Las Vegas Top Ten Values

1. Hard Rock - On Paradise Rd. just north of E. Harmon Ave. - Daily - Free

Our number-one value in the Top Ten this month is another ceremonial listing: The Hard Rock is happening! Amidst all the doom and gloom of bankrupt companies, casinos closing, foreclosed condos, and dire straits, we felt compelled to recognize the one joint that’s actually expanded in the recent past. And a spectacular expansion it is. Spectacular enough, in fact, to be only the second expansion so recognized in the Top Ten (the other was the Spin City Annex at the Maloof-run Fiesta in January 2000).

2. Room Rates - Vegas Club et al. - - $23 and uup

As we predicted, the numbers we're seeing for Las Vegas room rates have remained flat for a few months, going neither up nor down. That's good, because this level is a result of preciptious drpos over the last 18 months or so. No bounce means ongoing super values in one of the two biggest expenses (the other is travel) connected to a Las Vegas vacation. Hence, room rates remain at or near the top of the list.

3. Happy Hour - Palm/Forum Shops - 4:30-6:30 pm/9:30 pm-close - $1-$3.50

New to the list this month is an incredible happy hour at the Palm restaurant in the Forum Shops. This is a great one, folks, with some of the best appetizers on the Strip available for $1 to $3.50 during convenient hours (4:30-6:30 pm and 9:30 till closing) Monday through Friday.

4. Steak Dinner - Ellis Island - 24 hours - $6.95

The complete steak dinner at Ellis Island is the best-value meal deal in a city full of good-value meal deals. It’s a 10-ounce filet-cut sirloin, which comes with salad, garlic green beans, choice of potato, and fresh microbrewed beer, all for $6.95.

5. Dollar Days - Sahara - Daily - $1

Dollar Days continue at the Sahara: dollar beer, shots (with souvenir glass), hot dogs, and blackjack, all in the rear of the casino near the NASCAR Café.

6. Buffet - M Resort - Daily - $14.95-$29.95

As promised, we checked out the weekend seafood spread at the M buffet and came away content to leave this one up as our premier deal on a Las Vegas smorgy. But the play is to go Sunday through Thursday and pay $22.95, saving yourself $7 off the weekend price.

7. Prime Rib - South Point - 24 hours - $12.95

We keep trying prime ribs, but we keep coming back to the big slab at South Point for the one-two combo of quality and price. It’s served 24 hours a day in the coffee shop, with your choice of soup or salad, potato, and rolls if you ask.

8. Lunch Comp - Crown & Anchor - Daily - $20 Buy-In

The free lunch with a $20 video poker buy-in, available 11 am to 3 pm, is still going strong at the Crown & Anchor pubs. Plus, if you miss lunch, the $20 buy-in entitles you to a free appetizer (including the great chicken fingers) from 3 p.m. to midnight. And all the while, you’re also drinking comped premium draft beers from around the world. It’s ironic that the best comp in Comp City is now available outside the casinos (locations are at 1350 E. Tropicana and 4775 Spring Mountain).

9. Steak and Eggs - Arizona Charlie's Decatur - Daily - $3.99

The Arizona Charlie’s Decatur steak-and-eggs breakfast special is served 24/7 and costs $3.99, but you have to show a player’s club card to get that price (four people can get the deal on one card). You can also get the steak (or ham) and eggs at Arizona Charlie’s Boulder for $3.29, but it’s a bit more difficult to travel there and the coffee shop isn’t open around the clock.

10. Beer - Casino Royale - Daily - $1

You can find a lot of dollar beer deals around town, but Casino Royale serves bottled Michelob around the clock right in the heart of center Strip. Or you can opt for $1 margaritas (traditional or strawberry served in 12-ounce plastic glasses).