The perfect Vegas compromise

[SarahN]

I am going to Vegas in mid-Febuary with some high school friends to celebrate our entrance into our 30s. I love dining out, and when visiting a new city the dining experience is the center to my experience. If I was alone, I'd be vying for a spot at E.

But alas, that is not the trip I'm taking. The friends I'll be traveling with are open minded and live in larger cities (I'm in Minneapolis, they're in Dallas and NYC), but simply not game to pay half a month's rent for dinner. Silly ladies.

I'm on the prowl for the right mid-range dining options to please the crowd. I'm thinking one night we push the budget ($100/person), and others we keep it more modest ($40/person), modest drinking included.

Push options I'm considering are Sage, Kabuto and the Barrymore, but I'd love other ideas. More modest options include Public House, Lotus of Siam and Mon Ami Gabi.

I'd also love a small plates/sharable option with good wine or cocktails that's a nice start to a night out.

Thanks - S

[posse]

Nice choices! Kabuto is definitely a great dining experience.

An additional modest option that involves small plates/appetizers could be Culinary Dropout at the Hard Rock Hotel. http://www.hardrockhotel.com/las-vega... I like the different choices you can get for an antipasti. But they have an awesome cocktail menu (old fashioneds with REAL maraschino cherries!) too. I haven't tried desserts there yet but I probably will soon!

[baderin]

Agree about Jaleo and Serrano, as well as the Chandelier Bar. Ate at Sage last week and really really really loved it. They also have a very cool lounge with a snacky menu that might make a good pre-dinner drink. The American Fish happy hour menu is also good.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Yes, definitely rent a car. The rental will be worth having to get around. Last time I drove across the LV Metro area it was 34 miles from one end to the other, and cab fare adds up fast.

[daisylover]

got a car? go to Honey Salt for lunch or dinner, I had the scallops with cauliflower - 27$ and amazing. Am now big Honey Salt groupie, too bad I live in NY.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Try the tapas at Bar+Bistro in the Arts Factory. If you come on a First Friday you can also take in the art festival. They also have an extensive liquor collection.

Twin Creeks steakhouse in the Silverton Casino isn't bad, and won't break the bank either.

After a night of partying my friends and I hit Tiffany's Cafe-looks like a dive, but we love it anyway. Big portions, and priced right, and they don't mind if you make some noise there while having fun with your friends.

[freshlycured]

Count me among the Julian Serrano fans. Really tasty stuff and you can do a lot of damage there for a very reasonable price . . . .especially if you're with a group and sharing a bunch of small plates.

[GourmetWednesday]

I would strongly recommend Jaleo in the Cosmo--Fun energy, great drinks, food perfect for sharing. Still a José Andrés spot, without the price and exclusivity of é. People also seem to enjoy Julian Serrano at Aria, although I haven't been. The $59 tasting menu, or $39 early (before 7pm) menu might work well for your group.

[SarahN]

Lovely... some names I have not heard of yet. Going to research right now!

[Beach Chick]

Lotus of Siam for lunch...off the menu
Milos for the 3 course lunch at the Cosmo for $20.13

Dinner..
Charlie Palmer 'Cut of the week' deal is $48 pp 3 course with wine at Mandalay Bay..
Trump hotel has a fab $5 happy hour
Delmonico's at the Venetian
Bouchon at the V for oysters and champagne..great for breakfast too.
Sage gets lots of love

Chandelier bar at the Cosmo is fantastic for drinks

[frazzletree]

This is so useful to me as well! Going in January for a chick trip (although we are well into our 30s!) and need places that push the boundaries but also can accomodate an ... unadventurous eater.

Has anyone tried Public House at the Venetian?

And any brunch recommendations?