Poll : 11 February - 24 February 2009

Analysis

There were a couple of surprises in this poll. For starters, we wouldn’t have expected such a clear-cut win from Ellis Island. Yes, it serves an excellent prime rib, which is why it was on the list. But in order to eat PR at EI, you have to pass on the $6.95 steak special (hard to do). The winner is a 24-hour king cut that comes with a draft micro-brew for $12.99, and it’s a good one. A second surprise was the low finish of the South Point prime that’s in the Las Vegas Advisor’s Top Ten Values list. It got only 1% of the vote (we still think it’s tops for $12.95).

With 11% of the vote, this was one of the best finishes ever for "Other." Two primes not on the list dominated here—the $7.95 special at the Golden Gate and the non-casino prime rib-specialty restaurant, Lawry’s. We didn’t put Lawry’s on the list, because of price (up to $40), but it drew a lot of votes. Others mentioned in "Others" were Outback Steak House above Casino Royale (if you try this one, you can get a great view of the Mirage volcano), the Triple 7 Brew Pub at Main Street Station, and the Broiler at Boulder Station.

Solidly in second was the California prime rib that comes with salad bar and cherries jubilee for just $7.25. And old-timers Jerry’s Nugget, El Cortez’ the Flame (formerly Roberta’s), and Gold Coast’s Cortez room all finished well. One voter emailed to lament the demise of Sir Galahad’s at Excalibur, and wondered where she could go now to get prime rib served with Yorkshire pudding. Lawry’s serves it that way.

Here are some of your specific comments:

• "Lawry's is a prime rib experience unlike any other. It is like a fine cigar, or a vintage scotch." (Jim, Tampa Bay)
• "It's a real tossup downtown. Four Queens (Magnolia's), Binion's (coffee shop) and Golden Gate (Bay City Diner) all have great prime rib at reasonable prices. My wife and I visit each one every time we are in Vegas." (Bob)
• "Best value and quality of meat: South Point." (Cranford P.)
• "California got my vote. Salad Bar, Prime Rib, Baked Potato, Veggies and the best part...Cherries Jubilee! Good food, fast service, great price...what more could you ask for? Thanks for all you do!!" (Kathy) [Ed: You’re welcome! Thanks for voting.]
• "I've eaten many of the ones on your list, but prefer the one at the Bay City Diner in the Golden Gate." (Grif C.)
• "I voted for ‘Other.’ My vote goes to Triple 7 Restaurant & Microbrewery (Main Street Station). After 4:00 PM they have a 1/2 lb. Prime Rib dinner (includes chef's vegetables and baked potato) for $7.25 - a cup of soup or dinner salad can be added for $1.95. The prime rib was well over 1/2 lb. and was delicious, better than any other I have had in Vegas or anywhere else." (RL Ritter Jr)
• "My vote is for Lawry's. It may not fall into the category of a "deal" but it's the best prime rib I've eaten in Las Vegas. You can't beat the service and presentation." (Mel F.)