First thing you do is:

I like that idea of hitting up the Deli. We, too, stay at the GN. Love bean soup (does it have any hamhock in there?) and corned-beef/pastrami.

Binion's, as far as gaming, has been dead to me since Becky ruined it. The restaurants became dead to me last year. Had an incident with my 4-yr old son that I never want to relive, while taking the elevator down from Binion's Steakhouse. Hand caught in the elevator door as it was opening, as I am sure somebody will ask. Sounds strange, and his parental units should have been more cognizant of where he put his hands. However, reaction by the casino was not as diligent as it might have been. So, that coupon for $ off at the steakhouse was not used this past May. Maybe in August.

But I do love a good pastrami sandwich.

Later, I will weigh in on what my "normal" practice is after arriving.

For me, it depends where I'm staying. Usually one of three places, The D, Four Queens, or the El Cortez. Check in if possible, then I tend to play immediately where I'm staying. 90% of my play in 'Vegas is .25 video poker, especially bar tops. If The D, I go upstairs to the Vue bar and check the progressive meters. If the Four Queens, the Palace bar progressives where Mike & Mike work the 10am to 6pm shift. Great service there! If the El Cortez, the Keno area bar. 8/5 Bonus poker there and great service too. Or the Lobby bar at the El, but sometimes it's not open until 1pm, if I remember correctly.