Review: The Golden Tiki (Chinatown)

We visited the Golden Tiki last night (not to be confused with Frankie’s Tiki Room). They do not yet serve food and we only tried one drink so far, but it seems like a chill, theme bar and a great place to gather with friends or have a party!

Most drinks are $11, however they are pretty packed with alcohol. Rum of course. If you don’t care for rum, maybe skip it, that is what they serve in all their signature specialty drinks. And, if you’re going for a well drink…. why bother with a super cool theme bar?!

We had the Dole Whip which if you’re not familiar with is (usually dairy free although I’m not certain if it is here) a soft serve pineapple flavored ice cream of sorts that is quite delicious. Theirs is served with a dark rum floater that you can shoot on it’s own or mix in for an alcoholic milkshake. It was delicious! I don’t think I could do more than one because it is rather sweet and rich but delicious to  have one for sure.

We’ll definitely be back, likely with a large group for some raucous, late night fun! Just a few minutes from the strip in Chinatown, and they’re supposedly adding food options soon.

 

 

 

Review: Sand Dollar Lounge

We tried a new place this past weekend and we were pleasantly surprised – by far our favorite spot we’ve found here to date! talented live musicians, no cover, “old Vegas” feel, cheap drinks, great vibe, unique decor, no negatives aside from the smoke, however that wasn’t even that bad.

The group we saw was the Moanin Blacksnakes and they were amazing! I was a little leary at first, c’mon a group of middle aged to old-ish white guys playing blues- it didn’t sound that promising. Boy was I wrong! They rocked it!

 

Review: Gilley’s Saloon

If you’re on the strip and looking for something a little more low-key than your average nightclub but still want to dance and catch a live band, this is the place. The only option of its kind near the strip, it is definitely designed with tourists in mind but it can be enjoyable as long as you watch your spending – their expensive drinks can really creep up on you!

We did not try their food, however I hear they have great burgers. They seem a bit overpriced to me, but I may go back and try one just to see for myself.

The Gilley’s dancers are entertaining, but nothing beats the drunken vacationers trying to ride the mechanical bull. So, ah, yeah… don’t get on that thing unless you’re ready to be the center of attention because you will be. Pro tip: no mechanical bull if you’re a drunken woman in a skirt. Unless of course that’s your thing then go ahead and show your goods to the whole establishment. Because that WILL happen, no matter how graceful or skilled you think you are. The music is good, there are live bands most nights, and a lower cover charge than you’ll find elsewhere on the strip ($10). However, we found that you can avoid that if you go earlier in the evening.

I probably wouldn’t go back, but I rarely go to the strip for anything so that’s not saying much. This is a great option for tourists looking for a country nightlife option on the strip. For locals…I’d try it once and then go elsewhere.

Review: Sedona Restaurant & Lounge

How did we not try this place sooner?! We first tried them for their 1/2 off burger and beer night which is Wednesday. Now they only offer two burgers and they’re on the lunch menu (so if you go for dinner you’ll have to request it)… But they can make you any type of burger you want and are pretty accommodating. So, while their advertisement/offerings can be confusing, it turned out to be quite a gem. At 1/2 price, the burgers were around $7, and they were GOURMET burgers. The burgers were AMAZEBALLS- high quality meat, delicious bun and flavorful and big, thick patties. The beers we chose were only $2.50 at 1/2 off, we drank Magic Hat #9- which, if you haven’t tried, is delicious. However, there were other similarly priced options. They have rotating specials such as no cork fee for bringing your favorite wine, $20 off your bill ON SATURDAYS when you use your players card (it IS Vegas, there is gambling), and 1/2 off wine (glasses AND bottles!) on Tuesdays. And, bonus, the decor/ambiance is great too!

Fabulous patio area and the venue would also be awesome for a private party of almost any kind!

We will definitely be going back and taking our friends!

Review: el Segundo Sol

El Segundo Sol in the Fashion Show Mall has got to be the best deal on the strip for happy hour. $5 premium free pour margaritas and a nachos that will fill you up for only $3.75. We will be visiting again for sure!

Review: Thai Basil

Thai Basil is a small restaurant out at the edge of the earth in North Las Vegas. Ann Road to be exact. What a little gem though! For $10.95 you get a huge bento box, soup, wontons, sushi roll, tempura- the list goes on and on! I had the Mongolian Beef and Al had the Basil Chicken and both were delicious.

Review: Lahaina Grill

We have done it. We have found the best deal on sushi in Las Vegas.

Lunch: $19.95 pp

Pros: cheap eats and drinks

Cons: ?

Verdict: must try

AYCE sushi including nigiri and apps, $2 beer selection during football games and FREE sake flight when you download their app AND current valpak coupon for buy one get one half off  (this translates to $30 AYCE sushi lunch for 2- even on the weekends!!)

We can’t rave about this place enough, we’ll definitely be back!

Review- Main Street Station Buffet

Lunch: $8.99 (with player’s card) or $9.99 (without)

Pros

• lots of options
• good food quality
• diverse selection

Cons

• not a lot of convenient, free parking
• desserts were sub par

Verdict: while it is not a gourmet buffet, this is a great, reasonable option in the Fremont district in downtown Las Vegas.

An Evening Out

A couple weekends ago we went out with friends. It has been well over a year since we have had a nice evening out with a group of adults. It was really nice to get out with other couples and enjoy a nice dinner and some drinks. It made it that much more enjoyable that the drinks were free. And, we even had a photographer catch us like real Vegas celebrities!

And, if you’re looking for the best steak in Vegas (a lofty statement I know, but you won’t be disappointed!), look no further than Herbs & Rye on Sahara 1/2 price entrees on their daily happy hour from 5-8pm and midnight to 3am that includes some of their steaks, you can’t beat it. And, for those of you who may  prefer seafood/pasta, their linguine and clams are on the 1/2 price menu too and they’re just as amazing as their steaks. Yes, this happy hour schedule includes weekends AND it’s throughout the whole restaurant, not just the bar! A far less costly meal than steak restaurants on the strip, yet only a couple miles away!

And, if you’re looking for cheap,stiff drinks before or after your luxurious dinner…. Shifty’s is a great little dive bar just two doors down.