Poll : 10 February - 23 February 2016

Analysis

Thanks to all who participated; here's some of your personal feedback:

• "Most of the above. We have some favorite non-casino restaurants in Las Vegas that we visit every trip, such as Chang's for dim sum, Harrie's Bagelmania, and Monta Ramen. We like coffee shops, which are a dying breed generally but still exist in many casinos, and we usually use a coupon and/or credit that came with the room rate. We also historically have enjoyed a midweek lunch splurge at the Bellagio buffet, but that may change if we now have to pay $10 more to park."
  
  
• "We have been coming here twice a year for 15 years. We have our favorites we must hit: Ping Pang Pong; Main Street Station; Wynn Buffet (best prime rib and sushi anywhere); local tacos and pizza. Slot drinks (Boyd, Wynn, and Mandalay), a few local bars, and a 'cheap' champagne brunch on arrival (or Hash House A Go Go with large margaritas). Midnight deli pastrami. It's a wonder we have any time left to gamble! It's a 'Love Boat' menu on dry land (burp!) Sadly, these days we can't eat as much and we usually stay only about 6 days so our clothes still fit and our liver still works."
  
  
• "I live in a smallish town. Las Vegas is a Big Fancy City in comparison, so I like to try something new or unusual that I can't get back home -- especially ethnic foods that aren't available here."
  
  
• "I usually just eat at the resort I'm staying at (that's one of the reasons I picked it) but I will travel anywhere to try out a restaurant if I feel like it."
  
  
• "I checked the box for trying out new options, but we really do a mix of many things in deciding where to eat in Las Vegas. We do like to try new places, and always use the LV Advisor newsletter to guide us. We have our favorites and feel cheated if we don't return to some of them on our semi-annual visits, but we also like to check out new spots. We don't mind dropping several hundred dollars occasionally, but we also appreciate getting a bargain (case in point the steak special at Ellis Island, thanks to the MRB.) Thanks for the continuing reviews and recommendations!"
  
  
• "This one very hard but I have to say all of the above. We look for bargains, but it has to be good food and a nice place. Coupons play into our choices but do not dictate to them. We like ambiance and are willing to pay a little more for it. I have a food allergies so we have to stay clear of some foods but most restaurants can accommodate. We love checking out the new-and-improved but if the price is not right we just look and do not eat."
  
  
• "I'm surprised you didn't have 'quality of the food' as an option. My trip to Las Vegas is a total experience and that includes great food. I always eat at Binion's Steakhouse but after that I try to find the best food locations that mix budget, cuisine, and quality. One meal could be a great breakfast buffet, next would be a great pizza place, then a sports bar with awesome burgers, and then a search for some great sushi. How about Wolfgang Puck's in a shopping mall? Where else besides Vegas (and there's more than one of those. I've eaten at both!). [Ed: You're not wrong! And we think you'll enjoy the new edition of Eating Las Vegas, which returns to print for 2016.]
  
  
• "There are probably about a dozen or so "go to" restaurants we visit depending on what cuisine we feel like eating. These are places that we have dined at that are consistently excellent or may have a particular dish that Is exceptional. While we do try new spots, we do check reviews before we decide to try some place new. (Note: We have yet to find a real stellar Indian restaurant. Any thoughts?)" [Ed: Have you tried Mint Indian Bistro? I'm a Brit., so I know my curry, and I really rate the place. Otherwise, Shalimar is a hole-in-the-wall cafe these days now that it's on the west side, but the food still rocked last time I tried it. It's right next door to the Fat Greek.]
  
  
• "I couldn't pick a best response, as a combination of several responses would be appropriate. I usually eat a couple of comped meals, a couple cheap options (including LVA Top Ten items), a couple local options (Bob Taylor and Forte are favorites), and maybe a mid-priced buffet like Paris. LVA has provided many good leads through the years. Thank you!" [Ed: You're welcome!]
  
  
• "I go where I'm comped."
  
  
• "We like to go back to the same restaurants we have gone to for years. No surprises, but excellent food and good service will get our business over and over again." [Ed: There's something to be said for loyalty ;-) ]
  
  
• "Ours is a combination of several. We normally eat because we need to, not because we are wanting to try out new places. Usually we are looking for something fairly inexpensive or cheap or splittable - and quick and away from the noise. Coupons work well for us. We don't normally do buffets unless we have a coupon. We don't eat as much as we used to, so quantity is not an issue unless we are looking to split a meal. We also like to eat in the casino we are visiting - but we normally stay at "locals" casinos where options are varied and prices are reasonable. We may splurge once a trip to dress up and have a really good meal. Most folks don't 'dress' anymore, however, and it greatly diminishes our experience to see others in t-shirts or shorts when we are paying handsomely for a good meal." [Ed: Amen to that!]
  
  
• "I chose other because you missed outside dining! I live in Seattle, I come to Vegas not only to gamble but for the HEAT and the SUNSHINE! I'm amazed how few restaurants in Vegas take into consideration that what might seem too cold or too hot to them is not to us tourists and keep their patios open year round." [Ed: We won't pretend this is totally comprehensive, as we're in the midst up updating our Dining section, but you'll find a good selection of options right here on this site, if you hit the "Outdoor Seating" button in our Restaurants section.]
  
  
• "Other: Yeah, you guys left off the #1 criterion that applies to any city away from home: Food, restaurant, or dining experience that's unique to the city visited, which you can't get at home. Vegas has many of these, but the cheapest and maybe most distinctive is Luv-It Frozen Custard."
  
  
• "No smell of smoke from nearby casino and walking areas. (MGM Grand is an example of where it is bad) A quiet and comfortable environment (like Andres for example)."
  
  
• "Great questions with many great answers! Being a foodie and restaurant owner, I love trying new places. However, I also listen closely to the locals suggestions. They're generally the best critics you'll find around. In my mind, Las Vegas' food scene is the best in the world. You have to be great to succeed in Vegas due to all of the competition, and be priced competitively. Too many complainers on Yelp ( that weren't allowed to use their 3 expired coupons for a free meal, etc, etc. blah, blah, blah) and you can rarely believe what you read on the site."
  
  
• "I drink my meals when in Vegas." [Ed: Ha! That's the spirit! Seems an appropriate note on which to conclude, too.]