Okay, picture this. You're just off the plane at McCarren. You've been traveling (or awake, anyway) for about 11 hours, and have not had much to eat (whatever fit in carry on - granola bars type stuff. It's 12 noon ish on a Saturday, you've got your rental car.

Now where?

Eat? Try for an early check in (CC) ?

Keep in mind some of us get grumpy and don't do well navigating unfamiliar streets when we're hungry!

Anxiously awaiting your wise suggestions!

Kestral

My first stop every trip is P.F. Changs on the corner of Flamingo & Paradise. Right across the street from Terribles Casino.Take paradise from the airport north to Flamingo.Your there.Them take Flamingo two Blocks to Caesars.

That's easy. Do lunch. I don't think there is a lot to be gained by checking in a couple hours plus or minus noon on a Saturday.

Where to eat is where your creativity comes in. I would avoid the strip due to crowds, since you can eat on the strip later. There are a ton of options on Paradise Rd. Z-Tejas was an old favorite of mine. With the Hard Rock Hotel getting so much publicity, people sometimes forget about the Hard Rock Cafe. There are a lot of good choices that aren't on the strip or Paradise, and away from the typical tourist. Cafe Michelle and Marie Calendars have served me well for a lunch before check in many times. One of the best kept dinning secrets in Vegas (to me) is the large number of "bar and grill" type restaurants. Some of those little kitchens in the back crank out some good eats when you are in a bar and grill mood. Runway 25 on Pecos, near Sunset comes to mind as one near the airport. Tommy Rockers kicks out some pretty good lunch too.

Personally, I would hit the Fatburger out on Sunset for a burger and homemade choclate shake, then visit Ethel M's two blocks away for dessert. After that, I would have a full stomach, a chocolate buzz, and be ready to face the check in crowds.

If you are really hungry and just want a quick bite, say a sandwich or something "Cheers" bar is right there in the airport on the left just before you pass thru security. Wendell

That's easy. Fatburger, onion rings and a shake!

PF Changs sounds like an excelent idea, but arriving a little after noon on a Saturday might end up waiting for a seat. If you do this option, be flexable and be prepared to sit at the bar and eat. This is a great way to get seated fast as it's open seating at the bar.

FatBurger is another great choice. However, I'd hit the one on the strip between MGM & Aladdin. It's easier to find, and after all, your in Vegas, you want to see the Strip! <S> (Check out the music on the Juke Box too. That is one added bonus with FatBurger.

I agree, on a full stomach, I handle stress much better and become much easier to please....just ask my wife! LOL

One more suggestion I'd add to the list, @ Paris Mon Ami Gabi, a nice lunch watching the tourists stroll by is a great way to acclamate to the city.

check-in at cc and go next door to the westward ho and get a 3/4 lb ho dog for a buck--won't have to eat for 2 days!! add a quart margarita for a buck and you got the all american vegas lunch

Friends just came back from a convention in Vegas and they had a photo of that 3/4 dog.

Looked kinda - I don't know, suitable for adults only? <G>

Hope it tastes better than it looks!

The margharita sounds good.

These friends did a whole Vegas breakfast thing at the Ho -- got the dog, the seamonkeys, the strawberry shortcake (that looked good!) and biscuits gravy & eggs. Good thing they took a picture to document the food - who could believe it otherwise?

Kestral

between the CC & Ho is Slots-A-Fun it's ok for a quick snack. THey cleaned up the place perty good in the last 6 months.

Doesn't Slots-of-Fun have a deal on a big winnie also?

Jeff,
I believe they do on the way out of CC they hand you a funbook for Slots-A-Fun

One of my favorites in the area of the Hard Rock is Gordon Biersch Brewing Company @ 3987 Paradise Road. Great food and beer at GB's.

Ralph, I've never stoped at the brewery. Would you happen to know the hours it's open? Every time I pass in the evening it looks closed.

They have a website, search for Gordon Biersch Las Vegas.

Hours:
Sun-Mon: 11:30 AM - midnight
Tues-Sat: 11:30 AM - 2:00 AM

Address:
3987 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: 702-312-5247
Fax:702-310-4642

Thanks Ralph,
Now a question I need to ask
Do they serve Coors Light? I know that may sound like a crazy question to ask, but wife only likes beer that is watered down and no flavor and no foam (was going to say head, but deceided against it LOL)

Yes they do, my wife does the same thing, take her to a microbrewery and she orders Coors Light.

I had a response to that "head" comment, but decided to leave that one alone until we meet again over a beer.

[ 12 March 2002: Message edited by: Las Vegan Cajun ]

Ralph,
Good idea, on both counts!
Raise a pint for me at the brew pub on Sunday!