The Las Vegas shrimp cocktail
Invented at the Golden Gate downtown in 1959, originally 50 cents. Still served in a tulip sundae glass over crushed ice with red cocktail sauce. Golden Gate charges $2.99 for the historic version (available with a players club sign-up) or $4.99 without. Not gourmet, but the tradition is the point. Also served at Du-par's inside the Golden Gate and at the Peppermill on the north Strip.
Prime rib and steakhouse culture
Vegas prime rib was cheap for decades because casinos used it as a loss leader. Some of that survives: Ellis Island's off-Strip prime rib special ($14) has been running for 30 years, weekdays only. On the Strip, prime rib means the classic steakhouses: Golden Steer (open since 1958, Sinatra's booth still there, $70 cut), Bazaar Meat, and CUT at Palazzo. Order it medium-rare with au jus and creamed spinach.
Basque food in northern Nevada
Reno and Winnemucca have a Basque immigrant history from 19th-century sheepherders. The Star Hotel in Elko and Louis' Basque Corner in Reno serve family-style meals: soup, salad, beans, spaghetti, and a main (lamb, oxtail, or pork chops) for $32 to $45 per person. Bring wine drinkers; the pichet of red is part of the ritual. Louis' picon punch is the pre-dinner drink.
Buffet food, taken seriously
The Vegas buffet is its own cuisine. Post-2020 many closed; the survivors: Bacchanal at Caesars ($75 dinner), Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan ($55), and A.Y.C.E. Buffet at Palms ($40). Bacchanal's crab legs section is the reason people book. Do not do the buffet if you are on a two-day trip; it eats 3 hours.
Good to know
What is the oldest restaurant in Las Vegas?+
The Golden Steer Steakhouse on Sahara Avenue, open since 1958. Sinatra, Presley, and the Rat Pack all ate here. Book 4 weeks ahead.
Where do locals eat off-Strip?+
Chinatown on Spring Mountain Road for ramen and Sichuan, Ellis Island for the $14 prime rib, and Herbs & Rye on Sahara for cocktails and steaks.
Are casino buffets worth it?+
Only Bacchanal, Wicked Spoon, and Wynn's buffet clear the $50-plus bar. Cheaper buffets are worse than the food court next door.
What is picon punch?+
A Basque-American cocktail: Amer Picon, grenadine, soda, and a brandy float. The signature drink at Louis' Basque Corner in Reno, $9.