We want to take a few Japanese friends out for dinner one night in Vegas. THese are young, artist types, not business suit types. Want to give them a real American/Vegas dining experience, but don't want to break the bank on one of the "name" restaurants.

I thought of a buffet, like Aladdin -- but its almost a waste since they don't eat that much!

I also thought "America" in NYNY - I had a good meal there, and the big map is fun. BUt that seems so obvious.

What would you guys suggest? They have been very kind to my husband when he works in Japan.

Kes

BBQ joint out at Green Valley Ranch!
Can't get more American the BBQ in my book. Eat early and check out the shops at Green Valley or just show them the sights of the hotel casino that a TV show is being filmed at.
Now That is USA all the way!
M2C

Kes, when I think American food, I think of a big hunk of meat, preferably fried, potatoes, gravy, greens, and iced tea. But there are other types of comfort food that hit the mark too. As long as it sticks to your ribs, it's a start.

I know a couple of decent soul food joints and one specializes in BBQ. They aren't expensive, but not cheap either.

Kathys Southern Cookin near Ethyl Ms is a hole in the wall with great comfort food including a lot of cajun food.

There is an asian sub shop I know of in China Town that has some great sandwiches. Their house special is under $3.

Have you considered a diner? There's a couple of 50s style diners. The Peppermill is classic American.

Some day I'll drag Lee to Joeys Only Seafood place. It's a step or 2 below Red Lobster in frills, and 3 giant steps above in quality. A Japaneese appetite would probably enjoy a nice sauteed fish and veggies, even though I go for the blackend fish or fried fish and chips.

In the $10-15+ per plate range, I used to like Z-Tejas for comfort food. They've changed a little and are more healthy and upscale. It would make a very nice dinner or lunch that felt upscale like a "name" restaurant without breaking the bank.

Another option might be to check out the "name" places for lunch specials. I've done that a few times and got to sample and upscale place at a bargain price. The Palm Steakhouse in The Forum Shops at Caesars has caricatures on the walls.<g> I've heard Spago in the Forum Shops has lunch specials, but I can't verify it. I know some of the places in Bellagio and Venetian have lunch specials.

I think JMT is on to something with the big slab of beef, especially since it's rather expensive in Japan. A nice, non-budget-breaking steak (or prime rib) can be found at the Cortez Room in the Gold Coast, or you might want to hit something like Lone Star Steakhouse for a rather unique American experience.

what could be more american/vegas but a good gut bustin boofay!take them to either the orleans or my new fav rampart casino buffet and turn em loose! and you can't beat the price 10-12 bucks <m2c>

If I knew of a good chicken fried steak, that would be my first choice. It's more elusive than good BBQ. At least there are some attempts at BBQ. The Cortez Room at the Gold Coast is nice in it's old classic Las Vegas style. I don't remember the prices though. The Prime Rib Loft at The Orleans is very reasonable for a prime rib steakhouse.

Dom't do the Rampart on 2 for 1 nights unless you like waiting in long lines. The dining area is too small for all the other people who call it their fav boofay. Arriving early doesn't help.

Kestral -

This is a very interesting question. Lee and JMT gave you some very good suggestions (I think the Palms at Caesars is great and I loved Lucille's BBQ at GVR!). However, I work for a Japanese company and consequently work with a lot of Japanese people. They can be very picky about what they eat. I think it might be best to take them to a place that gives them a choice of a wide variety of things.

You asked for an American/Vegas type of place so what that means to me is you might want to stay on the Strip and do something at one of the hotels there. Let me suggest the following:

- There's a restaurant at Mandalay Bay called Red, White, and Blue. I've never eaten there but it looks like a fun place to go. There are three different menus (a red, a white, and a blue) and they offer different types of food. And if your friends are young, artist types, they might get a kick out of the young, sleek, "cool" atmosphere that Mandalay Bay has to offer.

- I was really impressed by what I saw at the new buffet at the Mirage. It's very sleek and modern looking and has a huge variety of food offerings. However, it might be expensive.

- The new Wolfgang Puck restaurant at MGM Grand looks very fun and modern, offers American cuisine, and a wide variety at that.

I'll be interested in knowing where you end up taking them!

Mike

JMT,

Have you tried the chicken fried steak at Silverton. It's about the size of a hubcap but tastes much better.

I like it for breakfast with eggs and hash browns!

Thanks Jeff, it's on my to-do list.

How about the Grand Luxe Cafe at the Venetian.......that's a HUGE menu. OR, The Cheesecake Factory? Same owners........

I like the Grand Luxe idea, mainly because its on my list - I have not eaten there yet.

Altho huge menus can be a problem when you don't read a lot of English - its a lot for us to explain!
But I think the Japanese want to visit Madam Tussaud's so that could be a good combination destination stop.

And ever since I went to Cheesecake Factory solo I have wanted to return with others - mainly because it was too much for one person to eat!

How does Grand Luxe compare to the CF?

I know we'll be going to Silverton to check out the mermaid show, so might have to put that Chicken Fried Steak on the list. I may live in New York but my roots are Kansas....

I am with Daisy and JMT on the Cortez Room at the Gold Coazt - especially for the beef - it is very expensive in Japan and this would be a real treat for them plus it is a real nice restaurant. As an alternate, the Pullman Grill in Main Street is also great for steaks plus it is rather unique. The prices are also reasonable at the Gold Coast and Pullman,

How about the All American Bar and Grill at the Rio. Great steaks!

Has anyone tried the All American at the Rio since it reopened? I'm sure glad it's reopened, that was my landmark in that place, and I got very disoriented when they had all that black plastic hanging around......