Never been to Vegas but headed there is a couple weeks...

[Boarcephus]

Staying at the Venetian.  I've seen them on tv but I want to try a  great buffet.  Any recommendations?

Just going to be tourists.  Taking a helicopter trip over the dam and having a brunch on the floor of the Grand Canyon, blow some bucks in the casinos, just touristy stuff.

Is it legal to walk around with a drink in your hand on the strip?

[Junkyard Hog]

It's illegal not to have a drink in your hand.

Vegas is a favorite place of mine. You'll love it. Since you're staying at the Venetian you should check out Public House. They have a beer cicerone which is the equivalent of a wine sommelier.

Lots of good info can be found at www.vegasmessageboard.com.

I'll answer any questions I can. We've been quite a few times, been to plenty of shows and restaurants.

[Boarcephus]

Thanks!!  Can you recommend a knockout, blow your socks off buffet? 

[Junkyard Hog]

That's the one thing we don't do a lot of is buffets.

We have had several outstanding brunch buffets.  They are typically served on Sunday.  The Sterling Brunch at Ballys is second to none.  They have just about everything you can think of including unlimited mimosas. It is a little pricey though, but definitely worth it to us since we don't go every weekend.  Another is the brunch at Wynn Country Club.

As far as everyday buffets go, that message board should be a good resource.

[Hawgndaaz]

love the venetian. you can get lost in that place when you're hammered at 3 in the morning.

[jacobp]

Buffets:

Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Kept at a distance from the Cosmo's famed floor of finedining, Wicked Spoon nevertheless holds up this foodie resort's reputationadmirably. Upending the typical steam-tray system, WS offers reasonably sized tastes in mini stove pots, ramekins, and even Chinese take-out boxes, so guestscan sample with civility. Specialties range from the houseandouille and Culotte steak carved to order (who does that?!) to Korean squidsalad and an Enotech full of cult wines. The only buffet where you'll seemodel types eating regularly. Seriously.

Bacchanal at Caesars Palace
Engineered at no small expense to take on Wicked Spoon,Bacchanal does not, regrettably, offer such Ancient Roman delicacies ashoney-dipped dormice, but nevertheless a conquest-worthy array of over 500global delicacies including Atlantic and Pacific oyster selections, soups likecurry lentil, and Black Chicken, Texas-smoked brisket, Neapolitan pizza,and–hidden in the corner–excellent Chinese. The dessert counter, with soufflés to order and a lot more, is a destination of its own. Redic.

The Buffet at Bellagio
Emeritus of the modern era of elegant excess, Bellagioremains steadfast, particularly strong in its cut-to-order sushi, myriad saladselections, and most recently, evening caviar service (all you want ofdomestic, Ikura, or Tobiko). Singles and couples can also opt to skip the lineif bar seating is available.

The Buffet at Wynn
Certainly the most dramatically designed, Wynn's Buffet is arococo explosion of floral fantasy framing a stupendous selection. As with allWynn/Encore restaurants, vegetarian and vegan selections are plentiful, butyou'll also find Alaskan Opilio crab legs and Wagyu beef lasagna (this isVegas, we don't question such things). Sugar fiends will want to buy realestate in the bake shop.

Fountains Brunch at Jasmine, Bellagio
In recent years, several Strip restaurants have begunoffering buffets only for weekend brunch, with typical levels of lavishness.While Jasmine is a normally an elegant Hong Kong-inspired room, for brunch it goes pan-Asian,offering pho to order, dim sum, sushi, and, for some reason, porchetta. Whygrumble–it's good!

Aria Buffet
Distinctly overlooked among the high-profile restaurantofferings in Aria, this buffet gave itself a makeover earlier in the year tosome warm reception. Indian offerings, including a naan bread oven, are amongthe standouts here, as are the carved meats (lamb), cheese, and dessert selections.Gluten-free options are emphasized.

Garden Court Buffet at Main Street Station
Looking for an option in Downtown Las Vegas, or on thebudget end of the spectrum? A top choice for either is the hot line at thisVictorian-inspired casino. The room is surprisingly airy and comfortable, andthe food, while not gourmet, is serviceable and satisfying. Thanks totheir sister California Hotel's fame with Hawaiian visitors, there's also anuncommon focus on Island favorites like oxtail soup and lau-lau. You won't seethat on the Strip.


**I've eaten at the ones at Bellagio and Caesars. I preferred Bellagio. I hear the one at the Wynn is pretty amazing as well.

[Boarcephus]

That's what I'm after!  I'd +1 you guys if I could.

[HognotinMemphis]

I have never been to Vegas either. Hope to go next year at some point but do not want to be out there when it is 110 degrees. My daughter was there recently and stayed at the Cosmopolitan. Said it was very nice, as was its pool area. Is the consensus on the Cosmopolitan that it is one of the top hotels there?

What are the top 4 or 5 shows there? I would like to see Donny and Marie for old times sake.

[dhornjr1]

Staying at the Venetian.  I've seen them on tv but I want to try a  great buffet.  Any recommendations?

Just going to be tourists.  Taking a helicopter trip over the dam and having a brunch on the floor of the Grand Canyon, blow some bucks in the casinos, just touristy stuff.

Is it legal to walk around with a drink in your hand on the strip?

We always stay at the Bellagio so I have eaten at the buffet there a few times and it is very good. Most people I have talked to say the buffet at the Wynn is about the same.

Most nights the Bellagio buffet has King Crab legs. They're on ice but you can ask someone behind the buffet to warm them for you. They are already split open. So, there is no cracking necessary and it is very easy to extract that sweet, delicate meat.

They also have freshly squeezed orange juice, which I have a weakness for.

[Hogsooey]

Just got back from Vegas. I have always wanted to try a buffet there and we ate at the Bellagio. I thought it was average. I wore out the meat stations because that is what I enjoy. The Kobe beef was like over cooked leather shoe. The lamb tasted spoiled. The Wellington was terrible. The braised ribs were good. The prime rib was okay. Other stuff: Caviar was meh, but I don't like caviar, so that means nothing. The king crab legs were great. The sides were satisfactory. I really enjoyed the desserts, and I don't really care for dessert that much.

All in all, I'd rather spend my $40+ towards a meal where the chef spends more time on my dish and cooks it to my liking.  Plus, I won't feel miserable after stuffing my face (but that is my own fault).

[Pulled(PP)pork]

Hooters does not have a buffet


PP

[Boarcephus]

One last question....are drinks free in the casinos as long as you're gambling?

This was just a last minute deal.  We have a week off coming up pretty soon and we'd planned on staying home because the weather up here this time of year is nice.  The wife called and said let's knock something off the bucket list and try Vegas for a few days.  Did a quick search on the computer and a couple hours later we're booked.  This about how we've always been.  Purely spontaneous.  We were walking around the Farmers Market on the square one morning last year drove to Tulsa for lunch on a whim.  Nice to be in a situation where we are able to do this kind of stuff but bad in the respect we're just getting older 

[dhornjr1]

One last question....are drinks free in the casinos as long as you're gambling?

Yeah, drinks are free but you had better tip your waitress well or she won't come back your way very often.

[BR]

I get in town the 28th, staying til the 5th...  Can not wait.

[BR]

Staying at the Venetian.  I've seen them on tv but I want to try a  great buffet.  Any recommendations?

Just going to be tourists.  Taking a helicopter trip over the dam and having a brunch on the floor of the Grand Canyon, blow some bucks in the casinos, just touristy stuff.

Is it legal to walk around with a drink in your hand on the strip?

Go to Hugo's Cellar in the 4 Queens.. Best Steak house in Vegas, we go there every Vegas trip... 

[BR]

Thanks!!  Can you recommend a knockout, blow your socks off buffet? 

The RIO

[Boarcephus]

Where are you staying?

[Tripod1]

Go to Hugo's Cellar in the 4 Queens.. Best Steak house in Vegas, we go there every Vegas trip... 

^^^^^^^^^^
This

[BR]

Where are you staying?

We always stay at the Golden Nugget, get in on the 28th... Kid Rock on Fremont Street saturday night... Gonna be awesome..

[Arkiehawg (kingfish0318)]

Have a great time, but don't forget your BIG wallet....  Food not cheap and drinks expensive if you aren't gambling.....   Remember, this is coming from someone who lives in a tourist zone that isn't cheap....

Vegas is ok, just not my cup of tea.    I would recommend Copperfield if he is playing....great entertainment from the master...

[BR]

Also Meat Loaf is starting a run of Shows, we have tickets for that also... Been to Vegas for the last 25 years once or twice a year... Vegas is what you make it... I hardly gamble, we relax by pool with drinks... Eat great food and my lady and I enjoy our time together. Now when she goes shopping, I go to the Sports Book...

[Boarcephus]

This is going to be kind of a feel out trip for us.  Getting in early afternoon on a Friday and come home on a Monday.   Our helicopter ride cancelled on us so as of right now, we have no plans which is the way we like to do things.  We'll probably just go to the resorts, check them out, hang out by the pool, do a lot of people watching and go from there.   May go to a show may not.  Figure I'll check out some of the casinos because I just might be walking around lucky and won't know till I try but you can rest assured I won't drop a bucket full of $$$ waiting to find out.

[Boarcephus]

This is going to be kind of a feel out trip for us.  Getting in early afternoon on a Friday and come home on a Monday.   Our helicopter ride cancelled on us so as of right now, we have no plans which is the way we like to do things.  We'll probably just go to the resorts, check them out, hang out by the pool, do a lot of people watching and go from there.   May go to a show may not.  Figure I'll check out some of the casinos because I just might be walking around lucky and won't know till I try but you can rest assured I won't drop a bucket full of $$$ waiting to find out.

[Junkyard Hog]

I'd still make sure and head to Hoover Dam for a tour.  When I'm in Vegas I like to gamble but that is one of the "touristy" things I really enjoyed.

[Jackrabbit Hog]

Boar, I'm by no means a Vegas expert but I've been there about 4 times, all within the last 10 years or so.  I know from Hogville that you and I share a lot of the same likes and dislikes regarding traveling, so let me give you a couple of suggestions from my experience there...

1.   I've stayed at Caesar's Palace, the Venetian, the MGM Grand, and Treasure Island.  Of those, the Venetian is probably the nicest although most of the major casino hotels on the Strip are very nice.  So you made a good choice.  You will have countless options for food and most are excellent, so I'd just choose from the recommendations you've gotten so far and go with those.

2.  Since your wife is going with you and I'll go out on a limb and assume she enjoys some shopping, take a few hours and roam either The Forum shops at Caesar's or the shops at the Venetian or the Bellagio.  All of those are within easy walking distance on the Strip.  Even if she doesn't buy anything, she will enjoy the shops and the surroundings.  You probably already know that the shopping area at the Venetian has a winding river that you can take a gondola ride down.  Kinda cheesy, but fun.

3.  Taking kids?  Hope not but if you are be ready for the hooker handouts that will be pushed in your face at night as you walk down the strip.  There's plenty in Vegas that's fun for kids (rollercoasters at Stratosphere and New York New York; Eiffel Tower at Paris; free volcano eruption shows at the Mirage and pirate ship battles at Treasure Island; dancing water fountains at the Bellagio), but it's still Vegas and you need to be prepared for some of the seedy stuff you'll inevitably run into.

4.  Above all, if you will be there over a weekend, spend a few hours in the sports book area of a major casino.  I'd recommend either Caesar's or the Mirage for that.  I happened to be at Caesar's a few years ago during the first two days of March Madness and it was incredible.  Even if you're not betting on games, it's a madhouse filled with people from all over the country; all games are showing at once on giant TVs on the wall, and the ebbs and flows of the crowd reacting to what they are seeing is really cool.  I expect that during college football season on Saturdays, and pro football season on Sundays, it's the same if not better.

[Boarcephus]

Jackrabbit, appreciate it.  BR mentioned the Rio and they have a seafood buffet that looks great.  Lobster, oysters, crab, eveything.  Runs about $40 a head but it's not like we go there 5 days a week either.  This is going to be a laid back, easy as she goes trip.  I want to see the resorts you mentioned and can't wait to go.  May not go back but at least I can say I've been.

[jbell96]

I have a good dessert recommendation for you. There is a little place close to Caesar's Palace called Serendipity. The best dessert they have is frozen hot chocolate & the chocolate peanut butter one is to die for.

[jbell96]

Jackrabbit, appreciate it.  BR mentioned the Rio and they have a seafood buffet that looks great.  Lobster, oysters, crab, eveything.  Runs about $40 a head but it's not like we go there 5 days a week either.  This is going to be a laid back, easy as she goes trip.  I want to see the resorts you mentioned and can't wait to go.  May not go back but at least I can say I've been.

Rio's seafood buffet is very good. I almost overdosed on the lobster tail last time I was there.

[Boarcephus]

Rio's seafood buffet is very good. I almost overdosed on the lobster tail last time I was there.

The lobster and crab are served hot aren't they?  What else do they have there?   It's around $40 isn't it?

[Jackrabbit Hog]

Jackrabbit, appreciate it.  BR mentioned the Rio and they have a seafood buffet that looks great.  Lobster, oysters, crab, eveything.  Runs about $40 a head but it's not like we go there 5 days a week either.  This is going to be a laid back, easy as she goes trip.  I want to see the resorts you mentioned and can't wait to go.  May not go back but at least I can say I've been.

If nothing else, you owe it to yourself to spend a little time at Caesar's.  It is literally and figuratively the center of the Strip, and it has so much history to it.  Awesome place, just a stone's throw from Venetian.

[Boarcephus]

If nothing else, you owe it to yourself to spend a little time at Caesar's.  It is literally and figuratively the center of the Strip, and it has so much history to it.  Awesome place, just a stone's throw from Venetian.

Can do.  We can see shows darn near anywhere but I want to see the opulence of Vegas.  I want to ooohh and aahh when I  see what a billion $$$$ can build.  I want to see a $1000 a night hooker!  Man, I need to get "tourist" stamped on my forehead because I'm going to be one!

[Jackrabbit Hog]

Can do.  We can see shows darn near anywhere but I want to see the opulence of Vegas.  I want to ooohh and aahh when I  see what a billion $$$$ can build.  I want to see a $1000 a night hooker!  Man, I need to get "tourist" stamped on my forehead because I'm going to be one!

It's impossible not to be impressed and even a little awed by the casinos along the strip, the architecture, the lights, etc.  But I wouldn't stray off of the Strip.  Two blocks on either side of it and you're in a bad part of town.

I will say that I have never been to the old, "downtown" area, where the Frontier and some of the really old casinos are.  I've heard that it's nice too; just doesn't have the "wow" factor that the Strip has.

[dhornjr1]

I have a good dessert recommendation for you. There is a little place close to Caesar's Palace called Serendipity. The best dessert they have is frozen hot chocolate & the chocolate peanut butter one is to die for.

http://www.caesarspalace.com/restaurants/serendipity-3.html#.UkIloT__OkJ

[BR]

I stay downtown at the Nugget, it is freaking awesome... Stayed at a ton of the Motels on the strip, always get more bang for your buck downtown... 

[dhornjr1]

I stay downtown at the Nugget, it is freaking awesome... Stayed at a ton of the Motels on the strip, always get more bang for your buck downtown... 

My aunt wont stay anywhere but the Golden Nugget. She's 86 years old and has been staying there for 60 years. They comp her suite and her food. She's treated like royalty there.

[Jackrabbit Hog]

My aunt wont stay anywhere but the Golden Nugget. She's 86 years old and has been staying there for 60 years. They comp her suite and her food. She's treated like royalty there.

If you're going to stay at one of the old school '50s or '60s era casinos, it should be required that before you go you have to watch the movie, "The Cooler", with Alec Baldwin and William H. Macy. 

[dhornjr1]

If you're going to stay at one of the old school '50s or '60s era casinos, it should be required that before you go you have to watch the movie, "The Cooler", with Alec Baldwin and William H. Macy. 

I haven't seen it. I'll have to check it out.

[BR]

Getting in town today... Kid Rock tonight, Meat Loaf Tuesday, Elton John Wednesday Night... Ought to be a great time... Send me a PM if any one wants to drink some beer while I'm in town... Will be in Vegas till the 5th..

[BR]

What a concert last night by Kid Rock... Football & Pool time today... Love Vegas this time of year.

[Jackrabbit Hog]

I haven't seen it. I'll have to check it out.

Positives:   Nostalgic depiction of how old school Vegas casinos operated.  Alec Baldwin in an awesome role as the casino manager.  Maria Bello fully nude, including frontal, more than once.

Negatives:   William H. Macy, fully nude, including frontal.

[Boarcephus]

Appreciate all the input from you guys.  Got in yesterday 3 hours late after getting caught in the Allegiant Air computer crash but no biggie, sometimes that stuff happens.

Glad I went but can say I won't go back.  Guess I'm just not the Vegas type. On the plus side, never seen so many beautiful women in my life.  Shorts and skirts up to here, boobs hanging out to there, Lord what a sight.  The sheer size and scope of the resorts was amazing.  I wanted to be awed and gentlemen, I was.  We stayed in the Venetian and it was fabulous.  Caesar's Palace was impressive to say the least as was the Bellagio but several of the others were worn to say the least. 

Jackrabbit Hog, dead on about the two blocks off the strip.  Kind of scary. Walked over to the Rio and caught a cab back.  BTW, $106 for their Seafood buffet is a rip off.  Awful lot of homeless on the street and that mixed with the crazies is not a good feeling.  One guy even had a sign reading, "kick me in the nuts for $20".  Passed on that one.  Glad to be back home in Fayetteville.

[BR]

Meat Loaf show tonight, Elton John tomorrow night.. Pool time & In-n-Out burger today

[jdelo77]

We got in last night as well , stayed at MGM this time...went to aria and that's where we will be staying next time , wife  was pissed at the 3hr delay , had a few good meals and one bad one that's still haunting me , and came home only $500 down ...

[Jackrabbit Hog]

Appreciate all the input from you guys.  Got in yesterday 3 hours late after getting caught in the Allegiant Air computer crash but no biggie, sometimes that stuff happens.

Glad I went but can say I won't go back.  Guess I'm just not the Vegas type. On the plus side, never seen so many beautiful women in my life.  Shorts and skirts up to here, boobs hanging out to there, Lord what a sight.  The sheer size and scope of the resorts was amazing.  I wanted to be awed and gentlemen, I was.  We stayed in the Venetian and it was fabulous.  Caesar's Palace was impressive to say the least as was the Bellagio but several of the others were worn to say the least. 

Jackrabbit Hog, dead on about the two blocks off the strip.  Kind of scary. Walked over to the Rio and caught a cab back.  BTW, $106 for their Seafood buffet is a rip off.  Awful lot of homeless on the street and that mixed with the crazies is not a good feeling.  One guy even had a sign reading, "kick me in the nuts for $20".  Passed on that one.  Glad to be back home in Fayetteville.

And XHOG is still upset about that.  Surprised you didn't recognize him.

[Boarcephus]

And XHOG is still upset about that.  Surprised you didn't recognize him.

LOL!!  If that had been Houston Dale I'd dropped $100 on the spot!

[DeltaBoy]

Wife went with her 2 BBF's from HS a few years ago they stayed and went and saw Garth Brooks where ever he was playing at.  Wife complained about the smoking cause she has ashama and that she gained 5 pounds over the 3 day stay.

[J_Ville_Devils_Den]

Wife went with her 2 BBF's from HS a few years ago they stayed and went and saw Garth Brooks where ever he was playing at.  Wife complained about the smoking cause she has ashama and that she gained 5 pounds over the 3 day stay.

Garth plays at the Wynn/Encore where I work.  He use to play here basically year around now he pops in for a show every couple of months or so.

[dhornjr1]

Negatives:   William H. Macy, fully nude, including frontal.

Ick...

[dhornjr1]

Garth plays at the Wynn/Encore where I work.  He use to play here basically year around now he pops in for a show every couple of months or so.

Alright, someone on the inside. So, I contact you for comps when I show up at the Wynn?

[Junkyard Hog]

Garth plays at the Wynn/Encore where I work.  He use to play here basically year around now he pops in for a show every couple of months or so.

I'll be staying there in March and September next year.