Saturday night there were others with night attire, but I dont think it was expected. If in doubt I would do the dress casual.
The rib eye's were the best, nice and thick, with great flavor. The creme brulee was a good also! Not that we had room for it, but we split one.

Photo , under Boulder Dam

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Sorry : it's now Hoover Dam.

Dixie: This is part of a tour. I have a lot of Photo's.
Don't forget your Camera.
Lou

Although still fascinating, the tour of the greater depths of the dam have been eliminated since 9/11. Our second tour (after 9/11) was significantly limited.

Cathy:
Last year we went down 500 feet in the Caverns. I think it was about 48 degrees.
Better than up top , it was 110.
I didn't want to go much further down than that, because it might have started to get warm again.

Do you think they may have changed the tours back again?

It seemed like they took us everywhere.
Guess you can Google it and get info.

The first 2 trips, the temperature was good. Cold in the early morning and comfortable all day.
I would never go there in August, again.
Lou

Nice picture Lou and I can see that Cathy. I really would like to do this if possible. Lou, my in-laws have a home in Tucson and we know what the heat is about in August. But remember they always say "it's a dry heat." HA! To be honest it is a dry heat compared to where I am in VA during summer time. You walk outside here in 100 degrees and you will be drenched. In Tucson, I am dry as a whistle in that same temp. But, we are going at the end of March so the high should only be between 65-70 (average temp.).

I ate Ribeye steak tonight off the grill, baked potatoes and salad and it was good (I've got to throw some food talk in!).

I think the best plan is to hit the breakfast buffet at the hotel you are staying at. That will fill you up for the rest of day until dinner. Then you can find a nice restaurant (non buffet) that will be to your liking. Breakfast buffet's are usually safe and good and will give you energy to get you through the day until dinner.

Just have fun! That is the main message.

Duane

Is this Food ?

Mandolay Bay, Shark Reef

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I agree with a trip to the Peppermill. We always have one breakfast there. The staff there made Aleksi a Mickey Mouse waffle when they discovered she was headed to Disneyland.

We enjoy the buffet at Mandalay Bay, the seafood has always been exceptionally good.

If you are interested in any shows try out the Half Price Ticket places, sometimes they have good deals. If your room doesn't have a sm refrigerator, some places you can request one for a nominal charge and then head to a grocery store and pick up your drinks, water, etc. I refuse to pay $4 for a bottle of water on the strip!

Most of all, have fun!

Brenda

We were there a couple years ago. We weren't very impressed with the food overall, but we did have a wonderful sandwich at Carnegie's Deli at the Mirage. The sandwiches are HUGE. We got it carryout (they won't let you share a sandwich if you eat in) and one sandwich was more than the two of us could eat. We also had a piece of 5th Avenue pie that was wonderful (and also too big for 2 of us).

We took a bus trip to the Grand Canyon. When we crossed the Hoover Dam, the driver told us that tours of the dam have been very limited post 9/11, so you may want to double check before you rent a car.

Been to LV so many times I've lost count.... every April for a convention.

If you have the $$$$ and want Maine Lobster, the place to go is the Rosewood Grill:
http://www.lasvegas.net/Rosewood-Grille-And-Lobster-House-info.htm

An anytime meal at Paris' Mon Ami Gabi is a must for us:
http://www.vegas.com/searchagent/restaurant/ViewRestaurant.do?restaurantId=3179

Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill has excellent SW cuisine. I had Tamale's that were to die for:
http://www.mesagrill.com/lasvegas/

I think the best tip so far for here (where I happen to live) is to have breakfast/brunch at a buffet, which WILL hold you till dinner. Then check out some of the nicer places for dinner. Even the coffee shops in the hotels are known to have good food. If you have never been to a Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, I always say it is a must see. Going to Taqueria Canonita and watching the gondolas will be a very relaxing time. The "old town" show is Fremont Street experience. But please, do not walk down there at night. Please take a taxi. I haven't been there in a while, but the show has always been entertaining. Oh...and at the RIO, they have Masquerade in the Sky, which is a free show. I understand it has become a little risque since they re-opened it.

Have fun while you are here.

Shows at the Rio, from the Balcony on the Second Level.
Play the Slots and watch a free show,
at Slot level and up in the Air.

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