Hugo's Cellar

Review by John Curtas

https://www.eatinglv.com/2021/01/hugos-cellar-dweller/

Refreshing to read a review that didn't say everything was fabulous.

Candy

Agreed, very refreshing read, thanks

Never been there but I find it hard to believe they've been in business that long with so much being wrong. I never believe music or movie reviews till I see/hear it.  Most reviewers want to write to get peoples responses/irritations.

Honest opinions are always welcome....I found this particular review a little pretencious and maybe a little ageist.

Not everything has to be modern to be acceptable or "in good taste".      You dont need a creative chef pushing the next level of fine cusine in order to have an elevated, quality meal.     Saying Hells Kitchen is a better restaurant than Hugo's Cellar is like saying Lady Gaga is a better performer than Madonna.    Just because one is newer than the other doesn't make it better.

Maybe a good steak, potato and creme brulee isn't groundbreaking....but its still pretty friggin good.    Someday the author will be retired and find himself in a place that hasn't changed much since way back in 2021.    And he will find a charming solace in that.    

My take is simple. Even downtown, which is not the epitome of class or charm, you can find a wealth of excellent meals, sometimes at bargain prices. I don't see any reason to go to Hugo's when I could go across the street to the Second Street Grill, or over to the California, or the Plaza...and pay less than $40 for a complete gourmet meal. (The El Cortez used to have the best deals in town at the place they turned into Siegel's 1941--it was called The Flame, or maybe Somebody's Cafe...?). Of course, some stuff is shut down.

It sounds like Hugo's is coasting on its reputation, which is fine, especially if you wish to relive your prom date from 1966. But the prices are absurd, especially for Vegas. 

Hugo's is one of those Vegas iconic places I'd like to claim I've experienced.  I think we (husband and I) would find the old world decor and atmosphere entertaining in itself.  Glitz is common enough, even the faux type, as well as the faux love, the cloying for a big tip, which gradually fades when they see you are not going to order the most expensive items on the menu.   

I'd never read that the wait staff (excuse me...servers) at Hugo's exude the personality of "morticians embalming their 5000th body."  That concerns me, as I do like a little show of appreciation when spending money at a place, but I'm pretty sure my husband can get some reactions, even jolly ones, out of them...one thing he is good at.   Why we haven't tried Hugo's yet?  Can't say.  Must do it, if no other reason than to agree or disagree with that review.  After all, John Curtas is the guy, isn't he?

Candy

He's opinionated. Not that I disagree with his assessment of Hugo's price-wise. I mean, the food would have to be laced with hallucinogens and served by naked women to the accompaniment of a string orchestra to be worth what they charge.

I read his book, "Eating Las Vegas," and my only real beef with it is that it doesn't contain all that many reviews--so, only a tiny fraction of what's out there. I didn't see any explanation of what happens after you eat Las Vegas--do you crap slot machines? We may never know.

Hugo's is awesome.  It has been a few years, but the Filet for example is 10 oz instead of 8,  for 55 dollars.  With a side, 8 dollar value, and includes the excellent tableside salad ,10 dollar value and finishes up with included chocolate covered strawberrys and apicots etc, once again a easy 7 dollar value.   Also if you are over 55 with a players card you get a nice discount that will more than cover the tip !   Wine list is also very reasonable but does indeed have some very pricey options.  First time we were there a very friendly 300 pound guy with a gold wine goblet around his neck sampled our wine to make sure it was good !  He hasn't been there the last couple times