Thursday, February 06, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Mercury

Eat: Recommended Restaurants

This week's theme: The Kids Are All Right

By James P. Reza

Battista's Hole in the Wall

4041 Audrie St.; 732-1424

$-$$; Casual/Smart Casual

A locally owned eatery from back in the day (the 1960s), Battista's has grown larger and serves a great many tourists thanks to its location, but old-school locals still enjoy it for its authentic Vegas flavor. Family friendly and noisy, this could be the archetype for the Buca di Beppo chain.

Buca di Beppo

412 E. Flamingo Rd.; 866-2867

7690 W. Flamingo Rd.; 363-6524

$; Casual-Smart Casual

Loud and fun, tables that are easily grouped, semi-private dining rooms seating 12, and a little too much "flair," this place was designed for family dinners or meetings--which, when you think about it, are the same thing. Decent southern Italian food served family style and a noise level so high you could argue your way into oblivion. Ah, flesh and blood.

Cheesecake Factory

750 S. Rampart Blvd; 951-3800

3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 792-6888

$-$$; Casual/Smart Casual

As far as gimmicky chains go, this ubiquitous, upscale eatery is among the best for lunch and brunch. The speedy service and chi-chi feel belies the well-made comfort food on the massive menu. The high noise levels and extensive choices make this place great for even the noisiest or most picky of families. Plus, the namesake gimmick lives up to the boast.

The Egg & I

4533 W. Sahara Ave.; 634-9686

$; Casual

If you are looking for a casual, off-Strip place for breakfast and lunch, this laidback storefront will do just fine. There are plenty of egg and skillet breakfasts, pancakes and waffles, and a varied menu of tasty (and often healthy) sandwiches from which to choose. The accommodations are simple and sturdy, perfect for children.

The Hush Puppy

7185 W. Charleston Blvd.; 363-5988

$; Casual-Smart Casual

If Southern fried cooking is your thing, let Hush Puppy be your place. Almost a Vegas institution, Hush Puppy specializes in fried catfish, shrimp and the namesake little balls of cornmeal. Nightly specials (some all-you-can-eat) and the prevalence of battered seafood that kids are accustomed to make this a great choice.

Mimi's Café

121 S. Fort Apache; 341-0365

$; Casual

This Costa Mesa-based diner is a pick of Orange County denizens joyriding to the beach, but the Summerlin version sacrifices the SoCal insouciance. Mimi's serves a very tasty breakfast (and freshly baked muffins) all day, along with a varied menu of comfort food. The meatloaf is a favorite. Beware the lemming locals who jack up the weekend wait time; volunteer to sit at the counter to avoid the line.

Montesano's Italian Deli

3441 W. Sahara Ave.; 876-0348

4835 W. Craig Rd.; 656-3708

$; Casual

One visit illustrates why Montesano's has grown from a small storefront deli to a busy diner. The menu is a mishmash of New York Italian dishes; the pizzas are all delicious, and the sandwiches (including sliced-to-order egg salad) show why locals line up to buy fresh bread. Don't forget the garlic knots with ranch for an awesome appetizer. Leave room to gaze at the fresh dessert case.

Northside Nathan's

7531 W. Lake Mead Blvd.; 255-8822

$; Casual

Summerlin was starved for a very good, very casual pizzeria until Nathan's arrived from Detroit several years back. Typical of East Coast pizzerias--order at the window, drink at the bar, play the arcade, watch the big screen--Nathan's is dark and comfy and family friendly. The deep dish square is the way to go here.

Original Pancake House

4833 W. Charleston Blvd.; 259-7755

$; Casual

Every kid leaps at the thought of pancakes, and the ones at this Portland fave are almost too good to be true. There are so many varieties of scratch-made delights that it takes several minutes just to salivate your way through the menu: apple, Swedish, buckwheat... For those who don't dig sweets in the morning, a full breakfast menu is also available.

Romano's Macaroni Grill

2440 W. Sahara Ave.; 248-9500

2001 N. Rainbow Blvd.; 648-6688

573 Stephanie St.; 433-2788

$-$$; Casual-Smart Casual

This Italian restaurant chain is bistro-inspired but far too big to be one. It is, however, upscale casual, loud and sturdy enough for children. Parents will love the good food at decent prices, the kids will love coloring on the butcher-paper table tops with provided crayons, and everyone will love being a family and not getting stared down.

Sonio's Cafe

3900 W. Charleston Blvd.; 870-5090

$; Casual

The livability of a metropolis isn't measured at the bloated middle, but at the top and bottom where personality thrives. It's places like Sonio's--an unassuming storefront diner serving food fresh, fast and inexpensive--that other cities take for granted. Rotisserie chicken is the specialty, while pita wraps and huge salads are excellent alternatives.