My adorable hubby had a friend at work who is headed to Vegas (all I can say is bastards! I want to go to Vegas), being the sweet and caring guy that he is as well as his passion for all things Vegas, he put together a list of some of our favorites. Vegas is a favorite vacation spot of ours and have a tradition of going every 4th of July, and whenever else the budge allows we jet off for a long weekend. I've posted it for your vacationing pleasure - as I read the reasons why, I am transported if just for a minute to a place where the air is dry, the Fat Tuesdays and strong and readily available and the sin is everywhere. And for just that quick moment - I feel like I am home!! Check out his picks:
Drinks:
Fat Tuesday's
Location: Caesar's, MGM Grand, Stratosphere and Alladin Mall:
Cuisine: Beverage stop
Reservations: n/a
Price Range: $6-8.00 for a good one
Hours: 10-10 at least
Attire: Casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Like Slurpees?? This is the place for you. They offer a multitude of frozen drinks on tap as well as a full bar. You will notice a plethera of imposters up and down the strip with your "Yard'-a-ritas" and frozen drinks on tap....but be warned...they are not the same! This place has the best selection and best tasting selection of these bad-boys on the strip. My recomendation...190 Octane. This is a Orange Slurpee with mixed with Vodka and 190 proof grain alcohol. Sounds scary...I know, but they are not overpowering. Thats actually the bad part. By the time you finish your tasty beverage you dont know what happened, but your well..."well on your way" lets say. What is even more delightful is that the collectable test tube of 190 proof grain alcohol floating in you frozen goody is just one more dollar. What (James)...still want more?? Well toss in a cherry bomb (marischino cherries, drained of juice and soaked for 30 days in well..190 proof grain alcohol (notice a theme). Notice: for all you ladies out there, jello shots with whipcream and filled with everclear are just two dollars and before I completely scare you off, they also have normal drinks with reasonable levels of (non grain) alcohol. Margaritas, Daqueries, Mud Slides and Fuzzy Navels to name a few. And...buy a collectable cup and when you need a refill you get a few bucks off.
Harrah's Pavillion:
Location: Under the umbrella outside Harrahs's
Cuisine: Beverage Stop (they do have food/appetizers)
Reservations: n/a
Price Range: $6-8.00 for a good one (tip big for a good show)
Hours: early-late
Attire: Casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Amazing flair bar...outside and relaxing, live music and all together fun, this is one of our favorite chill spots. We can kick it at this place for hours sometimes. Make sure to say hi to Flippy for me (he wont know who I am). For a preview of his work... http://www.starsofthebars.com/second/video_gallery.cfm (see chico sun video, Tim "Flippy" Morris). He is super cool and fun to watch and will keep you entertained! Make sure if he is not working to find out when he is and go back. Its worth it!
****WHILE YOUR HERE: Outside you will see show girls..ask them for the FREE tickets to Ron Lucas and Mac King, they are super nice and will give you as many as you need, each is good for two peeps... (see entertainment)****
Kahunaville:
Location: Inside Treasure Island
Cuisine: Beverage Stop (they do have food/appetizers)
Reservations: n/a
Price Range: $6-8.00 for a good one (they constantly have people outside w/ 2 for 1 drink coupons)
Hours: early-late
Attire: Casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Another flair bar with delicious drinks.
Fontana Bar:
Location: Inside Bellagio
Cuisine: Beverage Stop (they do have food/appetizers)
Reservations: n/a
Price Range: $8-10.00 for a good one
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 5:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Attire: business casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Relax and enjoy a pomegranate martini while taking in the breathtaking view of Lake Bellagio. This is a fancier lounge, but peacefull and relaxing. (This is my brothers fav place in Vegas)
Food:
Guardaños:
Location: Palms - 4321 W Flamingo Rd Get directions
Cuisine: Mexican
Reservations: Optional (866) 942-7777
Price Range: $15 or less (p/ entree, mostly as I recall less)
Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-3pm Sun 10am-3pm, 4pm-10pm
Attire: Casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Hands down, just the best mexican food ever. Good food, huge portions and amazing, out of control Margaritas. On one occation I had the pleasure to enjoy the Empañada Trio, three soft fluffy pillows of fry bread stuffed lovingly with (resepectively) tender, savory carnitas, sizzling, juicy beef, and moist, gently spicy chicken. These are no 1/2 dollar pancakes either. They are the size of your fist and absolutely delicious. On the same trip HW (hot wife) enjoyed a delicious chile relleno, fried to a perfect crust, overflowing with melted cheese, and smothered in a spicy tomato sauce. Each entree comes with rice and beans. Oh..yeah..the waiter is coming back over. "He has what??? A basket of fresh empeñadas, just plain...?? Oh sir, sorry...we didnt order these" To which he replies, "they are complimentary with your meal. Please enjoy them with our compliments and some fresh butter and honey." Wow-ee! I know. No room for dessert?? I understand, besides, that fruit margarita you ordered is dessert enough. Freshly blended fruit, tequila and sweet and sour, lovingly blended and poured into a gigantic glass that has been brimmed with sweet honey and freshly toasted coconut. For a fun Sunday...head over for the Sunday Morning Margarita Brunch...your favorite Brunch classics, plus delicious mexican specialties. Yumm...
****TIP: if you are going to the Palms from the strip, take the free shuttle from Harrah's to the Rio and a cab from the Rio to the Palm's, saves like 5-10 bucks in cab fare!****
Alan Albert's Steak House:
Location: On the strip 3763 Las Vegas Blvd
Cuisine: Steak House
Reservations: Reccomended (702) 740-4421
Price Range: $15-20 (p/ entree, varies on cut of beef)
Hours: Call
Attire: Comfortably Nice (business casual at least)
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Delicious and fun, in a very low key, relaxing atmosphere. Calm lighting and seperate booths make the restaurant an intimate, calming place to relax. The steaks are hearty and the portions great. The vintage Vegas portraits and decor, help to make it almost imaginable that you could be enjoying your tender roasted 18oz prime rib and potato as Sammy, Dean or The Chairman regailed you (bowties untied and cigars lit, ice clinking harmoniously in their bourban) of last nights show at the Sahara. Somewhat fancy...but you feel like your treating yourself. Side note: extensive wine list as well.
The Creperie at the Paris:
Location: Inside the Paris (in the shoppingish area)
Cuisine: Crepes
Reservations: walk up
Price Range: $6-8 (as a snack three people can share 2 crepes)
Hours: 10-9?
Attire: very casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Fresh fluffy crepes available filled with a variety of toppings. We always have...shall we say the usual? We order the Ham and Cheese Crepe, and the Nutella and Banana Crepe. (when you get there you will have to figure out which one it is, as they have fancy french names I cant remember. This is always a morning or afternoon snack stop for us. They also have hard cider in the bottle, a favorite of mine, and not easy to find elsewhere in Vegas.
We also do a lot of snacking and cheap eating on the go...I like:
Fat Burger (on the strip)
Fitzeralds (on the strip, has a food court with huge baked potatoes, hot dogs, donuts, pizza and mexican items at rock bottom prices. Super Good though...
Anything from a cart self explanitory
Entertainment:
Avenue Q: https://shows.wynnlasvegas.com/Online/avenue_q_detail.html
Location: Broadway Theater inside Wynn Hotel and Casino
Style: Musical TheaterReservations: purchase tix in advance
Price Range: $100 and up
Hours: two shows nightly
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: An adult version of sesame street dealing with modern issues and concepts we as adults face on a regular basis. This is what made me take up puppetry again. The hilarious songs and incredible performance concept never cease to amaze me. Tickets are a bit pricey at $100.00 ea, but well worth it in my opinion.
Blue Man Group: http://www.blueman.com/landing/vegas/index-g.php
Location: Venetian
Style: Multimedia Show (comedy)Reservations: purchase tix in advance
Price Range: $100 and up
Hours: one show nightly (two sat) shows are early so you can still enjoy nightlife
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: This is a super fun musical and purcussive journey with something for each of your senses. You will walk away amazed and entertained, and wondering, just how did they do some of that stuff. Again, expensive tickets, but worth it.
Second City: http://www.secondcity.com/?id=theatres/lasvegas/main
Location: Flamingo
Style: Improv and Sketch ComedyReservations: purchase tix in advance (if you go to 1/2 price tickets coke bottle on the strip, you can get $40.00 tickets for $20.00 each.
Price Range: $20.00 (get them 1/2 price!!)
Hours: two shows nightly
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: True, Im biased as this is my favorite form of comedy but this is the best show value for your $$ on the strip. These guys will crack you up constantly, and amaze you with their ablitly to make stuff up on the spot in spontaneous improv scenes. If you do nothing else...see this show.
Sirens if TI: http://www.treasureisland.com/pages/ent_sirens.asp
Location: Outside Treasure Island
Style: Um...its a pirate show. Its also free. Need I say more??Reservations: Get there early
Price Range: FREE!
Hours: 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m (show is only 15 minutes long)
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Grab a two for one 1/2 piña colada 1/2 strawberry margarita at Kauhnaville and head out to the balcony for a fun and exciting swashbuckling adventure. HW says its cheesy...but hey, I love pirates.
Volcano: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/volcano.html
Location: Outside the Mirage
Style: Volcano Erupting..Reservations: Get there a few minutes early but no big.
Price Range: FREE!
Hours: Beginning at 8 p.m., the volcano erupts every hour on the hour until midnight.Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Okay...its not the best thing in the world but walking to the Bellagio Fountains from the Sirens of TI, your going to have to go past it anyways. So...hey... make the most of a Vegas staple.
Bellagio Fountains: www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/bellagiofountains.html
Location: Outside the Bellagio
Style: Musical Water ArtReservations: Get there a few minutes early but no big. Plenty of places around to see it, the later it is the better, as the crowds die down and you can relax and enjoy it with fewer tourists annoying you.
Price Range: FREE!
Hours: Monday - Friday, 3 p.m. - midnight. Saturday and Sunday, noon - midnight. **You want to see it an night. Not nearly as cool during the day. Attire: casual
***while your there, step inside for the***
Bellagio Conservatory: www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/bellagioconservatory.html?f=m0at&t=stripat
Location: Inside the Bellagio
Style: GardenReservations: nah.
Price Range: FREE!
Hours: 24 (go in the eve after the fountains and it is practically empty)
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Amazing Pt. II
Lions: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/lionhabitat.html
Location: Inside the MGM (dont forget to bring your fat tuesday mug for a fill er up)
Style: Grrrrr.... Reservations: Not needed
Price Range: FREE!
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m - 10 p.m.Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: This is fun...you can walk by them, underneath, maybe see them fed or frolicking. Maybe just snoozin... just a little somthing fun to do.
Tigers: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/tigerhabitat.html
Location: Inside the Mirage
Style: Grrrrr....Reservations: Not needed
Price Range: FREE!
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: More fun critters.
Flamingo's (and more): http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/wildlifehabitat.html
Location: through the Flamingo and outside..follow signs
Style: relaxing Reservations: Not needed
Price Range: FREE!
Hours: 24 (however: Visitors also can watch as the penguins are fed a healthy diet of smelt, capelin, herring and vitamins each day at 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Cool exotic animals "The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo is home to more than 300 birds, including Impeyn and silver pheasants, Gambel's quail, a Crown crane, two ibis, swans, ducks and parrots. However, the most notable are likely the Chilean flamingos and the African penguins." . For you early risers, HW and I love to get up early and see the morning penguin feeding. It is more than a feeding, it is a personal intro to each penguin and a question and answer period.
Madame Tussauds (wax museum): http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/tussauds.html?f=m0at&t=stripat
Location: through the Flamingo and outside..follow signs
Style: walking type toutReservations: Not needed
Price Range: see link
Hours: 10-10
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: I got my pic taken with Elton John, Whoopie Goldberg, Tiger Woods, George Burns, W, Clinton, etc.etc. all in one place. I thought this was worth the slightly more expensive ticket price, but they hand out coupons right in front.
Mac King: http://www.mackingshow.com/
Location: Harrah's
Style: Comedy Magic Show...Reservations: Not needed
Price Range: 19.95 plus drinks or FREE if you have the coupon I mentioned getting outside at Harrah's Pavillion!
Hours: 1 & 3pm Tues-Sat
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Both Hilarious and incredible, you cant miss this show. Besides...you dont have anything better to do at 1:00 on Tuesday. Am I right?? This really is an awesome, awesome show.
Ron Lucas: http://www.ronnlucas.com/main.htm
Location: The Rio
Style: Comedy Ventriloquest (WORLDS BEST VENTRILOQUEST!Reservations: Not needed
Price Range: 19.95 plus drinks or FREE if you have the coupon I mentioned getting outside at Harrah's Pavillion! (also...dont forget you can get the free shuttle to the Rio from Harrahs)
Hours: 3pm Sun-Thurs
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: There is a reason he is called the Worlds Best Ventriloquest. PS: He was on Night Court even.
Gambling:
Ledgends Pit:
Location: Imperial Palace
Style: Impersonator DealersReservations: Not needed
Minimums: $5-10 depending on the day of the week and time of day
Hours: 24
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: I won $70.00 playing blackjack with Billy Idol, also see Cher, Madonna, Blue Brothers, Rodney Dangerfield, Mae West and perhaps...the elusive Michael Jackson.
Chuk a Luk:
Location: NY NY
Style: Cool Dice GameReservations: Not needed
Minimums: $1.00
Hours: varies
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Its no where else...like a new york street game. Super fun and fairly cheap.
WAR:
Location: Mirage, MGM - most of the stripe casinos
Style: WARReservations: Not needed
Minimums: $10-20
Hours: varies
Attire: casual
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Its just like normal WAR, only with $10.00 at stake every time they flip the card over. Very tense, but it goes quick.
Relaxation:
Spa at the Luxor:
Location: Luxor
Style: Massage and SpaReservations: Call
Price: $50.00 (this may have been a weekend special, check with spa desk)
Hours: varies
Attire: um...well
Why it's a Rick's Pick: 1/2 massage and full day access to their spa facility which had fuzzy robes, slippers, showers that were all different fragrances of soap and matching shampoo and conditioner. Snack bar with water and juice and healthy snacks for free. Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and workout room. There is no better price on the strip for this sort of pampering.
Clubs:
**authors note*** I am only mentioning two clubs here, namely, because you can do what else you want, just dont miss these two!!!
Ra at the Luxor:
Location: Luxor
Style: House/Hip Hop/TechnoReservations: Ask a cabby for line passes
Price: $15.00 (more or less, also drinks)
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, doors open at 10:30 p.m.
Attire: Be a sport and wear something decent
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Awesome Music, Awesome crowd, You can let loose and drop it like its hot while shaking it like a polaroid picture. I wouldnt waste your money on VIP or bottle service as you will want to be grooving as much as possible. Bartenders are on the ball and you will hardly ever wait and they even have a cool down room if the place gets to hot for your taste. They also have a nice outdoor area near their pool. A poserless club full of cool folks who wont get all up in your face if, by god, you bump into them while dancing. More than likely they will join in your circle and shake their groove thing right in there with your group.
Rehab at Hard Rock:
Location: Hard Rock Cafe
Style: All KindsReservations: Get there early and your gonna wait so prepare for it...
Price: $30.00 (more or less, also drinks)
Hours: Sundays, noon until 8 p.m.
Attire: Personal Weather permitting. I mean...depends how hot you are. Its a pool party, dress appropriately.
Why it's a Rick's Pick: Hot People, Hot Music, Cool Pool, Cool Booze and Cool Midgets. Need I say more?? Trust me on this one...you will see things you have never seen before.
