Ok, I just got a birthday card from Sams Town. A 2fer for Willy & Jose's Cantina. Is it worth my effort to drive out for this one?
I'm not real fimilar with Sam's Town's food outlets. Exception being Billy Bob's where I had terrible service.
So what's the scoop?

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

Lee, I also heard the rave about Billy Bobs and terrible service. And it's supposed to be one of the best places in the joint.

It has been my experience that Sams Town normally has pretty good employees. I think they assume that you are a regular or local to be there in the first place. That makes their service more casual. I don't think they do much of the kissing up that some tourist demmand.

Alas, I have not been in the Cantina. If you like the atmosphere of Sams and want to play there, I think you should give the cantina a try. If you would be making a special trip, reflecting on bad memories of Billy Bobs, don't want to gamble there, and spring loaded to jump on the first inconvenience that crosses your path, you probably oughta stay away.

There's a lot I like about Sams, and as a general rule, food is not one of them. Billy Bobs has all the potential in the world, and the waiters ruined the entire experience. I'm willing to try them again another time. I think the Pullman Grill food is very weak in quality, but I have had some good service along with nice atmosphere that make for an enjoyable meal.

JMT --

As an aside, I agree with you on Pullman Grille. I really like the ambience of the place, and have enjoyed a drink and a cigar in the Pullman car, but I've always found the food to be just a cut-above "o.k." In fact, I can honestly say I've never had a "great" steak in Las Vegas, though I've had some of my most enjoyable meals in that town.


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Mark L. in NJ

Mark, try Neros at Caesars or Smith and Wollenskys if you want a great steak. The tenderloin at both places is great. Be prepared to pay, since both places are expensive.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Lee, Only if you enjoy Mexican food, I would go to Willy & Jose's. Joe and I have been there more than a few times and when we are in the mood for Mexican food, it's not a bad take.

It's not a fancy restaurant but not "very" casual either. With Sam's Town being Sam's Town, one (I) feel comfortable in jeans there.

We have always gotten good service at Willy & Jose's. And we have always enjoyed the meals there unlike Papamio's and Billy Bob's where it's been very inconsistent.

W & J has a pretty good Sirloin Steak also for anyone who does not want Mexican food. And they have a pretty good Mexican soup with a couple of big meatballs in there.

Oh, one thing I would suggest is to make reservations if possible. Some nights there is a very long wait for a table.

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

Thanks everyone for the info!

JMT, I don't hate Billy Bobs. It was a comp meal, that visit, so I chalk it up to ...I got what I paid for. I wouldn't rush back however.

MarkL, I'd also put the Palm in the great steak list of Las Vegas. But again expect to pay. As I've stated in other posts, I'm not a gourmet and sometimes over look the little things, but I know what I like. The Pullman's appatisers need help. Our last visit, the shrimp cocktail had no taste, where dry and almost seemed like they where refridgated for a couple of days with no cover on them. Again, we haven't flocked back, but we'll try again, sometime.

Gail, I love Mexican food (in Mexico) but I find a lot of it is sort of diluted by the time it reashes the US. I think a great deal of the places make mexican food for the American (USA) palet (so it sells) and it looses a lot in the translation. On the other hand, Sue hates Mexican food, and unless there is a staek or something on the menu, she'll hate the place.



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

John & Lee --

Thanks on the recommendations for steak places. I have eaten at the Palm for its lunch deal (as others have said, and excellent value), and I remember that the meal was good but my steak wasn't great. I've also gotten steaks at The Range (somewhat of a disappointment) and Second Street Grille (best I've had in Las Vegas). While none of the steaks I've had has been bad, they all have seemed to lack a little flavor. Also, I tend to stay away from "meat and potatos" when I'm in Las Vegas, preferring to try different types of foods.

Maybe on my next trip I'll give one of the places you guys suggested a shot. Thanks!


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Mark L. in NJ

Mark, I forgot about the Second Street Grill. I usually get seafood there, but I did have a good steak about 2 years ago.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

MarkL,
There is also a Ruth Chris & an Alan Alberts. While I've dined at neither, they do have a reputation for good steaks

Has anyone tried Lawery's?

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