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Vegas (1 Viewer)

Could use some input from people who know stuff. 

Heading to Vegas to see a hockey game. Its me, my wife and kids are 10 and 8. 

Not looking to spend a lot. I dont gamble. We will be there Sat-Mon. One day will be Zion NP or Grand Canyon/Hoover Dam. One day will be Vegas/Hockey game and one day will be Vegas and hopefully a magic show. 

We have two options. Circus circus or Tropicana. Any thoughts on which hotel and which magic show. 

Also, any shows you can suggest for my wife and daughter when we are at hockey game. Unfortunately, Brittney Spears doesnt seem like she is performing then. 

 
AcerFC said:
Could use some input from people who know stuff. 

Heading to Vegas to see a hockey game. Its me, my wife and kids are 10 and 8. 

Not looking to spend a lot. I dont gamble. We will be there Sat-Mon. One day will be Zion NP or Grand Canyon/Hoover Dam. One day will be Vegas/Hockey game and one day will be Vegas and hopefully a magic show. 

We have two options. Circus circus or Tropicana. Any thoughts on which hotel and which magic show. 

Also, any shows you can suggest for my wife and daughter when we are at hockey game. Unfortunately, Brittney Spears doesnt seem like she is performing then. 
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Tropicana without a doubt. Circus Circus has turned pretty dumpy and isn't in a great spot. The Tropicana is right near some other good hotels.

 
I haven't been to Vegas in a decade so I hesitate to give out recommendations any more. All my experience there is between '97-'01. That said.. 

Although both hotels are older and probably run down now, I would definitely take the Trop over Circus Circus. Location is definitely superior and at least the Trop has a great pool area. There's nothing I like about Circus Circus except the steakhouse and there are hundreds of those in Vegas. Well, and the proximity to Slots-A-Fun was nice back in the day but getting hammered and gambling for 3 hours for about $20 isn't as important to me as it was when I was 25.

 
AcerFC said:
Could use some input from people who know stuff. 

Heading to Vegas to see a hockey game. Its me, my wife and kids are 10 and 8. 

Not looking to spend a lot. I dont gamble. We will be there Sat-Mon. One day will be Zion NP or Grand Canyon/Hoover Dam. One day will be Vegas/Hockey game and one day will be Vegas and hopefully a magic show. 

We have two options. Circus circus or Tropicana. Any thoughts on which hotel and which magic show. 

Also, any shows you can suggest for my wife and daughter when we are at hockey game. Unfortunately, Brittney Spears doesnt seem like she is performing then. 
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Kutta and E.G. Are both super spot on in their recommendations. Circus Circus has certainly become run down and is in a really bad location on the extreme north end of the strip. It's essentially fairly isolated on a part of the strip where you don't want to be isolated.  

The Tropicana is located in a nice part of the strip---right across the street from the Excalibur and MGM Grand.   There is a free tram at the Excalibur that you can take to Luxur or the Manadalay. The MGM has a monorail that can take you all the way down to the SLS/Circus Circus area.   Not only that--the Trop is just a nicer and cleaner place to stay--they did a nice facelift/renovation there several years back and it really updated the place.  I'm not saying it's the Ritz Carlton (so temper any potential expectations)--but it's a nice value hotel for Vegas.  

In regards to kid friendly shows in Vegas (and I'm tapping back many years in my memory bank)--I'd say maybe Penn and Teller, Blue Man Group, and Jabowokeez would all be fun for that age range.  I also think the david copperfield show is very safe--but I personally didnt enjoy it very much as an adult viewer--but I do think that kids would like it.    Mystere and Tournament of kings would also be pretty safe options.

 
jvdesigns2002 said:
Kutta and E.G. Are both super spot on in their recommendations. Circus Circus has certainly become run down and is in a really bad location on the extreme north end of the strip. It's essentially fairly isolated on a part of the strip where you don't want to be isolated.  

The Tropicana is located in a nice part of the strip---right across the street from the Excalibur and MGM Grand.   There is a free tram at the Excalibur that you can take to Luxur or the Manadalay. The MGM has a monorail that can take you all the way down to the SLS/Circus Circus area.   Not only that--the Trop is just a nicer and cleaner place to stay--they did a nice facelift/renovation there several years back and it really updated the place.  I'm not saying it's the Ritz Carlton (so temper any potential expectations)--but it's a nice value hotel for Vegas.  

In regards to kid friendly shows in Vegas (and I'm tapping back many years in my memory bank)--I'd say maybe Penn and Teller, Blue Man Group, and Jabowokeez would all be fun for that age range.  I also think the david copperfield show is very safe--but I personally didnt enjoy it very much as an adult viewer--but I do think that kids would like it.    Mystere and Tournament of kings would also be pretty safe options.
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Awesome. Thank you. 

 
AcerFC said:
Could use some input from people who know stuff. 

We have two options. Circus circus or Tropicana. Any thoughts on which hotel and which magic show. 

Also, any shows you can suggest for my wife and daughter when we are at hockey game. Unfortunately, Brittney Spears doesnt seem like she is performing then. 
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Absolutely the Trop. They've actually remodeled sometime in the past few years - it has a clean Miami feel to it (in the lobby at least). The rooms are bigger than many on the strip as well.

For a great family-friendly show during the day, I highly recommend Mac King at Harrah's. If you go to their concierge, you can get great ticket deals just by asking. The show really is fantastic (though it isn't something for during the hockey game because it's a daytime show). I've heard Terry Fator's show is pretty good FWIW.

 
going late September with 3 other couples and probably will see Absinthe.  if we want to do a Saturday night show should we consider getting advance tickets via ticketmaster or something, or just go early that day and get them direct from Ceasers or whatever.  would be 8 of us total, preferred by not mandatory that we get 8 together

 
Dan Lambskin said:
going late September with 3 other couples and probably will see Absinthe.  if we want to do a Saturday night show should we consider getting advance tickets via ticketmaster or something, or just go early that day and get them direct from Ceasers or whatever.  would be 8 of us total, preferred by not mandatory that we get 8 together
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I went in June, not sure how much more crowded it is in Sept (or weekday vs. weekend). But we bought tickets the day of and used the $20 off coupon the guy was handing out by the ticket office ($20 off and avoid ticketmaster fees). We sat in the back (there are tables and chairs with plenty of legroom), its very tight elsewhere, and the closer you are the more likely you will get picked/picked on (I believe that was recommended here in this thread).

I suppose you could check ticketmaster to see how many seats are left, and decide before going, but I'm sure you can get the $20 off coupon the first day you are there and buy tickets right away (ticket office opens at NOON). Also - they do sell tickets at that half price (Tix4tonight)? they are better seats closer up and a tad more expensive I think.

ETA: there were 4 of us, and I think the Tix4Tonight didn't have 4 together, i think they are only allocated a limited number of seats. There was plenty of seats for 8 together at the box office, but again this was June and it was 117 degrees out.

 
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Dan Lambskin said:
going late September with 3 other couples and probably will see Absinthe.  if we want to do a Saturday night show should we consider getting advance tickets via ticketmaster or something, or just go early that day and get them direct from Ceasers or whatever.  would be 8 of us total, preferred by not mandatory that we get 8 together
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for 8 people get now (you can get a code I think for $20 off if buying online).  Get the back tables

 
Heading out for work in a couple weeks. Trying to arrange something for dinner on Saturday with a group of work peoples. We're on expense reports so we can't go nuts but we can do some creative accounting if it's not too over the top (i.e. $75 8-oz Filet Mignon). Open to different culinary options. Staying at Vdara but am not immune to wandering somewhere via Uber. Work mates are a little high maintenance/snobby so it has to be somewhere decent although I did get them to agree to Lotus of Siam later in the week. Not the dump it used to be but some people still see it as sketchy due to location. We also have dinner plans at Julian Serrano Tapas @ Aria one night as it has turned into an annual tradition so that's not going anywhere. 

I noticed Yardbird mentioned a lot here but since we are all from Miami (original location of Yardbird), it doesn't have much of an appeal to us. I would like a steakhouse but I know they get pricey and nose-lifters wouldn't agree to go to Circus Circus or something like that. Anyone have any personal favorites that I can put on the shortlist? There are so damn many options in Vegas that I get analysis-paralysis so any input is helpful.

 
Osaurus said:
I liked Joe's at Caesar's, but also in Miami.
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Yeah, same issue. When I was first reading these posts and saw so many people post about Yardbird I had to look it up and see if it was indeed the same one. 

If you like Yardbird and ever get to Miami, Swine in Coral Gables is awesome. Similar concept but with pork, as you can guess. They also have a fast/casual place not far from Swine called Spring Chicken. Haven't been there yet but it gets good reviews from friends.

Just saw on the 50Eggs website that they opened a place called Chica at the Venetian. That may be worth trying although it's Latin cuisine and that also is so prominent in Miami.

 
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soothsayer said:
Absolutely the Trop. They've actually remodeled sometime in the past few years - it has a clean Miami feel to it (in the lobby at least). The rooms are bigger than many on the strip as well.

For a great family-friendly show during the day, I highly recommend Mac King at Harrah's. If you go to their concierge, you can get great ticket deals just by asking. The show really is fantastic (though it isn't something for during the hockey game because it's a daytime show). I've heard Terry Fator's show is pretty good FWIW.
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I'll vouch for Terry Fator. Family friendly for the most part, and it was really good.

 
Senor Schmutzig said:
Heading out for work in a couple weeks. Trying to arrange something for dinner on Saturday with a group of work peoples. We're on expense reports so we can't go nuts but we can do some creative accounting if it's not too over the top (i.e. $75 8-oz Filet Mignon). Open to different culinary options. Staying at Vdara but am not immune to wandering somewhere via Uber. Work mates are a little high maintenance/snobby so it has to be somewhere decent although I did get them to agree to Lotus of Siam later in the week. Not the dump it used to be but some people still see it as sketchy due to location. We also have dinner plans at Julian Serrano Tapas @ Aria one night as it has turned into an annual tradition so that's not going anywhere. 

I noticed Yardbird mentioned a lot here but since we are all from Miami (original location of Yardbird), it doesn't have much of an appeal to us. I would like a steakhouse but I know they get pricey and nose-lifters wouldn't agree to go to Circus Circus or something like that. Anyone have any personal favorites that I can put on the shortlist? There are so damn many options in Vegas that I get analysis-paralysis so any input is helpful.
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I've always had a great meal at Delmonico in the Venetian. Awesome steak house, and one of the best whiskey lists I've ever seen at a steakhouse.

 
kutta said:
I've always had a great meal at Delmonico in the Venetian. Awesome steak house, and one of the best whiskey lists I've ever seen at a steakhouse.
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:thumbup:

Went there for dinner after getting married at the Little Church of the West 15 years ago! Bone-in Ribeye was the go-to then and probably still is. 

 
Senor Schmutzig said:
Heading out for work in a couple weeks. Trying to arrange something for dinner on Saturday with a group of work peoples. We're on expense reports so we can't go nuts but we can do some creative accounting if it's not too over the top (i.e. $75 8-oz Filet Mignon). Open to different culinary options. Staying at Vdara but am not immune to wandering somewhere via Uber. Work mates are a little high maintenance/snobby so it has to be somewhere decent although I did get them to agree to Lotus of Siam later in the week. Not the dump it used to be but some people still see it as sketchy due to location. We also have dinner plans at Julian Serrano Tapas @ Aria one night as it has turned into an annual tradition so that's not going anywhere. 

I noticed Yardbird mentioned a lot here but since we are all from Miami (original location of Yardbird), it doesn't have much of an appeal to us. I would like a steakhouse but I know they get pricey and nose-lifters wouldn't agree to go to Circus Circus or something like that. Anyone have any personal favorites that I can put on the shortlist? There are so damn many options in Vegas that I get analysis-paralysis so any input is helpful.
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Updated Plan: 

Saturday - Still open
Sunday - Julian Serrano Tapas @ Vdara - Spanish
Monday - Lotus of Siam - Thai
Tuesday - Work event
Wednesday - Lago at Bellagio (also Julian Serrano) - Italian
Thursday - Chica @ Venetian - Latin American

So I still have an opening for Saturday night. Looking at the current list of cuisines, now I'm really thinking we should do steak....

 
Senor Schmutzig said:
Updated Plan: 

Saturday - Still open
Sunday - Julian Serrano Tapas @ Vdara - Spanish
Monday - Lotus of Siam - Thai
Tuesday - Work event
Wednesday - Lago at Bellagio (also Julian Serrano) - Italian
Thursday - Chica @ Venetian - Latin American

So I still have an opening for Saturday night. Looking at the current list of cuisines, now I'm really thinking we should do steak....
Click to expand...
You'll love Lotus of Siam. Anyone in your group that won't go because of the location should be left at Caesars. It's not a dump outside. It's just nondescript sort of run down strip mall. Inside it's plenty nice. And food is fantastic. Was there last night. 

 
Senor Schmutzig said:
Updated Plan: 

Saturday - Still open
Sunday - Julian Serrano Tapas @ Vdara - Spanish
Monday - Lotus of Siam - Thai
Tuesday - Work event
Wednesday - Lago at Bellagio (also Julian Serrano) - Italian
Thursday - Chica @ Venetian - Latin American

So I still have an opening for Saturday night. Looking at the current list of cuisines, now I'm really thinking we should do steak....
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I say this EVERY SINGLE POST in this thread.... but......

I don't see chcken n waffles at Yardbird.

 
Johnny Rock said:
Charlie Palmer's at Four Seasons
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Do you, or anyone else, know if their cut of the week gets announced every week or can you see weeks in advance?

I'm looking to have one nice meal while in Vegas without breaking the bank. 

 
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I'll be be in Vegas October 8-10.  My wife will be there for a work conference and we're going a few days early since it's been a good 10 years since we've been there.  We're staying at Caesars.  Planning to eat at Yardbird for a lunch or dinner and Mon Ami Gabi for breakfast at a minimum.  Since we're staying at Caesars, we'll probably see Absinthe as well.

Any other recommendations of things to do at Caesars or close by there?

 
Tiger Fan said:
Any thoughts on the following for a casual but quality lunch for 8 dudes.  Drinking a plus, but not required.  Will take other suggestions (already been to Yardbird)

Ri Ra's Irish Pub

Le Pho

Naked City Pizza

Beerhaus
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The Grand Lux Cafe in the Venetian is pretty great.   Cheesecake Factory quality food but with Claim Jumper size portions--with maybe $12-$20 price point.   Their menu is pretty expansive so there should be no problem with every person finding something that appeals to them.    If you do have transportation and want to try something really good--try Fat Choy that is located in the Eureka casino on Sahara.  It's actually located very close to Lotus of Siam which is another fantastic restaurant in Vegas.  The short rib rice is amazing as are the Bao selections.   I do have to warn you--the Eureka casino is a bit ghetto/sketchy--but that restaurant is truly a diamond in the rough.   

 
facook said:
Earl of Sandwich, Nacho Daddy, Carnegie Deli in Mirage.  I like all 3 of these for casual but really tasty.  
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jvdesigns2002 said:
The Grand Lux Cafe in the Venetian is pretty great.   Cheesecake Factory quality food but with Claim Jumper size portions--with maybe $12-$20 price point.   Their menu is pretty expansive so there should be no problem with every person finding something that appeals to them.    If you do have transportation and want to try something really good--try Fat Choy that is located in the Eureka casino on Sahara.  It's actually located very close to Lotus of Siam which is another fantastic restaurant in Vegas.  The short rib rice is amazing as are the Bao selections.   I do have to warn you--the Eureka casino is a bit ghetto/sketchy--but that restaurant is truly a diamond in the rough.   
Click to expand...


Zigg said:
Big fan of Border Grill @ Mandalay Bay.  Great Mexican food, and not horribly priced(relatively speaking of course).  
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Thx guys.  Been to Nacho Mama's :thumbup:, will check out these others....keep em coming

 
Surprise where most things are 3x the cost of normal - the Convenience Store in Caesars next to the front door by the statue of Caesar has 16 oz Sierra Nevada cans for $3.99. 

 
Joe Bryant said:
Surprise where most things are 3x the cost of normal - the Convenience Store in Caesars next to the front door by the statue of Caesar has 16 oz Sierra Nevada cans for $3.99. 
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When I win the league in this year's contest and accompany you on next year's staff retreat, I challenge you to an on strip chug off. Loser foots the $8 price tag.

 
Joe Bryant said:
You'll love Lotus of Siam. Anyone in your group that won't go because of the location should be left at Caesars. It's not a dump outside. It's just nondescript sort of run down strip mall. Inside it's plenty nice. And food is fantastic. Was there last night. 
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I have been there multiple times over the past 20 years and have successfully talked many people into going there. It was a lot more sketchy a few years ago before they renovated. There are so many things on that menu that I have never seen at other Thai places. Love it. 

 
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Trying Yardbird for lunch. Going in extremely skeptical as a Southern Food place when the locations are Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Miami and Singapore sets off all the legit warning flags. But we'll see.

 
PlayaHata said:
I'll be be in Vegas October 8-10.  My wife will be there for a work conference and we're going a few days early since it's been a good 10 years since we've been there.  We're staying at Caesars.  Planning to eat at Yardbird for a lunch or dinner and Mon Ami Gabi for breakfast at a minimum.  Since we're staying at Caesars, we'll probably see Absinthe as well.

Any other recommendations of things to do at Caesars or close by there?
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The Bacchannal buffet at caesars is the best on the strip. A little pricy at $50/person but damn well worth it IMO.

 
Slapdash said:
This place is more upscale and opened in Charlotte back in Jan:  http://haberdish.com/

Probably my favorite place all around due to great sides/cocktails while being a short walk from my house.
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Thanks. And I should rephrase "legit". I've no doubt it'll be good at what it's doing. I'm not a fan of taking humble type food of the people and turning it into expensive "kicked up" versions. BBQing Wagyu brisket for example is counter to the soul of BBQ. Or street tacos that cost $5 each. I see restaurants do the same with Collards or Fried Chicken. We'll see. Not saying it's not good quality. As for some, it'll be exactly what they want. 

 
Joe Bryant said:
Thanks. And I should rephrase "legit". I've no doubt it'll be good at what it's doing. I'm not a fan of taking humble type food of the people and turning it into expensive "kicked up" versions. BBQing Wagyu brisket for example is counter to the soul of BBQ. Or street tacos that cost $5 each. I see restaurants do the same with Collards or Fried Chicken. We'll see. Not saying it's not good quality. As for some, it'll be exactly what they want. 
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Gotcha.  A place like this for instance.

For me, as long as restaurant does what it tries to do well without way overcharging, I am happy.  Guess I don't have that same hangup with some foods.  I've had great fried chicken at higher-end places, even if it is a different experience. 

On the other hand, I would never order pulled pork or brisket at a place like this.  Just not possible to do it as well in a standard kitchen.

Yardbird does a lot of things well though.  Short ribs and fried green tomatoes BLT are other highlights.  Along with the bourbon menu.

 
Slapdash said:
Gotcha.  A place like this for instance.

For me, as long as restaurant does what it tries to do well without way overcharging, I am happy.  Guess I don't have that same hangup with some foods.  I've had great fried chicken at higher-end places, even if it is a different experience. 

On the other hand, I would never order pulled pork or brisket at a place like this.  Just not possible to do it as well in a standard kitchen.

Yardbird does a lot of things well though.  Short ribs and fried green tomatoes BLT are other highlights.  Along with the bourbon menu.
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Exactly @Slapdash. Price's is a perfect example of what I love. I have a passion for that type of food done that way. It's honest and soulful and authentic and real. All those things come through in the food and the people behind it. 

What I find fascinating is a place like Yardbird might have some of the same items, but it feels on the other end of the spectrum of soulful, authentic and real. 

The very essence of Southern rustic and authentic food is that it's not overly slick and polished. I'm going to guess Price's spent zero dollars on their logo. And the owners likely can't have a detailed strategic discussion on "branding". My guess is Yardbird's primary focus to start was a logo and branding. My guess also is as a business, Yardbird is wildly profitable making a ton of money compared to Prices. On the typical "scorecard of business", I'm going to guess Yardbird is the avalanche winner over Price's. 

If you let me choose which spot I'd rather go though, FOR ME, it's Prices 10 to 1. Maybe it's 100 to 1. 

But I also fully accept I'm not normal. 

 
Joe Bryant said:
Exactly @Slapdash. Price's is a perfect example of what I love. I have a passion for that type of food done that way. It's honest and soulful and authentic and real. All those things come through in the food and the people behind it. 

What I find fascinating is a place like Yardbird might have some of the same items, but it feels on the other end of the spectrum of soulful, authentic and real. 

The very essence of Southern rustic and authentic food is that it's not overly slick and polished. I'm going to guess Price's spent zero dollars on their logo. And the owners likely can't have a detailed strategic discussion on "branding". My guess is Yardbird's primary focus to start was a logo and branding. My guess also is as a business, Yardbird is wildly profitable making a ton of money compared to Prices. On the typical "scorecard of business", I'm going to guess Yardbird is the avalanche winner over Price's. 

If you let me choose which spot I'd rather go though, FOR ME, it's Prices 10 to 1. Maybe it's 100 to 1. 

But I also fully accept I'm not normal. 
Click to expand...
Well, did you get the fried chicken for lunch? How was it?

 
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