Thursday, November 11, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Mercury

Eat 100 (A-K)

Edited by James P. Reza

Welcome to the Eat 100--the Mercury's guide to our favorite 100 places to eat in Southern Nevada. This list is compiled from the nearly 200 listings we have gleefully researched, written and published over the past several years and 20 pounds. Here, the list is in alphabetical format. Next week, categories will appear. The list is by no means static; it will be updated constantly as restaurants open, close, rise or fall. Please send your suggestions to jpreza@cox.net.

AJ's Steakhouse

4455 Paradise Road (Hard Rock); 693-5000

$$$$; Trendy/Jacket

A throwback to the heyday of Vegas steakhouses, AJ's comes across as a Rat Pack-era hangout for boys and the broads who love 'em. An oh-so-Hollywood crowd jams the bar, while diners sample delicious steaks and seafood as a piano player entertains. Why: Frank would have wanted you to.

Al Basha

3969 S. Maryland Pkwy.; 699-7155

$; Casual

A small, casual storefront in the University District, Al Basha offers inexpensive and expected college-style fare of Greece, Lebanon, Persia. The falafel is considered by some to be superior to others in the neighborhood, but the kabobs--including a vegetable option--are the menu faves. Why: Good food isn't always pricey.

Alizé

4321 W. Flamingo Road; 951-7000

Trendy/Black Tie; $$$-$$$$

Andre Rochat, proprietor of downtown's venerable Andre's, offers arguably the best nighttime view in Vegas, particularly from the tables along the east window. Doting service delivers a delish French menu (duck foie gras, braised veal shank and the like) and a pricey wine list. Why: Hipsters go French.

Andre's

401 S. Sixth St.; 385-5016

$$$$; Trendy/Jacket

Downtown revival? Bah. Andre Rochat has held fast in this downtown bungalow for two decades, a testament to the chef's tasty French haute cuisine. Foie gras is now almost commonplace, but frog legs are not. Why: A menu that explores the breadth of France and a wine list boasting 500-plus selections.

Aquaknox

3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Venetian); 414-3772

$$$-$$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

Seafood is the Vegas cuisine du jour, and chef Tom Moloney oversees this contemporary showcase for his California-inspired dishes. A waterfall conceals a walk-in wine cellar, adding atmosphere to a trendy place already fat with the stuff. Why: Fresh fish is jet-setted in daily.

Aureole

3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Mandalay Bay); 632-7777

$$$$; Trendy/Jacket

Though design threatens to strip the food of its adoration, Aureole nevertheless overcomes the commanding Mission: Impossible steel-and-glass wine tower to serve excellent nouveau American cuisine. If you like wine with your foie gras and fancy yourself among the design elite, this is where you should sip. Why: Wine angels!

Bay City Diner

1 Fremont St.; 385-1906

$; Casual

Casino coffee shops were a refuge where bleary-eyed losers found solace while slowly swallowing steak and eggs, wearing a thousand yard stare and fondly recalling a time when they had money. Few remain, but it's appropriate that this one, in Las Vegas' first hotel (the Golden Gate, opened 1906), does. Why: Like something from a noir western.

BJ's Brewhouse

10840 W. Charleston Blvd.; 853-2300

$-$$; Casual/Smart Casual

Hardly the intimate beachside bistro of Laguna, BJ's of Vegas is a faux-industrial warehouse packed with value-seeking Summerlinites. Chilled salads are nice, the burgers (including veggie) tasty and they even have grilled salmon, but it's the delish deep-dish pizza and microbrews that command attention. Why: You can dine late at the bar.

Bob Taylor's Ranch House

6250 Rio Vista St.; 645-1399

$$-$$$; Casual/Smart Casual

You can get mesquite-grilled steaks and seafood on almost any corner anymore, so why make the drive? For a taste of old-school hospitality and an escape from corporate blandness. Filet and shrimp, lobster tail, prime rib...the menu reads like 1950s Vegas. Why: A genuine flashaback to the good old days.

Bonjour Casual French

8878 S. Eastern Ave.; 270-2102

$$$; Smart Casual

Purists take heart: Proprietors Marie and Bernard Calatayund hail from Cannes, so you know the food is authentic, while the service is uncharacteristically friendly--a welcome anomaly. A Green Valley neighborhood fave for several years. Why: Delish French country fare and well-chosen wine list are worth the drive from anywhere in the valley.

Bootlegger Bistro

7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 736-4939

$$; Casual/Smart Casual

Typically, this 24/7 bistro bustles with cooing couples and smartly dressed families, but at weekends it's a Who's Who of Old and Noveau Vegas enjoying live entertainment. At the swing shift, sit with the city's best servers and strippers in the lounge, sampling the satisfying Southern Italian selections. Why: Step into old-school Vegas.

Bouchon

3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Venetian); 414-6200

$$$-$$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

Thomas Keller's outpost of his Napa Valley fave is already on the radar of those seeking discreet ostentation. Rendered by the renowned Adam Tihany as old-school French bistro, Bouchon serves an upscale power breakfast every morning, plus classic bistro fare (pan seared, braised and roasted meats and fish) at dinner. Why: It's Bouchon, of course.

Bradley Ogden

3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Caesars Palace); 731-7413

$$$-$$$$; Smart Casual

San Francisco chef Bradley Ogden, a champion of high-end New American, works the grill nearly every day at this, his ninth eatery. This joint owns the attention of the power lunchers with its clubby atmosphere and closely attended menu showcasing fresh regional ingredients. Why: A celeb chef working his own kitchen.

Broadway Pizzeria

850 S. Rancho Drive; 259-9002

$; Casual

"Hey, how you doin', chief?" Greeted thusly by Mario or Anthony the moment the door swings wide to this unassuming storefront, you know this is a good Nu Yawk pizzeria. At the favorite Italian takeout joint for the Navigator moms from the nearby pricey 'hoods. Why: The deep dish is good, but when we slop down a slice of thin crust, fuggedaboudit.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba

3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 298-1211

$-$$$; Smart Causal/Trendy

This stylish Spanish tapas bar boasts a kinetic patio, a dark dining room, and a bustling bar sloshing several delicious varieties of refreshing sangria. Skip the entrees and share from dozens of hot (jalapeño shrimp, olive crusted halibut, fried green peppers) and cold (tortilla española, lobster cocktail) tapas. Why: The center Strip rules!

Cafe Heidelberg

610 E. Sahara Ave.; 731-5310

$$; Casual/Smart Casual

Warm potato salad hasn't tasted this good since the Alpine Village Inn was demolished for a parking lot, and we're happy Cafe Heidelberg, serving schnitzel from the same storefront since 1958, stuck around to carry on the tradition. Why: Sidled up to the bar with the rest of the old-timers, imported German biers wash down homeland specialties.

Capozzolli's

3333 Maryland Parkway; 731-5311

$-$$; Casual

Though serving a full menu of standard southern Italian food 24/7, the pizza is the main reason to visit Capozzoli's. Everyone has their favorite pie, and many consider this to be the place that serves it, on a medium, chewy crust. Why: The late-night entertainment sometimes includes post-show Strip entertainers.

Carson Street Cafe

129 Fremont St.; 385-7111

$-$$; Casual/Smart Casual

Much like its neighbor the Golden Gate, the Golden Nugget is old Vegas to the core, and not in any kitschy sort of way. The Carson Street Cafe, a longtime fave of judges, attorneys and other suited types, offers comfort, value and a trip back in time--all for the price of tuna salad on croissant. Why: Tim and Tom.

Caspian Sea

2101 S. Decatur Blvd.; 259-8500

$$; Casual/Smart Casual

Caspian Sea is a bit more refined and upmarket than its spritual predecessor, the University District's Mediterranean Cafe. The menu is similar, but the emphasis is on entrees (lamb), rather than mezza (delicious falafel and hummus) and salads. Why: Local joints deserve the chance.

Casa Don Juan

1202 S. Main St.; 384-8070

$; Casual

Visiting the completely reborn (after a fire years ago) Casa Don Juan is like stepping out of Las Vegas and into Downtown, Anyplace. Freshly handmade tortillas wrap the expected tacos and burritos, but digging deeper on the menu reveals the Baja-inspired parrillada (seafood grill), steak ranchero, and chilaquiles. Why: Downtown rebuilds.

Charlie Palmer Steak

3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 632-5120

Trendy/Black Tie; $$$-$$$$

Escape Las Vegas on the Strip at this comfortably upscale surf and turf in the gaming-free Four Seasons, where Aureole's mastermind oversees some of the best cuts of prime in town. The entire experience--from the gracious valet to the attentive service to the expansive, airy dining areas--imparts country club elegance. Why: Get out of the casino.

Cheesecake Factory

750 S. Rampart Blvd.; 951-3800

3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 792-6888

$-$$; Casual/Smart Casual

The massive menu includes a dozen tasty salads are offered to accompany everything from burgers and breakfast to quesadillas and Cuervo. When it comes to chasing down a meal of salty comfort food, we prefer the exquisite fresh strawberry shortcake or apple dumpling. Why: Something for everyone

Chicago Joe's

820 S. Fourth St.; 382-5637

$$; Casual/Smart Casual

Ensconced since the early 1980s in a diminutive 1932 brick bungalow, Joe's serves southern Italian cooking, Chicago style, in a comfortably intimate atmosphere. Tasty signatures include spicy Lobster Joe and stuffed artichokes to offset the red sauce pasta. Why: Urban, romantic and affordable.

Chipotle

4530 S. Maryland Parkway; 436-9177

10251 S. Eastern Ave.; 361-6438

¢; Casual

Fast, fresh food with an urban hipster/collegiate vibe. Tasty custom-made 20-ounce burritos, fresh tacos, and the trump card once held by the late Taco Cabana, beer and margaritas (soon), are the staples, but the authentic (hot!) salsas fuel the food here. Why: Slum with the undeclared undergrads.

Coffee Pub

2800 W. Sahara Ave.; 367-1913

$; Casual

Tasty early-day meals served by a staff that knows when to keep quiet about what they hear and see--how Vegas can you get? The Pub was among the first off-Strip breakfast/lunch joints for the power players and young, stylish professionals. Why: salads, sandwiches, soups, smoothies.

Commander's Palace

3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Aladdin); 892-8272

$$$$; Trendy/Jacket

The place to enjoy the food that made the Big Easy so easy to live with. Crab salads and shrimp remoulade and veal chop and fresh fish...it ain't N'Awlins unless it is rich and packed with flavor, and the weekend jazz brunch proves it with pecan crusted catfish, beignets, Gulf shrimp sugarcane skewers and more. Why: Does Vegas deserve this place?

Como's Steakhouse

10 Via Brianza; 567-9950

$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

Chef Josef Keller (Thomas's brother) operates this intimate, jazz-infused steakhouse in the Euro-styled Monte Lago Village at Lake Las Vegas, and anyone seeking a romantic, gold card night utterly away from Vegas should give it a go. Why: Steakhouses haven't provided escapism like this since Bob Taylor's was a half-hour from civilization.

Cozymel's Coastal Mexican Grill

355 Hughes Center Drive; 732-4833

$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

With 15 locations, nine of them in the southern and midwestern U.S., you might think Cozymel's specializes in bland approximations of Mexican food. But if you focus on the seafood specialties (Yucatan Especial, Chilean Sea Bass), you'll be happy. Why: Fajitas and margaritas.

Crown & Anchor British Pub

1350 E. Tropicana Ave.; 739-8676

$-$$; Casual

Oi, mate, get the footy on the telly an' bring me ah pint! A favorite of students, soccer fans, and Brit ex-pats, this mostly authentic pub serves up much of Britannia's "and" grub--bangers and mash, steak and kidney pie, fish and chips. Why: A great beer and cider list and a healthy dose of that workingman's Eurovibe the intellects love.

Crustacean

3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Aladdin); 650-0507

$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

A hedonistic feast for the senses in an elaborately designed room festooned with semi-private opium beds as booths, elegant hardwoods, and more than a hint of French colonial Vietnamese decadence. The Euro-Asian food (delightful crab puffs, sake marinated halibut) meshes nicely with the atmosphere. Why: You have to see it to believe it.

Doña Maria's Tamales

910 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 382-6538

3205 N. Tenaya Way; 656-1600

$; Casual

This few-frills family-owned Mexican cocina features the expected combination plates, but order a platter of tamales menu--pork, chicken, or cheese--and eat until it's no masa. Experienced diners know to request a bowl of the smoking hot chipotle salsa, with a snowy margarita to quench the flame. Why: Tamales!

El Sombrero Cafe

807 S. Main St.; 382-9234

$; Casual

Since 1950, El Sombrero has been the archetypical Mexican hole-in-the-wall. A tiny storefront in a part of town most suburbanites ignorantly avoid, El Sombrero is still owned by the same bloodline that launched it. The food is classic Tex-MexAmerican: cheap, good eats overflowing the plate. Why: Not everything good is new.

Fatburger

3763 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 736-4733

(and nine other locations)

¢; Casual

Many late nights have found us seeking post-gin nourishment, too often in a burrito cheaper than a gumball. No more, we say. Instead, roll into the 24/7 drive-through of these fried burger joints and enjoy thick-as-cement ice cream shakes, fried egg-on-toast sandwiches, or the fattest burger your mama ever made. Why: Hangover, away!

Fellini's

5555 W. Charleston Blvd.; 870-9999

(also in Sam's Town and Stratosphere)

$$$-$$$$; Smart Casual

You keep hearing about this elusive "old Vegas feel," and you wonder where you can find it. Wonder no more; in 1998, one of Sin City's oldest pizza places (it was once a Shakey's) was repurposed as an upscale southern Italian joint where the mover/shaker crowd provides the atmosphere. Enjoy a deep antipasti menu, extensive wine and scotch list and delicious entrees--but don't sit with your back to the door. Why: Isn't that the mayor?

Fiamma Trattoria

3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 891-7600

$$-$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

SoHo restaurateur Stephen Hanson's MGM Grand flame is a sister to Manhattan's Fiamma Osteria. The ever-changing the menu sports Italian faves from pasta to surf 'n' turf (grilled swordfish, sea bass, ravioli), but save room for the freshly fried doughnut dessert. Why: Good bar scene, better food.

Firefly Tapas Kitchen

3900 Paradise Road; 369-3971

$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

Urban hipsters adore Mon Ami Gabi alumnus (chef) John Simmons and (manager) Ramon Triay's groovy tapas bar. Circle your friends and share from dozens of small plates such as tortilla española, shrimp tempura, ahi skewers, mushroom tarts and addictive parmesan fries. Why: One of the best values in the city, though service is spotty.

Fix

3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 693-7223

$$-$$$; Trendy

With a dark, edgy interior and an upscale American menu, Fix is the Bellagio equivalent of N9NE and Simon. The well-executed menu visits no new ground with its wood-fired surf 'n' turf; the surprises are the "Bobby Baldwin Burgers" (a plate of three Kobe sliders, costing nearly a Jackson), the "Forks" (smoked salmon and caviar poppers), and the freshly fried potato chips with blue cheese dressing. Why: Get your bling on.

Florida Cafe

1401 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 385-3013

$-$$; Casual

This Cuban cafe does a good job of offering something for everyone. At breakfast, sample the Cuban bread and eggs with sweet plantains. Later, there are more Cuban specialties--chuletas empanizadas (breaded pork chops) and picadillo aceitunado (Cuban beef hash) among them--along with a tasty appetizer menu. Why: Cuban food in Vegas.

Food Express

2003 S. Decatur Blvd.; 870-1595

$; Casual/Smart Casual

The authenticity of an ethnic restaurant is said to be measured by the gringo ratio; at this unassuming joint it runs about 1-to-10. The daily menu boards are handwritten in Chinese characters, though a printed menu concedes to English. Why: Get past the sometimes surly attitude to get at the good food, served until 2 a.m. daily.

Gaylord's

3700 W. Flamingo Road; 777-2277

$$$; Smart Casual

One of San Francisco's finest, and perhaps Sin City's first and only gourmet Indian eatery, launched last year in the unlikely Rio resort. Forget the idea that "ethnic" and "cheap" are typically tablemates; open your wallet and prepare to savor some of the best samosa, curry and kebabs you have ever tasted. Why: Gourmet Indian!

Golden Steer

308 W. Sahara Ave.; 384-4470

$$$; Smart Casual/Jacket

There are restaurants notorious for their discretion, both at the deep booths and in general. The Golden Steer, a meat lover's paradise, is just such a place: a dark, private steakhouse where much of what went down in the old days was discussed. Why: Looking for love or to be left alone? This is the place.

Habib's Persian Cuisine

4750 W. Sahara Ave.; 870-0860

$$; Smart Casual

One of the city's few upscale Middle Eastern restaurants, Habib's serves the expected borani, hummus, and kabobs, but also offers daily specials like Koresht Fesenjan (pomegranate-marinated chicken with crushed walnuts). An adjoining market features ingredients for your own home cooked version. Why: Tablecloths and tabouleh.

Hamada of Japan

365 E. Flamingo Road; 733-3005

$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

There's standard dining room service here, but the fun (and the parade of beautiful people) can be found at the sushi bar or getting rowdy in the teppan room, where food is sliced, diced and sizzled before your eyes at tables seating a dozen. Why: Enjoy a worthy combination of Asian kitsch and style with the Maxim crowd.

Hedary's

7365 W. Sahara Ave.; 873-9041

$-$$; Casual/Smart Casual

You'll find the all the expected tastes--falafel, hummus, tabuli, kibbi--plus some delicious lesser-known Lebanese specialties (stuffed bread, mqaniq). Ordering the tasting meze unleashes an seemingly unending flow of small plates to your table. Why: Middle Eastern food is easy to make, but not easy to make deliciously.

House of Blues

3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Mandalay Bay); 632-7607

$$; Casual/Trendy

If hipness can be successfully exported across the gloriously unbuckled beef-eating belt of the U.S. of A., then this chain is the only one that has managed to do it reasonably well. On the premise of Louisiana food served in a voodoo-driven atmosphere, HOB combines a restaurant, bar, and concert hall into a vortex of cool. Why: Hotties and hamburgers.

Hugo's Cellar

202 Fremont St.; 385-4011

Trendy/Black Tie; $$$$

This old-school celebration of classic Continental cuisine (steaks, veal) has served generations of engagements, prom dates and anniversaries in the basement of downtown's Four Queens, presenting every woman with a single red rose and their escorts with a hefty bill. Why: Tableside preparation of salads and classic desserts.

Jazzed Cafe & Vinoteca

8615 W. Sahara Ave.; 233-2859

$$-$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

This bustling suburban bistro in The Lakes overflows with local soul, and top-notch northern Italian cuisine tempts an urbane clientele who enjoy being bathed in live jazz, local art and a lovingly tended wine list. Fresh banana crepes and Illy espresso finish any meal in style. Why: Nearly perfect hand-stirred-to-order risotto.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Forum Shops); 792-9222

$$$-$$$$; Trendy/Jacket

Joe's successfully elicits the glamour of Rat Pack Vegas. Thankfully, the surf 'n' turf selections live up the numerous promises, with signature fresh stone crab, regional seafood specialties flown in daily (salmon, scallops, mahi mahi, king crab), and bone-in steaks that rival the city's best. Why: Incredible value, service and style.

Kennedy Tavern

2240 Village Walk Drive; 320-8100

$$-$$$; Smart Casual

Kennedy boasts striking modern architecture (by Carpenter Sellers), a huge bar and a dark, inviting lounge. The bar is packed with Green Valley hotties able to spend to look good, and the surf 'n turf menu delivered by service that sometimes uncomfortably borders on the doting. Why: Great patio and wine list.

Kona Grill

750 S. Rampart Blvd.; 547-5552

$$; Casual/Trendy

The west side's hottie-spot hails from Scottsdale yet feels like Kon Tiki California. The plasma-screened indoor-outdoor bar area is where the restless congregate, and the staff feels like Hollywood. Everything from surf 'n' turf to pasta, sushi and a pretty decent pizza are available. Why: The best half-price happy hour bar menu we've enjoyed.