We will be in Las Vegas for my birthday. The last two years we have gone to Emeril's in the MGM Grand. This year we are trying to save a little $$. I had thought of Roberta's in the El Cortez but have read too many bad things about it. I know we went to the Redwood Bar and Grille in the California a few years back, is it still good? And comments appreciated. Also any other ideas. Looking to try to keep it under $80 or so.

Thanks!!!

Cathy in Boston

Cathy: The Redwood Grill at the California is an excellent choice. The meals I've had there have always been tops. There is a steak special that is not on the menu that you can order, and I believe the price is $12.95 including salad and dessert, so you can't go wrong on the price for the quality of the meal.

Another favorite is Second Street Grill, a real gem--wonderful food! It's in the Fremont, and I've dined there quite often and have never been disappointed.

Both restaurants were in the entertainment book this year which makes them a super bargain with the Buy-One Get-One Free deal.

V & Cathy,
Sadly both have been removed from the 2000 Ent. book.
But both are still excelent Values and good food. I always qualify that, because some people arn't that fussy and a good Value equeals cheap eats. While I have no problem with cheap eats, I also like to be served with a tad bit of class from time to time.

Another good resturant you may want to give a try is "The Range" at Harrah's. Go early though, I've had bad service going late twice now. When ever we go early evening it's good service.
And one more, which I highly recomend is "Canal Street" at the Orleans. This is probably the best Bang for your buck place IMHO. Nice half moon booths, white glove service, with reasonable prices. I've also found a small tip when they claim to be full, gets you squeezed in if your party is small.



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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Cathy, If you go to the Redwood and want the special, you have to specify that you want the porterhouse special that is not on the menu. They'll know what you mean.
My favorite is the Second Street at the Fremont. You can get by for less than $80 if you don't order a bottle of wine or a lot of drinks. Most meals are around $25 and that includes the salad and potatoe. The service and food are great. It may not be in the class of Emerils, but it cost a lot less.
Another place is Hugos at the 4 Queens. Dinner costs a little more than the Second Street Grill, but it is very nice and should be less than $80.

Good luck and have fun.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Cathy, I don't know how much you want to spend, but as I recall, you meal at Emerils was pretty expensive. If you just want to tone it down a little, I like Sams American at Bellagio, and a few of interesting choices in the Venetian, with Star Canyon and Delmonicos raising my curiosity the most.

Thanks to everyone for their responses! This gives us a lot to think about.

One question - how dressy is Hugo's?

Thanks again!

Cathy in Boston

Cathy, I would not wear shorts or jeans to Hugos. I can be as dressy as you like. Most people wear casual clothes such as slacks and a shirt with a collar for the men and slacks or a dress for the ladies. It's a nice place. Whatever you wore to Emerils would be appropriate at Hugos.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

John, thank you thank you! Maybe we will give Hugo's a try. I have always been under the impression it was a jacket and tie affair. And we do NOT do that on vacation!!! [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Cathy, I don't think jackets are "required" at Hugo's but most men wore jackets and ties when we were there.

Price range is $20-$37. Lounge area opens at 5 pm. Dining room open 5:30-11 pm. Reservations are highly suggested, 702-385-4011.

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gail@talkvegas.com
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB

Gail, were you there on a weeknight or weekend. I think we went on a weeknight and I didn't have a jacket on and I don't remember seeing anyone else in one. It has been a few years since I went there and maybe things have changed. I've never felt the need to wear a jacket in any of the restaurants in Las Vegas on weekdays. I always thought a nice shirt and slacks were fine.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

John, It was a long time ago but it may have been on a weekend. Another thing is most of Hugo's advertisements say "Reservations suggested" but we went in at 5:30 pm without reservations and they didn't want to seat us until 8 pm. So, I dropped a name and they sat us right away <g>.

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gail@talkvegas.com
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB

Gail, isn't it amazing how dropping JMT's name gets you first class treatment?<G>

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com